Triumphrat

jostalli · 06-10-2009, 06:17 AM

After a year of waiting on other projects the Bonneville cafe chopper is underway. I started with a 2002 Bonneville. The planned major modifications were: rake the fork ~1", slam the rear down to the frame, add custom clip-ons, swap the tank for a vintage flat tracker, and add a flat cafe-style seat. So far all of that has happened and it is really starting to look great.

What is left to do is the following: add custom controls, custom number plate to hide battery box, mini headlamp, mini speedo, rear led blinkers, reverse cones, sheet pan seat, modify kickstand, 10.5" shocks, plate mount, matte black paint job, oil spill patina. Still deciding on whether or not to use rearsets. It may be too cramped.

I imagine this may be too custom for most Triumph purists but I figured I'd share it anyway.

Sydtrip · 06-10-2009, 06:50 AM

I love it so far & can't wait to see more. So many (not all) of the cafe-style Bonnies on this site are all the same as each other, it will be great to see an individual example.

Dave2001 · 06-10-2009, 07:43 AM

Surprisingly for me, I like the way it looks so far. Perhaps cos it's a bit different.

Please post pictures when it's done!

biker7 · 06-10-2009, 08:41 AM

While I think the bike will be a cool fashion statement, to me it would be unrideable.
Have fun with the project.
George

beemerrich · 06-10-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jostalli

...Still deciding on whether or not to use rearsets. It may be too cramped.

I imagine this may be too custom for most Triumph purists but I figured I'd share it anyway.

I dig it. With the clip ons & lower cornering clearance, I imagine the rear sets are almost necessary...unless you like being folded in half and cornering flat track style!

Keep up the good work.

--Rich

motorhead · 06-10-2009, 10:04 AM

nniiiiiiiiiice. There is tons of custom potential with these bikes. Im looking for a used bonni or americanto really strip down and chop or customize however you want to put it. Any way great start Ill be watching. Pics are awesome cant wait to see more

later
D

Isle de Triumph · 06-10-2009, 10:12 AM

Keep up the good work! Can't wait to see the progress. I have been thinking about making the same kind of bike for some time now. BTW I hope you decide to keep the color of the tank. I dig it.
Later

BigChiefWoody · 06-10-2009, 10:16 AM

I'll take Biker7's turn when you're handing out rides! It looks like you've got a great start on a fantasic project!

sweatmachine · 06-10-2009, 10:37 AM

that looks badass. You get my vote for rearsets!

I think it will be very rideable!

keep us posted!!!

where'd you get that tank? It makes me feel funny, like when we climbed the rope in gym class.

you know what'd look cool? relacing that front rim to a 17" and putting a fat tire on it. (just my $0.02)

jostalli · 06-10-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweatmachine

that looks badass. You get my vote for rearsets!

I think it will be very rideable!

keep us posted!!!

where'd you get that tank? It makes me feel funny, like when we climbed the rope in gym class.

Thanks all! The only reason I haven't decided on the rearsets (I have a set of Norman Hyde's) is because of how cramped my legs are while seated. I feel like I really have no choice because of clearance.

Regarding the rideability I believe it will ride harsh but fine. I initially was going to make it a hard tail for appearance sake but later decided on 10.5" shocks. It won't be soft by any means but it should save my back.

I spent a year searching for a vintage flat track tank and found two. This one was the best. It was taken off of a '69 TR6r flat tracker. It's fiberglass. I'm not keeping it blue. It's going to be all matte black with a dirty/oily patina. Some will not like this as it will not look "pretty".