Author Topic: BONNEVILLE T140  650  1968  (Read 5396 times)

Offline daddymull

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BONNEVILLE T140  650  1968
« on: January 30, 2008, 12:07:57 AM »
HI...I would like to pose a question to all triumph and other british bike fans out there..i have a bonny virtually complete , powder coated recon engine etc....Should i build it up to sell? sell for spares? or build just to keep?   ive never ridden one so unsure of handling etc?   any thoughts?
BATMAN HAS LEFT THE BUILDING......HONEST..

Offline TBS

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Re: BONNEVILLE T140  650  1968
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2008, 05:19:59 PM »
Sacriledge to sell for spares, obviously restore to keep, great machine, the icon of it's day. Should be a T120 for 1968, 650cc .

Offline Blue

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Re: BONNEVILLE T140  650  1968
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2008, 05:38:42 PM »
Building purely to sell depends on a lot of circumstances - that is, how desirable the machine is, how much you pay for it initially and how much you have to spend to get it roadworthy and licensed.  In the end, unless you have a barn-find vincent or similar, its unlikely youll make much profit at all (if any) - although if you just happen to enjoy the rebuilding and not riding, its the best option.

I beg that you dont sell it for spares if the engine matches the frame - im one of those people that reckons if the factory made it that way, it stays that way (curse you triton owners! bring back the featherbed singles!)

Riding a bike youve restored is a very rewarding path, and i think if you build it to an easily rideable state (which is certainly not difficult to do) then you will enjoy the bike regardless of how handling/braking/power compares to modern bikes.  If it is a 1968 bonnie (which is a T120 not a T140) then it should handle quite well and with the correct twin-leading-shoe front brake will stop well enough.  And i think most people here will agree when i say that 650 bonnies are just bucket loads of fun to ride

So after all that my conclusion is you should ride it when youve built it.  Put it this way - if the engine and frame are done, youre more than halfway there.  if you find you dont like riding it once its built, you can always sell it then and probably not lose money

my 2 cents at any rate

Offline daddymull

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Re: BONNEVILLE T140  650  1968
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2008, 11:21:08 PM »
Thanks tbs and blue for your comments,first you are correct its a T 120 .. reg in 67..i blame my oily fingers..tend to agree with not splitting...but will my wife be happy being a garage widow again..will keep you posted....
BATMAN HAS LEFT THE BUILDING......HONEST..

Offline Goldy

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Re: BONNEVILLE T140  650  1968
« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2008, 02:15:38 AM »
There seems to be an ever increasing number of people breaking British bikes for spares. I think that this should be a criminal offence resulting in a prison sentance.

Offline daddymull

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Re: BONNEVILLE T140  650  1968
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2008, 03:26:55 AM »
Your displeasure on even the discussion of splitting a british bike noted goldy..just as well i cancelled that idea..now can u help get spares for it lol...
BATMAN HAS LEFT THE BUILDING......HONEST..

Offline Blue

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Re: BONNEVILLE T140  650  1968
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2008, 07:02:33 PM »
bonnevilles are probably the easiest bikes to obtain parts for, particularly in the united states.  ebay makes life easy, otherwise the best way to go is to hunt down local businesses in your that specialise in brit bikes.  theres a bloke only a stone's throw from my house who makes a living out of british bikes, so if i need anything i go to him first, ebay second and advertise last.

one more tip - get a factory workshop manual and parts manual.  these will save a lot of headaches.

hope this helps,
Blue

Offline daddymull

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Re: BONNEVILLE T140  650  1968
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2008, 08:56:58 PM »
THANKS BLUE..
BATMAN HAS LEFT THE BUILDING......HONEST..