Triumphrat

Dave NEO · 12-01-2012, 01:41 AM

with 200 miles on it - the other with 9500 miles and apparently well cared for. Which would you take a chance on, all other things being equal. Leaning toward the less used one but I guess I'm mostly concerned about effect of gas in the system over that much time, oil seals,gaskets, etc. ..thanks for any comments.

geolpilot · 12-01-2012, 10:43 AM

A lot depends on where you are. If you in a warm humid coastal climate then the one with no use may have internal corrosion. It is also possible the seals have gone bad.

KitNYC · 12-01-2012, 03:20 PM

I'd be inclined to take the one that wasn't left to rot, myself. Sitting will often cause more damage than riding.

Cheers,
-Kit

Dave NEO · 12-01-2012, 03:28 PM

I see there's a lot of bluing on the pipes of the 200 mile bike - wonder if that
says anything. Both bikes in northern clime, stored indoors winters. Both sellers (dealers) claim to have gone over to insure safety and good running condition and say bikes have no issues. Got a good bike shop close by specializing in Triumphs so can get some help for stuff if needed but sure don't want to be looking at major work needed..

Baltobonneville · 12-08-2012, 11:39 AM

The pipes blue very quickly. I don't think that necessarily means anything. I'd lean toward the one with 9000 miles as well, assuming those miles have been applied consistently. Moving mechanical devices of any sort don't like to be left immobile.

georgied · 12-30-2012, 01:52 PM

The pipes on the Bonnie's blue because they are not double walled. Discussed this with my dealer who said that Triumph wanted the Bonnie to be highly retro so they used single pipes like the early Bonnie's. I had a 1964 and 1966 Bonnie and the pipes were single wall and they blued but I think Triumph just saw a way to save a few bucks. I didn't like it then and I don't like it now but that was the dealers story line.