1953 Triumph

1953 TRIUMPH 6T THUNDERBIRD 650 CHOPPER Custom restored classic rigid framed chopper * * * NO RESERVE - YOU BID, YOU WIN * * * On offer is a custom resto/mod with less than 100 miles on a total restoration, including: Powdercoated original rigid chassis with mild rake Many chromed parts including beautiful girder fork Highly polished engine cases Brand new Joe Hunt magneto Brand new JRC Superior carburetor Custom paint “RedWinged BlackBird” This bike won "Best Chopper" at the 2010 Twin City Bike Show against a couple of HD choppers in the $30K range; trophy is included. ENGINE Total “blueprint” overhaul 68 spec crankshaft with “heavy” spec flywheel installed ( highly regarded modification for improved main bearings and better performance) 68 spec connecting rods with new big-end shell bearings & bushings New sludge tube & Allen-head trap plug installed Custom built oversize ball bearing for timing side Main to fit 68 crank (Both main bearings, all seals & gaskets brand new) New oversize JCC pistons & rings, freshly re-bored cylinders with spec clearances New oversize valves and freshly cut 3-angle valve seats, new valve guides Head & cylinders trued and matched, new copper head gasket Refurbished oil pump with polished pistons & re-seated ball valves Polished cam followers, cams & pinions Refurbished oil pressure relief valve New Joe Hunt magneto with keyswitch & new plug wires, refurbished auto advancer New JRC "Superior" 30mm flat-slide carburetor (will also include original refurbished Amal monobloc if desired) New Clutch basket, actuator rod, primary chain & Barnett friction plates Refurbished clutch plain plates, springs, cups, and pressure plate Refurbished transmission with new bearings, seals & bushings Polished primary cover, timing cover, tranny cover, intake manifold and rocker boxes High temp enamel painted cylinder & head New chrome big-bore straight pipes CHASSIS & WHEELS Completely stripped, head rake welds ground and dressed, minor flaws welded up Powdercoated with complete masking of all critical mount point holes & threads Re-chromed girder fork assembly Refurbished classic spool hub 17” front wheel with new sealed bearings Triumph OEM sprung hub, laced to 16” rear rim by Buchanan’s (stainless spokes) New classic style tires, wide whitewall rear, thin blackwall front Drag bars on risers, Barnett throttle, and clutch lever (photos show tall bars, they have been replaced) Highway cruiser footpegs with chrome folding pegs CYCLE PARTS Chromed Triumph oil tank, all new oil lines & clamps “Peanut/Sportster” style gas tank Classic flat rear fender Custom “RedWing BlackBird” paint job on tank & fender Chromed engine & transmission mounts, kickstarter, shifter, rear brake plate, generator cover, rear brake levers, chain guard & miscellaneous parts All new footpeg & shifter rubbers, new hand grips New throttle & clutch cables New classic air filter assembly New sprung solo saddle New Allen-head engine cover screw kit Classic brass “pedal” style kickstart lever ELECTRICAL Refurbished OEM 6 volt generator Classic style 6 volt battery New solid-state voltage regulator New chrome headlight, custom tail light & horn New modern 6 volt headlight bulb (spare headlight & tail light bulbs included) New horn/headlight dip switch New Mini electronic bicycle speedometer GENERAL CONDITION & NOTES I restored this bike for a client who decided to trade me for a 2002 Bonneville and a lump of cash, since he was suffering from medical issues that meant he couldn't kickstart it. I am currently limiting the miles I put on the bike just to make sure it doesn't sit and get "stale". The bike is basically like brand-new. It will start with one kick most of the time, (no more than 2 or 3 kicks if very cold or hot), and immediately settles into a nice idle. The new modern flat-slide carb and Joe Hunt magneto mean that it will stay running this well with no fuss for many years. Although it is raked and rigid, it handles surprisingly well. It doesn’t wobble or “flop”, although slow speed handling is as to be expected from a typical classic chopper. The sprung hub, sprung seat, and girder fork make for a reasonably smooth ride even up to highway speeds. While the original rear brake works quite well, the fact that it has no front brake means care must always be taken, in consideration for the fact that the engine can definitely take the bike faster than the brakes can stop it in an emergency. It has a few minor oil dribbles, but that is to be expected of a 56 year-old bike, even though great care has been taken to true the gasket surfaces and properly torque everything down. It does not smoke or blow any oil out the crank breather tube. BOTTOM LINE This is a 58 year-old bike, and performs as you might expect if you know anything about old Triumphs. It handles like a chopper, not a modern bike, period. If you are expecting to take this bike on a long trip, you’d better be a true rider, and you should carry a few tools with you. Otherwise, this is one of the coolest vintage choppers you’ll ever own, and it will perform quite well around town and on moderate highway runs. I’m quite certain it will “top the ton”, but will be more than a double handful doing it. If you are looking for a reliable running, regular riding bike that stands a decent chance of grabbing a trophy or two, you have found one of only a few good ones, at an excellent price. As with all of my previous sales, this ad contains no bull, no hype, and no fluff. The bike is EXACTLY as described, just as all my previous sales have been. If you will take the time to contact any of the previous buyers from my sales (see e-bay feedback), you will find this to be completely accurate. As with all of my builds, this one was fully documented with detailed narrative and many photographs, on my “Choppers, Bobbers & Customs” forum on Delphi. You can go all the way back to see the “before” pictures, complete tear-down, and step-by-step rebuild. I can post & send additional photos for any serious potential buyers. WARRANTY/GUARANTEE NONE, other than I guarantee it is exactly as described. If you can kickstart an old bike, you can kickstart THIS old bike. If you change the oil & spark plugs regularly, and maintain the bike regularly, it will continue to perform well for a long time. I will allow accompanied test rides by properly licensed riders who provide a nominal security deposit. TERMS OF SALE $1,000.00 deposit immediately upon negotiation of final price (Cashiers Check, Certified Check, PayPal or U.S.Postal Money Order via overnight express. Bike will be released to buyer or shipper when balance is paid in full. SHIPPING & HANDLING All shipping and handling is the responsibility of the BUYER. I will assist with loading in my truck-accessible driveway. Crating, handling and local transportation to shipping docks NOT INCLUDED. I recommend Keyboard for door-to-door motorcycle shipping. I can deliver for a fee based on my actual cost; this can be negotiated with the sale. SALE PRICE A lot has been invested in this bike, not including the "donor" rolling classic chopper. The starting bid is half the cost to build.