Hinckley Bonnevilles

Went back down to the bike again. Took fresh battery. As soon as I got there popped the old one out and the new one in. The guy looked at me like I was preforming brain surgery. Tried firing up the bike, still wouldn't start. Finally got it to catch and run, really poorly. Black soot out the back, coughing and weezing. After a little bit of that it settled down. And then purred.

He looked at me and said, so it was just the battery? I thought he was going to cry.

I took it for a little spin down his street. It was perfect.

I came back and he said let's hurry up before he changes his mind. Finished up the paperwork and got out of there, my dad following me. As soon as I got up on the freeway the low fuel light came on. Of again to fuel up. No reserve tap on this thing.

Then up I-5 about 50 miles home. It just went. My hands got a little tired, and buzzy. But that was fine. It never skipped a beat.

Needs a new rear tire. And spark plugs. I think he never rode it very hard and the between the plugs fouling and an old battery it gave up on him. A fresh battery and an "Italian tuneup" and it's all back to normal.

I could easily give it a bath and make a grand or so flipping it. But I'll just enjoy it.

You never mentioned the price, I'm guessing just under $5K?

It has potential. It'll hit the ton with ease, but not a lot more unless it's been breathed on (probably 115 - 118 indicated)

Ditch the AI, airbox, and smog stuff, get open exhaust and a remap (I'm guessing its fuel injected). It will run much better and be a bit more peppy.

$5400 which is not a lot for a low miles fuelie.

I'm not going to touch the engine for now. I don't need to do the ton on the way to work...

I've seen ads in the back of CW for a improved oil cooler., spendy at $850. They also have other bits available.
http://www.streetmaster.net/

Thats a good deal you got there.

An improved oil cooler is not needed, even in the desert.

I'll take that Air Injection module off your hands when you decide to ditch it. You shouldn't wait too long unless you like the look of blue pipes.

grandpaul said:

An improved oil cooler is not needed, even in the desert.

I'll take that Air Injection module off your hands when you decide to ditch it. You shouldn't wait too long unless you like the look of blue pipes.

Click to expand...

Have you not seen the Norton? :mrgreen:

It also causes popping on decelleration...

grandpaul said:

It also causes popping on decelleration...

Click to expand...

Sure does.

The best thing about this bike is that it's unmolested. Aside from the flyscreen it's completely stock. Anything I take off the bike will stay with the bike. But I'll get to know it better before doing anything to it.

It probably needs nothing more than some regular usage.
Looks like a keeper, but then they all are.

Glen

It was a daily commuter, it just wasn't a long commute.

I think I might pull the AI system, it looks pretty easy to do.

Nice buy, you will be very happy with what you got, once you get use to ridding it you be surprised at how well they ride, they are a comfortable bike to ride on long trips.

Enjoy

Ashley

I'm still getting use to the seat.

Went riding with some friends and they were on newer Japanese bikes. A Superhawk (I think) and a spanking new FZ1. I couldn't keep up.

Pair of Dunstall Decibles , some racey tyres , & Clipons * . ( * + bulk deal at chiropractor ) Can you fit a Magneto .

You're in with the wrong crowd if they leave you behind.

grandpaul said:

You're in with the wrong crowd if they leave you behind.

Click to expand...

They keep me in sight. :mrgreen:

I am going the other way. The restoration on my Norton took forever. The whole time I was riding my 04 Triumph Bonneville.
The Norton was like a real hot girlfriend on the side. Expensive, drama, waiting, problems, maybe you will get some next week.
The whole time the Triumph was like the good wife, no problems, reliable, always willing and able. Now the Norton is finished the Bonneville has gotten very little love. Does that make me a bad person ? I know some people need more than one bike, some have whole garages full. I just want one and I have decided to sell the wife.

hankmarx said:

I am going the other way. The restoration on my Norton took forever. The whole time I was riding my 04 Triumph Bonneville.
The Norton was like a real hot girlfriend on the side. Expensive, drama, waiting, problems, maybe you will get some next week.
The whole time the Triumph was like the good wife, no problems, reliable, always willing and able. Now the Norton is finished the Bonneville has gotten very little love. Does that make me a bad person ? I know some people need more than one bike, some have whole garages full. I just want one and I have decided to sell the wife.

Click to expand...

I think you are very brave. Keep the wife and the mistress. You never know when the mistress will get mad and not put out.

swooshdave said:

I think I might pull the AI system, it looks pretty easy to do.

Click to expand...

To get the "tubes" out of the head it takes a longer deep well socket, I broke mine off then used a regular deep well to remove them. Save money deleting it by buying the vacuum caps and plugs from a hardware store.

To gt a machine operated by an old woman to loosen up can take a bit of time , a good few miles .

If its never had the throttle WFO & the temperatures up , it probably still pretty close / tight clearances .

Not Open ' race ' free running clearances , yet . As it hasnt been opertated in that manner .

Or HAS he worn the ends of the Footrests . ? & edges of the tyres .