1951 Triumph Thunderbird

xxx N.A.

1951 Thunderbird, 650 cc, frame and engine numbers match. Was restored in about 1998 to 2000,with a complete frame off redo. I rode her for about 3 or 4 years, and have since slowed down to about once a month or so. I'm just not getting out like I did before. I chose to add a couple of modifications when the first restoration was done, most notably a conversion to a tank shifter. It's a fairly easy mod to change back to footshift, just remove the handshifter and linkage and install a foot shift. I left the clutch stock, operated normally by the left hand. Another change is using an earlier 3t rear fender, as this has a cutaway section at the rear to make removing the rear wheel a bit easier: on a stock Thunderbird it was neccesary to remove the whole fender! At some point in time I acquired the proper primary cover set and crankshaft to convert it to a more modern 12v system. The crankshaft needed to be replaced to properly hold the rotor for the alternator, so the engine wound up getting a rebuild about a year and a half ago, when I finally completed the conversion. I also changed the timing side crankcase to one that has a larger bearing. At that time I put a new Amal concentric carb on, and when the generator was removed I sealed the hole with the old factory plate (Made for racers) and made a round toolbox to fit in it's place. She also got a new exhaust system at that time, as the routing on the pipes is just a hair different for the new primary cover. There is a vibration problem at certain speeds, and can agree that it could be the balance on the crank, or a spun bearing at the crank. I had gone as far as replacing fork tubes, bushes and seals, trying to find it, but alas, no luck. Heres other negatives that I am aware of: Speedo does not work, needs rebuilt and I have no cable hooked up to it. Mileage listed is only an approximation since rebuild in 1998-2000. Front wheel chrome and spokes are rusty, should be rebuilt. Normal nicks in the paint. The ignition switch in the nacelle is not stock, normally would have been just a cutout button. Some nuts and bolts are also showing rust, particulary at the rear end near axle adjusters and axle nuts. A few bolts have been replaced with polished stainless, primarily on non threaded holes such as license plate bolts. Handlebars and throttle are incorrect, I'm using later 7/8" instead of correct 1" that tapers down to 15/16ths at the throttle. Extra parts to be included, these are the items removed for the 12 volt conversion: Original right side (timing) engine case (number matches left case), early crank with rods and primary drive sprocket/spring assembly, generator and regulator, set of primary cases. She currently fires up and runs quite nicely, except for vibration. There is also a growl at times, perhaps a spun bearing? You can choose to keep it as it is, or go for correcting it's faults. Title is in my name and clean, currently registered and insured, and is basically just a good old motorcycle. I am not selling it as a perfect machine, I have tried to list any faults as accurately as possible. As for the good parts, that is up to you to decide from the photos as well as your own intentions for this bike. As this is a used motorcycle, I would prefer to sell it fairly locally to someone who has the ability to properly inspect it beyond the photos included in this listing. It is available for viewing prior to bidding, please contact me through this listing to arrange a time. It will be sold with no warranty or gaurentee, and all sales will be final. I am willing to work with you and your shipper, although I am unable to properly build a crate to hold it. Buyer is responsible for any crating and shipping costs. A $1000 deposit will be required at end of auction.