Notice to bidders: The end date of this auction has been extended to accommodate the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen
Photos provided by the seller
Photos provided by the seller
Highlights
- Full desert sled customisation carried out in 2020
- Fantastic condition throughout
- Highly original and sympathetic restoration
The Appeal
The TR6 SS, often just referred to as the “Desert Sled” was made infamous by Steve McQueens love of them as well as him riding one in the film “Any given Sunday”. This particular Desert Sled was imported from the USA and then commissioned by the current owner in 2020 and uses as many period correct parts as possible as well as retaining many original parts of the bike complete with their patina to give it the truly authentic feel.
Whilst we might not have much desert, this bike won’t fail to put a smile on your face. The sound alone of that beautiful two-cylinder Triumph engine is enough to quicken the pulse, but that’s nothing compared to the feeling when you swing your leg over the bike, give it a kick and tear away grinning.
This bike is a fantastic example of a period correct TR6 Desert sled that presents absolutely beautifully and is in fantastic condition throughout. With extensive work having been carried out by Ace Classics (who specialise in Desert Sled conversions) and a recent full engine rebuild we think you’d be very hard pressed to find a better example of one of these bikes.
The History and Paperwork
- V5 Present and correct
- MOT and tax exempt
- Original owners manual
- Imported from the USA in 2018
- Invoices and all receipts from the rebuild and Desert Sled customisation
The Interior
- Stripped back to the bare minimum in true desert sled fashion
- Very good condition throughout
- Bates seat imported from the USA
- Handlebars, throttle and levers all present very well
All non-essential equipment has been stripped from the bike leaving only that which is needed for riding. At first the lack of headlight, warning lights or any kind of dashboard other than the single dial feels unusual, but you quickly learn to enjoy the bike for what it offers; a pure riding experience. No distractions or unnecessary faff, throttle, brakes, clutch and gears, what more do you need?
That which is still on the bike is all in very good condition. The seat presents very well with no rips or tears and is a genuine Bates seat imported from America by the current owner. The handlebars, clutch, front brake and gips all present very well along with the only dial; the speedometer.
The Exterior
- Excellent condition
- Original blue paint with patina and custom painting for the Bud Ekins and Triumph logos as well as the number plate by Ace Classics
- Original patina on many parts
- Frame, wheels and hubs/drums all present very well
The Desert Sled has become an iconic bike and this one is a great example of just how good they can look. In fantastic condition throughout, but with a visible patina it looks simply excellent. The custom paint work includes the obligatory Bud Ekins Motorcycles (famous for their Desert Sled conversions in the USA) logo and the combination of the dark blue with the chrome makes for a great looking combination.
The limited brightwork that this bike has is all very good, the exhausts, heat shields, air filter housings and handlebars all present excellently. The crank case, front drum and rear mud guard all present very well with a pleasing patina and the overall impression the bike makes is really very good.
The Mechanics
- Full engine rebuild in 2020
- A large selection of invoices for the restoration
- Fork brace
- Reground crank
- Cylinders rebored
- Refurbished cylinder head
- Starts easily with the right technique - a little tickle of the carbs in place of a choke
- Sounds excellent with no unwanted noises
- The owner informs us that it rides very well, pulling strongly and braking well
- Slight oil leak from the left crankcase
- 650cc twin engine
Whilst you might at first think this bike is all about the looks, that soon changes once you hear the beautiful Triumph 650 twin engine running. A long way from the sound of a modern Enduro with a big single cylinder, the roar of the Triumph engine is a sound that will put a smile on anyone’s face.
The engine presents very well along with the associated running gear such as the two exhausts. It was rebuilt in in 2020 as part of the restoration of the bike and had both the crank reground and both cylinders re-bored during the rebuild. The bike has only covered around two hundred miles since the rebuild so it’s only just run-in.
The owner reports that the bike rides extremely well with the 650cc engine accelerating well and the drum brakes providing ample stopping power. With the overall condition of the bike and the very recent engine rebuild the mechanical aspects of this bike present excellently and it’s ready to ride away.
Summary
A fantastic example of the iconic Desert Sled that’s in fantastic condition throughout as well as benefiting from a very recent full engine rebuild. Its aesthetics are close to perfect and the riding experience is fantastic, the combination of which make for a bike it’s impossible not to love.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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