Triumphrat

Copper · 05-24-2006

Hey there. I've found myself looking at old school choppers a lot lately, 70's style, Indian Larry type things.....Anyway, I am thinking that I will probably try and build one eventually. I'd like to do a pre unit 650 Triumph twin or maybe a BSA, the Brit choppers are way cool...Just in the very beginning of thinking it through, I really don't know much about building bikes. Not sure if I would like to start with a partially finished project or start from scratch.

My question is, does anyone know of any good resources, either on line or books, that would help a guy learn how this is done? Especially as it relates to Triumphs. I'd like to do it right and wind up with a rideable bike at the end of it all....

Its gonna be a while, I don't have the $$$ or time right now, but hopefully before more than a few years have passed I might get to it.

Thanks!

tba-golfer · 05-24-2006

When its ready to ride I'll have Gremlin Bell II ready to go for you!

That's about the limit of my expertise.

lightning · 05-24-2006

Well if you want to build a chopper I would say a good place to look for parts is RASK.

I've built 3 650 choppers since I was 19, one being a pre-unit. If you hunt around you can find a basket case real cheap. Unless you really want to go way old school'ish I would suggest looking for a unit motor. Last time I looked around pre-unit tranny parts were hard to by and not too cheap.

If you can find a decent stock frame, you can get a bolt on hardtail (and tack weld it). Also a Girder Front end has been one of my favorites since some of them will allow you to adjust the rake with out hacking the neck up.

I used to have a book but it got lost, I think the name of it was "Frame Design and the Theory of Rake and Trail".. or something similar to that. You will find the whole experience to be awesome of building your first Brit Chopper. It will set you into a new mind set when it comes to bikes and you will discover the true meaning of "Triumph Ingenuity"

Copper · 05-25-2006

Thanks, Lightning...I will check it out.

I like the girder forks anyway, they have a cool look....