The 1968 Triumph 500 is basically the perfect motorcycle for the street
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Is it possible that a 50 year old british motorcycle is just as good for the street as any modern motorcycle? Today I'm looking at my old, 1968 Triumph 500 and seeing if it stands up today as a usable motorcycle
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It's subjective and relative of course, in 1968 someone that owned a Black Shadow probably thought his Triumph was for thrill seekers and race boys and not a proper bike, or something. But the point of it all is we love our bikes and love riding and it's a great community to be a part of. I've broken down all over the world on old bikes and always someone has stopped to help, and vice versa. And beers and yarns and catch up with me when you're in my country/state/town. Pretty special thing we have. And thanks heaps to Bart for putting up all these vids.
1968 Triumph is what I ride (my other bike is a Honda). So good to hear someone else appreciates this model
. Great videos, much enjoyed, thank you.
I don't understand why people need or think they need crazy horsepower for street use. I got the Trail 125, which is like 8 or 9 HP, and it is a perfect bike for commuting, a grocery getter, cruising to the coffee shop or sno cone stand...I've seen a lot of people on You tube using them for road trips, which has inspired me to get a key map of the county and look for routes to the countryside or the beach on back roads, since the Trail is too slow for a freeway, and part of the charm is slowing down to explore and enjoy the ride, not simply breezing by.
One thing you didn't talk about much is maintenance. It is important to keep the timing spot on and the carbs tuned, but that is a very easy DIY activity with this motor. Being able to keep this engine in perfect tune by yourself, is one of the most satisfying parts of owning one.
....and it makes a lot more sense to just fit electronic ignition......
@@caribman10 Where's the fun in that?
Single carb and lower state of tune than a Daytona. Not a fussy bike. Keep the nuts and bolts tight and ride.
@@caribman10 I used to have an AJS 250cc G14 and tuning the bike was great fun in getting the best out of a 40 year old engine. I used to tune a radio to a blank part of the airways and use this to tune the points as the piston rose to 1/8 before top dead centre the points should start to open and the condeser would then cause interference to the radio, which gave me the ability to adjust the points and then get the engine to get to be able to idle at a very low rpm. Also making adjustments to the monobloc carbouretters was another area of discovery, I just wish I had the internet then, but also the right to repair means nothing unless the item was made in any quantity and Triumph made millons and with lots of propriety parts[ lucas, wipac, british hub co. etc. So this means these bikes will be around for ever. And the Fonz had one so whats not to like!!!!
Carb, single. Timing, it doesn't move around a lot. Points and plugs was about it.
The kick start procedure is an investment in the ride. If you push on the limits, the bike will let you know. Many vehicles are faster, more refined, less maintenance, but your 40+year old ride says more in appearances then any modern bike could.
Art through simplicity at its finest.
Having once owned an early 1960's BSA A7 500 I can appreciate how nice your bike is to ride. Stay safe fella.✌️🇬🇧
Had one of these(wish I still had it). Absolutely fantastic bike to ride. I've ridden everything from dirt to biggest fastest bikes, and it is always fun to ride this bike through the Twisties and mountains 😎👌👍
The unique Trumpet sound stems from the fact that the header pipe lengths are an octave different.
The term ''Tickle'' needs to add a r to the term as in ''Trickle'' for that is the more logical function when the bowl overflows. The foot pegs are yet another off symmetry aspect.
-DU69160 2nd owner & current rider since 1973 when I paid a dollar a cc for it.
When we think about what binds us to other creatures and things, the good times really count, but so do the not so good times. When you work on your bike, is it a joy or a pain? What if you spend a half hour fussing with plastic panels. What if the complexity of the design is such that you feel powerless to fix a problem? How many trips to the dealer for service or repair will it take to ruin the fondness you have for your bike? I've fond memories of a 1978 Yamaha XS650 that I bought new, even though I had to split the cases to replace a defective gear, not to mention hours of routine maintenance.
Love old bikes. I have a 1975 Yamaha RD200 and a 1982 Kawasaki KZ650CSR. Both restored.
Someone talking sense! The 500cc Daytona was excellent. I have a tr5t -same engine- but less weight, great video!
M
Sounds better than most Harley’s ! Love your passion for the brand .
when the Triumph 500 cc was built it was in engineering terms the optimal size for a ParaTwin, 650cc worked but 750cc had issues, the displacement was to much. Other designers opted for VTwin over 650cc, the beauty of the 500cc Triumph is simplicity and reliability, it worked so well.
