Great to see you out on those fantastic bikes. I rebuilt an export T140 with balanced crank, belt primary, Hyde cams, high level pipes (Had to convert exh’ ports to threads), Gremeca alloy brake calipers, (1/2 the weight of Lockheed), metal flake blue paint, white mudguards, and got second place at Hoghton Tower classic bike show. Sold for just £2,200 to a mate who will not sell it back to me. Great vid.
As always, thanks so much for your efforts. I still ride my 1974 Ducati 750 Sport, although not very often. For one thing, I’m in the mountains of Idaho where there’s a dearth of pavement, the other factor is age. After years of ‘Work hard/Play hard” I have a left knee replacement and a right ankle replacement. I can’t seem to kick the damned thing with the vigor of my youth. It to, runs, shifts and brakes like a modern bike. I bought it new at 20 so it’s a tough decision to sell it. Enjoy seeing you guys out and about on those lovely old bikes. If you’re not aware, “The Mighty Garage” is a great channel. An Englishman in Portland ,Oregon Who is a vintage aficionado and a consummate mechanic.
Great to see you riding round my old home turf. I really learned to ride properly on these same roads back in the early 80's on my 1973 Bonnie 650. But this is not a trip down memory lane, I still live in Shropshire and have an old Triumph. Some things in life must remain the same.
Best exhaust note sound yet, compared to all your earlier videos, I think. Could have listened especially to that -75 all day, preferably from the saddle. That bike has been in action as long as I have been a motorcyclist, got my license in the late summer of -74. Never owned a british bike, in fact all my bikes have been (and are) japanese. I`m a finn and this is not unusual as there was not that much to choose from, back in the day. There was Jawa, CZ and other eastern bloc stuff and then there were the japanese. So I started on Kawasaki (used 100cc) and went on to Honda and Yamaha, and now I`m back with Kawasaki. But I´ve always admired Bonnevilles and would like to own one before it is time to quit riding, which hopefully still is a long time from now. Great video!
I bought a 78 about last year, built a machine shop so I could afford to keep the bikes running, I've got to do rings or guides this winter, oiling up the plugs. It still runs great though! I love the feel of a Triumph in the twisties. I bought a 64 TR6R in 77, wish I'd never sold it, along with the other seven or so I sold in 83. I keep seeing folks buy new bikes and I keep buying the old ones.
Thanks guys fantasticsite all these beautifull classic spirited bikes i wish i could go down the street and buy from the dealer im x pat now live in queensland love u all lovv your channel
My first 2 serious bikes were Bonnies, a T140v 1976. Great bike, so great it proved popular with thieves. Then a 64, spent way too much for a poor result. Then I saw the light, a 3c Laverda built to SFC triple spec. 38 years later it still gets ridden a lot. Just back from a 5-day 3000k Ozzie Alps ride. Love the vids.
Love your videos guys and you were riding my favorite bikes today. I am a geezer too and I am reliving my youthful days when I watch your videos. Great chat at the end too. I have had seven Triumph twins over my 60 years of riding and my ‘70 Daytona and my ‘77 TR7RV were my favorites. No motorcycle has ever looked as good as that era of Meridan Triumphs. Hope you Brits leave some of the bikes here in the states though. Cheers. (USA)
Great ride on some wonderful bikes. I bought a new T140V in '78 and then a new T140E in '82, enjoyed them both. But in '85 I bought a used '74 Norton Commando 850, that was my favourite. I'd love another one now with electric start. We're all getting older.😊
Great videos you guys make. I've essentially followed you from the first video, and I think you nail it when it comes to the rides, the feel of the bikes, and the tea, cake and banter sessions afterwards! Choosing bikes isn't easy, and whichever you'd pull out of a burning garage, you'd be sorry for the ones you didn't! My choice would be the 68 btw. I've owned, ridden and worked on nearly every Triumph Twin model made between 1938 and 1988, and love them all, but the 68 to 70s are special to me. I owned a 1971 tall frame with a Morgo kit for 17 years, and it eventually gained a RITA ignition and a 5 speed box, and I loved that too. The conicals are great if you set them up right. Ooops, rambling, but then I'm an old fart aren't I.
@@steinrogereliassen517 we like rambling as well in case you hadn't noticed! Re the format of our videos that you mentioned, we enjoy it too which is why we do it! Alas, this time there was no cake at all let alone Lemon Drizzle Cake, not even a single biscuit!🙁
@@richardayton3556 yes I noticed the lack of refreshments! I treat my garage guests with cheap instant coffee or tea, but no biscuits unless they bring them! 😅 No lack of banter or ramblings though, old gits as we are. It’s a good life😊
Love the bikes, as I own a lovely 72 T120r. However, my heart stopped every time you rode close to the left hand kerb to let your mate past. One quick pothole and yer off
Good video! I wouldn’t worry too much about the subscribers, I think the period you went through with large gaps between videos has something to do with it possibly? They will increase with content. Anyway, I have owned a ‘76 left hand shift Bonnie and a mate with a ‘61 Bonnie has the ‘69-‘70 twin leading front brake plate (from memory ‘68 is slightly different, cable routing maybe?). He spent hours setting his brake up with chalk and sand paper, and it out performed my disc in every way. In fact it actually feels like it’s going to snap the forks out from under you 😂. I now have a right hand shift T140 that I have machined the chrome off the disc, cross drilled it and use a braided brake line. A far better brake than the previous one. I can imagine Dave’s brake is another level again! Looking forward to the next vid!
I put an aftermarket dual disc front end on my STD panhead I built in 95, ended up with a 9/16ths master cylinder, against "recommendations", it now stops great after dumping the 3/4 master. Two finger brake, less than a quarter full travel.
