1973 Bonneville 750

[cagepasser]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 73 Bonne from my uncle. This bike has not been ridden in 20+ years. It is quite literally a “barn bikeâ€. It was stored in a barn. The frame is rusty, the chrome is almost completely gone from the rear wheel. Every other piece of chromed metal will have to be re-chromed. The engine is free though. Against my better judgment, he turned it over by hand a few times.

I’m excited to finally purchase an old Triumph. But at the same time I can’t ignore the money pit that it will surly be. I just have to keep reminding myself. That a bike like this will never loose money. It is already increasing in value as it sits.

I may pick it up this week and when I do I will take a few pictures to share.

 

[CarlS]

Congratulations!! Welcome to the frustrating and very rewarding world of classic Brit iron. Yes, it will be a money pit and, yes, it will hold its value. But I will tell you that the value will be about what you have in the bike unless you the purchase is an exceptionally good deal as mine was. What I mean is that is not an investment on which to make money; but you will not lose money either.

Please do post pics. I love to hear about another vintage bike getting back on the road. :y115:

 

[The Seeker]

It may be cheaper to just buy NEW chrome parts than to have the rusty ones re-chromed. At least around here, re-chroming stuff is totally outrageously priced!

That's what I ran into when I was building my chopper. I could buy new replacements and pay shipping as well for 25% the cost of having the same part re-chromed.

 

[grandpaul]

I agree with Carl & A.J. on all points.

HOWEVER, if you are buying it as an investment, you better not pay more than a couple of hundred dollars.

Even shopping at swap meets, and buying from friends on forums, you won't have the bike in decent shape without spending a couple thousand dollars.

The oil-in-frame bikes can be bought in decent running shape for just a couple thousand, so there you go...

Still, they are ALL fun!

 

[cagepasser]

Thanks for the info guys.

I offered him $1500 for it. Is that too much?

 

[Gary]

Wow! $1,500? I think that's too much for a '73 in the stated condition. But I'm no expert; GrandPaul maybe?

After several restorations, I learned my lesson. The next time I buy an antique it will be fully restored to the condition I want (but not further). It's a waste of money to buy a mint show bike (or car) if you want to ride it as when you ride it it will become a rider and not a show bike.

I'm not sure I could go back to drum brakes, 650cc and constant maintenance of things like light bulbs, cables, low mileage tires, etc.

 

[CarlS]

That is a ballpark price for a complete oil in frame, rolling chassis in fair condition. That would be a good price for a complete pre oil frame, complete rolling chassis. It is not a rip off price and it is not a steal. Recently, a 1972 TR6 rolling chassis, complete, but not running, sold for $1500 locally.

 

[cagepasser]

Thanks for the info guys. I was getting a little worried I was paying too much. But here in Wisconsin, old Triumphs are as rare as striking gold.

I called a local dealer who is big into restoring old Triumphs, even building up new Thruxtons for racing. They stated that $1,500 is what the buy the oil-in-frame bikes for. In good condition they sell for $3,700 and a mint one will sell for $6,000+! They could rebuild the engine for $2,000 or more if it is in bad shape. I may go pick it up tonight if my uncle is home. Pictures to follow.

Thanks again

 

[fuzzy]

ALLRIGHT!!!!! :y115: :y115: New blood in the vintage game. It ain't that hard, and it'll give ya something to do when you can't sleep at night. Check some of the other posts and particularly GP's "Triumph Bonnevilles" site. Above all, do exactly what he says.

I got lucky on mine. It was in decent shape but still needed some major work. I have about 4K in it. Its now a one-kicker and a daily driver.

 

[grandpaul]

That's a fair price, as Carl said. I sold two basket case rolling projects for a little less than that last year.

You need to check out the Mid-Ohio swap meet, if possible. You should be able to buy anything the bike is missing, and take your time building it up yourself. Sounds like you are going to spend $3,500 - $4000 unless the bike is not far from running (which is possible sometimes).

 

[CarlS]

Very good, Cagepasser; welcome the the world of Meridan Triumphs! Start a thread in in Restoration and rebuilding in the Triumph Classics section. Post the pics of it there and update the thread as you progress with the rebuild. You can post any problems and questions there, also - and pics as you progress. Check out some of the threads in that section and you will see what I mean.

I'm looking forward to watching it reborn! :y115:

 

[DaveM]

Congratulations, I too will be looking out for the rebuild reports :y115:

 

[cagepasser]

Hey gents.

I almost went to pick it up last night. Maybe tonight... When I start working on it, it may take a few years. I spent 5 years on my 1978 KZ650.

The problem with the KZ was that it wasn't my primary bike and restoring it wasn't my primary hobby. I think I will have more ambition with the Triumph than I did with the KZ. Right now is a great time to start a project like this for me. It will be 2 months before I am back at the track.

I have already gone though the restoration forum. It was almost scary, allot of work, allot of parts and allot of money. I know this going into it so it won't be a surprise. I just have to keep my eyes on the prize, a restored Triumph!

 

[CarlS]

When you get started, take lots of photos and keep us posted on the progress. The prize is worth the effort and $$$$

 

[Sunshine Jim]

welcome to wrench city, take your time on the strip down, use a little heat if things are stubborn and lots of penetrating oil.

theres a built in grenade in the average triumph thats been sitting a while, the crankshaft sludge trap.

a complete tear down is a nice way to get a dependable Triumph going and has a few other benefits as well.

chroming is always an economic challenge, join the club. worth it though and if you learn how to polish the parts yourself MUCH cheaper.

im doing my first unit engines currently myself and waiting for my shop manuals and parts books. theres a nice one available on DVD from www.britcycle.com

"The Triumph DVD 5th Edition (BCS Part # 150-31) covers virtually all post-war models. 30% more manuals, parts lists and extras than the 4th edition.
Check Contents (pdf)

The fifth edition is back to a single disk, but is now a DVD. Why a DVD? The collection became too big to fit even on two CDs. Technology allowed all previous contents to be put on one DVD and there are lots of new files, with lots of new memorabilia, reproductions of old advertising material, additional material for the twins and triples (including a fabulous rebuild guide for the 63-70 650cc twins), another revision and addition of the Service Sheet Collection, and a whole lot of new material for the Service Section - some of it originally "Dealers Only" stuff. Enjoy!"

 

[cagepasser]

Thanks for the tips guys and Jim, I will look into that. I have not been able to pick up the bike yet. I spent all my $ paying off my Sprint and I signed up for two more track days at the end of this month.

I spoke with my uncle this weekende. He said not to worry, the bike isn't going any where.

 

[CarlS]

Don't let it slip away.