Today, I bought one.
A 1980 Triumph Bonneville....
It was a near 400 mile round trip to collect the bike, which I found on and bought through e-Bay.
Only 20,000 miles, in great condition and the current owner was 90% way through restoring the bike.
I am told the engine is sound and it certainly looks in good condition.
I couldn't fire the engine up as the bike wiring isn't finished. I hope it will be as good as I was told....
The bike is currently missing a few parts, like exhaust pipes, a chain.....
But, those things do not matter, for when I have finished doing what I have planned for the bike, it might not look like it does now!
No, I am not going to say what I have in mind....
Think of it as a winter project bike and you will be right!
This may take some time....... I will keep you posted......
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19 comments:
Nice grab! Want one, too. Alas, I don't even have a garage (or a home coming to think of it...)
It looks pretty clean. I am sure that it will be alright. Good luck with your project. I can't wait to see how it's going to look after the makeover.
Gary,
I hope that you're going to turn it into a dirt-tracker styling, I just love Big Triumphs done like that. Above all, delighted to see you're an out of the closet Triumph fan :-)
A bobber would be great too!
Wow, looks good.
I for one are quite jealous as I have longed for an old Trumpet for some years too. This looks like a nice find with a lot of the major work already done. I would like to beg of you to keep it as original as possible as not many specimens of this caliber can be found anymore. Plus, being original in the sea of customs will make it a sure standout in any crowd with folks gathering around for a peek-e-boo. You sir can be a trend setter it that respect.
a cafe racer to take to Ace's
At last you have seen the light...GLORY BE~
Gary:
Mods or Rockers ?
You could pretend that you were 16 again
Hmmm . . .
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Looking forward to your completing the restore on that beauty, Gary.
Very Nice Bike Gary!
Gary,
What a find. It looks in pristine condition. Built to last
Nice find Gary!!
I am curious to see what you have in mind. You'll have to give us some hints periodically.
I don't think you c an go wrong with a Triumph - especially if the electrics are being replaced.
It does look in great shape and while I am intrigued with your plans for the bike I am also inclined to agree with Wooley Bugger. These classics are getting harder to find in good nick and it would be a shame to see it chopped up.
Sonja – Not having a garage, or indeed a home, would be a problem! I think I picked up a good bike and I wish I had been able to hear the engine run. I will reveal bits of the makeover as they happen.
Geoff – I suspect that one way or another, you won’t be disappointed. I told my closest family first and they were very supportive. In fact, they are sure that no the secret is out, I will be happier with my state of being.
BMW Hacker – I agree, it does look good.
Wooley – Oh dear, I think that you and me will not see eye-to-eye on this one. I did think about keeping it as original as possible, but not for too long. There are plenty of good quality original bikes like this around in the UK, so while keeping it as-is would be good, that isn’t why I bought it. I knew before I bought it exactly what changes I would make and my mind is made up – there are big changes planned. Sorry!
B.D. – That could be what I have in mind. Or it might not be…..
Roger – I was waiting for a comment like that from you!
Bob – I was neither. More a hippy boy, with long hair.
Charlie6 – You might be disappointed if you think I will be doing a proper restoration job back to the original design.
Rex – Thanks. She is a beaut!
Lol W – Almost pristine. Built to be developed.
Trobairitz – Subtle and periodic hints will be forthcoming! To start, do you think I will be keeping the original frame, or not? Well, I like to ring the changes….. and yes, the electrics will be bought up to date.
Canajun – Sorry, but the bike will be having as many changes as a hotel bed. I know that will not be welcomed by the purists, but I didn’t buy it to keep it as it is. Let’s look on the positive side, you will have the next few months being intrigued and trying to work out what I have planned, just from a few subtle mints…..
Cafe Racer, cafe racer, please, cafe racer. heheh
Only drawback is that from a distance people might think you're riding an HMC Classic: http://www.zingbikes.com/hmc/classic.aspx
BeemerGirl – Maybe, maybe, maybe…..
Chris – It certainly does look similar. Sort of.
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