classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: pafc64 on September 07, 2010, 05:14:51 PM

Title: Triumph 3SE
Post by: pafc64 on September 07, 2010, 05:14:51 PM
Hi Everyone
New to this site & found it whilst searching the net for info on a bike I have that Me & my Son want to restore.
I know its a Triumph 350cc Sidevalve model 3SE of about 1937 vintage.
I also believe the 3SE (S= Side-valve & E= Economy) is basically the same bike as the 3SW ( S=Side-valve & W=War) & the frame & bits and pieces of the 3HW will fit as well.
I would appreciate any info you may have on them & any hints on finding a few missing parts for it.

Cheers

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/pafc64/013.jpg)
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/pafc64/017.jpg)
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: rogerwilko on September 07, 2010, 11:07:20 PM
Doesn't look like you're missing much you lucky man. I suppose the rear section of the guard and no. plate holder will be the hardest to find.Try Vintagetin in Victoria to make you those bits and Modak in Melbourne for the odd part.
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Rex on September 08, 2010, 04:24:22 PM
Very nice find.........why don't I ever get to look in sheds like that? >:(
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: pafc64 on September 08, 2010, 05:53:10 PM
Hi
Thanks for replying Ill give those places a go & see if I can find the bits I need or if they can make them.
I have found some seller in India on Ebay (Royal Spares) that sells some bits for the Triumph 3HW which will apparently fit the 3SW which should fit mine  :)
I first saw this bike about 25 yrs ago in the back corner of a business that specialised in old car parts but couldn't afford to buy it so My brother in law ended up buying it for $400.00 & it then sat in his shed until one-day He needed some money & he asked if I wanted to buy it ($400.00) so I did & now its been sitting in My shed for about 13yrs waiting to be restored & now My son who is 15yrs old wants to help Me restore it so it looks like its finally going to happen  ;)

Cheers
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: pafc64 on September 27, 2010, 04:47:23 AM
HI
I have now discovered that the E in 3SE means Economy & they have used a pressed metal side cover & no tank panel to save on costs & produce a cheaper bike.

Cheers
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: rogerwilko on September 27, 2010, 11:52:59 PM
So does it have points and coil? I don't see a magdyno?
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Rex on September 28, 2010, 09:20:48 AM
Be wary of the Ramjam parts makers too. Some of their stuff is real dross....
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Schraubear on October 01, 2010, 05:38:23 PM
Hi, nice find you got over there... Have the same bike too, in running condition. Sorry can't really help with spare parts, because i have almost nothing in stock. My goal has eversince been to change as little as possible. If you got specific need for parts, just ask, i might be able to point out a direction...
I bought mine about 15 years ago @ Beaulieu jumble. Paint and carb not original, alloy primary chaincase.
Wish you and your son lots of fun whilst restoring!
Paul
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Napoli on December 11, 2011, 05:06:45 PM
Hello all of you.
Here is my 3SE 1940 totally restored and in beautiful running conditions as I found it in 2007.
Other news can be seen on www.ebay.co.uk at n. 230707629957 as the bike is for sale.
I made some researchs about its story and I found that model "S" was the echonomic side valve model of OHV SH.
3SE came at end 1938 and was produced till mid 1940 when the Triumph production was almost totally devoted to war models.
3SE was the "EXPORT" model for Australia, following the advice of local dealers for a quiet and reliable bike.
Later 3SE was added to the British cathalogue and also came the 3SC model with ignition-COIL.
In Italy 3SE is very rare; I couldn't find an other one. I just found some SW, anyway less the ten. I have no spares at all.
I would be glad to find Users' manual, Workshop manual, Spare part list, drive tests, etc.  Please contact me for news.
It is even difficult to find enthusiasts for this model.

