Hi guys Have just gotten my self a “new” bike. 1969 Bonneville in good shape. My plane is to turn it into a hardtail bobber...I know I know, some of you might get upset that I’m “destroying” it... I’m trying to find some shops that have custom parts for the bike, shops like www.dimecitycycles.com Any recommendations on shops? Here’s the bike that will get “destroyed”
World be a bit far for him to travel with the welder I agree, it’s a nice bike, but I’ve had this dream of the bobber for many years, and I finally found a bike with a working engine, and so now I can make it come true. I will keep all original parts, so if sold of later, it can be put back together
The asking price for a good, matching numbers, '69 Bonneville can be up to £12,000 (but more likely around £10,000) over here. I can't help thinking that yours may be a '68 model year machine as the '69 had a balance pipe between the two front downpipes and was a different colour (well, mine certainly was!). Asking prices for a '68 model are - or seem to be - similar to the '69 values. That is a lot of money to chuck away on top of the work you are proposing! Could you perhaps find another frame to chop whilst keeping the original, and most of the bits, tucked away safely? Just the ramblings of an old, tight arsed Yorkshireman (a Yorkshireman is known to have short arms and deep pockets which makes spending money both difficult and tiresome which is why we try not to do it any more than is absolutely necessary)! However, it is, as has been said elsewhere, your bike to do with as you please, and I for one will always be supportive of that fact. Whatever you decide, is your choice and yours alone. Enjoy your challenge and keep us informed of your progress.
Thanks for your nuanced words The registration papers is saying 1969 model, but I’ve learned over the years that it cant be trusted a 100%. The frame and engine is matching numbers, but most of the rest has been changed, like the carbs, they where bought from Lowbrow Customs last year. The bike was also repainted, badly, a few years ago. It’s doesn’t show well on the picture, but it shows well up close, so I have to do that anyway. The price seems very high i UK then. Here they seems to be cheaper. This one set me back about 8.000£. But they are hard to com by. Have been looking for a few years for the right one. I got close last year getting a 68 in bade shape, but the papers was missing, and after a lot of back and forth, I let it go. Have been looking at importing one, but that would just ad a lot to the cost, as the Norwegian government loves their taxes I can relate to the term Yorkshireman, we have the same called Sunnmøring And like I said, I’m not using the grinder on it, i will keep all the parts, som if ever sold off, it can always be put back to its original state. I will absolutely keep you guys in the loop og the build (if I’m not banned from here after doing this slaughter )
Well, not always haven’t chopped the Tiger, and I’m looking for a Defender...and will keep that original