Agree with every word on the video… except substitute Norton Commando for Triumph.
My BMW R90/6 makes me happy. It certainly is not the best motorcycle ever. However, I love it. Nuff said.
Great vid mate, I have a 61 trophy with a 72 Daytona 500 motor, she's a beautiful old girl and yes I love it for all the same reasons you lay out here.....and yes I'm a young bloke too😃👍
Loved the video. It's great to see anyone so passionate about their bike. (The MG is an MGB.)
you have no idea how depressing this video was to me, like an idiot without test riding it i just recently a low mileage 2000 honda shadow 750 ace, even though the bike only had 6500 original miles because it had sat for 3 years unstarted and the carbs were all clogged up so i couldn't ride it but having had friends with older shadows I felt confident that this bike would be adequate for highway use as their shadows were so i wasn't worried about not being able to test ride it, boy was i wrong. who's ever heard of a manufactured taking away horsepower and features from one of their models, the old shadow had 70 hp, the new shadow has a whopping 43 hp, the old shadow had a 6 speed gearbox the new one only 5 speeds, they even eliminated the low fuel level indicator while moving the fuel filler to the middle of the tank so all you can see is the hump and have no idea how much fuel you have left. so what does that leave me with, a 750 motorcycle with less hp than an old Honda CB450, slower then and old honda 360t and can't keep up with the flow of traffic on any highway that has an incline greater the 4%. you know how demoralizing it is to be at full throttle and still forced to ride on the shoulder of the highway when going up hill because you can't keep up with traffic...it sucks
True that
I have one
But fave urban bike is 74 xl350 honda
Update the front brake to twin leader makes big difference
Thank you 🙏
Yep 360 deg crank twins do sound the best IMO also. Especially when going up through the gears. Norton Commandos, old Triumphs and BSAs. The early Hinckley T100 865cc and early Thruxtons also have a 360. Check out "Bad Bonneville" to hear how good they can sound. th-cam.com/video/7EL9LL9wPRo/w-d-xo.html
The green MG: that looks like an MGB GT rather than a Midget.
Yeah the coverable and coupe are both mgbs
You are correct! The MGB GT shown in the video is a completely different car from the MG Midget which is *much* smaller.
The full technology I like it better better than you crap today
Back in the day I owned a '69 Bonneville, bone stock but for the mufflers. Incredible machine, started right up, never crapped out, went plenty fast, (did the ton), always sounded good, the more I rode it the better it ran. I think the word you are searching for here is "soul". These old Brit bikes had it in spades.
Interesting video. BTW in the UK the car is an MGB GT, a MG Midget is a smaller version of the basic 2 seater MGB.
Embarrassing
Nice video and good advice! I've been riding since 1972 and I've found most bikes made since maybe 1990 (to choose a date) to be fairly soulless. If a bike doesn't have that special quality, what's the point? Riding is an experience, cars are transportation.
Well, it does depend on the car. I drive a 1974 Lotus Elite and that thing makes me smile a lot and sometimes even laugh! Except when it's broke, then I hate it's guts.
Also ride a Norton Commando 850. Needs care. but I never have to hate it. Knock on wood!
It's definitely far better to look at than the modern crop of machines.
Great video. Love the sound of that engine. I had a 1970 Daytona. Very similar to that bike. Daytona had dual carbs and mine had the dual leading shoes from later models. I rode that bike around Europe and Great Britain while stationed there and up and down the east coast of the US after returning home. After 50 years of riding and many motorcycles, that is still one of my two favorites. Oil leaks, I can show you how to fix them. Electrics, I can show you how to fix the rectifier. Those are some of the things you learn to do with an old British bike.
Important point regarding weight. At my age, 69, weight has become a factor again. Lightweight bikes are in my future for sure. Maybe I should restore an old Triumph.
Hi Jim, I'm the same age and have to agree about the weight of bikes. If you ever get the chance to buy a kawasaki w650 or even the later w800, I would recommend them . Good weight, great balance , knock out the baffles and they sound great , same crank-configuration as this old Triumph . Try the Tibetan 5 Rites...go slow..helps with everything ! Dave NZ
Nothing looks as good as a older Meridan Triumph. I have owned 500’s, 650’s and 750’s. There is just something about them that overrides their foibles. My ‘70 500 Daytona I rode from coast to coast ( with -no- problems believe it it not) was my favorite.
