Highlights
- Recently restored
- Matching numbers
- Lots of original parts kept
The Appeal
This Triumph TR6 or ‘Desert Sled’ as it is affectionately known is a wonderful example of a professionally restored classic motorcycle. The current owner has made sure a lot of the original parts have been kept and restored properly, what you will be getting is a TR6 Trophy that looks like it has just rolled off the production line.
The History and Paperwork
- Starting its life in Liverpool during the time of the Beatles this bike must have a few interesting stories to tell
- Between 1967 and 2004 the history is a little thin, but the bike starts its rebirth in 2004 when the current owner acquires the bike
- By 2004 it had fallen into a state of disrepair and it only just ran
- Luckily it still wore its original mudguard and tank, and the original engine
- In 2011 work began on restoring the bike
- The engine went to SRM for a complete rebuild, this included some modifications such as a balanced crankshaft, Morgo oil pump, Boyer electric ignition, and an SRM clutch
- The majority of the engine parts were checked and ultimately replaced by SRM
- Whilst work was being completed on the engine, the frame was taken to Maldon powder coated and was etch primed and powder coated.
- At the same time, parts of the frame were injected with Waxoyl to prevent any future rust
- The original fuel tank was in bad shape and was given to specialist panel beaters along with the mudguards to restore
- After this, the original chrome work was re-chromed professionally
- Although heavily pitted the original and rare headlight shell was saved
- After the visual work had been completed a bit more mechanical work was carried out, the brake hubs were skimmed, and new shoes were put in
- When it came to re-assembly the current owner was very careful, using new bearings, new nuts & bolts, and a new wiring loom
- The seat was also re-upholstered
- To further emphasise that this bike has been restored to perfection it was put into a Vintage Owners Club International Rally where it won first in class.
- It has also won smaller shows too
- The current owner has now decided to hang their leathers up and pass this bike onto the next loving owner
- It is now your chance to add to this bike's amazing history
- Some paperwork comes with the bike, the majority of which are invoices from SRM detailing some of the work carried out
- The V5 is also present and ready to be swapped to your name so you can ride off into the sunset
The Condition
- Original tank and chrome elements
- Re-upholstered seat
- Wonderful overall condition
- Show winning credentials
Wow, just wow. What an amazing looking motorcycle we have here for you. With lots of original features still present today, this is a great survivor bike from a time gone by. As we have mentioned during the history section, there was almost no panel, nut, or piece of frame that hasn’t been restored throughout the length rebuild process of this Desert Sled.
If we start by looking at the most tactile parts of the motorbike that you will be interacting with throughout your ownership, such as the seat, handlebars, and footpegs, we can see that they are all presented in magnificent condition indeed. The original seat has been recovered and follows the same colour palette found on the tank and frame.
There is a slight mark present on the rear of the seat, but this should probably be removed with a bit of elbow grease. This slight mark can be forgiven when you take into consideration how well the rest of the bike is presented. Amazingly, when you hinge the seat over you are met with information about the valve clearances.
The handlebars and grips look like new which means that you shouldn’t have any issue with them whilst out riding.
There is a slight mark present on the rear of the seat, but this should probably be removed with a bit of elbow grease. This slight mark can be forgiven when you take into consideration how well the rest of the bike is presented. Amazingly, when you hinge the seat over you are met with information about the valve clearances.
The handlebars and grips look like new which means that you shouldn’t have any issue with them whilst out riding.
Looking at more external parts of this bike, such as the exposed engine, tank/mudguards, frame, and wheels we can see that they too are presented incredibly well in the photos.
The tank and mudguards, both original, have been bought back from the brink by a panel beater and now look like new. It really is amazing how they have been saved from the scrap heap. These elements have then been finished in a lovely paint job that looks amazing in the light.
Looking towards the frame, we can see that it too is lovely to look at. It was taken away, stripped back, etched primed, and then powder coated. It has then been further protected by the Waxoyl that has been injected into it, this is vital for a bike that resides in the UK.
As the trophies show, the bike is in amazing overall condition. Whether you wish to take this bike out down the country lanes or display it within your collection it will for sure look incredible.
The Mechanics
- Fully rebuilt engine
- Modern modifications
- Lovely to ride
The Triumph TR6 Trophy was renowned in the ‘60s for being one of the most successful off-road competition motorcycles. It was even favoured by Hollywood legend Steve McQueen. When the current owner acquired this bike, it was barely running, but it has bought back from the brink and now it runs amazingly well.
One of the first jobs after stripping the bike down, was to send the engine off to SRM. When they received the original engine, they set about checking and then rebuilding it. In the end, a few modern upgrades were fitted to aid reliability. A balanced crankshaft was fitted along with a Morgo oil pump, and a Boyer electric ignition set up. All of these upgrades make for better running classic motorcycle. To increase rideability a modern SRM clutch was also fitted.
Mechanically this bike is much like the overall condition, and as such, it should be a great bike to get out and ride on those late summer’s sunny evenings. The number of smiles per gallon that you will get out of your new purchase will be huge.
Summary
Still wearing the majority of its original parts this is one great surviving piece of British motorcycle history. Thanks to the work carried out by the current owner you will be getting a near 60 year old bike that is as good as new
Don’t miss out on the amazing bike, it could be the best purchase you ever make.
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