Ok, so I just got in trade a '64(?) Triumph Pre-Unit hard tail frame and sheetmetal. It obviously was some kind of show bike back in the '70s. Now the problem lays: I have no idea what to do now. All of my experience has been in cars, VERY little in bikes. Wheres a good place to look for drivetrain, parts, suspension, etc? Or, what would be a good drivetrain to put in its place? I have no ideas, here but want to get learning some of this stuff. Any advice will be helpful and appreciated. Thanks.
Hey man, Welcome to British bikes! Lots of stuff available for Triumphs.... First thing is first though... figure out what you have. They stopped making Pre-units in 62. There are several places on the net to run your numbers to get the exact year and models. Next.... get as many manuals as you can get your hands on. Don't order a single thing until you've gotten manuals!! I'M TELLING YOU!!! You need them!!!! Then you might consider some British tools based on what's actually still British (motor and trans). Get on the JockeyJournal and hang out over there for awhile. Lots of knowledgeable people there. Here's some resources for you: www.britbike.com (lots of good info) http://www.mapenterprises.net/mapcycle/ (great selection of parts) http://www.britishcyclesupply.com/default.htm (great people! great help!) http://www.britishonly.com/ (you will need ALL your part numbers ready) www.fouracescycle.com (Wes White is a ruler!! DEAL WITH THIS GUY) http://www.raskcycle.com/ (good selection of used stuff) http://victorylibrary.com/brit/brit.htm (Panic does great info) http://www.wesscottcycles.com/ (hit or miss on pricing) http://www.walridge.com/ (nice people good experience) Do a search for stuff...
I don't have any pics yet. Thanks Scooter. I do know that it is a pre-unit, I thought I was told '64 was the last year. Thats exactly the kinda info I'm looking for. This'll be good.
Cool links! I've got a couple of Bonnies...73 and 76. One shifts on the right, one shifts on the left...keeps it interesting!! Congrats and good luck! Dave
If there is ANYTHING I can help you with, let me know! Glad to help! I spent three years building mine and I couldn't have done it without the help of asking a shit load of questions!! What number is on the motor? Is the transmission a slick shift type (if you know)?
Like this? does the frame have a single or a dual down tube up front? Dual or single carb? Do the rocker boxes have fins around the base?
From what I remember it is a single down tube. There is No motor/trans anything. Just the frame and sheetmetal. Trust me, I'll be in touch with you for sure.
Ahhhh you need a motor too! Okay! sorry! I missed that part... read it wrong. The number on the frame will be on the left side on the neck. If it's a pre-unit it will probably be numbers only no TR6 or T120. If it's a dual down tube (Duplex) it might start with a DU or a D or something. Let me know. I'll help you out.
Ya might want to post on the HAMB's cyclesister board: http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2 too.
WOW! That's RAD for sure!!! That's a pre-swingarm year! Very cool! I can't remember the exact year range (haven't looked in awhile), but I would say it's around a 54 (ish).
Just because I've only got like 30 posts. Guess I should just post more random crap every once in a while to build them up. ;-) Just happened to run across these pics today when I was looking for some pics of the coupe.
Well I guess its non of my business but a pre unit BSA, Norton ot Vellocete would be a good candidate, or you could look for a pre unit Triumph motor and tranny also. Yea that's a '70s bike or at least that molding and circus paint job are straight out of the '70s.