Young people today think you need 100hp to ride on the highway or carry a passenger. You constantly hear about the high maintenance. You would think no one ever made it out of town without tearing the engine down. I'm glad I remember when the salesman would grab a wrench to solve a problem.
Ted Simon didn't have much trouble with his either!
This is another take on “ if I have to explain , you wouldn’t understand”. Some people get the vintage era machines, bikes , cars , trucks, tractors etc. others are all about new tech and wouldn’t think about vintage.
There’s nothing wrong with that , it just is. To some, myself included, the simple and mechanical nature of vintage machines holds a magic, as opposed to the modern, computer controlled stuff. Turning wrenches and getting greasy is part of being a part of the machines. Yeah, you would want to carry a few tools along on the triumph, but hey, even the early Honda’s came with tool kits on board. When did HD really explode? With the advent of the virtually trouble free EVO engine in 84. Yet MANY still ride the old pre EVO bikes for the reasons I described. The newest HD are all computer controlled , fuel injected …whatever.
Hell people still flock to old tractor and steam engine shows today. Vintage is its own reward to some of us.
Amen to that Megastick93 i'll cosign that!...couldn't have said it better....
My "95 Evo Electra Glide has a simple carbureted engine, really not much different from the earlier big twins with the exception of being more oil tight. It is a very hands on, rewarding engine to maintain. It when they went fuel injected and then to the twin cam, that it became less of the type we are discussing here. Love my bike.
@@bullitt79 i agree, i have three evo harleys and have been coast to coast on two of them, to daytona from everett, washington more than twice with no problems what so ever...alot of people don't realize older harleys were designed as a constant loss oil system...the blow by in the crankcase was vented into the primary chain case then dripped out onto the final drive chain so when i park my panhead in front of a bar and people would say hey your bike is leaking i'd say good, it's not out then lol...AMF years were leakers because of poor machining on the cases, i lap those cases on a sheet of glass with valve grinding compound till smooth and no more leaks...ride safe...
I owned a 1977 Bonnie from 1991 to 2010 when I sold it because I just wasn’t getting to ride it enough in the 5 yrs before I sold it. That bike was amazing and never leaked oil. I serviced it every 1000 miles and tightened every thing to the specs in the workshop manual. Used it to go to and from work 40 miles 5 days a week until 2005. It started first time every kick. My local parts dealer used to say the same thing to other customers ( who always grumbled about their bikes ) , when I went I to the shop for gaskets “Triumph made a good bike, and he’s got it”
Great bikes. Enjoy and ride safe.
Haha....I think he was saying..."You got The good one..."
Not sure why people talk about hard to start. I'm 66 and my 69 Bonneville fires first kick, starts second or third at most. It's the epitome of design and nothing comes close, apart from same era Triumphs.
I had a 1967 Daytona. I remember it as the most beautiful ride and pleasant sounding machine I have ever owned. Pleasant memories. And yes, Bart comprehends the absolute beauty and joy of the Daytona 500.
You forgot the best thing: the kicker.... I find it almost impossible to appreciate a bike without a kicker...
As long as you love it ,it works . I've owned 3 old Triumphs over the years, 2 500's and a a T140 750 which was my favorite of the 3. My Norton-Atlas 750 still lives -strong in my mind, as does my 75 Ducati 750. Cant afford to buy most of them these days, but still have an old yam TX650, an XV1000TR1 and a kawasaki W650 with the 360-crank..and a kick-start ! Great to see people of this generation enjoying classic-machines . Dave NZ
I almost agree here - but I once rode a Daytona with the Bonneville two leading shoe brake, and it was a revelation. By the way: ditch those stupid "period" tires, please.
You have got it I have been riding a t100ss since 1972 still riding now at age72 never ever sell it that is the golden rule. Happy days John
I sold my 1970 Triumph Trophy 500, which I had bought brand new, years ago. I regret it to this day.
My 2020 W800 has the 360 degree crank and I love it. It is on the heavy side but it's weight is low. Would love to add a vintage Triumph to the garage some day though 😍
If you're happy with it, then it's perfect! Mine was my 1200 Bandit that could tour, scratch, commute, and ride two up with ease. An almost complete opposite to your choice in some ways!
NB - as you ride both old Brit and Japanese bikes, do you ever get phased by the foot controls being reversed?
