It would be nice if this forum had a section for conversation on the Hinckley era bikes. I have three of them. Especially the classic triples. On my side of the pond, they are pretty rare. I like to know what is going on with them in the UK and abroad. Comments ? ...J.D.
No. I am referring to mainly the 885cc T-3's. The 1200 fours would also be contemporaries [1993-2002]. Am I missing something. Are they grouped in with others ? I DO see some conversation on the Thunderbirds, but even they are quite a different bike from the new Thunderbird. ...J.D.
They’re not exactly that common over here either. I’ve seen very few around in the last few years. When my 1200 was still on the road it used to get quite a bit of attention because of its rarity, and that’s about 10 years ago now.
There was one other owner in my area that I knew of, but I haven't heard from him in a few years. I would hate to see these disappear. They are history. But they surely are thier own "species". I wonder how many of them would come out of hiding if we started talking about them. ...J.D.
Wouldn't 'Hinckley era' include all the bikes that were still being made, or at the very least assembled, at Hinckley up until this year as I was under the impression that all the machines except the classics range were still being produced at Hinckley. Perhaps a 'Pre-Fire' classification would be better? I would certainly be happy to participate as my Sprint RS is Pre-Fire Hinckley built and the 2001 Bonnie I am having delivered at the end of this week is also Pre-fire Hinckley built. Isn't it so very ironic that the bikes, with the exception of the 2001 Bonneville 790cc and, I believe, some of the early 865cc model T100's, which are based on and sold on the basis of being tributes to, the 'Classic' Triumph heritage of the late fifties and early sixties are the machines in the Triumph range that have never, ever been manufactured in Britain. I have to say that, on a forum for another hobby I remarked about the frustration of waiting for lockdown to end so I could go looking for a new Triumph and one of the other members, a Thruxton R owner in New Zealand, remarked "Why would you want to spend a lot of money on a Thai built Thruxton when you have a solidly built Hinckley machine. I can't help but admit that it sticks in my craw a little that Triumph have now completely abandoned large scale manufacturing in the UK and that the 'Classics' in particular are not British built. This was one of the factors that led to me not buying a new machine. That and the fact that I find the current range don't really zing visually for me the way the earlier ones do. As a result I split my ready cash up between an immaculate 2014 Bonnie (Thai I know but the gold and white finish just grew on me until I couldn't resist) and an absolutely gorgeous 2001 Green and Silver 790cc with a Union Jack design on the tank. It says a lot as well that the 2001 model, despite being thirteen years older, cost only a few hundred less than the 2014 and, having been watching the market religiously- on my knees in front of the computer praying for the right bike to come up for sale! - for quite a number of weeks, this is not specific to this unusual example and the vast majority of hinckley built Bonnies are fetching prices equivalent to much younger models no matter how many bells and whistles the newer models have.
You make a good point Marty. I have a "pre-fire" version of a 790 America in my fleet. It is a 2002. I figure it was either made in 2001 as a 2002, or it got out the door without being scorched. They also built the earliest 790 Bonnevilles at that time. ...J.D. As for being in the barn, waiting to be found. Looks like I own the barn
Bought this one 6months or so back. 1998 Sprint Executive ! The night shot is after cleaning , after the pub run (Helena Valley Tavern). Yup agree they are great classics. Some models are now appreciating ... ! Thunderbird , Trophy (1200) and Speed Triple !
All the T-3 models share a lot of parts. If you pull the plastic, sometimes it is hard to tell what model it was. From Trident up to the 900 Trophy. Add another cylinder and you had a 1200. The early factory design team showed some real ingenuity in getting as many models out of as few parts. ...J.D.
The early Hinckley bikes are out there and there are, I think, fairly substantial numbers owned by forum members on here. The T3 range covered Trident, Sprint, Trophy, Speed Triple, Daytona, Super III and, fundamentally, the Thunderbird based bikes so I can't imagine there's any shortage of interest in them. That said, the early Hinckleys are becoming less visible and less common out on the road - partly because many of the component parts of these bikes are now manufacturer obsoleted making maintenance and repairs a pretty substantial and costly problem. You can't (AFAIK) buy original or OEM air filters; panels; instruments; exhaust/silencers; suspension components etc., etc., etc. I'm doing my best but if someone can point me towards the barn I'll happily add a few to my current count of 6.
Suspension parts are available , non genuine. I'm replacing the rear mono shock soon , can source one from Ikon in Albury Australia , about $600 or $700 dollar's. I made enquiry about 3 months ago. They can supply and same shock fits all T300's
I brought this thread up with the idea of those of us that still own them should communicate. I was hoping the site operators would see fit to supply us a section.dedicated to these machines. They are historically important, as well as the genesis of the modern Triumph line. ...J.D.
Can't disagree with any of that at all. Anyone know if there's a "formal" process for requesting the stablishment of a forum section?
Can't remember which, but either Sprint Manufacturing or Squaredeals (possibly both?) have original air filters available - could be repro though. Just stuck a K&N element in mine and have left well alone ever since, although the lad who services my bike did clean and re-oil it the service before last. Glutton for punishment I guess!! Sprint do have aftermarket exhaust/silencers, Hagon do front and rear suspension, but breakers and ebay are your friends for the rest, unfortunately - unless the likes of Fowlers and World of Triumph have access to odd bits, which will obviously only be those that you don't need!
I have had the Sprint about 18-19 years. The Legend maybe 5 yrs. Going forward I can see parts are.going.to be a problem. All the dealer wants to talk to me.about is buying a new bike. A few years back I could order parts, but I had to wait awhile to get them. Mine are mostly original with a few minor modifications. ...J.D. SORRY ART. I don't WANT a new bike.
Come the middle of August (all being well!) I will have had my Trident for 25 years - not as long as some herein have had their bikes though - and I still haven't come up with a suitable reason to swap it for something else. Sadly my two crushed vertebra are starting to drop a few subtle hints.
I still campaign my 1996 Thunderbird . I haven't found anything better for my requirements, its toured and did a sort of track day (bikesafe) , commuted and rallied. Only the new Tiger 900 gt has come close . I talked to someone who rode the 800 and 900 back to back the other day and he said the 900 had bad vibes through the handlebar ( POP!) That might not be a replacement then ! The only problem with early t300's was the sprag clutch. I replaced the ignition box on mine to prevent the problem. Apparently it's caused by the piston failing to go over top dead centre due to low battery cranking power. New box doesn't enable ignition until motor is spinning at 200 rpm. Someone did ask me a while back about part numbers, but It was a horrible mess of misinformation from Triumph's end that I didn't want to quote any. Mines at 54,000 now and I think I could expect another 30,000 without major work , or rather I hope ! Lol . The Thunderbird has intake rubbers with restrictions in. This has the effect of increasing torque at the expense of top end horsepower. Has anyone tried the unrestricted ones on a Bird ? If you have, was it worth it ?
Good idea, there must be a lot of info about tricks to keep these old warhorses running and ways of modifying to eliminate design faults !!
