1972 T120R 650 Bonneville Resurection

[KINGBEE72]

My Bonneville has been setting in my basement For 39 years. It is a low mileage bike and I am wondering should it be rebuilt. I took it apart in 1980 and mocked it up with new parts as an Old School Chopper. Mainly due to the fact that the stock components were trashed. I need to pull it back apart to powder coat the frame and rear fender and update the electrics as well as all wiring. Any input and/or advice would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[grandpaul]

I wouldn't worry about the engine internals if, as you say, it is low miles (and if it was previously running well with no strange sounds).

By "basement", do you mean dark, dank, moist & creepy, or temperature-controlled and dry? Makes a HUGE difference in what you are likely to find when you start to dig the parts out!!!

As to what you will "do" with it, only you can decide if you want to go standard, cafe, touring, bobber, or whatever. Each "type" has its benefits...

As far as the core, you are starting on the right track with powdercoating the frame, just make sure to correct any possible discrepancies on it such as bent/broken tabs, etc.

The engine's main outer covers need to come off, and pull the spark plugs, then flush out all the internals with kerosene. Make sure you don't drop out the intermediate cam timing gear, and carefully see if it turns over after that.

Here is a step-by-step on "revival": Starting a Tiger that’s been sitting awhile.

Too many other possibilities from here, a lot depends on your choice of style/finish...

 

[KINGBEE72]

Thanks Grandpaul for the advice. That will save a ton of money. It has been in my climate controlled basement and I put oil in the cylinders . I periodically kick it over to ensure that it is not locked up. Can't wait to here it run again. I think I will try a Motogadget M-unit with a Boyer Electronic Ignition and a Antigravity 8-Cell battery. What is your opinion of these components as I have always just used points and capacitor as back up for the battery? Many thanks again.

 

[grandpaul]

I'd recommend the Pazon over the Boyer. Since I no longer resell parts, I don't think I'm biased. Then, a Sparx regulator/rectifier to top it off.

I recently installed an M-Unit "Blue" (bluetooth capable) for a client; it's a bit more work, but very trick. You have to make you own harness unless you un-tape the standard harness, wire everything up per the ground-only-through-control-switches / new wires to powered devices scheme, then carefully re-tape the revised harness. Personally, I would just build an all new harness-.

Antigravity are nice, but way expensive. I use inexpensive AGM batteries off ebay.

 

[KINGBEE72]

Thanks again for your input. Does the Pazon unit eliminate the points? I am going to build a new harness anyway, part of the reason for opting for the M-unit. I have used AGM batteries in the past on my Suzukis, thus another wise cost saving measure. The Sparx unit is another good tip. I had open heart surgery for a double bypass on August 13, this year and it knocked me down for a hot minute. I have only been riding once since then, but am doing pretty well now. The good riding weather is over in this area for now, so I hope to proceed with getting the trumpet back up and running. Your input has been very enlightening and I am sure I will need more as this project moves forward.

 

[triumph david]

Sounds like you have a good start on your project, post some pictures as you go.

 

[grandpaul]

Yes, the Pazon EI eliminates points and condensers.