Ducati Monster Forum

Ever since I was a youngster I've wanted to get a Brit bike.  So we just had a mini windfall which coincided with this gem coming available. 
I had to think long and hard about this but at last made the jump and picked it up Wednesday.  She's a runner.  Just a few things to fix up and she will look like new.  She's a 1967 Bonnie with matching numbers.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/780monster/100_2021.jpg)

So I have a question for the group.  Do you know of a forum, like ours here, for vintage Triumphs? 

A few things I've noticed so far about the bike. 

Riding was a lot more dangerous back in the 60s and bikes were simpler: no electric start, no kill switch, no turn signals,
no kick stand safety switch, and no brakes.  But this bike has enough character to make up for it.  I won't be making any long rides on this one.
A few short trips each year to the malt shop.  We plan to move some plants and display it in the living room. 

...holly shitt!

...you are lucky i dont know where you park that beauty ;)

god i love old bonnies
nice

very cool [thumbsup]

hawtness!  [thumbsup]

Thanks Dudes, for the complements.   :)

I have tons of questions about this old bike and am hoping to find a forum on it.  A google search failed to turn up an interesting
forum on vintage Brit bikes.  Any of you know a good one? 

Great looking bike.  [thumbsup] I always liked the look of these old Brit bikes. I would even consider a new one as a stablemate to my Duc, but I don't know how Triumph's build quality is today.

my brother just got one of the newer bonnie's. he told me you should try www.triumphrat.net

nice bike, best of luck  [moto]

We'll, I understand the build quality is much better than back in the day.  They no longer leak oil and they have abandon the lucas electronics ;)
I haven't had one myself but I have heard good things about the Hinckley Triumphs.

Cool.  8)

Any way to put discs on that thing? The drums scare me.

sac

mine...

(http://i38.tinypic.com/3355nix.jpg)

My guess would be somewhere in Alaska. Kind of a drive for you Luca...

These guys may be of some help in the braking department:
http://www.britishcycle.com/Products/Ferodo.htm

Sweet scooter!  [moto]

Those old Bonnies were great in their day. As far as looks go they have a timeless style to them. However cool they are they still have their limitations. Get it up to 60 mph and the footpegs feel like they're 6" in diameter they buzz so much. I remember the vibration coming through the  grips too. Brakes? Tires? Meh. You simply ride within your/it's limits and you'll be good. They are not meant to be ridden like a modern bike.

After just one ride, they scare me too.  I missed the first right and then a left turn at intersections.  I'm going to take the brakes apart to see if
I can get a little more friction going. 

Thanks Hydra, I'll check them out. 

Good advice and an accurate description of how the bikes feel.  It took just one 4 mile long ride to come to the conclusion that they aren't to be
ridden like a modern bike. 

I have new respect for the 60s cafe racer dudes.  I can't imagine pulling a ton on my Bonnie.  Back in those days riders
were made of harder stuff and had bigger balls. 

I'll take it!!!!

You might want to check out the Ton Up Club forums. They have a lot of info for you

WOW!  Congrats!

I will also add to this discussion the following because:
a) I've mixed Jack Daniels and Jim Beam- anything is possible now
b) I'm moved to do so
c) I've forgotten... oh
d) it gets me another posting count (?)
e) I've mixed Jack Daniels and Jim Beam- anything is possible now (dang I haven't even missed a key yet so no backspace-correct, must administer more of the above)
anyhow...

I've spent more on my BST wheels than I did on my T120R, which is how I prefer to refer (nice rhyme eh, dammit- just had to back up and correct) to my Triumph and it brings me much more pleasure than said wheels.  Don't get me wrong- BST's on your Ducati will make you smile for miles but owning one of these old bikes is:
a) extremely affordable
b) a piece of history
c) a helluva a lot of fun/cool

If you've got any interest in them at all just watch www.cycletrader.com for your area and you're bound to find one at a very affordable price.  You'd be surprised to find out how readily available parts are and they're super simple mechanical endeavors as such endeavors go.

