Having restored a 1955 T100 last year I swapped it for a new Triumph Street Triple 765rs, as we all know restoring these machines is a money pit, however we do it for the love of it, I updated some components to more modern alternatives (SRM clutch £500) plus so much more, I kept the mag and dyno completely standard but had them re built by a renowned specialist (expensive), Morgo oil pump (ouch), I managed to get a NOS gearbox mainshaft from Germany (someone had damaged the original, hitting the clutch retaining nut on with a hammer). I kept it running 6 volts, she ran like a dream, however the work involved not to mention the cost became eye watering. The Triumph dealer wanted it as a talking point in his showroom, when finished it was a show winner, but onto the next one soon. I was buying the STRS anyway, the salesman new I had classics and had seen the photos of the build, and said "my boss would like that T100, it was goodbye T100 and hello the RS. I have put some picks on. Safe riding all.
Thanks for all your really nice comments guys I really appreciate it. Sandi T asked if I missed it, honestly yes I do miss it, but I don't regret letting it go, you move on and it allows you to try something different each time you sell a machine, I forgot to add, it retains its original registration, original chassis, gearbox, QD rear wheel etc etc, all confirmed by the Triumph Register with a letter to confirm, and only a handful of owners from new. I didn't want a concourse machine, I wanted to ride it as you should, I used it regular, sometimes covering 100 mile round trip, I know that's not mega, but on any old girl you've got to be a little sensible and it never broke down once. It's very recently been sold to a young lad who just loves classics, that surprised me a little as I thought those of us who had classics were "getting on a bit", it's good to know the young guns are into them. Ride safe all.
Stunning classic. I’d love to have a running example to putter around on, but not as my primary bike. Maybe one of these days. I’ve got a ‘72 hard tail bobber T125 in the garage, but I am beginning to think it’s beyond my skill.
Just glorious Iceman - cudos. I would have wanted to keep it but as you say we move on. I have had old brit bikes in the past I really miss - Norton 850 Commando (sorry to mention the "N" word on a Trumpet forum!), 6T Thunderbird and a 500 Speed Twin come to mind. Loved them all but loved others I moved onto. Not enought time and not enough money to own older bikes now - yes they do suck the money out your wallet!
Love the beautiful resto! But understand about moving on. Was sitting on a "N" in front of a wonderful man on one knee 20 years ago so that's one bike that's never leaving the stable. For all the Norton unappreciators on the Triumph site, NLM...Norton Lives Matter! Ride safe.
Love my Commando (though it's been in a thousand pieces for too many years!!) so I agree with you - Nortons matter! And, apart from anything else, they can claim somewhat more Britsh accreditation than modern Triumphs ...... much to my personal chagrin!
Hi, I have the same illness having restored this 1955 Tiger 100 and still using it, and guess what I've just bought a new Street Triple, so I need to get out there and see if I miss the old girl.
