Topic: 1968 Triumph Bonnie questions

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

So this little guy popped up locally. I keep swearing off non-Honda bikes, sure I'm going to lose money at some point, but I just keep itching for an old Brit that I'll bond with.

Anyways, what can you Triumph buffs tell me? I know I want a pre-70 Bonnie. This one seems to have a repaint, missing a gauge, tank rubber knee pads. But thats all I can put my finger on. Estimate of what I should pay??

[country joe]

Well, I do know about triumphs, although I am no expert, My Dad started off with one, and both my Uncles have only ever owned Triumphs and BSAs. I see you ride a CB550. I own one also, but am in the process of trying to get it road ready. Anyway, the first thing you'll notice on a triumph twin once you throw your leg over her is the vibration. It can be bad and gets even more intense the higher the speed, thats just the way they are. You need to go around with a screwdriver and a set of wrenches about oh, every week or so of steady riding and check nuts and bolts for tightness. The taillight screws seem to be the worst. My dad's '63 TT120 Bonneville used to actually wear the threads flat on these screws. I'm not kidding. If you looking for a '68 you'll need three different kinds of wrenches: Metric, Standard, and Whitworth. Yes, three different units of measurement on these babies. Now don't get me wrong, I love Triumphs and BSAs, but there is a larger amount of maintainence to be done on 'em, much more so than any SOHC Honda. That is mainly what killed the British bike market. The Japanese bikes. Not nearly as much to do, less vibration, a FAR better electrical system, and a handful of other things. By the time the British ironed out the worst problems and made a truly decent machine, the damage had already been done. The Japanese had gained a foothold on the market. Like I said I do love these old British bikes and would definitely pick one up for the right price, but just know they are not a SOHC Honda. I'll pass on something I once heard: A British motorcycle can make a fabulous mechaninc out of an ordinary man. I'm not bad mouthing these lovely old British gals, just letting you know what you would be getting into. They can make quite a bit of power, and give a lot of other bikes out there a run for their money. What would I pay for one? Well I haven't checked the prices on the old bonnies in a while, but I've seen cherry ones go for anywhere between $3200ish to $8500ish. The one you have in the picture, I would pay no more than $2800 myself. But that is me, and I'm no expert. Anyway I hope I've helped.

[country joe]

oh, I forgot to mention I don't think there is a gauge missing. I am pretty sure Triumphs only had a speedometer this particular year. I haven't seen tachs pop up on them until '73 and later.

[bryanj]

Bonnevilles always had tacho's but need to see the timimg cover to tell you if it should be there.Dont think its a standard colour.

Frame and engine numbers must be identical or its not worth as much, should be T120****** (not sure on exact number of numbers).
They leak,vibrate and bits fall off apart from that should be ok----Oh yeh front drum brake is crap

[Nikkisixx]

Hard to tell from just one pic, but a good runner goes at least $2000 while a cherry example would go as much as $8,000.   If it is clean and runs well and is only missing the items you mentioned I'd go around $3,000-$4,000.


You should have a Smiths tach driven off the doodad i circled in yellow.
Unlike our beloved Hondas, every part is available for these bikes, so you can ea$ily get a new tach and cable.

My Trump has a lot of personality, and neither my honda nor triumph is superior - just different.

[Old Scrambler]

Check the BAXTER cycle ads.............buy it for as low as possible but a '68 is the most desirable year.  A top quality restoration will fetch bids of $9000 from local buyers but Randy Baxter has international buyers at $11,000 and up. They are also worth more on the west coast.

[gregk]

i bought a new Bonneville in 68.  Paid $1225 canadian.  They leak, shake as noted by some of the others.  i believe that with the new fastners and lock tite adhesives, you should be able to make one tight and stay that way.  A big improvement to them is using Makuni carbs.
My bike would actually migrate down the concrete driveway on the centre stand when it was running !

greg

[Old Scrambler]

Another thing to consider...........I just sold a '68 Triumph T100C and have a '67 T100C that I plan to keep.........I delivered the '68 to the new owner at a recent event at Road America, before he arrived, I rode the T100C around the grounds and parked it a few times. It drew the expected looks and pointing fingers, as well as a few questions to clarify the year and model. Several 'nice bike' comments. Later in the day I rode my original CB750 K3 around the grounds and attracted a very different reaction. Yes, the same looks and questions about what year......but several people wanted to know 'how much' or 'is it for sale?'  A few even gave me their contact info to let them know if I found another CB750 for sale in similar condition.  I thought it was a good example of the difference in marketability between the two marks.

[Magpie]

Around here that bike could be worth around $5000 give or take. I asked a fellow living on the Island that specializes in Brit bikes what a fairly complete 650 Bonnie would be worth and that's what he said. He may be a could source of info you too http://www.robinsclassicmotorcycles.com/  I bought a 1968 Bonnie brand new and traded it for a 1969 CB750 which I crashed a short while later. I consider the pre-1970 Triumphs works of art, among the best Brit bikes produced. I would like the opportunity presented to you to find me after I finish my current build. They aren't "better" than the SOHC4's just different. Here's a teaser for you, my idea of heaven's driveway. Put your 550 beside the Bonnie - it will make quite a pair of bikes!
Cliff.

[Magpie]

Did you buy it?
Cliff.

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

Did you buy it?
Cliff.

No, but I haven't ruled it out. He wants retail price, which I might be willing to pay, but I don't know enough about older bonnies. There are obviously some missing pieces and I'm not even sure it's the correct tank. Still trying to learn more.

[Magpie]

That looks like a TR6 tank to me, the Bonnie's was narrower at the rear and I don't think it had a rack on it. It should have a tach. It should also have T120R on it somewhere.
Here's a terrible picture of mine when it was new. Send the pics to Robin Mullett, http://www.robinsclassicmotorcycles.com/ , and he may be able to help you. Tell him that Cliff Halayko suggested you contact him for some info about it. He's a good guy and knows his stuff. He may have send some pics too.
More info

and this one http://www.sunzeri.com/GoldStar/T120R1968.htm  may help to wet your appetite more for it.
Good luck!
Cliff.

[Magpie]

Forgot my pic.
Cliff.

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

Thanks cliff, I just dropped him a line and will report back.

[gerhed]

Not mentioned is the incredible light and maneuverable (sp?)
feeling of the old 650 twins.
My '67 TR6 is not a freeway machine but it is a joy to
ride and look at.

[bryanj]

The next months copy of Classic Bike (just got my copy in the post) has a 68 bonnie US/UK comparison in it mate