@@adrianpancaldi8646 I think the safety nazis use math, but don't ride, just make sure you get the system completely bled and try it out on a safe road. I used to ride bikes with just drums and disc brakes ought to be awesome, something's wrong if they aren't. What year is your Shovel?
@@adrianpancaldi8646 I've been a machinist and welder for about fifty years, I watch "Make it Kustom", a young Canadian guy and he's pretty awesome with his techniques, highly recommend his channel.
@JohnMcClain-p9t, thanks I also have a G12 Matchless with single leading front brake, I truly understand the importance of using the back brake to assist retarding your pace. I am a machinist also, though re trained as an aircraft maintenance engineer around 15 years ago. The Shovelhead is an ‘81 FLHS. I think part of the problem is it has a non standard PM brand calliper , I have never taken the time to ensure the ratio is correct between master cylinder and calliper. Seemingly it’s an older calliper that I haven’t been able to get any info on. I need to upgrade I think. It may also be a case of my expectations being too high, when it’s a single disc trying to retard the progress of a heavy machine. Luckily being trained on bikes with drum brakes has taught me to adjust accordingly.
Great video, you were on my local roads, the chat after was interesting, never ridden a larger capacity Triumph, I had a 68 Daytona some time ago, the vibration was truly painful, I would be interested in riding a dynamically balance Triumph, my son is rebuilding a 1971 A65 which he has had balanced to that will be interesting to try. I agree with your comments regarding brakes, I have a couple of Commando's a 1970 and a 1974 850, I have fitted 12" floating discs with Brembo 4 pot callipers, it makes a big difference if you are going to ride the bikes for long distances. I am also a single carb fan, my 750 has a single Amal 32mm the 850 has a 34mm Mikuni, I am rebuilding the 850, as it's new to me, it replaced a 72 Interstate written off in a crash, I fitted an electric start, my knees are OK, but I had a back problem over summer and didn't want to cancel my holiday ride.
Great video and lovely bikes. I’ve had a few Triumph twins over the years and currently have a 1959 Tiger 100 and a 2021 Bonneville T100. So true what you say about the front brake on the old ones and you certainly have to adjust your riding accordingly making a lot more use of the rear brake.
Great video as usual. The discussions at the end of your videos are always a highlight and a USP. Your subscriber numbers have increased by about a third over the past 18 months so that’s not too shabby, publishing more regularly would help the infamous algorithm ! I was sorry to read your comment on a different channel about a bit of a run in you had with another (bigger) channel. I recently started to watch that channel more often, partly because they generally feature bikes that I’m interested in and, because they are quite local to me, I see settings I’m familiar with and sometimes local roads that I haven’t explored. However, unlike your channel I’ve never subscribed to them. When I first started watching the Lemon Drizzle Gang I subscribed immediately, not least because it was obvious that you guys had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, not that you need me to tell you that 🇬🇧
@@stewy62 thanks for taking the time to comment. Unlike Dave and I, Mike puts a huge amount of work into making the videos so for him it's nice to see viewing figures head in the right direction. However, as you've alluded to, generally we do it because we enjoy doing it!🙂
I raced my T140 V from Northampton to Milton Keynes before speed cameras. Race with Jota and Honda in the dark, great fun my exhaust was cherry red at the end of a tremendous ride.
Bloody great stuff I have a mildly added 73 TR6 with lowered seat which for a short $$$ makes riding so much easier. Cheers Noel in Coventry (3/4 mile from Meriden)
Only ever ridden one British bike. Back in late 70's, lad I worked with had a 68 Bonneville. He asked to borrow my Honda 400 Four as he had an interview and wanted to be sure of getting to it. So we swapped. I was pleasantly surprised just how, nice the Bonneville was to ride, albeit at speeds not above 50 mph as in suburbs.. Shame short sighted management in the British motorcycle industry didn't heed the warnings, and invest in new designs and tooling.
As I approach 70, I have to wonder how much longer I can fit the "middle aged bloke" moniker. I really enjoy the vicarious rides on the left side of the road. Been many years since I rode that side, back in the eighties maybe? With four Triumphs between the garage and the shop, I really enjoy your feed. I hope to re-ring my 78 Bonnie and maybe get to clean the plugs less often. I much prefer the "not oil in the frame" ride, got two T100's going back together, should be ready for the spring I think. I might even get my 72 T140 tiger set up to ride next year. The tough choice is which to ride when?
@@LemonDrizzleGang My grandfathers made it to 87, grandmother made it to 90, I try to keep that in mind with hope! I've been waffling between Harleys and Triumphs for fifty years, somehow can't help it. Thanks for showcasing beautiful bikes!
Love riding my 4 year old T100 around Shropshire.....I often visit Sleap Airfield near Wem on it.....get lots of interesting old bikes cars and Aeroplane's there....great cafe also. Often call into the Medway Cafe by the Raven for brekie. Isn't the mud on the road from tractors a big prob for bikers this time of year. Wish I had a mate that would let me ride his stunning old aircooled bonnies.....so I could compare to my modern water cooled bonnie. Only riding experience of old Brits is my first bike which I still own and ride....a 1969 BSA B175 Bantam....that I love very much. Great video.....stunning bikes....a credit to both owners. Nick from Cheshire.
Great to see you again. I checked and I had been unsubscribed. This is happening quite often and I would like to know why it happens. I have re-subscribed and I will keep an eye on it. You Tube does some strange things, you only have to wander out of your zone of interest once and you tube keeps feeding you with similar videos.. Great review of some wonderful Triumphs and yes the sound of two bikes running together reminded me of old propeller planes with engines not balanced.