Great upload sir,I bought a 1960 5ta triumph In 1969 for £60 I was a kid aged 16,just got my full UK licence,I felt like a dog with two di@ks...my best ever speed was 85mph give or take 10 as the needle swung up and down with the vibration.
My 1972 Honda CB450 was very similar to the Triumph with a dual overhead cam motor and electric start (in addition to the kick starter). I still like what is now called "retro" and would never own a cycle that looks like a transformer.
The ergonomics of the Daytona are so much more comfortable than modern bikes. And the analog tach/speedo are still best imo.
There's something comforting about a youngster talking about a 1968 Daytona that warms my heart. The only bike I ever really truly was in love with was my '58 Speed Twin. It had been heavily modified, given twin carbs, chromed rocker caps, ape hangers and flake gold paint job. I did unspeakable things to that engine (I won't go into details but let's just say it involved a crescent wrench, screwdriver and an incredible amount of gasket goo,) and it just took it. Years after I sold it I would dream that I still had it and would wake up, heart pounding.
My 2022 Speedmaster Goldline is gorgeous too. However, I am yet to take it on the road, with lower back pain that is refusing to hurry up and heal. I've comforted myself with starting it and taking it up and down the driveway. *sigh*
How the back does better soon. Some get some help with a backrest or even a seat with a ledge between the passenger.
I have the Daytona, 1971 the year I was born and I just love it.
Another correction to the video. The brakes are not bad on these bikes. They are as good or better than most comparable disc brakes. I strongly suggest trying to source a front rim from a 500 Daytona model (as well as a twin carb head). The brake on that model has a ram air duct which helps immensely with the braking. The gearbox should not be loose or sloppy. You may want to look into that.
It’s the twin leading shoe for the Daytona that I improves the braking, the air duct doesn’t do much.
In 1969, after getting out of the navy, my best friend bought a '69 Triumph Trophy 500 while I bought a '69 Honda CL450 Scrambler. At the time I thought the Honda was a superior bike until I got tired of the handlebar vibration above 45 mph, after 6 months I moved on to a Norton Commando. My friend, on hard times, sold his T-500 within a year and the new owner promptly turned it into a total custom chopper, much to my horror. At the time, I didn't have much respect for the little bike, but now with the wisdom of 6 decades of motorcycling knowledge, I realize what a little gem he had, I'd take it over the Honda in a heartbeat.
you got a good one w/the small clean front break and the eyebrow badges, Love it. have a '66 650 but always wanted a 500,yeah they're perfect agree 100%, Great video!
I had 2 back in the 70s. I much preferred the 500 to the 650s. Especially my Daytona SS! Way more power!!!!!
I'm a Brit bike fan and have owned a few including a T90 which is the only one I miss but the way I see it is like before and after computers, so there's going to be a post computers equivalent somewhere, possibly a Honda CB400 Four, so you almost have both, I must admit to having a thing about mid weight DOHC 8 valve twins and 16 valve 4's too, the single cam 4 ans 8 valve varieties can be a bit crude in comparison to their decade later developments.
Pre computers the Triumph T100 proved itself not just on the Road but off road and on the Race track as well winning the 1966 Daytona 200 ridden by Buddy Elmore and the 1967 ridden by Gary Nixon destroying a few Honda CB450's while doing so plus then went on to also provide the basis for the A75 Rocket 3 and T150 Triple engines, literally one and half T100 engines and again won the 1971 Daytona 200 with Gary Nixon on a BSA Triple beating the Honda CR750 having lost to it the previous year. So they were fast for their time too if tuned 500 or 750. America had about 8 different models available inc the Trophy and Daytona which earnt their names the hard way, not just words written in a factory design studio.
So I'd say you're spot on, the mid capacity unit Triumphs look and feel as natural on the road as breathing, there's a life in them that can't be explained in words, unless you read about their history and Jupiters Travels maybe, you become one with them when riding and any worries are gone.
I'm loving my motorcycle, a honda CB1100, exactly the way you love yours. i've had a few bikes before that but none felt right, and now i'm deeply in love with my Honda. And I totally agree that most modern bikes look so ugly I don't even understand how anyone could want to buy these things 😂
Listen that's one of the coolest modern motorcycles you can get
@@bartmotorcycle thank you, i'm glad you like it too. Would have imagined it was too modern and too heavy for your taste but its with out a doubt the best motorcycle i have ever ridden. Cheers.