You can find Jack Daniels and Jim Beam at your local liquor store, and yes by now I've had to make several corrections to my typing.  I now return you to your regularly scheduled program.  Go USA! [coffee]

Goddamn..makes you realize why 'bikes are  important...

me and my dad are in the process of fixing his 78 t120 bonneville (i think).  by fixing it, i mean we took it to our classic bike expert buddy to have him do it for us.  he got it back in 1990 as a trade for a paint job on a buddys car.  it is all original and has 1600 and some change miles.  back in 89ish someone hooked up the battery wrong and it melted the wire all throughout the harness.  the 78 is nowhere as cool and important as yours, but its still an old triumph.

ps.  make sure youre careful if/when you have to mess with the battery, the old triumphs had a positive ground setup.

ive got a 69 and a 71 t120r and tr6c and a 2006 speed triple...
checkout http://www.thespeedtriple.com/Forums/
worth the trip for the entertainment value alone...
the most profane, schizophrenic, hilarious bunch of enthusiasts youlll met online....

I like that bike ,if it was mine i would try to get it like this one (i know i like to change things a bit)
(http://supertjeduc.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p551836117-5.jpg)

no doubt the Triton was the "perfect" blend of the T120R (Bonne) motor and the Norton frame, but are magnitudes of difficulty harder to find in good shape and more expensive at that.  The Triumph frame was spongy compared to the Norton featherbed but if I were to try and build one now I'd go with an even more modern material replica of the Norton frame.  You can buy them separately or as a whole bike but they're not cheap. 

Off the shelf Bonne's are remarkably easy to find.  If I remember the story correctly the original Triumph manufacturer got their hands on a huge supply of surplus aircraft aluminum after WWII in the form of aircraft motors which resulted in cheaper than the competition, which drove prices down-demand up, and supply overruns once the Japanese took over the commercial market (starting with the Cub and CB I believe). 

Anywho- you can also find some killer tanks crafted by a guy in Sweden if I recall.  These bikes were the Monsters of their day in customizeability and could be considered as the predecessor to the genre of 'naked' bikes as we know it.

The Tritons coolness factor is off the charts. 

Its seems odd to me, but I feel obligated to keep this bike rather original.  If it weren't in such good shape I'd feel like I could make it into
anything that I want.  Before finding my Triumph I had it in mind to find an old Suzuki 750GS and turn it into a cafe racer.  But what I am finding out
is, that just to get this bike into top shape will take a good bit of work.  The carbs have some issues and are much different than anything I have worked on.  There is something wrong with the front brakes.  I know they are not suppose to be as good as modern discs, but the minimal rear has much more stopping power.  I took the brake apart this weekend to scuff it up a bit.  Everything inside looked nearly new but there is still near zero braking power.   

This weekend we did a ride to the ice cream parlor, about 3 miles away.  I never knew such a short trip could be such an adventure.  The engine died 4 times and of course has to be kicked several times to re-start.  I have to remind myself constantly to brake with the left foot but I still use the right and end up jamming on the transmission.  The front brakes alone are not enough to stop the bike and I have to hope and pray to stop it in time for red lights.  After ice cream I took the long way home.  First, I forgot part of the starting drill, didn't turn on the gas so
it ran out of gas in the middle of a busy street.  There are some good curves on this route and I made sure I was at a moderate speed for the corners well in advance.  It handled the corners okay except when I hit a few bumps while slightly leaned.  Not bad, just mildly uncomfortable. I was going to ride through our local park but decided that would be too stressful and headed for home.  It was maybe an 8 mi ride and I was stress out. 

Beautiful Bonnie!

c-rex, that Triton looks mighty hot also.

She's a beaut, akmnstr! [beer]

I built this one circa 1970.

(http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm143/Tarugo996/triton.jpg)

If you havent found it yet,  BritBike.com is a huge site for all things Brit.
Regarding riding the bike,You will learn how in no time. Look over the brakes one more time and be sure your cable ends are good. Also lots of oil in cables.    And squeeze hard on front brake.

 Can I post a view of my Norton?
(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s91/Woodrow_07/BeezandDucJuly272008.jpg)

 I ride both and it only takes a few shifts to rember what bike im on. And Im good for the ride.
I have had this Norton since 83 so when I got the Monster I taped two fingers togeather so not to over brake on the Ducati and slide out.
 Also I almost rear ended a car forgetting I was on the Norton..