Just subscribed. Where can I get a great big slice of that lemon drizzle cake? Beautiful old Triumphs. I have a 2022 red with black side covers W800 that often gets mistaken for that 1968 T120. I do have a 1968 Norton Commando that is part way through getting back together. It's about the 820th Commando made based on the serial number. I have to kick myself in the butt and get back to it but in the mean time the W800 is lots of fun. Cheers: Bob in Ottawa, Canada
Great video.. such gorgeous bikes and what a soundtrack! Would be interested in your opinions on which classic bikes are the best for someone wanting to dip a toe into the classic bike world?
Thanks for your kind comments. Re what would be the best intro classic bike, that's a good question and we'll ponder on! You'll probably get a different answer from every classic bike enthusiast however!🙂
One of the really enjoyable elements of your videos are the fascinating discussions you have post ride. Perhaps you should consider more videos just based around a discussion on some aspect of bikes? By the way, I have a Laverda 3CE directly converted by Slater Bros. Welcome to do a 3CE/3CL comparison :)
Dave has a 3CE endurance conversion we are huge fans of Laverdas I used to own an SF2, if you are in the Laverda scene you may well know Dave We would love to do more Laverda stuff
Once again. Thanks for your efforts. Helps me through the winter up here in Idaho. I’m curious about lead shot filled handlebars. I ride a 22 Tiger 900 and it does get a bit busy at higher speeds. Is this an application that would help with that?
I think you summed up without realising it, exactly why the classic British bike prices have started to tumble, the old blokes who loved and lusted after them struggle to start them. Beautiful bikes but the easy answer is to buy a later Yamaha XS650 with electric start, although they command good prices nowadays, certainly the good ones. Beautiful bikes, great videos as always, I always look forward to them. Just an idea, I think you should do some more comparison videos in the style of the old bike mag shootouts i.e. such as Laverda verses Moto Guzzi verses Ducati and maybe you could do a v twin 500 shootout, I know it's difficult to compare old bikes in different conditions but it would be a nice watch.
Thanks for the feedback yes you are right about us getting older Re the comparisons the hardest thing is getting access to the bikes to test We have some great stuff in the pipeline we are working troubleshooting for now in the uk is we are getting g to where they salt the roads so we loose access to the classics
Thanks for the feedback Paul. Agree with much of what you say and yes, early Yamaha XS1 and XS2s are indeed lovely things. Or, similarly a Kawasaki W1 or W2 which of course was even based on a BSA A10 engine. Anyone out there wish to have there's featured? 🙂
And another thing Paul, re your comments re a 500 shootout, we need to work on Steve, Aubrey and Graham then we could have a Morini, Monza and Montjuic megatest!🙂👍
I would like to own a 1968 Tiger , as I was born in 68 , I have owned 3 newer Triumph Tigers as well . I think people just want to ride ( not spend time fixing their bikes or kick starting them ) I would like one just to do up or just ride every now and again with a historical club ride . Other than then I would think to modern reliably and handling , braking and performance.
Great bikes. Love the sound of a Triumph 650. How does he do the lead shot in the handlebars? Just dump it in there until it's full and then plug it up on the ends? I tried using copper bb's once. I put them inside surgical tubing and put the tubing into the bars. The bars had been cut for wiring for a different bike so I couldn't just fill the bars with the BBs, I had to contain them somehow so they wouldn't fall out the hole. I'm not sure how much of a difference it made.
OK, my method. Push a cut-down cork so it just fits into the end of the bar to the first bend (about 6 inches). It will naturally get stuck at the bend anyway. Mix lead shot (available from diving suppliers) with silicone sealant (cheap bathroom stuff, nothing fancy). Put it into the space up to the cork and plug with a 2nd cork. It weighs about 1lb per bar end and the silicon helps it damp the vibrations. Both the Trophy and the T140 have rigidly mounted bars now, as the rubber bushes always go sloppy, and they are absolutely fine vibration wise, really smooth. Combination of dynamic balancing (mostly) and that mod.
@@waveydavey750 thank you for the detailed explanation. I'm going to try this on one of my Triumph 750s. When I did my copper BB version I ran them through the entire bars (end to end) stuffed in medical tubing (that was about the same inner diameter as the bars). It was a little tricky getting it all the way through the bars. Going to the first bend osounds easier.
This is not the real Dave answering! I thought I’d add what I did to add weights to my 1971 TR6Cs’ bars. I wrapped a sheet of roofing lead cut to fit a long bolt, washers and nut and a plug - times two of course - then slid the assemblies into each bar end and tightened the bolt to compress the lead sheeting against the inside of the bars. Has worked for a few years so far.
Great video , lovely bikes , I’m based in Shropshire , where is the start point of video , I don’t recognise it & I’ve lived Shropshire all my life , admittedly I’m north Shropshire near Oswestry , keep up the good work , have seen a few of you out & about but not yet met Mike .. I do get Sams cafe and A & D motorbikes a fair bit .. love old English bikes but know nothing of maintenance 😂😂 tried owning old bikes but then met with big bills as can’t fix or maintain tidy myself
I am sure we will catch up I am at A&D a fair bit and of course great mates with Stewart who I have known since I was 14 The starting point is the Pit Stop Cafe and I think it’s Telford way (I just followed the lads) I am from Northop myself
@ ha ha , I know the Dannery , didn’t recognise 🤷♂️some great roads south Shropshire , back towards Mid Wales 🏴 we very lucky where we live & ride .. love the videos
@ Dave is right I haven’t got a clue I just follow him and Rich lovely roads though I am more concerned about Gears on the right use the back brake don’t drop the bike to know where we are e😁👍
@@AndyOwen-b3twe tend to gravitate towards South Shropshire, Mid Wales and the borders more often, however there are some lovely roads and beautiful countryside around Oswestry too. I had a blissful ride from Shrewsbury to Glyn Ceiriog and through the small villages in the hills above the Oswestry old racecourse a week or 2 ago. Stopped at a lovely pub called the Hand Inn for lunch.🙂
Nice to see a trio of Triumphs out and about. I’m in Cheshire and was wondering if you had the cranks dynamically balanced locally? Always good with such things to go with a recommendation.