Just added a 2013 Honda cb1100 to my stable. the others are a 1971 bmw r50/5 and a 1990 Harley FLHS. All I can say is the cb1100 is beautiful and I ride this one the most
I've ridden, raced (at the pro level), modeled and test ridden a high percentage of all the motorcycles produced over the past 55 years or so and my all-time favorite bike is my 1970 500 Triumph. MIne's the 'Daytona' with twin carbs and the larger, DLS front brake. I've owned it for about 40 years, ridden it on camping expeditions across the desert, carved canyons with it and commuted on it. Why my favorite? Hard to explain. I bought in non-running condition intending to flip it for a quick profit, but the first time I rode it I felt like Steve McQueen in the 'Great Escape', and you can't sell a bike that makes your feel like that! And I still get that same sensation every time I ride it. Aside from a set of clutch plates I've never had the engine apart, doesn't burn any oil, and starts first kick,
Compared with the 650s (I have a couple of those, too.) the 500 is much lighter and more maneuverable, making it a great town bike, and the engine is lightly stressed, so it's a happy, mellow engine that's easy to start. The 500s are also very affordable, because the 650's get all the glory ( not without reason). Their smaller size also makes them ideal for physically smaller, lighter riders.
Thanks for showcasing this highly underrated machine!
I personally think the Honda CB750 is the perfect motorcycle for the street. But, I can't argue what you are saying! Keep up the great work!!
Every Triumph back in the 60's & 70's always had cardboard under it. More stains on it than a dirty diaper. Past owner of a 68 Triumph 500 Daytona in the mid 70's. Loved it. Also had a Bonneville and a Trident. The Daytona was my favorite followed by the Trident which were rebuilt and resealed.
If you don't love them, you hate them. Enjoying my Bonnie these days.
Had a Seventies Daytona - never leaked at all.
Marking their spot!
Hi,
Triumph wouldn't let a full on sports 500 be sold to the public, but they would sell you the 🔥 hot cam and you fitted it yourself, Edward Turner said, the triumph bonneville would be the ruine of the company, that just had two carbs, with the cam fitted you had a130mph bike,
no old bikes leaked oil in the showroom, new,
oil leaks, everyone did home maintenance.
I had a chance, in 1978, of buying a T100D. I even rode an hour to Brighton to see it in a shop. It was going for just over a 1000 pounds. It was a bit pricey for me but afterwards,to this day, I regretted that.
Such a sleek looking bike especially when they updated the cycle parts forThe T100D.
I feel bad for you because when I was in 6th grade a wicked beautiful girl in my class kind of Follow Me secretly around town to my fishing hole and stood on the bridge and watched and I would gaze up at her and think of things to say by just going up there. All the way in high school I had really good your beautiful girls sort of caliber with genuine dream interest in loving in a Timeless way that served me really good and I also had a Honda 350 CL. But you know, I always look back and think my life would have been a bizzilian times better if I had that first love who just begged me with her eyes to go to her standing on that bridge! I've had five different models of Triumphs. I own a Harley Davidson currently and I look on eBay for Triumphs and dream On.... You could guess about what/who.
@@ToddSloanIAAN yes, the past always seems to remind us of “lost” opportunities. Or in reality maybe not.
Ole Steve McQueen and Evel agree with you totally! ..what a beautie that Tiger is, just meat and potatoes and a look that is to describe "a motorcycle" when talking about them..enjoy that bike and it will be worth more than you paid for it and still will go on climbing in value.... best regards ....D.
My older brother had a green Tiger 500. He asked me to help evacuate it up Airline Hwy from his apt. in N.O. to my parent's house in B.R., just as Hurricane Camille was about to make landfall in 1969. We called those handles "tiddy grips". ;)
Love this ,I had a 73 Daytona T100R ,I’m hearing you loud and clear .I’ve owed 20 plus bikes and the Daytona was my all time favourite .I also had a 79 T140 750 Bonnie ,and I prefer the Daytona hands down wish I still had it.Figure this out I always wanted a 850 Mk 3 Norton Commando ,somehow ended up with triumphs .I ride a Victory Boardwalk now really happy with this ,but still have a love for my old triumph Daytona,hardly see any come up for sale now and going up in value.My mates all had triumphs ,BSA ,Nortons this all changed in 1984 with the arrival of the Harley Davidson 1340 Evo engine .Biker from down under NZ.
