Hi all, I'm new here so will be nice to chat to some of you. I have inherited a 1968 bonneville and really I'm looking to gain some more knowledge on it and of course it's value as it appears to apparently be rare. I'm a bigger modern bike guy but I never was into my classics unlike him, I should have paid more attention!. She runs fantastic and only has 300 miles from new but I doubt I'll get more than the 1 run I've had as the weather's now setting In. I've attached a pic if anyone can help please on detail etc
@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.
thanks. I have the mot history back to 2010 and it was on 2 miles then. i also have the heritage clubs certificate but noting else unfortunately
Hi there! Welcome to the forum! What a great "new" bike!!! It looks like that it needs only some little "refreshments".
Lovely bike, welcome to the forum. If I were you I would try and delete the picture of the V5 though!
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!
thanks for the observations. now ive done some digging i tend to agree with everything you have said, never the less, still a fantastic bike and i shall probably enjoy it for time to come
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.