@@dge955 My two bonnevilles were balanced by Bassett Down near Swindon, still going I believe. I got Richard's Trophy balanced by SRM near Aberystwyth and they also did a good job. Thanks for your question.
Hi Gent's great video & loved the three Triumph's. I have a quick question for Dave please. What sprockets are you running on the T140? I have a UK spec 1978 & it seems very under geared
You say your subscribers have stalled but then when did you last upload a video?, anyway i enjoy the channel keep em comin. P.s. and of course you all could find neutral at a standstill.
@@nickaxe771 That cafe/ pub is called The Danery on the Kidderminster road out of Bridgnorth. The cafe bit hasn't been open too long. It's open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On other days there's also a nice cafe about 5 miles further up the road (near Alveley) called Poole Hall Fisheries.🙂
@LemonDrizzleGang A 72 BSA Lightning, Devimead crank, and a brand new Thunderbolt head (never fitted). A 77 Triumph Tiger many new and upgraded parts (not fitted) Norman Hyde, Megacycle, JMC, Hagon, Nikasil barrels, Harris crank etc. both disassembled.
@LemonDrizzleGang If you look at the beginning of the video, the first rider taking off you'll see what I'm saying.ive noticed it on other British riders. Fantastic bikes and video by the way , nice countryside, a well put together video
@@paulsilson2148 I don't think it's a British thing, I've seen plenty of riders from Europe, Canada and the States are by far the riders guilty of doing it. As for the rider you mentioned, I think it's balance, he is starting from start and executes a right turn , and as he has right foot gear change his right foot is on the peg as the bike leans I think he waits until the bike is upright before he raises his leg. Nothing strange , just shows he is comfortable on the machine.
Great to see you out on those fantastic bikes. I rebuilt an export T140 with balanced crank, belt primary, Hyde cams, high level pipes (Had to convert exh’ ports to threads), Gremeca alloy brake calipers, (1/2 the weight of Lockheed), metal flake blue paint, white mudguards, and got second place at Hoghton Tower classic bike show. Sold for just £2,200 to a mate who will not sell it back to me. Great vid.
wow , what a treat that took me back 40yrs, me and my mates had 10 or more bonnies and tridents a symphony of trumpets..nothing better.
Took me back as well the sound is intoxicating
I don't think I've heard better sounding bikes...absolutely lovely 😊 Thanks for the video guys 😀
what a beautiful soundtrack
Beautiful bikes! I love all the improvements and tweaks to get them running so brilliantly.
Fantastic bikes love the red triumph
Sounds awesome
Thanks for sharing
People seem to be over obsessed with the retro bikes atm
Love it
Ate phil
Fantastic! These were the dream bikes of my adolescent years. 10 thumbs up!
As always, thanks so much for your efforts. I still ride my 1974 Ducati 750 Sport, although not very often. For one thing, I’m in the mountains of Idaho where there’s a dearth of pavement, the other factor is age. After years of ‘Work hard/Play hard” I have a left knee replacement and a right ankle replacement. I can’t seem to kick the damned thing with the vigor of my youth. It to, runs, shifts and brakes like a modern bike. I bought it new at 20 so it’s a tough decision to sell it. Enjoy seeing you guys out and about on those lovely old bikes. If you’re not aware, “The Mighty Garage” is a great channel. An Englishman in Portland ,Oregon Who is a vintage aficionado and a consummate mechanic.
Yes The Mighty Garage is a fantastic channel and we have in the past communicated with each other
That too is one of my favorite channels!
Another great video ,luv it ,fantastic bikes,a big credit to Dave.
Great to see you riding round my old home turf. I really learned to ride properly on these same roads back in the early 80's on my 1973 Bonnie 650.
But this is not a trip down memory lane, I still live in Shropshire and have an old Triumph.
Some things in life must remain the same.
@@philhawley1219 Sounds like we're all agreed - you can't beat an old Triumph, or Shropshire!🙂
@richardayton3556 Of course. I also include BSA and Ducati too.
You chaps are lucky to have the relationship that you have. Good on you.
Thanks for that Bob and you are right all of us in the LDG have been friends since we were teenagers and we are very lucky
3 cracking Triumphs! Great to see you boys posting again, these machines are even nicer second time around just lovely 👍
@@richardjohnson3463 thank you
Best exhaust note sound yet, compared to all your earlier videos, I think. Could have listened especially to that -75 all day, preferably from the saddle. That bike has been in action as long as I have been a motorcyclist, got my license in the late summer of -74. Never owned a british bike, in fact all my bikes have been (and are) japanese. I`m a finn and this is not unusual as there was not that much to choose from, back in the day. There was Jawa, CZ and other eastern bloc stuff and then there were the japanese. So I started on Kawasaki (used 100cc) and went on to Honda and Yamaha, and now I`m back with Kawasaki. But I´ve always admired Bonnevilles and would like to own one before it is time to quit riding, which hopefully still is a long time from now. Great video!
I can post the onboards without me yapping us there is interest
@@LemonDrizzleGang see that you already fixed this 👍
@@robertlindstrom540 you gave me the idea thanks 👍
I bought my t140v new in 1978 ,its helped me feel young all these years 😊
I bought a 78 about last year, built a machine shop so I could afford to keep the bikes running, I've got to do rings or guides this winter, oiling up the plugs. It still runs great though! I love the feel of a Triumph in the twisties. I bought a 64 TR6R in 77, wish I'd never sold it, along with the other seven or so I sold in 83. I keep seeing folks buy new bikes and I keep buying the old ones.