Kilgore

Capo, Is that you in the picture?  Awesome bike. [thumbsup]  Do you still have it?  Tell us its story. 

Akmnstr
 The black Norton in front of the grey Ducati is mine. The photo was taken 2 weeks ago.
I ride it every week just to keep up with the wet sump.   This is something you wont need to worry about as much with the Triumph.
 Every summer I try to do something to keep the Norton up and running, looks like shocks are next.
Its been a great bike over the years .    A good frend.

 The Ducati was my first really modern bike, E start ,Fuel injection, ect.

Kilgore 

Yup that is me.

I built the bike from parts, the engine was taken from one of the first T120 produced, but was fitted with a later unit construction 9 stud head and barrels, the head was ported and had central spark plugs installed by Fred Cooper (a world record ¼ mile holder), also fitted were E3134 cams and high compression pistons. The frame forks and wheels were taken from a Norton Dominator, I made up the engine plates and other items needed to make it fit. The tank is two compartment with the oil tank at the rear. No electrics (other than the magneto) and an open clutch.
The bike then went through a significant iteration, I sourced an number of Manx Norton racing parts, Gearbox, clutch, frame, wheels (brakes), tanks, forks, the high level pipes are off road items, the fairing is an Avon

This is the only pic I have

(http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm143/Tarugo996/Snetterton.jpg)

I competed on this machine for a couple of years, then sold the engine and bought a 500cc Manx unit. And continued racing most week ends.

Capo-  I salute you!!!   I hope you still have that Manx.  That is my all time favorite motorcycle.   [clap]

Kilgore,  I don't see your pic.  It could be a filter on my work computer, does anyone else see it? 

My Ducati was also my first modern bike.  I took off about 25 years from riding.  And the E start, turn signals, disc brakes,
x-ring chain, ect. have spoiled me. 

Capo,  Are you still sporting those sideburns? ;D  What is the end of the story of the bike?  Do you still have it? 

The Manx also went thru a major iteration, John Tickle had bought up the jigs, drawings and rights to produce Manx Nortons after the factory closed.
One of his first customers, he rebuilt the bike to the last factory specification to show standard in fact it was exhibited at the London Motorcycle show.
I loaned the bike to an up and coming Irish road racer to compete in the TT, ufortunatly he crashed it at Laurel Bank, it looked as tho it had been thrown out of an aircraft from 10,000 feet  :(
My brother rebuilt it and it was sold as by this time I had bought a new 500 Seely G50, this turned out to be very fast bike and in the hands of a local racer, won many races and set a couple of lap records. This was also sold (for about $2,000) to make way for 250 & 350 Yahamas.

All this time, I had a BSA DBD34 500cc Gold Star which I used on the road. It dealt with most anything untill the advent of the Japanese multi's. Enter the 750SS and the era of Ducati.

One of the best from those years, I worked on this bike at Daytona owned (I think he still has it) by Doc Storm of Grand Prarie TX.

(http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm143/Tarugo996/pop-91.jpg)

(http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm143/Tarugo996/pop-91.jpg)

OMG  That is an awesome machine. 

Capo, you have had a blessed and special life with motorcycles  [thumbsup] (what are ya, about 80 years old ;), what color are those sideburns these days [laugh]  Sorry, I'm a hopeless smartass. We must be about the same age [cheeky])

63 and my throttle had has not lost its cunning  ;D
Motorcycles (and racing them) have been my life, there has allways been one or more in the garage.

I've got this 'ciricuit' on the backroads near my home its like the TT, been riding it for more than 40 years on evolving motorcycles, my S4R is set up for this and gives me the same pleasure I experienced when I first started.

