TRITON! ...at last...

[grandpaul]

For those who are unfamiliar with the Triton concept, it takes a classic 60s Norton "featherbed" frame and mates it with a Triumph big twin engine. From that basic concept, the variations are endless; pre-unit and unit engines, old forks, new forks, drum brakes, discs, every type of header system you could imagine (mostly the swept-back style, for some reason), etc., etc., etc.

Now that I've FINALLY got my hands on a Featherbed frame (considering building one for at least 15 years), I'm checking my inventory spreadsheets to see what I can toss together to give me inspiration.

On hand:

Featherbed chassis
Ceriani forks, Arces yokes, SLS brake
Commando rear wheel assembly, drum brake
Commando rear shocks
'69 T120R Bonneville lump
750 big bore kit w/ aluminum cylinders
5-speed T140V cluster conversion
Lytedrive belt drive primary system
Finned primary cover
Amal 930 carbs w/ velocity stacks
Bonnie tank w/ parcel grid (67 Euro paint scheme
Featherbed "bum stop" cafe seat with cutout
Upswept TR6C scrambler pipes with stock muffs
Early central-mount Norton oil tank
Simple clip-ons, levers & controls
Tympanium regulator/rectifier
Smiths speedo & tach with early 70s mounting setup

Needed:

Home-made rearsets
Home-made engine mounting plates
Sparx ignition, hand-made wiring harness (I have wire & connecors)
Retro lighting
Cables, chain, bits & bobs

I figure I'll toss it together loosely and park it between my garage door and shop door, so I can look at it a dozen times a day and get inspiration. I like Bones' latest mods, I figure I can aim in that direction...

Frame (also have the swingarm)-

Engine (probably not this head, I have several good ones to choose from)-

Front end (it's been cleaned up since this photo when I first got it)-

That's the basics of the project; now let's see when I can squeeze in some TIME!

 

[grandpaul]

Mockup phase

Suspension & wheels-

Hollow engine block & oil tank-

Mostly mocked up. For lack of any other tank that was even close, I set the High Rider tank in place for the photo-

 

[grandpaul]

Here's the final mock-up, including quarter fairing, before it rolled off into the garage where the new clean space is-

A shot of the 5-speed cluster-

...and the Lytedrive kit-

 

[grandpaul]

This is the unmarked 750cc kit that is a drop-in to the 650 cases with zero modifications-

Venoila pistons-

 

[Lonzo]

Nice. Looking forward to the updates.

 

[CarlS]

Great project, Paul. I am looking forward to the progress reports.

 

[grandpaul]

Long time since the last update! (even got a forum warning to start a new topic, that's a first)

Updates on my Vintage Bikes Forum on Delphi...

 

[CarlS]

That tank is a nice find and it looks really good.

 

[DaveM]

Well lets hope we start seeing more on this one from you here as well GP :y114:

 

[grandpaul]

I'm currently only posting update links till the actual overhaul and build start, but i'll make sure to post the full poop over here as I'm the moderator!

 

[grandpaul]

Here's my rendering of the bike as I see it happening. Still not decided on mufflers, these are shorty megaphones...

(click on the photo to get better resolution)

 

[CarlS]

I am eager to see the finished product! The drawing is but a tease.

 

[DaveM]

Paul that is looking great but now I need to see the finished product :y114:

 

[grandpaul]

I'd like to be done by mid-May, but realistically might be closer to Christmas!

 

[DaveM]

I suppose there is no rush as long as you are still at it

 

[grandpaul]

It'll move along rather smoothly, as I have parallel client projects that allow me to benefit from volume purchase savings on parts & services (powdercoat, polishing, chrome, etc.).

This time, it's good timing!

 

[CarlS]

That is, indeed, good timing and money saving.

 

[DaveM]

Very good timing indeed

 

[grandpaul]

Engine mount conversion plates and all overhaul parts have been ordered and are on the way.

Frame and associated parts are stripped for powdercoat, those will get delivered to powdercoater next week, parts to be chromed will go in to the plater on the same day.

Engine covers will wait for polishing till conversion plates arrive; the plates might need to be polished as well (not sure of the level of finish).

Next thing I need to do is work out the fit of the wheels with the forks & swingarm, to see if I'm going to need custom spacers and/or axles.

The front wheel fit will be last to decide, depending on whether I am able to acquire a 4LS brake in a timely manner.

Humming right along...

 

[hemibee]

I'll repeat what's already been said, interesting project that has me wanting to see more. As also said, doing it right and the cost savings are great, no need to satisfy our desires as it is only you that has to be pleased with the end product.


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