One of your best Gents....I would just love to own that T140V !!!. One great video.
Thanks guys fantasticsite all these beautifull classic spirited bikes i wish i could go down the street and buy from the dealer im x pat now live in queensland love u all lovv your channel
My first 2 serious bikes were Bonnies, a T140v 1976. Great bike, so great it proved popular with thieves. Then a 64, spent way too much for a poor result. Then I saw the light, a 3c Laverda built to SFC triple spec. 38 years later it still gets ridden a lot. Just back from a 5-day 3000k Ozzie Alps ride. Love the vids.
Worth it! From the U.S.A.
Love your videos guys and you were riding my favorite bikes today. I am a geezer too and I am reliving my youthful days when I watch your videos. Great chat at the end too. I have had seven Triumph twins over my 60 years of riding and my ‘70 Daytona and my ‘77 TR7RV were my favorites. No motorcycle has ever looked as good as that era of Meridan Triumphs. Hope you Brits leave some of the bikes here in the states though. Cheers. (USA)
@@dogfeathers5646 Thanks for your kind comments. Hopefully there's still plenty of old Brit bikes lying around to see us all out!!🙂
Great ride on some wonderful bikes. I bought a new T140V in '78 and then a new T140E in '82, enjoyed them both. But in '85 I bought a used '74 Norton Commando 850, that was my favourite. I'd love another one now with electric start. We're all getting older.😊
PS. My 2019 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 is much nicer to ride than all of them.😂
@@splodge57 🤔🙂
Great videos you guys make. I've essentially followed you from the first video, and I think you nail it when it comes to the rides, the feel of the bikes, and the tea, cake and banter sessions afterwards! Choosing bikes isn't easy, and whichever you'd pull out of a burning garage, you'd be sorry for the ones you didn't!
My choice would be the 68 btw. I've owned, ridden and worked on nearly every Triumph Twin model made between 1938 and 1988, and love them all, but the 68 to 70s are special to me.
I owned a 1971 tall frame with a Morgo kit for 17 years, and it eventually gained a RITA ignition and a 5 speed box, and I loved that too. The conicals are great if you set them up right.
Ooops, rambling, but then I'm an old fart aren't I.
We have earned our right to ramble
Thank you for watching
@@steinrogereliassen517 we like rambling as well in case you hadn't noticed! Re the format of our videos that you mentioned, we enjoy it too which is why we do it! Alas, this time there was no cake at all let alone Lemon Drizzle Cake, not even a single biscuit!🙁
@@richardayton3556 yes I noticed the lack of refreshments! I treat my garage guests with cheap instant coffee or tea, but no biscuits unless they bring them! 😅 No lack of banter or ramblings though, old gits as we are. It’s a good life😊
Love the bikes, as I own a lovely 72 T120r. However, my heart stopped every time you rode close to the left hand kerb to let your mate past. One quick pothole and yer off
Nah we have been riding roads like these for 40 years
Famous last words.
Never too late to learn.😂
Wonderful! I had a U.S. spec T140v in '79.
Good video! I wouldn’t worry too much about the subscribers, I think the period you went through with large gaps between videos has something to do with it possibly? They will increase with content.
Anyway, I have owned a ‘76 left hand shift Bonnie and a mate with a ‘61 Bonnie has the ‘69-‘70 twin leading front brake plate (from memory ‘68 is slightly different, cable routing maybe?). He spent hours setting his brake up with chalk and sand paper, and it out performed my disc in every way. In fact it actually feels like it’s going to snap the forks out from under you 😂. I now have a right hand shift T140 that I have machined the chrome off the disc, cross drilled it and use a braided brake line. A far better brake than the previous one.
I can imagine Dave’s brake is another level again! Looking forward to the next vid!
I put an aftermarket dual disc front end on my STD panhead I built in 95, ended up with a 9/16ths master cylinder, against "recommendations", it now stops great after dumping the 3/4 master. Two finger brake, less than a quarter full travel.
Thanks for the tip! The single disc brake on my Shovelhead is hopeless! I think the worst I have experienced, apart from an early Bantam…
@@adrianpancaldi8646 I think the safety nazis use math, but don't ride, just make sure you get the system completely bled and try it out on a safe road. I used to ride bikes with just drums and disc brakes ought to be awesome, something's wrong if they aren't. What year is your Shovel?
@@adrianpancaldi8646 I've been a machinist and welder for about fifty years, I watch "Make it Kustom", a young Canadian guy and he's pretty awesome with his techniques, highly recommend his channel.
@JohnMcClain-p9t, thanks I also have a G12 Matchless with single leading front brake, I truly understand the importance of using the back brake to assist retarding your pace. I am a machinist also, though re trained as an aircraft maintenance engineer around 15 years ago. The Shovelhead is an ‘81 FLHS. I think part of the problem is it has a non standard PM brand calliper , I have never taken the time to ensure the ratio is correct between master cylinder and calliper. Seemingly it’s an older calliper that I haven’t been able to get any info on. I need to upgrade I think. It may also be a case of my expectations being too high, when it’s a single disc trying to retard the progress of a heavy machine. Luckily being trained on bikes with drum brakes has taught me to adjust accordingly.
They sound great. Everyone wants their twins to sound like V twins these days but you can’t beat this sound.
I know it’s an intoxicating growl especially that 68
@@jota1221 I agree, all the vertical twins these days are either 270 or 180 degrees and imho they just don't sound as nice.
