Back By Unpopular Request.

**Ixion** · 15th August 2006, 09:33

Racing was a lot more meaningful back then. Notice the bike still has a pillion seat! And a front mudguard.And do I see the generator still fitted at the front of the engine, even?

TT speeds must have been, ah, interesting with that 7inch SLS front brake.

But back then it really did "improve the breed".

**Paul in NZ** · 15th August 2006, 09:49

Originally Posted by Ixion

Racing was a lot more meaningful back then. Notice the bike still has a pillion seat! And a front mudguard.And do I see the generator still fitted at the front of the engine, even?

TT speeds must have been, ah, interesting with that 7inch SLS front brake.

But back then it really did "improve the breed".

I was watching some early 50's racing the other day and while the angle of lean is modest (more down to the surface than the riders) the balls required was similar to todays hero's.

The riding position was a little more 'upright' than the later crouch to cope (I guess) with what was essentially unpaved roads in places and I think the pillion pad was used to slide back onto during the long straights.

The mudguard looks like a lightweight alloy blade rather than the ribbed steel production number (makes sense) and those brakes .... Oh I remember those.. Could be OK on occasion but not for the feint of heart. Cast iron as well and heavy as death.

**eliot-ness** · 15th August 2006, 09:58

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

What is pleasing to me is that the old triumphs etc have lost the stigma they once had in the brit vs jap days. You rode one or the other and didn't question it. Now you can appreciate them a little more for what the really are. Far from perfect but a bloody good ride all the same.

Thanks for all the positive comments folks. Look for us on a road near you this summer....

I rode Triumphs from 1955 through to 1972. Got the first Bonneville in 1959 and updated every two years up to 1969. Used the bikes for commuting, up to 120ks a day, touring and occasional production class racing. Only had one time when the bike didn't make it home, the fibre auto advance timing gear stripped on the 59 model. The only weak point I found was the drive side main bearing. I replaced them annually. Usually at around 35/40000 miles. The 59/61 models had the typical Triumph handling, a bit shaky on fast sweepers. In 63, the first of the unit motors, a frame change to single downtube improved the handling. The best model, to my mind, was the 1968/69. Claimed weight was down to 165kgs and the handling was on a par with anything on the road. I kept that one for four years. Never fancied the 750s. thought the small increase in power wasn't worth the reliability problems that came with it. Bought one of the new Bonnies a couple of years ago. Nice bikes, sound good, more power,handle ok but haven't got the feel of the old ones. Rose tinted glasses syndrome maybe. Wouldn't mind one of the old 650s now from that era. Hope to see you on the road someday

**Ixion** · 15th August 2006, 10:11

Heretically I preferred the single carb Triumphs. I always felt that for everyday riding the extra power from the twin carb was only obtained so high in the rev band that it was seldom beneficial, and the single gave a bit more mid range IMHO.

The unit models were undoubtedly "better" bikes in every way, but for all that it is the preunit 650 that I think of as the defining Triumph, the 1960 or there abouts T110.

The best unit 650 was the first of the 8 inch 2LS models, prolly the 68 or 69 as you say.

One day, maybe. Trouble is that almost anything around now will have been so hacked about.

**eliot-ness** · 15th August 2006, 10:14

Originally Posted by Ixion

Racing was a lot more meaningful back then. Notice the bike still has a pillion seat! And a front mudguard.And do I see the generator still fitted at the front of the engine, even?

TT speeds must have been, ah, interesting with that 7inch SLS front brake.

But back then it really did "improve the breed".

I think, (not 100% sure) the rules for the Manx GP required that the machine had to be in road going condiition but minus lights. The Gold Star BSAs factory entries in the 50s were rumoured to have wooden mock up generators to save weight. Fuel tanks also had to be of a certain capacity. One Triumph rider, on winning, was seen to thump his tank vigorously on crossing the line, putting a large dent in it. Other riders complained that he did it to disguise the fact that the tank was slightly oversize. Don't know if that's true but the occasional bending of the rules was part and parcel of racing in those days

**Paul in NZ** · 15th August 2006, 10:16

Originally Posted by Ixion

The best unit 650 was the first of the 8 inch 2LS models, prolly the 68 or 69 as you say.

One day, maybe. Trouble is that almost anything around now will have been so hacked about.

You would be amazed what comes up.

