1968 Bonneville

@Jeremy Vinnicombe Wow three hundred miles. They are really not that rare unless it got some historic heritage. The seem to fetch between six and eight maybe yours being a minter with low miles could go for more but you need to be able to prove the miles and condition. But really i just wish i had the spare money i would be begging you for it.

 

Hi there! Welcome to the forum!
What a great "new" bike!!! It looks like that it needs only some little "refreshments".

 

That is a nice motorcycle in fine condition. As it's an "inheritance" I hope that offering condolences is in order. In terms of the bike, I hope you don't mind me offering some observations?

The bike is, clearly, an export model - probably North America if the "peanut" tank and high bars are any real indication, but I have considerable doubt that the 318 miles 'total' is quite as straightforward as it might, at first, seem to be. Why? Well, there are a few clues to a, presumably, 'hidden' past :-

• the plug cap visible isn't factory original. I THINK in 1968 it would have been Champion (maybe Lodge?)
• the engine case cover screws have been replaced with allen (socket head) type screws - factory original would have been cross head
• I'm really not sure about the mudguards - the fact that they're alloy blade rather than factory painted could, again, be an export market thing but I would expect "home model" to be colour painted
• the rear light is export model spec.
• the under tank reflectors are, for that era, export model spec.
• the air filter pod backplates should be smooth without the 'raised' centre part

The V5 document (and I agree, it would be wise to remove that picture if you can) shows date of first registration in 2010 so that, I imagine, is probably when it was repatriated/imported.

Regardless of all my apparent 'nitpicking', I think it's a great bike and, if it goes as well as it looks, it will be a wonderful machine to ride and enjoy and I hope it gives you many miles and years of pleasurable ownership. ENJOY!

 

Had issues trying to delete a picture previously. I think you’ll have to delete the post with the photo in it. Copy the post first (without the V5 photo obviously) to save all the retyping

 

@Jeremy Vinnicombe Still a very desirable bike. I think in an auction it could fetch a lot of money to the right buyer. Car and classic do auction sales and that would be my route if it was my machine. Sadly its not mine and I can only dream. It has to be a low milage bike. Just looking at it says it has been cherished by someone. If you do decide to sell drop me a private mail via the forum with your asking price and if I can raise the cash I will make you an offer

 

Do it Joe .. and one day in the future we may be able to mate your Bonnie with my '68 Trophy, and possibly get a ...... ? (Tronnie .. Brophy ???)

 

Do it Joe .. and one day in the future we may be able to mate your Bonnie with my '68 Trophy, and possibly get a ...... ? (Tronnie .. Brophy ???)

 

Mate long way just to mate two classics. And I can't I got my eye on a Matchless 650 if the owner decides to sell. And don't laugh but i have been considering a Fanny Bee

 

No laughs from me, I missed a 1951 Excelsior 197 a few years back. Hey, what year are they, I rode a mates Matchy 500 twin for a bit, years back, but still remember enjoying it !

 

Champion WC548's are the correct plug caps, there are repro's available online and if you spend a little time even the originals can still be found. Congrats on the bike and enjoy.

 

@wy

@Havit