Great video, you were on my local roads, the chat after was interesting, never ridden a larger capacity Triumph, I had a 68 Daytona some time ago, the vibration was truly painful, I would be interested in riding a dynamically balance Triumph, my son is rebuilding a 1971 A65 which he has had balanced to that will be interesting to try. I agree with your comments regarding brakes, I have a couple of Commando's a 1970 and a 1974 850, I have fitted 12" floating discs with Brembo 4 pot callipers, it makes a big difference if you are going to ride the bikes for long distances. I am also a single carb fan, my 750 has a single Amal 32mm the 850 has a 34mm Mikuni, I am rebuilding the 850, as it's new to me, it replaced a 72 Interstate written off in a crash, I fitted an electric start, my knees are OK, but I had a back problem over summer and didn't want to cancel my holiday ride.
Great video and lovely bikes. I’ve had a few Triumph twins over the years and currently have a 1959 Tiger 100 and a 2021 Bonneville T100. So true what you say about the front brake on the old ones and you certainly have to adjust your riding accordingly making a lot more use of the rear brake.
Great video as usual. The discussions at the end of your videos are always a highlight and a USP. Your subscriber numbers have increased by about a third over the past 18 months so that’s not too shabby, publishing more regularly would help the infamous algorithm !
I was sorry to read your comment on a different channel about a bit of a run in you had with another (bigger) channel. I recently started to watch that channel more often, partly because they generally feature bikes that I’m interested in and, because they are quite local to me, I see settings I’m familiar with and sometimes local roads that I haven’t explored. However, unlike your channel I’ve never subscribed to them. When I first started watching the Lemon Drizzle Gang I subscribed immediately, not least because it was obvious that you guys had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, not that you need me to tell you that 🇬🇧
@@stewy62 thanks for taking the time to comment. Unlike Dave and I, Mike puts a huge amount of work into making the videos so for him it's nice to see viewing figures head in the right direction. However, as you've alluded to, generally we do it because we enjoy doing it!🙂
I raced my T140 V from Northampton to Milton Keynes before speed cameras. Race with Jota and Honda in the dark, great fun my exhaust was cherry red at the end of a tremendous ride.
"I'll just let you listen to them....anyway, what was I saying"😅
Great vid, nice bikes.
Not many hedges here down under.
👍🍻
I leave try and leave loads of bits where you can hear the bikes, I just can help myself waffling on and on 😁
I lived in Australia for 25 years
Beautiful! My goal. A ‘68 T120 with gorgeous clocks and a fabulous sounding 360° engine! (You really tickled me with that)!
a true dustinguished gentleman's ride, great!
Bloody great stuff I have a mildly added 73 TR6 with lowered seat which for a short $$$ makes riding so much easier. Cheers Noel in Coventry (3/4 mile from Meriden)
Wonderful Meriden Triumphs .
Spot on content chaps, keep it going Mike. Cheers
Thanks 👍
BRAVO! Epic. Thanks.
Thank you
Fantastic post gent's, thank you.✌🏻
Thank you
Hi Very good sound on the move. Great to see brit bikes.
Thank you It’s taken me three years to perfect
Only ever ridden one British bike. Back in late 70's, lad I worked with had a 68 Bonneville. He asked to borrow my Honda 400 Four as he had an interview and wanted to be sure of getting to it. So we swapped. I was pleasantly surprised just how, nice the Bonneville was to ride, albeit at speeds not above 50 mph as in suburbs.. Shame short sighted management in the British motorcycle industry didn't heed the warnings, and invest in new designs and tooling.
As I approach 70, I have to wonder how much longer I can fit the "middle aged bloke" moniker. I really enjoy the vicarious rides on the left side of the road. Been many years since I rode that side, back in the eighties maybe? With four Triumphs between the garage and the shop, I really enjoy your feed. I hope to re-ring my 78 Bonnie and maybe get to clean the plugs less often. I much prefer the "not oil in the frame" ride, got two T100's going back together, should be ready for the spring I think. I might even get my 72 T140 tiger set up to ride next year. The tough choice is which to ride when?
Haha I feel a bit of a fraud every time I use that middle aged bloke tag line 🤣
@@LemonDrizzleGang My grandfathers made it to 87, grandmother made it to 90, I try to keep that in mind with hope! I've been waffling between Harleys and Triumphs for fifty years, somehow can't help it. Thanks for showcasing beautiful bikes!
Lovely, I'm looking at a 72 t120 and 71 T100c at the weekend. Excited.
@@steveedwards4495 good luck with the bike viewings - it's only money!🙂
I had a 75 just to young at the time to own a bike like it
Love riding my 4 year old T100 around Shropshire.....I often visit Sleap Airfield near Wem on it.....get lots of interesting old bikes cars and Aeroplane's there....great cafe also.
Often call into the Medway Cafe by the Raven for brekie.
Isn't the mud on the road from tractors a big prob for bikers this time of year.
Wish I had a mate that would let me ride his stunning old aircooled bonnies.....so I could compare to my modern water cooled bonnie.
Only riding experience of old Brits is my first bike which I still own and ride....a 1969 BSA B175 Bantam....that I love very much.
Great video.....stunning bikes....a credit to both owners.
Nick from Cheshire.
We held a classic bike day there a few yrs back
@@LemonDrizzleGang Fantastic.....been going for inc...inc when I used to own and fly my little microlight aircraft into Sleap...
@@nickaxe771 I used to be part of a syndicate with a Mainair striker many many years ago great fun
@@LemonDrizzleGang Oh fantastic.....where did you fly from....was Ince Blundel just north of Liverpool with a Flash 2a.....flying motorcycles eh!
