- Year of manufacture
- 1971
- Mileage
- 20530
This is my Father In Law's motorcycle. Illinois title in hand. He got divorced and left it in a shed until the ex decided to tear the shed down. It was stored wet and got a rear flat as it sat, so the rear tire was destroyed. I retrieved it and stored it for a few more years until it became evident he would not be able to ride it again. I had a new tire installed, drained fluids, replaced oil in reservoir and gear case. I put in a new battery, replaced most of the rubber oil and fuel lines, cleaned the tank, and flushed the carbs, cleaned the front drum and adjusted the brake. I had to track down a ground short to get spark. Before he stored it he had an electronic ignition system installed along with brand new Amal 932 carbs. It also did not have a center stand when we got it. I could not work on it without that so I added one. I am a professional bicycle mechanic and have worked on my own motorcycles in the past. I know what I know and that there is a ton I do not know.
Motor serial number matches the frame.
In a perfect world I would keep it and slowly restore it but to be honest I have never been a huge fan of British bikes. The backwards shift/brake situation isn't good for my standard moto background. For me it would have to be to ride this bike and none other. I know lots of others do it but it's not for me. To be honest it really needs at least a front disc brake to be safe in San Diego traffic.
The work on the bike before it was stored was done at Trophy Motorcycles here in San Diego. That shop closed and Isaac went to Rocket, which is now Triumph after the owner passed. They are not taking new business and in fact I could not find a single shop that is taking new business in town or will work on older carb bikes. This is going to need to be a job that a home enthusiast takes on.
Today I drained the oil from the sump and refilled the reservoir, primed the carbs and it fired up after a few kicks. I have a video of that, the tach bouncing (there is a speedo shop in North Park that can fix it. The cable is fine, I tested it with a drill and the gauge itself is the issue), and oil returning to the tank from the sump while running)
The sequence of prime, kick with key off, key on, kick works quite well.
The installed pipes are a 2-1 with a Harley pipe according to Dad. I have the original header pipes but no mufflers for them. Dad says ex probably threw them away.
I have a Norton repair manual and the parts book that will go along with the bike as well as repair receipts.
The known bad:
Fork stanchions have bushing wear and rust.
Needs carb tuning
Needs battery hold down hardware
Seat cover torn
Kill switch non operational (Possibly bad contacts)
Rear brake light switch should be replaced.
Side stand is present but is possibly bent and needs a spring. I hose clamped it to the frame.
The price is negotiable. It's tough to value these bikes as there are few out there to compare to.
Motor serial number matches the frame.
In a perfect world I would keep it and slowly restore it but to be honest I have never been a huge fan of British bikes. The backwards shift/brake situation isn't good for my standard moto background. For me it would have to be to ride this bike and none other. I know lots of others do it but it's not for me. To be honest it really needs at least a front disc brake to be safe in San Diego traffic.
The work on the bike before it was stored was done at Trophy Motorcycles here in San Diego. That shop closed and Isaac went to Rocket, which is now Triumph after the owner passed. They are not taking new business and in fact I could not find a single shop that is taking new business in town or will work on older carb bikes. This is going to need to be a job that a home enthusiast takes on.
Today I drained the oil from the sump and refilled the reservoir, primed the carbs and it fired up after a few kicks. I have a video of that, the tach bouncing (there is a speedo shop in North Park that can fix it. The cable is fine, I tested it with a drill and the gauge itself is the issue), and oil returning to the tank from the sump while running)
The sequence of prime, kick with key off, key on, kick works quite well.
The installed pipes are a 2-1 with a Harley pipe according to Dad. I have the original header pipes but no mufflers for them. Dad says ex probably threw them away.
I have a Norton repair manual and the parts book that will go along with the bike as well as repair receipts.
The known bad:
Fork stanchions have bushing wear and rust.
Needs carb tuning
Needs battery hold down hardware
Seat cover torn
Kill switch non operational (Possibly bad contacts)
Rear brake light switch should be replaced.
Side stand is present but is possibly bent and needs a spring. I hose clamped it to the frame.
The price is negotiable. It's tough to value these bikes as there are few out there to compare to.