1954 Speed twin

[Mark Walter]

Hi
I have a 1954 Triumph Speed Twin, inherited from my father 7 yrs ago, it was in show room condition and has been stored inside and under cover ever since, I also have the original sales receipt going back to Oct 1954.
I am looking to sell it because I am not doing it justice, but I do not want to start the engine as I guess it will may do more harm than good without striping the head down etc.

Do I sell it as it is, will I loose a lot of value without it being a runner or am I better finding someone to work on the engine
Appreciate any comments

[Goldy]

If it's in showroom condition it definitley needs to be running. Do'nt be afraid of trying to start it. Take the spark plugs out and check that the engine turns over freely by depressing the kickstart. Turning it over for some time will help to get the oil circulating. If it is free then check the oil levels in the  engine, the  gearbox, and the primary chain. Replace the plugs and charge the battery and have a go. all the best.

[L.A.B.]

If the bike was known to be running before it was laid-up, then I doubt a genuine enthusiast would be all that bothered if it had not been started recently, and I seriously doubt that would affect its value?
However if a buyer made a good offer on the condition that it must be seen running before he parts with his cash then of course it would probably be worthwhile to try to get it going, otherwise I wouldn't be too bothered about starting it, personally.