@ indeed I like that flying motorcycles, I used to fly out of the North wales gliding club when it was near the A55
Great to see you again. I checked and I had been unsubscribed. This is happening quite often and I would like to know why it happens. I have re-subscribed and I will keep an eye on it. You Tube does some strange things, you only have to wander out of your zone of interest once and you tube keeps feeding you with similar videos.. Great review of some wonderful Triumphs and yes the sound of two bikes running together reminded me of old propeller planes with engines not balanced.
Really refreshing
Just subscribed. Where can I get a great big slice of that lemon drizzle cake? Beautiful old Triumphs. I have a 2022 red with black side covers W800 that often gets mistaken for that 1968 T120. I do have a 1968 Norton Commando that is part way through getting back together. It's about the 820th Commando made based on the serial number. I have to kick myself in the butt and get back to it but in the mean time the W800 is lots of fun.
Cheers: Bob in Ottawa, Canada
Cheers Bob we have a couple of Commando videos on the channel including one where we compare it to an R90S
Thanks for your Sub
Mike
Great video.. such gorgeous bikes and what a soundtrack!
Would be interested in your opinions on which classic bikes are the best for someone wanting to dip a toe into the classic bike world?
Thanks for your kind comments. Re what would be the best intro classic bike, that's a good question and we'll ponder on! You'll probably get a different answer from every classic bike enthusiast however!🙂
One of the really enjoyable elements of your videos are the fascinating discussions you have post ride. Perhaps you should consider more videos just based around a discussion on some aspect of bikes? By the way, I have a Laverda 3CE directly converted by Slater Bros. Welcome to do a 3CE/3CL comparison :)
Dave has a 3CE endurance conversion we are huge fans of Laverdas I used to own an SF2, if you are in the Laverda scene you may well know Dave
We would love to do more Laverda stuff
Apologies Dave has a 3CL in Jota spec
Once again. Thanks for your efforts. Helps me through the winter up here in Idaho. I’m curious about lead shot filled handlebars. I ride a 22 Tiger 900 and it does get a bit busy at higher speeds. Is this an application that would help with that?
I have '01 Bonnie and unforunately it's not so great sounding bike like the old ones... Cheers from Poland 😉
I think you summed up without realising it, exactly why the classic British bike prices have started to tumble, the old blokes who loved and lusted after them struggle to start them. Beautiful bikes but the easy answer is to buy a later Yamaha XS650 with electric start, although they command good prices nowadays, certainly the good ones. Beautiful bikes, great videos as always, I always look forward to them. Just an idea, I think you should do some more comparison videos in the style of the old bike mag shootouts i.e. such as Laverda verses Moto Guzzi verses Ducati and maybe you could do a v twin 500 shootout, I know it's difficult to compare old bikes in different conditions but it would be a nice watch.
Thanks for the feedback yes you are right about us getting older
Re the comparisons the hardest thing is getting access to the bikes to test
We have some great stuff in the pipeline we are working troubleshooting for now in the uk is we are getting g to where they salt the roads so we loose access to the classics
Thanks for the feedback Paul. Agree with much of what you say and yes, early Yamaha XS1 and XS2s are indeed lovely things. Or, similarly a Kawasaki W1 or W2 which of course was even based on a BSA A10 engine. Anyone out there wish to have there's featured? 🙂
And another thing Paul, re your comments re a 500 shootout, we need to work on Steve, Aubrey and Graham then we could have a Morini, Monza and Montjuic megatest!🙂👍
I'm looking at the lovely clocks on the red Bonneville, just a shame they don't seem to work...
I explain in the commentary at the next stop we tightened the cables that had come loose and they worked fine
You guys should get your first bikes Fs1E and Fantic etc and do a ride out on them. Great Show. ❤
Rich and Dave had a Puch my first bike was an xl 250
@LemonDrizzleGang Greeves Scrambler as a kid but Suzuki X5 200 was my first road bike just before they reduced the learner bikes to 125
I would like to own a 1968 Tiger , as I was born in 68 , I have owned 3 newer Triumph Tigers as well . I think people just want to ride ( not spend time fixing their bikes or kick starting them ) I would like one just to do up or just ride every now and again with a historical club ride . Other than then I would think to modern reliably and handling , braking and performance.
Great bikes. Love the sound of a Triumph 650.
How does he do the lead shot in the handlebars? Just dump it in there until it's full and then plug it up on the ends? I tried using copper bb's once. I put them inside surgical tubing and put the tubing into the bars. The bars had been cut for wiring for a different bike so I couldn't just fill the bars with the BBs, I had to contain them somehow so they wouldn't fall out the hole. I'm not sure how much of a difference it made.
I have asked Dave to answer that
OK, my method. Push a cut-down cork so it just fits into the end of the bar to the first bend (about 6 inches). It will naturally get stuck at the bend anyway. Mix lead shot (available from diving suppliers) with silicone sealant (cheap bathroom stuff, nothing fancy). Put it into the space up to the cork and plug with a 2nd cork. It weighs about 1lb per bar end and the silicon helps it damp the vibrations. Both the Trophy and the T140 have rigidly mounted bars now, as the rubber bushes always go sloppy, and they are absolutely fine vibration wise, really smooth. Combination of dynamic balancing (mostly) and that mod.
@@waveydavey750 thank you for the detailed explanation. I'm going to try this on one of my Triumph 750s. When I did my copper BB version I ran them through the entire bars (end to end) stuffed in medical tubing (that was about the same inner diameter as the bars). It was a little tricky getting it all the way through the bars. Going to the first bend osounds easier.