Oh yeah, 'burns' were cooooooooooool back then if you wanted 'chicks' to talk to you  ;D

great minds think alike  ;D

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/dragsterhund/250/photo#5188212317771144674"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/dragsterhund/SAA7nVwOHeI/AAAAAAAAGrM/CHeOY12A83M/s400/IMG_7475.jpg" /></a>

Seriously though... sweeeeet bike. I love old brit bikes. all you need is a set of clipons... woodcraft sells some that will probably fit your bike (I ordered a set for my '72 CB450 with those same skinny fork legs and woodcraft had clipons that fit)

Good on you mate!  I have a warm spot in my heart for Nortons.  My Commando Fastback is the one I wish I still had. I was too dumb to know what I had at the time and it's arguable that I've become any smarter since then.  ;D

My T120R
pictures taken about 1980
still safely parked next to the Farmall A

(http://www3.sympatico.ca/kschill/images/Triumph/Adirondack_Rest_Stop.jpg)

(http://www3.sympatico.ca/kschill/images/Triumph/My_Bonnie.jpg)

(http://www3.sympatico.ca/kschill/images/Triumph/Adirondack_Rest_Stop.jpg)

Cool bike and the pic must have a story.  I like the budget bags.  Is that you in the pic?  Is this pic taken during an
epic adventure?  Details please [popcorn]

Awesome little Duc.  Yeah that is the sort of arrangement we are thinking of.  The couple we bought our Bonnie from has a perfect 1946 Indian
race bike on display in his living room.  His story was that it had been raced at Daytona.  That thing really blew me away.  Wish I had a picture to post. 

First rest stop after about 3hr. in the rain.
An early Fall ride down Rt.30 through the Adirondacks
Our destination was Rt.6 in the Susquehanna river valley.
We had heard it was one of Car&Driver's best rated drives.
There seemed to be a disproportionate number of other bikers that weekend, finally we asked what was up.
Everyone was going to Syracuse for "The Mile"
It seems like yesterday; the rain, the 100+ heat in the valley, Erhard's new Beemer braking down, the circus at the track and the long all night drive back to Montreal.

Gone back several times for the Mile, I must love rain. ;D
Glad I had my Instamatic

Check out the Goof in the window?

for what it's worth sideburns are back in style.  college kid across the street had some chops you wouldn't expect to see on such a wrinkle free face.   Anyhow- I agree that Capo has had a great ride (pun intended) with the two wheelers of history.  I've got a picture of me on one of my Dad's BSA's that is about the same era photo but I'm only 2-3 years old in it.  Got to get a picture of my son (who is 2 now) on my S4RS although my Dad already has a T120 for him in storage.  Also has one for my 6 year old daughter but she's not quite as keen on the idea.   ;D

Everyone should throw a leg over one of these old bikes.  The last time I actually rode anywhere on mine I had hair but I'll always remember it.  The bike that is... hair is highly overrated.

I have a 1969 Bonneville that I completely restored many years ago and still ride regularly. I don't know of a forum like this one, but I would be happy to answer any questions you have. I know most of the places for parts and have done all the work on it so I also know the bike mechanically. They are very simple.  Feel free to email or PM. I can recommend so good reference books to help put it back to original.

BTW, brakes are easy to work on and can be made pretty good.

Get modern tires, the K81s are not great.

Starting  is just a matter of learning the trick, and a good ignition system. Real men kick start their bikes.

Amen [clap]

I will be in touch

I haven't used these guys; I just rebuilt the brakes on my own and they are fine, but I know others that have used them and they report that their work will result in drum brakes that have the stopping power of discs.

Check them out. If you need advice on where to find brake parts on your own, let me know.

http://www.vintagebrake.com/

I have owned several of the old Triumphs, a 1970 t120R, a 1973 t00P (police), and a 1982 TR65 which is featured in Real Classic magazine issue #3. That was one of nine bikes that was assembled after Meriden closed by Chris Buckle at Roebuck Motorcycles. Triumph agreed to let him have the last nine if he brought enough parts to finish assembling them as they were flat out of parts and money.It was an extremely rare bike as there were none others ever made in that color scheme and spec.It is now owned by the man who owns the Ace Cafe in London.I went there last year after the TT to meet with him and see the bike .Bike was not there and he is a total dick. I think he likes bikes, but likes $ more.
My 1973 had the twin leading shoe 8 inch front brake so it was good. The 1970 T120R was totally rebuilt and in good shape.
Enjoy your Bonneville ,nothing is quite like riding them.
They were fast and handled well during their day as as recently as the early 1990's I used one as an every day bike!

