Triumphrat

JOHN A · 08-25-2009, 10:12 PM

Hi: I'm finally going to do what I should have done initially, but I'm just such a computer idiot. My son has helped me with this. I would like to share these "before" pictures of my 1968 Bonneville, outline what I plan on doing with it, and invite comments and advice!

To the best of my knowledge, this bike has 13,000 mi on it, has had a top end job only, and is pretty much original. It runs quite well. I really just want to give it a good clean and polish, paint it myself(I'm on a strict budget for this project), and have it look original. I'm not a stickler for absolute originality. I welcome advice on how to make it a better, more reliable bike while maintaining the look.

How does this stategy sound? Any suggestions? Regards, John A

rousseau · 08-26-2009, 01:23 AM

John
I don't know how to say this without being rude, so please forgive me. Get rid or those "apes"

JOHN A · 08-26-2009, 07:37 AM

Hi Rousseau: I presume you mean the handlbars, and yes, stock bars are already part of the plan. Thanks, and I couldn't agree more! Regards, John A

GrandPaulZ · 08-26-2009, 11:41 AM

Handlebars, mufflers & paint.

Nice project! The rest of it looks darn near original; a VERY good starting point.

Cosmetically, it has a few parts that should be black instead of silver or chrome (headlight ears, fork legs, chainguard & muffler mount plates).

You'll get a near unanimous recommendation for electronic ignition if it doesn't already have one. I like Sparx for that.

For modern, original pattern tires, or for completely modern rubber, Dunlop. (501s for the modern ones).

I'd ditch the seat-mounted grab rail and source a later style frame bracket type.

JOHN A · 08-26-2009, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the good info GPZ. I had made some inquiries earlier about replacing the parts vs stripping the chrome. As you pointed out, there are more parts that are supposed to be black than I had thought. Going by the chainguard only, it would appear that stripping will be cheaper. Ballpark estimate to strip the chainguard is $60.00. A new chainguard up here(Canada) is well over $100.00. Also, I couldn't believe the price of mufflers; approx 180.00 each! I don't know anything about the inside of a motorcycle muffler. Would buying used mufflers be an option? Do they wear out the same as car mufflers or are they a whole different thing? So far all I have done is take the tank,seat,side cover and pipes off and stare at it. I guess if I want it clean I am actully going to have to clean it! I will post more pictures as it cleans up and I will ask questions as they come up. Thanks again for the suggestions, John A

shrugger · 08-26-2009, 09:48 PM

Are the fenders alloy or chromed?
If chrome, then that kinda sucks

If alloy, then it wouldn't be tooo difficult returning
them to mirror with a proper polishing kit.

JOHN A · 08-26-2009, 10:02 PM

Hi Shrugger: The fenders are stainless steel, I believe. Unfortunately, Someone rear ended the p.o. just before he sold the bike and there is some damage to the rear fender. One more thing to have to replace eventually I guess. Regards, John A

shrugger · 08-26-2009, 10:31 PM

Nooo...

:say it isn't so!

Well, at least for the front fender anyway, it should stay shiny longer
than aluminum once it's good and polished.

jimmy bush · 08-26-2009, 11:22 PM

If the rear fender isnt cracked, you can work out some pretty nasty dents with the right tools and some patience. I straightened both my front and rear and you really have to get close to see where they were bent. The stainless guards do shine up pretty good too with a buffing wheel and some compound.

Skidemon44 · 08-27-2009, 03:17 AM

G'day JA, glad to hear that prices in Canada are similar to those here is Australia!

eBay can be your friend for all sorts of parts, as can swap meets.

I see someone has suggested you get rid of the ape hanger bars and I agree but......that will mean getting a whole range of shorter cables and they are not cheap here, so you might want to factor that in.

I recently got some 2nd hand but great condition original mufflers shipped from the US and it worked out at about half the price of what they are here.

Can't wait for pics of the project when it's done.