This is not the real Dave answering! I thought I’d add what I did to add weights to my 1971 TR6Cs’ bars. I wrapped a sheet of roofing lead cut to fit a long bolt, washers and nut and a plug - times two of course - then slid the assemblies into each bar end and tightened the bolt to compress the lead sheeting against the inside of the bars. Has worked for a few years so far.
Wasn't the bike in Ted Simon's Jupiters Travels Round the World trip a Trophy?
I think it was a 500?
I've just dug out a copy of the book and it was a Triumph 500 T100P, registration XRW964M. So a late 1974/1975 one.👍
Wonderful book. I remember reading it when it went on sale. I now need to buy a new copy, cheers.😊
Great video , lovely bikes , I’m based in Shropshire , where is the start point of video , I don’t recognise it & I’ve lived Shropshire all my life , admittedly I’m north Shropshire near Oswestry , keep up the good work , have seen a few of you out & about but not yet met Mike .. I do get Sams cafe and A & D motorbikes a fair bit .. love old English bikes but know nothing of maintenance 😂😂 tried owning old bikes but then met with big bills as can’t fix or maintain tidy myself
I am sure we will catch up I am at A&D a fair bit and of course great mates with Stewart who I have known since I was 14
The starting point is the Pit Stop Cafe and I think it’s Telford way (I just followed the lads) I am from Northop myself
It's actually at the Danery pub about 3 miles out of Bridgnorth on the Kidderminster road, Mike really hasn't a clue once out of North Wales 😅
@ ha ha , I know the Dannery , didn’t recognise 🤷♂️some great roads south Shropshire , back towards Mid Wales 🏴 we very lucky where we live & ride .. love the videos
@ Dave is right I haven’t got a clue I just follow him and Rich lovely roads though I am more concerned about Gears on the right use the back brake don’t drop the bike to know where we are e😁👍
@@AndyOwen-b3twe tend to gravitate towards South Shropshire, Mid Wales and the borders more often, however there are some lovely roads and beautiful countryside around Oswestry too. I had a blissful ride from Shrewsbury to Glyn Ceiriog and through the small villages in the hills above the Oswestry old racecourse a week or 2 ago. Stopped at a lovely pub called the Hand Inn for lunch.🙂
Great stuff! Which sprockets are on the 68? Seems to run at a better rate than stock for modern use.
Nice to see a trio of Triumphs out and about. I’m in Cheshire and was wondering if you had the cranks dynamically balanced locally? Always good with such things to go with a recommendation.
I will ask Dave
@@LemonDrizzleGangthank you
@@dge955 My two bonnevilles were balanced by Bassett Down near Swindon, still going I believe. I got Richard's Trophy balanced by SRM near Aberystwyth and they also did a good job. Thanks for your question.
Thanks Dave, I was planning on going to SRM so it’s good to know they did a good job. Cheers, Dave
Hi Gent's great video & loved the three Triumph's. I have a quick question for Dave please. What sprockets are you running on the T140? I have a UK spec 1978 & it seems very under geared
You say your subscribers have stalled but then when did you last upload a video?, anyway i enjoy the channel keep em comin. P.s. and of course you all could find neutral at a standstill.
In the last month I have posted 3 full length videos and about 15 shorts
Oh I do apologise I am subscribed but haven't been receiving any alerts for new videos for some reason I'll check them out .
@ strange I have done the 1920s bikes the Hybrid Kawasaki and this one
Also have a RE Guérilla one coming out in a few days
Thanks for watching 👍
10:39 I could push this button all day...
Like the Jota bit. 🤣
I think every video should include a give Mike the Jota bit 🤣
Dave hasn't put the heating on and no biscuits?
He made us a magnificent home made soup and home made sourdough bread for lunch 🤣
@@LemonDrizzleGangbut some biscuits to go with the tea would have been nice!🤔
@@richardayton3556you are a hard taskmaster Rich
Can I ask.....whats the name of the pub you start out from....is it a reg haunt of bikers?
Pit stop Cafe I think I am not a local the other lands will advise I am an interloper from North 🏴
@@nickaxe771 That cafe/ pub is called The Danery on the Kidderminster road out of Bridgnorth. The cafe bit hasn't been open too long. It's open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On other days there's also a nice cafe about 5 miles further up the road (near Alveley) called Poole Hall Fisheries.🙂
@@richardayton3556 I see...bit to far for me from near Merseyside.
@@richardayton3556 Do you ever go to the Raven....and the Medway next door.
I often call into the medway on my way to Sleap for brekie.
Are you (Mike, Dave,Richard) lovers of all things seventies and British interested in acquiring a couple of new projects?
Everyone has tun out of space to be honest but what have you got we know a few people
@LemonDrizzleGang A 72 BSA Lightning, Devimead crank, and a brand new Thunderbolt head (never fitted).
A 77 Triumph Tiger many new and upgraded parts (not fitted) Norman Hyde, Megacycle, JMC, Hagon, Nikasil barrels, Harris crank etc. both disassembled.
You Brits with dragging the foot , what's it about, does it help the ride
Sorry not sure what you mean by dragging the foot ?
@LemonDrizzleGang on take off, from a standing start
@ I hadn’t noticed to be honest will have to talk to the other lads, do we all do it ?
@LemonDrizzleGang If you look at the beginning of the video, the first rider taking off you'll see what I'm saying.ive noticed it on other British riders. Fantastic bikes and video by the way , nice countryside, a well put together video
@@paulsilson2148 I don't think it's a British thing, I've seen plenty of riders from Europe, Canada and the States are by far the riders guilty of doing it. As for the rider you mentioned, I think it's balance, he is starting from start and executes a right turn , and as he has right foot gear change his right foot is on the peg as the bike leans I think he waits until the bike is upright before he raises his leg. Nothing strange , just shows he is comfortable on the machine.