Classic!!

but like you say things have changed it definately doesn't stop like the new ones, be careful!

I do NOT mean to "thread jack" here at all and forgive me if that is just what I am doing, BUT this seemed too perfect locale to post a "question", or ask for feed back rather:

Hubbi is English and has owned small herds of bikes for years, of course including 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers and our newer Yammie 125 dirt bike, but he is PROUD owner of 1975 Bultaco Trials Bike, 06 Speed Triple and 07 Yamaha FJR1300-WHICH, in fact, is the subject of his current "torment" and purpose for my post....

He LUVS the old bikes, has ALWAYS goggled and talked about the ole Bonnie, but was recently seriously contemplating a 1970-sumthing RD400 (sorry, but this is an UGLY bike in my eyes) and then he took FJR to dealer, sat on NEW Bonnie T100 and now is so tormented about trading Yammie for it.  He is SOOO worried he will regret it. He luvs/uses Yammie for our small "tours" and cruising....hopes Bonnie can be all the Yammie is, BUT HE KNOWS it is no where near the speed demon, of course......

I told him follow his gut and heart-Think he is worried he will never have another big sport/touring bike as nice as Yammie-but reminded him, if not another "new one" like he is used to getting (spoiled), there are always deals on lightly used.....   
Anyone been in this spot-regret decision? Glad you did it? Is it jus plain CRAZY?? 

Tks and CONGRATS on UR "new", ole Bonnie-BEAUTIFUL bike (much nicer than RD400 and square tank on it lol).....

I think that many of us have.  Usually after I buy a bike I go through at least a few hours of thinking, "What the hell have I done."
It did happen after buying my new "old" Triumph.  I wondered why did I buy this old thing that has so many problems that a ride to
the Tasty Freeze turns into an epic adventure.  But, that passed, and I remembered why I wanted to get the bike to begin with. 

On the new Bonnies.  I saw one just yesterday.  A red one.   I thought, damn that looks good and it must be nice to have a bonnie that starts,
stops, and has the shifter and rear brakes on the proper sides. 

I'm sure he will miss the Yamaha if he buys the Triumph.  I still miss my first bike, a piece of crap 69 Suzuki T500 smoker that I sold 25 years ago.  But, we move on.  I would pass on this advice, choosing a bike is much like choosing your mate.  If you base your pick only on looks, you'll
soon be dissatisfied.  But, then, it is much easier to trade in the wrong bike. 

I bought my '75 850 Norton Commando Roadster from Doc Storm (I still live 8.3 miles from his shop). I loved that bike -- it was a joy to ride, and easy to maintain -- I could easily balance the carbs with only basic hand tools.  :-*

Rode that bike for years with no problems, except that it kept frying batteries, and the electric start never worked (well, it worked for the first few months). I finally just yanked the battery and ran the bike straight off the generator -- it had a 12 volt system firing the plugs through 6-volt coils, and it never failed to fire on the first kick (it did require a tickle of the Amals if not yet warmed up).

My brother had one, too -- he's still got it, and he's putting a 950 kit in it.   [moto]

Back in the day ( 1969 ) , I had a BSA Mark 2 Siptfire Special,  (white and red tank).

 Most of the guys I rode w/ were Triumph Bonneville riders and I wanted the fastest Brit bike of our bunch so I got a 1967 BSA slightly used.

We had so much fun w/ those bikes and thought they were so fast . I had mine rejetted and Velocity stacks on the Carbs but when I think back to the leaking oil and the timing chains that seemed to go bad in no time .

Well ,we still had a ball on those old bikes but if I were to ride my screaming Beeser now and then get on my 1098 R it would be like driving my 1967 Triumph TR4A/ irs and driving my last Porsche Carrera S.   A world a part ...but it would be fun to have one just for kicks . 

p.s.  Very nice bike by the way ! It's a Beaut.   You might want to check out the "Motorcycle Classics " Magazine at a fairly large News Stand. The ads in the magazine are geared to your era bike. Dolph

I took Ken Storm over to the TT in 1970, havn't spoken to him in a long long time I wonder if he is still around.