I have had my 650 Triumph for 40 years, this guy is absolutely on point here
Brit bikes and sports cars were built for fun and looks. And by feel and eye, the reason a sailing ship looks better than a container ship. A Triumph, MGB, and Baja Bug go with 60's rock n roll and fun, fun, fun in the sun. Just don't think about them too much, just go. You really need a club to get the most out of them. They have secrets which they don't give up easily. Glad you found true luv.
Nice video, gears, I had the 650 and 750 Bonnie's and the gears were slick, same with my BSA, my friends Triumphs also.
I had one of these, except 1966. When I bought it, it had lamp cord in the wiring. When I painted it and put new pipes on, it looked quite a lot like the one in this video. Torque was something else. If you weren't careful, it would go right out from under you.
Great.In Norway the speedlimit is only 80 kmh with a few exeptions and people buy big Bmw's and Ktm with a lot of power....i like the old classics.
I recently mashed together two decrepit Kawasaki Z440's. A 360 degree twin from the early eighties it weighs around 370lbs and develops 42 hp - it's a very cheap British lookalike and Japanese reliability was - by then - built in. It's the sweet spot.
500 parallel twins are ideal for smooth everyday riding. The English 650 and 750 twins had, for the time, astonishing performance, but suffered from vibration that numbed the rider's hands, feet and buttocks.
The 500cc parallel twin models from Triumph, BSA and Norton were fine machines.
Any of these examples are great rides today, If the rider doesn't think MotoGP riders are average.
I've owned a 71 T100R for a bit over 30 years, imported back to England from California. The only year they fitted the 8" TLS front brake and for some, it may be over braked and may explain why Triumph went back to the 7". I've made the front tyre squeal from 70 mph after a small bird went through the front spokes. It will cruise nicely at 80 mph and does nothing to slow an old hooligan down. This bike encourages bad behaviour on city streets. A 19t gearbox sprocket tames it enough to almost keep the front wheel down and that front brake with a 13 stone rider, is a stopper. I find most modern front brakes are similar to a switch, not enough feel. Maintenance can be done on a wet evening, including fluid checks and/or changes. Gaskets are relatively cheap and can be bought individually. Light and nimble, especially through traffic.
I've heard of people complain of the same things you're having with the gear selection. They found fitting the later gear selector cam plate with a stiffening bridge, ironed out that wrinkle. I also use ATF in the gearbox. Front suspension, there are progressive springs and rather than engine oil, try different weights of fork oil to suit where and how you ride.
Hi, @750triton, what do you use in the primary?
I think he meant to say no disc brakes. Back in '78 I bought a '67 Bonneville for $400.00. I saved it from getting chopped, I owned it for decades. It's the only motorcycle I have dreams about.
Bart.....you are a VERY fortunate fella. Yes indeed ,and I know exactly hoe you feel although I never owned a 500 cc riumph. I have owned a couple of Harley Davidson single cylinder bikes that shook like crazy and I thought what was Benelli thinking when they made them. But hey,for getting to work and just putting around town they were a unique joy. And then there was the 69 Ducati Desmo that handled like nothing I ever rode since and had torque like a MUCH larger bike . They were the girls bike in Japan at the time going for 8,000 US. Enjoy that sweet 500 and count yourself a lucky fella.
been riding since 1976 & just about rode everything. now i just want one of those 500 triumphs or the 500 bsa both perfect for me right now.
🏴☠️
ps, all those "problems" with the bike, brakes, gearbox, electrics etc can be overcome with modern products without detracting from the original looks.
Yeah but why would u install electronic ig on a baby bonny points are a piece of piss to set up try atriple set on t160 thets what we call fun down under
This size and power of bike makes a lot of sense. With the amount of traffic on the roads and so many speed cameras and restrictions, there’s not much call for a 1000cc 150bhp, or even something as powerful as 70bhp. Love the old Triumph’s but I wanted to be able to open the garage and ride whenever I wanted, and not spend an hour trying to get it started. One of the reasons I went with the latest Kawasaki W800. It has all of that ‘old school’ charm, it has a renowned history of its own, and I get modern reliability as well. That 360 degree firing order is addictive, and I hope to look at it in 30 years time with the same sentiment you have for your Triumph.
