Vintage Truimph Motorcycles

[wetwolf]

Actually, what i meant to say was vintage...... How many folks here own, or used to own any Brtish Bikes. Heres my 76 Bonneville 750.

[springer-]

Nice Triumph. I used to have a 77 Bonneville 750. A guy brought his wheels and new tires into the shop to have the tires changed. A year later the guy came back to see if I still had his wheels. He said the bike was just in the way and he might want to sell it. I asked what he wanted and he said "well it has 2 new tires. I'd like to get $100 for it." I could not get the money out of my pocket fast enough, bought it sight unseen. Sold it a few years later. Always like the old Triumphs.

[11963]

got my 74 bonnie in79 its still in the stable!! ride hard cb

[FXDRYDR]

Owned and restored a beauty of a '73. good bike and damn fun to ride. Always had and will have a soft spot for Triumphs.

[swmnkdinthervr]

I've owned a score of Brit bikes...loved everyone of them...think I'll pick up another one some day soon...

[Toad920]

Bought my first new bike in Nov 1976 - Norton 850 Commando

Still got it.....

Think its sulking coz im using the Harley so much though

[FXR2]

I had a 1974 Triumph Trident. 3 cylinder 750. I thought it was beautiful to look at but mechanically it was extremely fiddly. Seemed like many engine components were made of too-soft metals. After about 6000 miles, the pushrods started mushrooming out of adjustment on a regular basis, and the impact-driven phillips screws on the motor would round out if they didn't strip the threads in the cases first. And of course it leaked oil in several places. Poorly designed chain cover would stripe your back with oil.

Still, the paint (black with candy gold scallops and white hand-drawn pinstripes) was perfectly beautiful and the frame welding was old-world craftsmanship. When it ran, I absolutely loved it. I sold it to a Triumph mechanic who knew how to fix all the ills and wasn't turned off by them. I wonder if it's still around somewhere.

This picture isn't mine but this is what it looked like.

[vjroadrat]

Had a 69 T100C with street pipes. Single cyl 500 with 1 tickling amal. Wind it out in 3rd and it would pop out unless you kept your foot on the shifter....the right foot. Brake shoes and kick start. I wish I never got rid of it.

[bikernut]

have a stock 66 a-65 bsa

[MadCity]

I've never owned a vintage Triumph or other British bike, but my very first motorcycle ride was on the back of my college roommate's 1965 Triumph Bonneville 650. I coveted that bike and later got to ride one a lot like it, but it was a 500, I think. I remember thinking how odd it was to have the rear brake pedal on the left side and the shifter on the right. But it was still cool. Even today, the Bonneville T100 is a sharp-looking bike, IMO.

[FXR2]

Originally Posted by MadCity

. I remember thinking how odd it was to have the rear brake pedal on the left side and the shifter on the right.

My riding buddies back in the 70's said the same thing but I rationalized it by saying that the stick shift in a car was to the right of the driver so why shouldn't the shifter on a bike be the same way. And the brake was on the left. I don't remember my comeback to that one.

This thread is really bringing back memories. I bought my 1974 Trident new off the showroom for in January of 74 for $1995 even. The dealer threw in my choice of helmet (I got a white Bell R/T. Been a believer in white helmets ever since). At the time I also looked at a Honda CB750-4 for $1795, and a Kawasaki 900-4 for $2395. A new HD Sportster was a whopping $2895 but the new ones at the dealer were already leaking oil just sitting there.

[wetwolf]

Just imagine what that trident would be worth today in good running order. more than any oter of the bikes you mentioned. I still have my 2nd motorcycle, a 69 500 twin. granted, its in some boxes, but the chassis still rols and i still have it.

someday................

[BlueRidgeIC.com]

1975 Triumph Trident T160 - first year of electric start for British bikes. I completely rebuilt it (its how I came to appreciate powder coating). Runs great, more parts available for these British bikes now than when they were new. Never leaks either. I'm amazed that people still make and sell upgraded items for these bikes such as high capacity oil pumps and an engineer in New Zealand just introduced a great electronic ignition for the triple and twins as well.

Frank

[wetwolf]

I am running a Boyer Brandsen Ignition. I just replaced my lucas rita this year. I've never had a problem with finding parts. I have a little black book.

[sonoffatboy]

just sold this bonnie last year...registered as a 69..(so no need for turn signals)...but actually motor was 72 650 ..

sorry yah gotta be orange to see this...