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It was the summer of '70......

4K views 39 replies 13 participants last post by  GrandPaulZ 
#1 · (Edited)
I was 16 that summer when I spent my entire summer's savings on a 68 441 Victor Special ($850). I had a blast and loved that machine. I did visit the Cycle Shop to see the Nortons and Triumphs. I decided that I really needed a bright, new Bonneville! Summer ended-- I got in a couple legal scrapes sold the scooter as I turned 17 and headed into the US Army.
Now nearly 50 years later I still figured I needed a Bonneville. Well I found one right in a buds shop! After some wheeling and dealing I traded for a 1970 T120R! It shows only 16,000 miles.
My son and I farm and have a very complete shop where we will rebuild the bike.
Grandson Archer is onboard!
 

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#2 ·
WOW!!!

A "survivor".

RESIST THE URGE to do a "total restoration"; instead, find a good used set of Burgess mufflers, and a decent low or mid-rise handlebar, and just give the bike a standard bike wash.

TAKE A FEW HUNDRED PHOTOS There are literally hundreds, perhaps THOUSANDS of people that would like to know which side of the coil the wires route, which path the throttle cables take, and a thousand other minute details about that bike.

Mine wasn't perfect by any stretch, but it was decent...

 
#3 ·
Great find, congratulations. And as much as I'd like to find an old classic like that, no bike will compare to the enjoyment that you'll have working on it with your son (and grandson). Looks like you have some great times in your future.
 
#4 ·
Welcome to the Forum.


Very nice find very very original bike but I'm not real impressed with the handlebars.


Is the mileage real no real way to know but on a 48 years old bike does it really matter? The bike looks to be mostly original as it has the taillight extender still on it and the horn pair. Those two things suggest the build date was after January 1, 1970 and the VIN would be after AD 37000. Also I suspect the gauges are black face. I was wondering when you look at the horns could you confirm there is a decal that says Clear Hooters and also may state HF80 That would be the correct horn for mid year '70 T120's. By the way the oval brackets on the front fender supports are incorrect


Take lots and lots of pictures before and during disassembly.


K
 
#5 ·
about the same period of time, I got a friends BSA 441 to ride. Fastest I had ever been on a motorcycle, open headers, poor fitting helmet, country roads, made it all seem faster. Made previous miles on a Honda S 90 kinda pale.....50 years later I have a Triumph Thruxton in the garage.
 
#9 ·
Thanks for the great replies. Because the Bonneville is so complete I will just replace the rubber parts and tires that have desert dried plus loose the ape hangers. I appreciate the preserved "survivor" concept.

*HayMike, I spent 6 hours yesterday cutting alfalfa!
 
#14 ·
Hi Mike,

Because the Bonneville is so complete I will just replace the rubber parts and tires that have desert dried plus loose the ape hangers.
Risking stating the obvious, the cables'll need replacing too, or at least shortening.

find a good used set of Burgess mufflers,
That late model 70 also had those 1971 style silencers
Uh-uh, while the mufflers/silencers in the picture of Steve McQueen are better-known as '71-on standard Triumph/BSA, the mufflers/silencers on your bike are Dunstalls, period go-faster (noisier) bits. Only thing is, if the ends have what look like the end of a Gatling gun, whether you use 'em or change 'em might depend on how loud you like your motorcycle ... :whistle

the oval brackets on the front fender supports are incorrect
+1. Off a contemporary TR6C - the version intended for off-road riding and racing; the brackets raise the fender so the TR6C's bigger 3.50 x 19 tyre could be fitted and so mud was less-likely to clog between the tyre and the fender. Standard T120 oval brackets will move the fender closer to the tyre.

If you're going to work on the bike and look for/order new parts online, you'll need the Triumph workshop manual and parts book. You can buy paper copies through dealers but they're also free online - workshop manual, parts book.

Hth.

Regards,
 
#10 ·
arizonamike


After looking again at your picture I note you are missing the front reflectors. Not an uncommon occurance. However in that I an also thinking about the fuel tank front mounting studs. If you should remove them be aware the short side goes into the tank. If you install the long side in the tank holes it is possible to puncture the tank.

More pictures?



K
 
#18 ·
Yes, what GrandPaulZ said about pictures. Never worked on motorcycles guys like me search for hours trying to figure out stuff like cable routing etc. Not much out there as far as images to use for reference. Workshop manuals don't cover every little detail. Great find, should be fun.
 
#21 · (Edited)
I don't know Az. But a friend of mine used to use a shop in Az. real near to you. I believe they have gone out of business It was call Alternative Motorcycle Repair. I thought they were in Tucson but their old web site says Sahuarita Az. Anyway on their old site they list a reference for paint and body work in Tucson.


Aerographix
PO Box 57269
Tucson Az. 95732


Contact; Dan Neal
V:520 760 9104
F: 520 760 2788
Email: IMYZ2U@msn.com


Now ifin it was me I would give him a call and see if he might have a recommendation. Worst case you may have found a painter.


K
 
#23 ·
A shop got my photos, looked them over and told me 5-6K for a total engine rebuild, 9-10K total. He said that the machine was not worth restoring, within a few hours one of his friends contacted me wanting to buy my "parts" bike.

I will be here of the Rat for lots of advice as my buddy and master machinist Rick and I will get-er-done.
When China opens a bunch of Burger Kings using American Beef this winter we will do battle with the top end!
 
#28 ·
A shop got my photos, looked them over and told me 5-6K for a total engine rebuild, 9-10K total. He said that the machine was not worth restoring, within a few hours one of his friends contacted me wanting to buy my "parts" bike.
He would have ripped you off on the rebuild anyway, charging you for work that he would not have needed to do, etc. Good that you saw through it. What a creep! :sip
 
#25 · (Edited)
As Arte Johnson was saying at the time your bike was built...."Very Interesting"...


Ah yes also very interesting my dictionary just happened to fall open and I noticed the word Ethics.

The branch of philosophy that deals with morality. Ethics is concerned with distinguishing between good and evil in the world, between right and wrong human actions, and between virtuous and nonvirtuous characteristics of people.

Interesting coincidence don't you think.

Of course there is a fine line between 'goood business' and good ethics. Ask any Lawyer....

K
 
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