I've had my 73 500 since 1978 ,paid $800 for it and have loved having it for the last 45 years everything you said is bang on !! I love your passion ❤ BH
Brilliant video of a real favourite motorcycle. The passion for such, is fully understood......A fun,stylish and lightweight machine,with bags of soul. Lots of frustrating problems at times,but usually easily repaired. Mine has sat for a few years....complete, but needing tyres,shocks etc. Another 'must do' project waiting it's turn.
I have to agree Bart, I've had two in my life, an Australian ex-police training bike, a single carby version. It was sweet, smooth, beautiful to look at, fun and safe to ride. I used to tune the carb mixture with the bike on the centre stand by watching the front wheel shake up and down, truely , when it was right the wheel pulsed gently instead of shaking, amazing but it worked. It handled and that engine was sharp and thrilling.
The second one was also a state (Nsw) ex-police model , but with twin carbs, converted after its service in police, so a Daytona, almost,,it was faster but had been abused, it was loose and noisy but never let me down.
Ive been searching for that type and feel ever since, the nearest I've found is the new Kawasaki z650rs, heavier , but it has the right stuff that made the little Tigers such great bikes. Im thinking hard about ordering one.
BART,I JUST SOLD MY 70 DAYTONA 500 FOR 17,500$ hard to part with it but i only paid 790$ for it new,beautiful machine
Is that usd?is it gold plated?
In the late 60's I had a 1966 Tiger 90 in orange and white. When I look at images of one today it still looks so cool. However, if I was in the market for a new bike today I would go for a Moto Guzzi V7 Speciale in blue. It's got twin clocks, wire wheels and shaft drive. What's not to like?
I had mine in 1966. I loved the bike. I rode the freeway so changed the sprocket to get it higher geared. It did OK. Not a fire breather but OK.
I see where you are coming from with this, I have a 66 5TA ( which looks almost identical to your bike ) and a fully restored 1960 trophy tr6 in my garage along with the two old triumphs I have some modern classics, T120, 900 street scrambler and Enfield Continental 650 and a few other bikes that fit in between. I have got to say that if I have got a job to do with a bike, go somewhere long distance with a purpose I would take the modern T120 and I would enjoy the ride, but if I want to go out and really enjoy myself, have an adventure and forget my worries it’s got to be either the 66 or 1960 triumph. Just turn on the fuel give the kickstart a prod with my foot and I am away.. no modern stuff to distract me, when I am riding through towns people on the pavement give me a nod and say nice bike mate.. it all adds to the experience. I know that these old bikes can’t match a modern new bike for reliably and speed, up untill last year I also had a bmw RnineT and bmw gs 1250, but they just didn’t give me the buzz that I required and I got fed up taking them back to the dealer every time a fault come up on the dash.. I must admit I think it is a case of horses for courses and use a bike that fits the purpose whether it’s getting somewhere fast and long distance or really enjoying the experience. Must just add in all the years and all of the bikes that I have ridden, my 500 triumph 5TA wins hands down for having the most comfortable seat and riding position.
That car is an MGB GT. The MG Midget was even smaller.
Video shows at first an MGB GT and then, I think, an MGC GT.
I had a 500 cc Triumph motorcycle when I was growing up in the city streets of Chicago, back in the 1970s , Great bike for the city, I actually put a smaller sprocket gear on the back wheel to increase mph on the freeway it was slow to start but once you got it wound up I can do 65 with no problem ‼️🇬🇧♥️ great footage 🎥🎬🎞️👍‼️
Ive just bought a 77 Yamaha Rd400 as a runaround bike. It puts out about forty horse but with very little work I could get it up to about 50. It weighs nothing and is easy to kick. Its all metal. I have other bikes but this is perfect as a shopping bike. Every ride puts a grin on my face. Modern bikes are like refrigerators. I cant get excited about a new fridge. On aesthetics I love spoke wheels and just put a set on a Guzzi Lemans. Looks great.
A critical consideration is Commute v Recreation bike
I listed after a 60s and 70s Bonneville, but bought a Hinkley Bonneville in 2006’and proceeded to put 25000klm per year on it
The earlier triumphs are hands down more beautiful, lithe bikes. The engine and gearbox are beautifully lean creatures from the past, with the modern ones at least 25% or more larger, bulkier
It’s a trade off I guess. I’m thinking of keeping my Hinkley Bonneville for commuting, but getting an earlier 60s Bonneville because I agree 100% with everything your saying here
Old school Triumphs are just sexy. Easy to ride. Handle like a dream. Very nimble. And fun, fun, fun. Old Triumphs are bikes you have love affairs with. Ask anyone who has one or has had one. They'll smile and say something like " Oh, my old Triumph.......she was a real beauty......loved her" or something like that.
