Triumph 3SE

[pafc64]

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

[rogerwilko]

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.

[Rex]

Very nice find.........why don't I ever get to look in sheds like that?

[pafc64]

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

[pafc64]

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

[rogerwilko]

So does it have points and coil? I don't see a magdyno?

[Rex]

Be wary of the Ramjam parts makers too. Some of their stuff is real dross....

[Schraubear]

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

[Napoli]

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.

[Bomber]

Smart bike Napoli... why are you selling it?

[Napoli]

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

[Bomber]

I see, I hope you sell it and are successfull in aquiring the BMW, best of luck mate!

[Schraubear]

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

[Napoli]

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

[Schraubear]

Two Fotos of my 3SE. Hope you like them!
Regards Paul