Morning - I am looking at buying a T150V - 1972 model if I can find it. My aim is to complete a full restoration and to keep the bike long term. If the bike is going to maintain or even go up in value how important is it that it has matching numbers. How much difference does US rather than UK model make? Any advice welcome. Dan
From a collector's point of view, accuracy is everything. And I mean down to the brand of light bulbs used in the blinkers. If you want to show the bike, be prepared for this type of scrutiny. If you want to work on the bike for an investment, you probably would do better buying BP Stock. If you want a great driver that looks keen, numbers won't make a difference, but it does prove integrity and history. As for UK or US models, there isn't much difference. Generally only reflectors and such. In '72 things were much simpler. I know there was options available in UK that were not exported. Good Hunting and enjoy the project.
Dan Heydon. Welcome to the family. Would prefer to go for the T160 rather than the T150. It had the engine sitting straighter in the frame and suffered more with heating for some reason. But a great investment never the less. Do keep us all in the know as and how you get on. Do you have a bike at present. Regards Joe
Hello Dan and welcome to the forum Do some research, price you’ll have to pay for a resto project,spares availability and price etc. What level of resto are you aiming for, nice and rideable or absolutely the dogs dangles like @darkman restos. I know Jap 2 strokes bikes for the UK market with matching numbers command a premium.
Hi Dan and welcome, great bikes and wonderful engines apart from the cost of an engine rebuild as they cost 3 times as much as a twin 650 if done correctly.
Thank you all. I will look for a UK bike. I am well aware I will spend a fortune over time if I want it to the look the dogs and I don't mind that if I am enjoying it as a hobby. Just like the idea that in 30 years when I cant start it may be worth selling t pass on something to the kids?
Hi Dan, Welcome to the forum from a fellow Wirral man. I sold a T150v about 10 years ago. British spec. I preferred the American spec tank, the British spec is a bit of a house brick, but I sold that as well. They're great bikes I had mine about 16 years, although they like to guzzle the fuel. Hope you find one that needs to be restored.
