I think I have an Attitude

[RKTNMYPKT]

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.

There have been a few individuals over the years that have pushed the envelope a bit, but they generally don’t stick around long

 

[EasTexRIII]

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 !

 

[Navigator]

OK, I get it. Billy is just being very sensitive to the feelings of the children who have good memories of their dad and his bike. I a bit harsh and over critical. Mea Culpa.

 

[BillyIndiana]

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.

Well Mr over 30 years you and I need to talk. This is my first real classic restore and I think your head holds a lot of knowledge that I need. Maybe some good sources too.

I appreciate all the input here. Lots of great thoughts and opinions.

I messaged the owner this morning and told him we need to set down go over everything.
He thinks the paperwork he has is worth money and I agree, but I can buy the shop manual for around $35.00 on line
He has a bunch of rusted up Whitworth wrenches he thinks are valuable, but with google I can get pretty much what I want.

I am willing to pay him a fair price for the extras, but I am thinking an extra $150 t0 $200 dollars for them is being generous.

 

[Dr.D]

I understand the sentimental attachment the ole man has for the bike and it is nice you respect that but you are not buying his sentiment. The bike will be yours and any mods you leave or make will create your own special ownership.

Regarding that other bloke, he aint using his money so blow him off.

 

[BillyIndiana]

Had a great conversation with Mike @Navigator this evening.

I will make the bike my own and do what I want. We will see where it ends up.

It will end up being a nut and bolt restore I am sure.

I am thinking it will make a great Youtube project also.

The thing that ticked me off is why is a person on a page for classic bikes if he has no passion for it?

If I cannot say something positive I make it a rule to keep my mouth shut.

 

[Navigator]

Can you get good cad plating in your area Billy?

One thing you are starting off with is a bike that's all there and as we discussed, you can get just about anything for them.

On the head, I just checked ebay and there are a bunch for sale with the vendor at the link seeming to have quite a few.

Cylinder Head - Triumph 650 / T120 Bonneville - 1963 To 1968 - Used [38-10162] | eBay

 

[Paul Bryant]

Interesting thread Billy.
When I first started this Business I was duplicating all the Factory original systems, all good I did well because I did the job properly, simple.

But then people started asking for period aftermarket systems, this I did as well.
That was a whole new market that I never even thought of at the beginning.

Great that you have got talk with Mike, he knows a few bits and pieces.
I know a bit about these old Girls as well, so if you need something that you can't find there in the USA, give me a shout.