Triumph ???
One sexy bike !!!!!
I’ve got a 1968 500 Daytona and like you it’s the perfect motorcycle for me. I just love it ✊
Your right the most important aspect of a motorcycle is how it makes you feel, not cold performance data. Edward Turner said the 500 was the best all round bike they produced in his opinion. By the way that MG is not a Midget but the larger MGB GT, not that it makes any difference to the point about classic looks.
You got IT Right. GREAT video. Feeling the love of your Ride.
In 1967 I was on my way up Beverly Glen rd. to pick up my girlfriend for a date and a guy past me whizzing down toward Sunset, on a beautiful Triumph 500 twin. He looked cool, blond hair, Levis, T shirt and aviators but I got a good enough look at him to know it was Paul Newman.
Lightness = Agility and handling.
I bought a new four cylinder Honda back in the 1970s. Riding a friend's CB500-4 was a disappointment. Too heavy and ungainly. Not a joy to ride.
There is something very "special" about those old British Parallel Twins. Nortons, BSAs and Triumphs. Hard to describe but, when you rode them you knew what that meant almost immediately.
I have that same year, model and color of T100R to restore. It runs, but I want to improve how well it runs. No ruining the classic look though, no way!! It will go well with my '76 Chevy K-20 pickup, which is my daily driver. New stuff with all the gizmos is not for me anymore. Cool video.
With 50yrs and 450k miles the right bike for me today will not be the right one for you. The right bike for me today will not be the right bike fore me tomorrow. We change, and we grow. I've had one motorcycle for the most part but then I build it to be the bike I need at the time and place that I'm in at the time. Base bike was a 1975 Honda CB750F. She has a total of 498,867 miles. 10 top end rebuilds and 4 from the ground up rebuilds. I now call her a Honda TD1015W. For she has Tracy Design body work, and a Wisco 915cc big bore kit.
You never mentioned the tank badge.
My 200cc Tiger Cub was all tank badge : that was the USP.
What a marvellous design - the calligraphy.
And the way it sticks out, one can tuck one's knees behind
those tank badges on a cold day.
Old Triumphs are cool bikes for cool men. Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, the Fonz and me. Need I say more? No. The Triumph says it for us!
Meriden triumphs were the best.
Owned 4 of them at same time. Wished I'd never parted with. A bitch by the name of Thatcher in 1980 left me no choice.
Nowadays Guzzi's are my steeds of choice, with several in garage.
You sold me… I’ll take it! 😎
Well said. I got in my garage '72 Yamaha XS2, '74 Honda CB450, '79 BMW R80 and '94 Suzuki LS650 Savage and I love all these bikes to bits. They are a ton of work compared to new bikes (apart from the Savage) but they all have that classic 'thing' that appeals to me. All the modern bikes are just a lot of plastic and lack soul.
If you think you need traction control on a 40HP motorcycle
YOU DON'T BELONG ON A BIKE
Dr650 is the best motorcycle ever. It's similar but Japanese, "modern" less weight, more suspension, air/oil cooled, simple.
I totally get what you're saying. I love old bikes. I don't think you even have to justify it objectively. You love riding it. You love looking at it. You love hearing it. 'Nuff said!
Nice bike, nice viideo! You might want to think about the gearbox. The only time my old 3TA ever missed a gear was when my foot slipped off the lever but it did seem to like a leisurely change.
Nothings sounds better or handles better than a classic British twin or triple be it Triumph, BSA or Norton whatever.............They were the cool in the word cool! Were then and still are today!
I had a T100T Daytona, that I got as a box of bits, what a great little bike it was!
I don't own one. I wish I did. To be honest I'm not even a motorcycle person. But there's something about 60s-70s British bikes that makes them really special.
If you like it, you like it but everything, and I mean everything about old bikes like that are not selling points to today's riders. I could write paragraphs about them but you did mention in passing some of the weaknesses. I'd hope anyone watching this video to help in finding a good motorcycle paid attention. British bikes are cool hobbies but as a motorcycle you might want to go somewhere on, they are junk.