Triumphrat

Smoky Mtn 59 Bonnie · 10-16-2008, 04:10 PM

Stumbled upon your forum and decided to join the ranks. I have a '59 Bonneville that I believe to be the first one sold east coast in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area. My father purchased it new when he was going to Univ of Tenn.

Interesting fact is he commuted from Robbinsville, NC to Knoxville, TN every day through HWY 129, which some of you will know as the "Tail of the Dragon" (318 curves in 11 miles).

Bike has 22k miles on it. I am in process of restoring it and may post for some of the small items I am searching for. Maybe even swap items I am heavy on (Smith Gauges, Competition Magneto's, T110 enging/trans, etc.

Look forward to conversing with everyone!
Regards,
James

LightningJack · 10-16-2008, 04:26 PM

Welcome James, and congratulations on owning a '59. While at the Mid-Ohio Vintage Motorcycle Days this Summer, I was riding alongside an older gentleman riding a '59 Bonneville. It was a thing of beauty. It had that great classic Triumph sound too. When he revved it up loudly, I could see the gleam in his eyes. He loved that bike, and who wouldn't?! I don't have a classic Meriden triumph, but would like to.
Anyway, this forum is a voluminous source of information. There's a wealth of insight here. If you can't find what you need in the Search domains, just post a question or comment, and there are a lot of knowledgeable individuals here who can likely help.
Regards,
Jack

Red1959 · 10-16-2008, 07:34 PM

Welcome Smoky : What a great dream, to live in that area with such a cool bike! I used to ride from Dayton Ohio to that area on HD choppers in the 70's. It was a killer ride! Just ask my back today!
You mentioned tranny parts. Do you have the mechanism for a slickshift tranny? I have the tranny, but I guess the slickshift part was taken out. I don't know what is involved get the slickshift to work again.

bushybester · 10-16-2008, 09:16 PM

Welcome and finally someone that I CAN CHARGE UP.

You CAN START BY POSTING SOME photos of the bike, and believe it or not, there is some guys on this very forum who may tell you where the bike was delivered, If you PM me I may help with a little info, but the rest is available through some other very knowledgeable members.

BB

Smoky Mtn 59 Bonnie · 10-17-2008, 09:58 AM

Thanks for the warm welcome. Pictures will be little ways off - have fenders and tank stripped for painting. Bike was painted Chevrolet Hugger Orange in late 60's. Looked good, but want her back original (pearl gray and tangerine).

Every picture I have seen or 59 bonnie in person has had the battery box and oil tank painted black. This one came from the factory with both those items painted Pearl Gray.

Interesting note: Parents use to take me to the Triumph TT races in Knoxville on the bike when it was new. Two up and me on diapers sleeping on the parcel grid. I would sleep through the TT races too. Probably why I have never gotten motorcycles out of my system (and don't want to).

I will scan some of the B/W pics when she was new.

Later

Smoky Mtn 59 Bonnie · 10-17-2008, 10:00 AM

Red1959 - I will take a peak at my extra trannys to see if the slick shift is in them. I have them in storage and do not remember off top of my head. Thx

bushybester · 10-18-2008, 03:34 PM

Well James 59 bonnie, I have spent more time than you want to know researching the 59 bonnie, simply because I got one in a box and did not know what is was, what color it was etc, I have searched the internet throughout and have possibly the largest collection of photos of 59 bonnie only.

There were basically 3 versions of the 59 bonnie and 2 main colors.

A very good book, a must get is the Development history of the triumph Bonneville by JR Nelson. It lists all changes at what engine number etc.

PM me your engine number and I will see where I can help.

BB

bushybester · 11-02-2008, 02:52 PM

Hey whats happened to Smoky Mtn 59 Bonnie? Iam looking forward to some photos.

BB