It's nice to know another one's been saved, you've done a good resto job on it. Personally I'd switch that dark screen for a clear one but I'm glad you got rid of the black frame, and the spannies look great. Looks like a very smart paint job as well. All you need now is for the Isle of Wight TT to go ahead
Thank you ive thought about the screen maybe one day but there's a few areas where I had to cut costs like someone else on the forum that's restoring a bonneville man do they eat money. I've no idea what it cost I was advised not to try as I probably wouldn't like the answer. The frame is strange it's grey powder coat looks like it's primer it should have been silver I was given the paint code so I could match the bottom fork ends which I did but they came out the colour I thought the frame would be.
I've had a closer look and I can see the frame and fork-bottoms are different. The only thing you could do is have the frame stripped and redone. A lot of fuss, bother and expense, which I doubt you'll do. Nothing beats the original brushed ally look though. Yes, these rebuilds generally cost far more than expected. I've spent more on each of my Hondas than they originally cost me. The NC35 was £2150 around 6 years ago. I stopped keeping track when the resto bills passed £2500 a while back. Trying to find parts for 30 year old sportsbikes is also a challenge. But it's my choice and at the moment I get a lot of enjoyment from them so they get what they need. No kids and having paid off the mortgage 15 years ago helps. Anyway, as long as it's running right that's the main thing. Enjoy it and maybe you can sort the cosmetics in the future.
Agree re the frame unfortunately the guy who did the sand blasting must have used a rough sand/grit as it was very rough. So had to abandon the idea of a bare alley finish hence why I went for what should have been silver and no it won't be changed sort of used to it now. Plus the wife and I only have our government pensions so not a lot of spare money anymore. And yes sourcing parts can be a nightmare.
Got the finishing touches put on the bike the other day. Had a friend, who’s great behind the lens, take some photos while we were out.
Hey man!!! It’s actually a complete new exhaust system from BAAK. It’s amazing!!!! Looks incredible and sounds even better. I’m in love
If you intend to rid yourself of that non-stock seat, that should not be difficult. Post it on the different Triumph Bonneville forums. You will be doing a great service to other Bonneville riders.
From what I recall in riding my T120R back in the day, that 'ironing board' seat was just fine. Much better than the stock seat on my '05 America !
I agree with you, that BAAK system looks the dogs! A bit pricey at around €1,250 but if you've got the squids why not splash out? BAAK make some crackin' gear, it's one of those websites where you keep spotting stuff you didn't know you needed. Everything looks very well made, which I guess explains the prices. Add to that the shipping costs, which have gone up significantly since Brexit (is our oh-so-wonderful government also sticking import duty onto that as well? Dunno.) and it's hard to justify. You're a lucky man Tylerm7!
I agree man. There is a company out of Cali called https://www.canyonmotorcycles.com/ and they have tons of BAAK items for sale. When I purchased my bike from the dealer I told them that’s the exhaust I wanted and I said “I can order this from them in Cali, ORRRRR you guys buy the exhaust, install it and roll that into the finance amount. They agreed and I’m happy as hell..... def couldn’t fork out that kind of bread at once but it’s def worth it. Pops thought I was nuts as well as the guys at the dealership but I’ve had soooo many compliments on it already!!!
Got a question about the m-blaze pins (indicators) which I've long wondered about. They are obviously tiny and I know they are very bright, but because they are tucked in tight to the headlight at the front and similarly very close to the frame at the rear, does this restrict how they are viewed by other traffic when in use? What I mean is, if we take for example the right indicators... obviously a car coming straight towards the bike, or anywhere to the front, right is going to see the indicator flashing. But how about to the front, on the left side? Will a car driver be able to see the flashing right indicator and know you are turning right? Does this matter? Standard and many after-market indicators (I have Motone) stick out a lot more and therefore probably give a wider 'field of view' to oncoming traffic. I love the look of these tiny indicators but I'm curious about how they affect safety. What do you reckon?
I know what you mean you can get extension stems if you wanted them to come out a bit more so that’s always a option. But yes they are quite tucked in so would probably be harder to see in that situation.
Latest editions to my Bonnie. New front mudguard, gaiters, flatter handle bars and bar end mirrors fitted. Flatter handlebars meant a shorter from brake hose (braided) had to be fitted to look right. I’m not keen on the front indicators present position so they will be moved back up to the headlamp ears. Next on the list is possibly a oil rad guard and bash plate and move the regulator.
Found this one on the memory card in an old camera. Taken back when I was fit enough to shrug off the cold!
Just be careful where you stick the regulator. I can't see where it is on your bike but I've seen some brackets on offer, that allow it to be moved BEHIND the radiator! Mad. It's supposed to be in a breezy position, not tucked away. But I'm sure you know this.
