Hi, Can someone advise what model/year this Triumph is please? Would parts be rare/expensive for this and how much would you expect to pay for the bike? Thanks a lot. Mike
Yeah, I would think that it's a 790cc model - looks like it has carbs rather than EFI so possibly 2001 to 2006? Parts are plentiful - not only from Triumph or on line shops like squaredeals but also ebay is a good source.
Thanks a lot for your replies chaps. Appreciate the help. Like I've mentioned I'm a newbie but been very interested in Triumphs for a while. Would you advise that buying a classic is a bad idea, so like 1960/70's?? I'm very keen on this... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-T...163?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20fbd883a3 ....totally aware that it is a Cafe Racer model. Does this effect things drastically when replacing parts (if it's a classic)? I really love the 60's/70's classics but are they a nightmare to maintain, especially with little knowledge of bikes? Also, would something like the above be suitable for a first bike? Thanks again and apologies for my complete naivety! Mike
Hi Deerstalker, ^That's a nice looking bike! An old bike does take maintenance, So you have to ask yourself how much riding you intend to do? How much you know and how much confidence you have, an old classic will build these up quite quickly. A garage, though not a necessity, would be a great advantage, If you want a classic looking bike you could get a decent bonnie/scrambler/thruxton for around the same. Although I like the idea of tinkering I like riding more so I take every opportunity to get out riding hence my '58 thunderbird is sitting neglected in my shed at the mo'!
Cheers chaps. Well the reason I'm considering a bike is because I don't really need a car. I work from home so there's no commute everyday. I'm reluctant to get a car for the insurance, maintenance costs etc too. It's just a bit unnecessary basically. I have just moved into the city centre, new flat (no garage) but really need to get some form of transport under my belt. I'm thirty in a few months and hate relying on taxis, public transport. I'd only really be using it at the weekends for fun and to drive in and around the city for meetings and visiting family every now and again. It definitely wouldn't be everyday up and down motorways etc. I'm properly in love with the Cafe Racer on ebay (link above). Would this be unwise move do you think? What do you make of the details/seller? Trusted?
man the fact that it will be street parked would defo say no to a classic, you wouldn't keep it more than a week!! You would probably turn up to your meeting with oil down your trouser leg, only mode of transport.... A classic isn't really a mode of transport but a hobby to go out on with no deadlines. I know this all sounds negative but as they say... " a pessimist is only an optimist with experience!". Littleade maybe right, pick up a cheap scooter or low priced modern classic and see how it gets on.
Thanks a lot for the help/advise. Certainly some things to consider for sure. The scooter might be an idea but I'm unsure. I've been watching this for a while on ebay... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171777177104?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT ...but thinking I might feel a bit of a knob on an Lambretta as I'm in no way a "mod". Still keen on the first bike/model 790cc I posted firstly on the thread. This possibly is still an option. Need to check out storage in the new flat too. Could possibly rent a space centrally near the flat. Thanks again.
Hi Steve, what do you mean by, "looks like it has carbs rather than EFI"? Is this something that comes with that particular model 790cc Bonneville? Hope you don't mind explaining a bit more. Thanks.
I personally would go for the Bonneville you have pictured in the first post , it's likely to be reliable , fun to ride & you'll have lots of fun on it . I have a T350 twin as a second bike , it's an old classic from the early sixties & yes it is fun to ride but 60 mph is about its lot & the front brake doesn't really work as such , the back brake kind of does but it depends how quickly you want to stop . Sometimes it won't start when its in a mardy , & it usually leaves a little puddle as a calling card . If I'm out for a ride with a few others on their classics then great , but on my own I'm usually at the liberty of all the faster things on the road & if I'm with a group of riders on modern bikes then I have to meet them there . It's not all roses , so thankfully I have a modern Triumph that does everything & to be honest I do most miles on that , the old one only comes out for high days & holidays
Hi Deerstalker, the Hinckley Bonneville was introduced in 2001 with a 790cc engine with carburetors. It was enlarged to 865cc in 2007 and all bikes after 2008 are fuel injected. (EFI - electronic fuel injection). Not really sure which model the bike in your photo is as they made the throttle bodies on EFI models look like carburetors! I agree with the above comments - a classic Bonneville needs looking after and maintaining and needs to be garaged! Not ideal as the only means of transport and one left on the street overnight. Go for a "modern" Bonneville from 2001 onwards - mines an 04 with 34000 on the clock and it runs like a dream, change the oil regularly and have the valves adjusted every 12000 miles and the engines are virtually bullet proof. There are lots and lots and lots of modifications you can do and the list of after market parts is virtually endless - lots of good online suppliers - probably one of the easiest bikes to customise. (Your wallet will always be empty!)
Welcome Deerstalker, Well I only have old classic bikes, and the newest is a 1980 Bonneville Special T140E, and this is the only one I class as a still useable everyday bike in modern traffic PROVIDED I continually fettle with it and keep brakes in tip top condition. I love riding it, but you do need to "know" old bikes and be able to fix at the roadside occasionally, BUT they are easier to fix generally by the fact that they are simpler in design. All my pre 70's bikes are only ridden on bimbles round the New Forest and to shows, which is great fun....but if I have to ride any on an A or M road, there is often a pinch mark in the seat! In short, if you want an everyday, reliable, commuter bike, don't want or can't fettle with it, get something modern. If you want a "proper" bike I would recommend the Bonnie in your first post....although if left out in street a scooter is probably less likely to get nicked. If you have a classic you daren't leave it anywhere without it either being stolen or very least bits stolen off it while you are in the cafe, or even at shows!!...yes that has happened to me I suppose I'm hooked on the classics because I'm an old fogey that grew up on them, so my heart can't abandon them, but I think you Deerstalker maybe you should let your head rule your heart. In fact being honest, with my kicking leg knee starting to give up, I am starting to cast my eye around for an electric start bike....and am probably more in a quandary as to what to go for than you