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Author Topic: might be buying an old bonnie  (Read 1266 times)

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Offline torrinh

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might be buying an old bonnie
« on: October 23, 2009, 10:04:03 AM »
Hey all,
I've always wanted a vintage Brit twin, and there was a 1976 Bonneville posted on CL here in portland a couple days ago. It needed body and engine work, but the guy only wanted $750 for it. Missed that sale by a day, but now there's a 74 for $1000 right here in Portland again. I feel like my heart is being jerked around. Anyway, I called the guy and basically it hasn't run in two years but does, I guess run. He said he'd been working on it and now it needs the transmission indexed. I'm not sure what that means, I've never heard that before. Does anyone here know?
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Offline ColinMc

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2009, 10:09:50 AM »
Not familiar with the term "indexed" as far as trannies go...maybe that's the same thing as checking the clearances/tolerances and stuff? I honestly have no idea though. I'm sure someone on the forum must know!
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Offline zoo mob

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #2 on: October 23, 2009, 10:15:47 AM »
If you want it (and I would at that price) jump on it, that won't last at that price. Just call the guy and ask him to explain the issue.
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Andrew
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Offline paulages

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #3 on: October 23, 2009, 11:44:29 AM »
he probably means indexing the gear selector. easy job.
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paul
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Offline torrinh

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #4 on: October 23, 2009, 05:07:55 PM »
well I'm buying it. I'm picking it up this weekend with my neighbor's truck. It's seen better times, but haven't all these old bikes. PO said that a Triumph mechanic (a friend of his, aren't they all) went through and did the whole engine, top and bottom. Looked good, kicked over well, sounded and felt like good compression. Needs a battery, gas and oil to get going it looks like, hopefully only that. Rubber's good, the tires need air, tank inside looks real good, better than my CB. Electrics will need some cleaning. I just hope the seals and what not haven't dried out and cracked, so that when she fires up she pisses oil, but if she does thankfully it's winter soon and I can tear down and replace the seals and gaskets. Hot damn, I've always wanted an old twin.
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Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2009, 06:10:41 PM »
Not a bad price.  Congratulations.  Looking forward to some pictures
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2009, 08:43:38 PM »
Soooo........ Did you get it? ;D
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Offline torrinh

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #7 on: November 04, 2009, 02:34:36 PM »
oh yeah, got her running after de-varnishing the carbs. sounds sweet, but loud with straight through drags
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1978 Honda CB750K w/ 1976 CB750F1 motor
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Offline eshumaker

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #8 on: November 04, 2009, 03:39:03 PM »
When can we expect pics? Pics? PICS!
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #9 on: November 04, 2009, 08:28:01 PM »
Well done! Don't forget to post some pics! ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline bucky katt

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Re: might be buying an old bonnie
« Reply #10 on: November 04, 2009, 09:50:38 PM »
old bonnevilles are pretty cool though i really prefer the earlier ones that didnt have oil in the frame, not sure why, i just do.
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