Tks for input/advice etc...I KNOW U R happi with the Bonnie-she IS a BEAUT fer sure! 
Hubbi took plunge-I rode with him to dealer on FJR, did straight swap (ouch, but oh well) we rode home on 08 Bonnie T100 and whatta NICE ride for me too!  The FJR is NOT missed-was about his 5/6th bike, and the Bonnie has brought him down more to my "noob" speed, even on my Monster LOL  Keepin up with his Speed Triple is still a chore for me  :-[

NOT to jack this thread, but thought would share the news and post some neat pix he got of the new "new" Bonnie, in early am last week with a fellow admirer.

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg55/heathergln/NewBonnie003.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg55/heathergln/NewBonnie005.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg55/heathergln/NewBonnie012.jpg)

akmnstr, did triumphrat turn out to be okay for you?  I have only had my Triumph for 2 months after crashing my s2r1k and have found that site to be pretty good.  Not as clean (free of adds and fast) like here, but it is good.  Here is the bike that replaced my s2r...I know it is new and has no vintage coolness, but it sure gets a lot of attention going down the road [moto]

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/timmer357/Email004.jpg)

Very beautiful bike and like a new lover you will discover her quirkks and work around them akmnstr. And she'll look great in the living room.Very cool indeed.  [coffee]

I checked it out and found it not to be the equivalent of this site.  There is a section on vintage Triumphs but most of the site concerns modern Triumphs.    It should be a good site for you.  That is a cool new ride you've got there, and a right side shift too[clap] [clap]

Thanks, and I look forward to working around her quirks. 

Here is an update on my Bonnie.  In classic Triumph fashion the bike ran when I purchased it with a few rough spots.  No big deal.  Then it started missing on on cylinder.   Then it ran only on one cylinder.  Now, it doesn't start.  But, I'm really not concerned.  I was planning to go through the carbs anyway.  I've gotten a couple pms on outfits that will re-bore the Amals and I intend to do that this fall.  I got some NOS pipes and carb gasket kits off Ebay and I am well on my way.  It looks like this will not be as expensive a bike to own as I anticipated.  Owning a Ducati makes any other bike, even an old Triumph, seem like a bargain. 

And the Desmo B*TCH seems to be adapting to its new stable mate with a "whatever" indifference.  She is content as long as the Bling keeps coming
her way.  A recent valve job last month and a few hard rides on her and she leaves the other bikes alone. 

Someones always gotta be Alpha  [laugh]  [laugh]

This is an highly modified older Triumph that I saw a car show back in July:

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/DSC_0009.jpg)

And this is my Triumph:

(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/DSC_0033.jpg)

NICE bike there DRKWNG  [thumbsup] [thumbsup]  Nuthin beats a barn with a Triumph AND a Ducati in it!

Hubbi:  06 Triumph Speed Triple and 08 Triumph Bonneville T100
Me: 09 Ducati Monster 696

Need to get a pic with all three together. 

GREAT tastes in bikes on here!!  ;D ;D

Came across this one today on accident and thought I'de share it with you.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/832215217.html

WANT!!

Have you no shame trotting that ugly bastard out? No, not your bikes.  ;D

The only thing ugly with that bike is the bass boat gold paint.  I would prefer something with a bit less sparkle...

I have a preference for a rear suspension, but that's just me. 

My buddies are a bit strange.  ;D  They also overlooked the broomstick footpegs, the farm equipment shift lever and some leftover Harley kickstart pedal.

Now how on earth do you shift? If there's a clutch lever then you have to take your hand off the gas to shift. if there's a suicide clutch pedal arrangement then you have to reach across the tank with your left hand to shift.

I don't mind bobbers but I like clean work.

www.bonnevilleAmerica.com

is the site I have looked at.  I've been wanting a bonnie also, for a long time. 

great bike

Quit hating!   [cheeky]

Soon  ;D

(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll113/l7i7t7o/Triumph_thruxton_900_arp_750pix.jpg)

NOW
 ;)
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll113/l7i7t7o/P1010109-1.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg55/heathergln/NewBonnie012.jpg)

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg55/heathergln/NewBonnie010.jpg)

^ Das purdy

What a nicely matched pair.  I like the arrow exhaust on the s3.  More power and you can carry through over saddle bags.