Cheers.
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Bomber on December 11, 2011, 05:41:42 PM
Smart bike Napoli... why are you selling it?
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Napoli on December 11, 2011, 06:29:33 PM
Hi Bomber.
It's always hard to take difficult decisions.
As a collector, I am fond of BMWs and have R27, R45, R75/5 sidecar, R69/S-US. I found a wonderful R12 of 1937 and I hope to catch it, but must sell 3SE (the most valuable I have) and others to find the budget.
Prehaps it is not a good idea and it is possible that I hope will not sell 3SE.

All the best
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Bomber on December 11, 2011, 08:39:19 PM
I see, I hope you sell it and are successfull in aquiring the BMW, best of luck mate!
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Schraubear on December 11, 2011, 09:17:12 PM
Hi Napoli
Beautyful bike you have! My 3SE is a very reliable motorbike,  fun to ride, good brakes, maybe you'll keep it ;-) in my taste the most beautyfull bike in your collection.
A workshop manual can be found here:
http://www.zvab.com/index.do
is a book searcher, search for:
"MASTERS, A. st. J."
Triumph Motor Cycles. A practical guide covering all models from 1937, 2nd edition 1949
Costs about 30€
Regards Paul
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Napoli on December 26, 2011, 10:02:06 PM
Hi Schraubear and thanks for your evaluation, coming from a 3SE owner.
Somebody said there were some details not regular; somebody else said it is a mixture between 3SE and 3SW for the rear, and an other one says the fork is not correct.
On the contrary Petr Cornelius (the Triumph expert of VMCC UK) approoved the work except for the spring on the clutch cable and the lifting handle that schould be black.
I would be glad to have a look to your 3SE.
I got the book by Masters. Thanks.
Finally I am glad I didn't find a buyer for my 3SE.

Cheers
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Schraubear on January 09, 2012, 03:55:51 PM
Two Fotos of my 3SE. Hope you like them!
Regards Paul
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Napoli on January 09, 2012, 07:25:31 PM
Hi Paul
Of course I do like a fascinating road going 3SE kept in original conditions.
Generally I prefer unrestored bikes, unless it is strictly obliged.
Be proud and get fun with your 3SE.
I join an old article, of 1995, from Legend Bike, an Italian motorcycle magazine. Thebike reported is the mine.
Hope you and anybody can read or translate the article.

All the best and Happy new year to all 3SE (and 3S, 3SW, 3H, 3HW, 3SC, etc) enthusists.
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Napoli on January 09, 2012, 07:32:56 PM
HI
It's once again me.

Just for joining the front page of Legend Bike article on 3SE.
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Schraubear on January 09, 2012, 10:18:51 PM
Hi Napoli, thanks for posting the article, didn't know about it. I'm quite sure a friend of mine has this issue, because he's a great fan of Aermacchi motorcycles! Best regards   Paul
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE - Broken primaty chain
Post by: Napoli on November 10, 2013, 09:54:36 PM
Hello everybody.  DISASTER !
The primary chain of my 3SE was broken, so left carter and carter cover were broken as well.
I would not repair but replace: Onybody has these pieces or can suggest where and how I can find them ?? both alluminium or iron.
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: wetdog on November 10, 2013, 10:25:33 PM
why did it snap , very unusual on such a low performance machine , these cases are about over here will ask
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Schraubear on November 11, 2013, 09:01:57 AM
Hi Napoli
Really a disaster! Maybe i can help you, just send part numbers (on inside of the case) and length of the case as well. I know a guy nearby (in Switzerland) who might have at least the outer one.
Another possibility: http://www.cornucopia-enterprises.de/indey.html
He doesn't list the part on his website, but it's worth asking him!
Paul
Title: Re: Triumph 3SE
Post by: Napoli on November 27, 2013, 04:41:57 PM
Hello boys.
My situation seems to turn better, thanks to a very kind and unknown Swiss friend found via internet. He told me some sites for search and made himself a research for me: results were highly positive, but I stand by because my mechanic convinced me for welding.
I will tell final results.
Bye