need help,looking for photos and info Thunderbird

[david]

hi,
while ago I started restoring my 1965 Triumph 650, I bought some books , manuals and parts catalogs...
with all of the info I found I am not sure any more whether
my bike is Thunderbird or 21 or Speedtwin or what ever.
so if any one knows where I can find answers/photos or any advice it will be appreciated.
thanks,
David
davidvak@hotmail.com

[L.A.B.]

The  21 (350cc) and 5TA (500) engines are fairly similar units but the 650 versions look different which should easily be seen from photos (have you looked in the 'Pictures' section?).
 http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Triumph%20Bikes/Triumph%20Index.htm

Also the engine should be stamped with the model number = 3TA (21) - 5TA - 6T (Thunderbird) etc.

The engine number of the 1965 350/500 versions should have an 'H' prefix, 650 versions a 'DU' prefix.

[davidvak]

i saw the pictuers section, the skirt on my bike is like the same as the one on the 3TA of 1964, and on the engine i have 6T.

[L.A.B.]

skirt on my bike is like the same as the one on the 3TA of 1964

Yes the 1965 6T skirt would be the same type, also the 1965 model had a normal front mudguard, not the valanced type.

[davidvak]

L.A.B thanks for your help.
the problem is that my bike has the valanced mudguard
with the skirt like the 3TA.....
is it thunderbird ? or might it be somthing else ?
do you have any photos or places where i can find
photos ?

[L.A.B.]

Yes I do have some illustrations if you e-mail me (click on the letter icon to the left of this message) I will send them to you.
Perhaps your bike has some earlier parts fitted or it may be a 1964 model?