Triumphrat

BrianM · 08-09-2009, 04:33 AM

Picked up this Bonnie from a lady at work who's had it 22 years. She said it's a 'bitsa' in that it's a 68 bike with a 73 five speed motor. Started easily and ran well. Thinking it's going to be my first nuts and bolts rebuild. What do you think?

I'm not concerned with absolute originality as much as I am with just having a nice old Bonnie. Paid $4,200 NZ for it (about $2,800 US).

epynt1050 · 08-09-2009, 05:01 AM

Looks like the lady is correct although the forks are 71 on - not 68 and the rear suspension units are Hagons (late Girling copies).

GrandPaulZ · 08-09-2009, 11:49 AM

I think that if the bike is running decently, you got a good deal.

However, as is always the case, that is just the "down payment"!

Will you be turning this into a total rebuild thread? Do you intend to source an earlier style front end to revert back to the original look? (there is no "wrong" answer to that last question).

It might be just me, but I think the "sausage on a stick" original Burgess style mufflers complete a Bonnie's look.

BrianM · 08-09-2009, 06:16 PM

Thanks for the replies.

I'm going to do this restoration (maybe that's not the right word as it won't be restored to its original spec.) for my wife. She can choose the bars, colour etc. and it won't matter to me if they're wrong for the year. I actually think it's worth remembering that people would've personalised their bikes back then too so a 'stock' bike isn't necessarily something you'd have seen that many of. Also, to be honest, I don't think I would enjoy the process as much if I was concerned about having the wrong this that or the other (no disrespect to those who scour the globe for that elusive part).

I do appreciate the info. regarding the forks etc. as it'll make chasing down parts a lot easier and more accurate. If you don't mind I'll post a few more pics to see what else might be worth knowing about it.

Many thanks.

GrandPaulZ · 08-09-2009, 06:46 PM

Before you go too far, take an afternoon to get her out in some wide open spaces to get the feel for kickstarting the bike, take-offs, leaning into turns, etc.

If she can't kickstart it on her own, it won't be something she looks forward to in the long run.

kngkong · 08-10-2009, 04:04 AM

nice score! a tradeMe find?

BrianM · 08-10-2009, 04:32 AM

Good tip regarding the kick start but we always go out together so it doesn't matter if she can't kick it over.

Wasn't on TradeMe actually (though just sold my Harley on TradeMe as it happens). She works at the same place as me and we just got talking about bikes one day. She mentioned selling it to fund a trike build she's got underway.