1969 Triumph

[Garandman]

A friend of mine has owned this since new. I believe it is a T100R. He's owned it almost since new, having brought it with him when he emigrated from Canada in the mid-90's.

Bike is pretty much original other than tires. How does one value a bike like this?

[LXnastynotch93]

Put it on eBay and see what its worth. I would say probably 5 figures in that shape. That's pretty amazing.

[Chippertheripper]

Has he owned it since new? Lol.

[tls25rs]

Almost since new...

[whynot]

Looks super clean. Before trying to value it, determine what it is. It looks like a 650cc twin-carb, which would make it a T120R Bonneville. (T100R is the twin carb 500cc Daytona.) It does not look like a US-spec '69 or '70 Bonneville, though, could be that it started out as a UK-spec bike, and bikes can go through many changes over the years. (1971-onward brought big changes, including oil-in-frame ("wet frame").) The seat on a '69, for example has a grab rail, but a seat could have been swapped. Do the frame and engine #s match? What are they? No need to post the #s here, PM me or you can look it up yourself to determine the year: http://www.britishspares.com/41.php

To narrow it down, 1968, first year of that front brake; 1969, first year of exhaust header crossover pipe (which this bike doesn't have); 1970, last year of that frame ("dry frame").

I'd call it a 1968 T120R, maybe UK-spec [edit: that is, "Home and General Export"], from what I can see. That was the first year of using that front brake, and in 1969, the angle of the cable pull changed. Polished SS fenders correct for 1968 Bonneville.

Another suggestion, post it on the forum at www.britbike.com, you will get good info from all over the world. People there can tell you better than I what it is and whether anything deviates from stock/original.

[Garandman]

As mentioned this bike is from Canada, so who knows what spec that was. It was purchased new, the original owner had some mishap and he bought it from him as he worked part-time for the dealer while he was in college.

Values he's been quoted: $6,000 to $10,000.

[whynot]

Thought that pic looked familiar
http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...hlight=Triumph

[Garandman]

I forgot Id ever posted.

According to the owner, Hutchinson offered him $6,000.

[stoinkythepig]

Vintage Triumphs have never really taken off value-wise. Guessing it's because they sold so many and the Amal carburtetors/Lucas electrics were effective at keeping them from being wrecked.

[whynot]

I forgot Id ever posted.

According to the owner, Hutchinson offered him $6,000.

In that case, I'd say an asking price or insurance value could be closer to the $10K mark you mentioned, with Hutchinson re-paint and restoration of the tank to the stock (USA) red (Hi-Fi Scarlet over silver base), to maximize value for a sale. But if you like the color as is, no need to change it of course. The present color looks like the "Aquamarine" used on the 1968 500cc twins and on the 1969 750-3. Selling with this color, assuming matching numbers, valid title in current owner's name, and all in good working order, you could aim for $7500.

I'd be happy to look at the bike if you want.

(BTW, I just switched the insurance on my vintage bikes to Hagerty -- much higher coverage at lower cost.)