Beschreibung
Here is something different from the normal run of Triumph Twins. This a Harley lookalike custom based on a 1972 OIF 650. The engine number is TR6R AG 46102 and matches the frame number so I guess it was originally a TR6R though now much modified. The bike belongs to a friend who swapped it for another bike several years ago but reputedly rarely if ever rode it. He is now terminally ill and I am helping recommission this and some of his other bikes ready for sale.
The pictures probably say it all; it really is in excellent condition and the modifications were expertly done. The only paperwork is a V5c stating it was first registered in September 1973 and a VMCC dating certificate confirming it was manufactured in 1972. It is registered historic so tax and MoT exempt. The last Mot was done in June 2011 but whether in standard form or as now modified is unknown.
I am not very knowledgeable about this era of Triumphs but I believe I have identified the alterations, there may well be more:
Either a Harley tank or a copy with the frame modified to provide suitable and substantial mountings. The LH filler cap is a dummy and the tank has a link pipe underneath to feed the single tap on the LH cheek.
Pillion footrest brackets removed.
Feet forward rider footrests with a well engineered modification to the foot brake mechanism.
Rear wheel is has a 16” chrome rim with chrome spokes and is shod with an Avon SM Mk2 5. 00” by 16” tyre. The latter in excellent condition.
Front wheel has s/ s rim and spokes and is presumably from a later triumph as this bike probably left the factory with an 8” conical drum brake. The calliper is marked Triumph. Tyre is a Dunlop Roadmaster 3. 60” by 19 also in excellent condition.
Headlamp is a Bates type and there is a centrally mounted speed - all working.
The rear mudguard is almost certainly a Harley item. Saw one identical ona Custom Harley at the Calne bike meet last Saturday.
A single seat is fitted and the rear frame seems to me to have been altered to suit its shape.
The paintwork is of a high quality and virtually unmarked.
Overall someone has invested a lot of time, care and no doubt money to create this bike. Not my cup of tea but if you are into Custom Triumphs this has to be worth look.
The engine was allegedly rebuilt for the previous owner by someone local to Cirencester and sounds very healthy with no smoking or oil leaks evident even after a 5 mile test ride. There is no paperwork to show what was done or when. Certainly the external condition of the motor suggests that it has been overhauled. Not sure if this is a standard feature but there is a pressure side external spin-off oil filter mounted low down behind the saddle tube . This takes feed from where the oil pressure switch would normally fit and back into the crankcase. Or it may be the other way round but either way the oil pressure switch is now integral with the filter housing and does work. The engine oil looked clean and I have not yet to changed it – need to find a manual first.
All I have done is to clean the bike, sort out a few minor issues mainly electrical. The checks included the battery, which is good and the chain which has no free play. Old fuel was drained off and with fresh fuel it started after a couple of kicks. The owner, who is knowledgeable about 650 Triumphs did comment that he felt it was more powerful than his 68 TR6 when he rode it. I have nothing to compare it with and my test route only allows maximum of 50mph. I did find the rear suspension a bit hard for my taste but otherwise it was quite comfortable but not really my thing.
The only things I can see that need doing are the oil and filter changes and to fit a rear brake stoplight switch (update 10th August, switch is a standard type and one is now fitted and working see photo).
I would like to move it on as I have more of his bikes to recommission and need the room.
