Saving Old Seagulls

I've been offered the above cycle. Very tempted. 3k quid, restored. Might need to sell a few gulls. Has a pair of amal carbs which will make me feel at home. Anyone have experience of these? Villiers ignition? Will I then start searching for an early sixties one?

Hugo I have a 66 Speed Twin, very similar in many ways particularly wheels brakes etc. The most desirable Bonnevilles are 1970 and earlier. In 1971 they went to a oil in the frame set up. So a 71 is a very different beast to a 70. If the bike has not been tinkered with too much and in reasonable order that would be a good buy in the U.K. At £3k.

Tatty ones fetch that here. Email me a few pics and I can advise you..

Thanks Adrian. I know zilch about them. How or where do I look to find out the model/age etc? Love the sound with cut off pipes....

Yes,, that's a T120 OIF (oil in frame) model. Looks reasonably ok, depends very much on how the engine runs. If it runs ok a good clean up and ride bike. It should have twin clocks. The side panels have been replaced to make it look more like a pre OIF bike.

At that price it would sell fairly quickly in the U.K., particularly if it runs with no smoke and rattles etc So if you can see it running ok, then worth buying at that price I suspect. do check to see what other bikes are going for in your area.

Spares support is very good too, lots of new and used spares available.

Check that the engine number and frame number match, that would mean it is original, which helps.

The OIF bikes were delayed due to the frame design having issues, the engine would not fit, and the seat was too high. So by the time that was fixed the 1971 sales year had been missed. The massive cash flow hit was the start of the end for BSA who owned Triumph. In 1973 closure of the Triumph factory was announced but there was a workers sit in, which resulted in the Meriden Cooperative being formed to produce Bonnevilles. Plenty of info on the web, you have got me started!

Just go for it Hugo, is it here or there?

One of my neighbours has it. Research tells me with rego (motted) and in good running order it could be worth twice the figure mentioned. I'm not sure if my reflexes are up to a motorbike these days. I rode a lot in my late teens and there are a lot more cars around 40+ years later. Adrian I'm assuming it should have a tacho? What would be its top speed? I'll need a sidecar to put my inflatable and gull into

They are good for a ton if you really want to go that fast. However in reality they are a nice cruising bike for a sunday afternoon. There will be a decent classic bike scene in Sydney too I bet

Sunday afternoon cruise sounds the go. Catch up with the Bandidos for an ale or two and maybe collect some unpaid invoices on the way home.....

Where did you get the pic of ZZ top?

Hugz wrote: I'll need a sidecar to put my inflatable and gull into

Hugz wrote:Sunday afternoon cruise sounds the go. Catch up with the Bandidos for an ale or two and maybe collect some unpaid invoices on the way home.....

2016-12-11 08.42.11.jpg

Nice tooth pick china

I rather fancy this now. Seems more in keeping with SD's

'39 Norton ex RAF.

I approve Hugo lol

So what are you waiting for?

Regards
S

One with a side car!!

I have just the thing, Comrade, The Mighty Ural.