I was at Bob nesbits a while back and he had a 1970 TR6R with 8,000miles from new on it. Even had the factory tyres. Tried to sell it locally but no bites 'cos it was a bit drab and not a bonnie so he purchased some NOS guards and a tank from british spares (made it look like a brand new 1970 Triumph) and sold it (off shore I seem to recollect - could be wrong).

That bike was amazing - every bolt - every washer, just as it left the factory.

They are out there.....

**eliot-ness** · 15th August 2006, 10:35

Originally Posted by Ixion

Heretically I preferred the single carb Triumphs. I always felt that for everyday riding the extra power from the twin carb was only obtained so high in the rev band that it was seldom beneficial, and the single gave a bit more mid range IMHO.

The unit models were undoubtedly "better" bikes in every way, but for all that it is the preunit 650 that I think of as the defining Triumph, the 1960 or there abouts T110.

The best unit 650 was the first of the 8 inch 2LS models, prolly the 68 or 69 as you say.

One day, maybe. Trouble is that almost anything around now will have been so hacked about.

The wife had a 1961 pre unit T110 fitted with a full fairing and Fibregass panniers. A great touring bike, better than the Bonnie for that purpose, a bit slower on acceleration but not a lot of difference in top speed. I fitted a John Tickle twin leading shoe front brake to the 1965 Bonnie. That was the first bike that I had that I didn't have to rely on the back brake on. Tried a speed test against a 61 pre unit Bonnie on my 63 model There was no difference at all in acceleration or top speed, after a couple of miles on the motorway we were still side by side. . Mine had an indicated 115 on the clock, his 120. Probably true speed around 110mph

**Motu** · 15th August 2006, 11:16

Those are usually American Imports,sitting in some shed in California and never used - I'd be tempted if the right bike turned up.

Cracked frames - my wife had a Harley Davidson 350 Sprint SX,the Aeramachi one,the SX was the trail bike.It was a disapointment to her,not the thumping single she hoped for...she was never comfortable with the handling,and the vibration made her hands go red.Didn't worry me,I thought it was damned good on gravel and even did a couple of races on it at Puke.Although it had front down tubes they were only put there on later bikes for customer piece of mind - having a motor hanging in mid air was not a good look apparently.The top motor mount was mid way along the twin top frame rails.It also had a sidestand with a spear point on it - the bloody thing would even go through ashphalt on a hot day and drop the bike on it's side....let alone grass.

The guy she sold it to came around with a story one day - the bike had fallen over one day (while he was sitting on it,bike on the stand) When he went to pick it up he saw the frame had a perfectly clean break in both frame rails just at the top mount - with the bike on it's wheels the crack was closed,on it's side with the weight off the crack was obvious.I'd hate to think we were riding around on a cracked frame - but there was no telltale rust around the crack,I reckon it must of happened after it was sold.

**Paul in NZ** · 20th August 2006, 20:11

Still ironing out kinks but I believe its ready for a wof...

Charging charges - oiling oils and it's getting better every ride.

A few kinks to improve the feel of the front end are still required but we are getting there........................ Oh man - I loved riding it today... God - it vbrates a bit worse than I remember.

**gijoe1313** · 20th August 2006, 21:25

Bloody amazing! This stuff is pure gold. You guys seem to come from another era where it was all hands on when it came to servicing your bikes. I've worked on cages no problem, and I'm looking forward to when I do work on my bike(s) - but you fellas seem to take it to a whole new level!

Old School. And thanks for sharing all the photos and memories! Real class and style - keep it coming and I'll keep on reading!

**Paul in NZ** · 21st August 2006, 12:33

WOF is obtained - Registration granted... She's legal..

Just running in to go and a head torque and summer time fun.... Feckin awesome....

**Bonez** · 21st August 2006, 15:55

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

God - it vbrates a bit worse than I remember.

I beleive thats something some folk refer to as character

**Paul in NZ** · 21st August 2006, 17:44

Originally Posted by Bonez

I beleive thats something some folk refer to as character

When I do it the kids call it old age....

**Bonez** · 21st August 2006, 17:54

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

When I do it the kids call it old age....

Lol.

**James Deuce** · 21st August 2006, 20:26

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Still ironing out kinks but I believe its ready for a wof...

Charging charges - oiling oils and it's getting better every ride.

A few kinks to improve the feel of the front end are still required but we are getting there........................ Oh man - I loved riding it today... God - it vbrates a bit worse than I remember.

I've never seen the back of a helmet grin so hard.