Triumphrat

Taz · 07-01-2008

Hi Guys and Gals,

First time poster, first time wrenching on a Triumph.

A friend of mine is helping me put this bike back together. It's a 69 Bonneville, and has not run for at least 20 years.

Any words of wisdom before we start? We're sorting out parts and one thing I'd like to get feedback on is what the best ignition solution is.
Bike had a Mity Max which I think is fried. I'd like not to have to deal with a battery, but still have something simple and easy to troubleshoot.

Wish me luck and thanks for the comments.

Taz · 07-07-2008

Have decided to retain the stock stator, rotor & points and purchase a Typanium, with capacitor and coil. Any advice on capacitor or coil? Would like to keep components on the small side to keep the bike looking clean. There's a great space under the gas take for items no larger than 2 inches in width. But, its like, right next to the gas tank! Any reason to be nervous about that? And I'm not quite sure how close some of these components need to be to each other. Thanks for any comments.

eightvalve · 07-07-2008

Trade you guys a bolt-on rigid rear for your subframe and swingarm!

Emanthehorse · 07-08-2008

Words of wisdom?

Disassemble the engine and clean the sludge trap, or be sorry you didn't.

Best ignition? Probably the Hunt magneto if you want to remove the battery from your life.

Accel makes a HD® style coil that will work with Triumphs. Easy to mount up front somewhere. No reason to not have coils right up against the fuel tank other than vibration issues.

GrandPaulZ · 07-08-2008

Eman and i will differ in our opinions, but both are correct.

I would say stick with points and a 2MC capacitor, a radio shack diode bridge for the rectifier, and Zener for regulator. They work just fine.

Here's where I totally agree with Eman- TEAR THE ENGINE DOWN TO BITS.

That thing looks pretty sad, and it is the extremely rare exception that looks like that on the outside but is still useable without overhaul.

Greaser · 07-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandPaulZ

...........
Here's where I totally agree with Eman- TEAR THE ENGINE DOWN TO BITS......

Yep, that is one sad looking unit.
These older bikes tended to be owned by less than sympathetic owners and God only knows what kind of evils are lurking in there. You will at least want to replace all the seals and gaskets, refesh the main bearings/connecting rod shells, piston rings , check for cracks in the cases, check the bores and check the connecting rods.

666Bonneville · 07-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taz

Wish me luck and thanks for the comments.

better you than me on that engine. tear it on down.

use this dvd. http://www.fouracescycle.com/merch.html

Taz · 07-08-2008

Hmmm, rebuild the engine you say? Sounds like good advice.

Perhaps I should have mentioned that it was running fine when it
was disassembled. And has been kicked over numerous times
in the intervening years. No doubt seals and gaskets (at least)
are needed.

In any event, I don't think we have the expertise
to tackle a rebuild, and I certainly don't have the bucks to pay
someone else to do it. Yeah, if it throws a rod we'll be sorry.

666Bonneville · 07-08-2008

if it throws a rod, make sure you catch it.

GrandPaulZ · 07-08-2008

One thing I have found to be true:

ALL bikes were running, right before they STOPPED running!

hee hee

Have fun, all you've got to lose is a rebuildable core lump.