I think I have an Attitude

So I am in the process of closing the deal on the 1965 Bonneville.

I was searching out information at Facebook on Triumph Motorcycle-Classics.
It has been a good thread with lots of information.
but
Earlier today one guy on there was commenting and I answered him politely, but as the day went on thinking about what he said just got under my skin.

This evening I rebuked his thoughts.

It is funny to me how we buy new bikes and mod them to make them our own, yet we buy vintage motorcycles and try to ease everything done to them and restore them to a sterile condition.

Thought I would post it here for your entertainment and comments.

No matter where you go in life, someone has an opinion...like my opinion of wanker Dave Lauren (boy's name...girl's name...go figure?)

That’s pretty much the same reason I have left every forum I have ever been a part of except for this one, people have a tendency to turn into idiots on the internet, you handled yourself quite well considering the idiot you were dealing with

Old modifications on it make it period correct, IMHO. Some of the parts and techniques used to modify bikes back then can't be replicated today.
I think it's awesome you want to keep it the way it was modified in the past. Because like you said, if you restore it, then it's just another '65 Bonneville.

Billy, as one who has been rebuilding and restoring vintage/classic Triumphs for over 30 years, I'm not sure what the issue is but perhaps I'm just missing something.

Back in the day many modified the Triumph and BSA vertical twins but so many of the mods done were terrible, turning them into hard tails, extending the front forks, and a host of stupid stuff that ruined their superb handling along with their value.

The classic Brit bikes value is determined by how close to original condition it is. To me they came off the assembly line as near works of art and beautiful machines. I look at the ax job modifications now and cringe, not giving a rats ass about what the guy doing the ax job had in mind, nor his legacy.

We modify our bikes to make them perform and handle better, not ruining the value of our machines in doing so. Bad analogy to me.

To me there is no such thing as "just another Bonnie". Their legacy is that they are Bonnies and sticking a single carb TR6 head on one is just plain goofy.

Just my thoughts.

I understand just where you are coming from Billy , this old boy has been reluctant to sell the bike as there are the memories and emotions of two loved and obviously dearly missed family members tied up in the fabric of this machine . Yourself being a caring and loving person feel an affinity towards that and this my friend is to be applauded ! Personally , I would make the very best of the bike as it is now , changing nothing out of respect of the sellers memories . I would polish it , fettle it and make it the best it can be in regards to the memory that this old boy had of the bike . Then photograph it and maybe even take it around to show the old guy . That done , I would take it back home and then do what I wanted to do , namely restore it back to a sought after and valuable concourse machine thus ticking two boxes , namely , making an old man very happy and even for just a short valuable time restoring one or two cherished memories , and secondly finally ending up with a bike which will be part of your legacy , which your loved ones may even end up with in their living room with fond memories of you . On the other hand , they may just sell it to fund a nice holiday ! this is a sale / purchase based around a lot of emotion and it's a lovely thing that you have respect for that . Just my opinion !

talk to the old geezer and see what his plans were re doing it up, that way you will have a direction perhaps....he might even like to be along side you watching an helping???....you'll sort it...

....AND...yes you have an attitude!!!.....just like all your buddies on here!...i personally like people, either sex, who say what they mean...direct communication so you know where you stand!...sure it jolts some folk but say it, get on with it!...if you get hurt feelings from it....GET OVER IT!
i'm with you!

RKTNMYPKT said:

That’s pretty much the same reason I have left every forum I have ever been a part of except for this one, people have a tendency to turn into idiots on the internet, you handled yourself quite well considering the idiot you were dealing with

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Even after all the smart arse remarks members make on some of your post you still stay around so we can make even more.

You are truly a great man.

You spent your hard earned money, and the title has your name on it. It's yours to do as you want. The opinion of others don't matter. You'll figure out which direction you want to go with her, and you can enjoy the finished results of your work.