FOR SALE: 1953 Triumph 6T Thunderbird 650 Chopper

On offer is a custom resto/mod with less than 100 miles on a total restoration, including:

• Powdercoated original rigid chassis with mild rake
• Many chromed parts including beautiful girder fork
• Highly polished engine cases
• Brand new Joe Hunt magneto
• Brand new JRC Superior carburetor
• 1" handlebars, risers & controls
• Custom paint "RedWinged BlackBird"

ENGINE

• Total "blueprint" overhaul
• 68 spec crankshaft with "heavy" spec flywheel installed
• 68 spec connecting rods with new big-end shell bearings & pin bushings
• New sludge tube & Allen-head trap plug installed
• Custom built oversize ball bearing for timing side Main to fit 68 crank
• (Both main bearings, all seals & gaskets brand new)
• New oversize JCC pistons & rings, freshly re-bored cylinders with spec clearances
• New oversize valves and freshly cut 3-angle valve seats, new valve guides
• Head & cylinders trued and matched, new copper head gasket
• Refurbished oil pump with polished pistons & re-seated ball valves
• Polished cam followers, cams & pinions
• Refurbished oil pressure relief valve
• New Joe Hunt magneto with keyswitch & new plug wires, refurbished auto advancer
• New JRC "Superior" 30mm flat-slide carburetor
• New Clutch basket, actuator rod, primary chain & Barnett friction plates
• Refurbished clutch plain plates, springs, cups, and pressure plate
• Refurbished transmission with new bearings, seals & bushings
• Polished primary cover, timing cover, tranny cover, intake manifold and rocker boxes
• High temp enamel painted cylinder & head
• New chrome big-bore straight pipes

CHASSIS & WHEELS

• Completely stripped, head rake welds ground and dressed, minor flaws welded up
• Powdercoated with complete masking of all critical mount point holes & threads
• Re-chromed girder fork assembly
• Refurbished classic spool hub 17" front wheel with new sealed bearings
• Triumph OEM sprung hub, laced to 16" rear rim by Buchanan's (stainless spokes)
• New classic style tires, wide whitewall rear, thin blackwall front
• 1" Buckhorn handlebars, risers, Barnett throttle, and clutch lever
• Highway cruiser footpegs with chrome folding pegs

CYCLE PARTS

• Chromed Triumph oil tank, all new oil lines & clamps
• "Peanut/Sportster" style gas tank
• Classic flat rear fender
• Custom "RedWing BlackBird" paint job on tank & fender
• Chromed engine & transmission mounts, kickstarter, shifter, rear brake plate, generator cover, rear brake levers, chain guard & miscellaneous parts
• All new footpeg & shifter rubbers, new hand grips
• New throttle & clutch cables
• New classic air filter assembly
• New sprung solo saddle
• New Allen-head engine cover screw kit
• Classic brass "pedal" style kickstart lever

ELECTRICAL

• Refurbished OEM 6 volt generator
• New classic 6 volt battery
• New solid-state voltage regulator
• New chrome headlight, custom tail light & horn
• New modern 6 volt headlight bulb
• New horn/headlight dip switch
• Control wiring routed inside handlebars
• Mini electronic bicycle speedometer

GENERAL CONDITION & NOTES

I restored this bike for a client, but he is suffering from general weakness due to significant medical issues, so is unable to kickstart the bike; thus the reason for the sale. I have now traded a pristine and lightly modded 2002 Bonneville and a sizeable lump of cash for the chopper, so that my client could enjoy some riding while he is still able. I am currently limiting the miles I put on the bike just to make sure it doesn't sit and get "stale".

The bike is basically like brand-new. It will start with one kick most of the time, (no more than 2 or 3 kicks if very cold or hot), and immediately settles into a nice idle. The new modern flat-slide carb and Joe Hunt magneto mean that it will stay running this well with no fuss for many years.

Although it is raked and rigid, it handles surprisingly well. It doesn't wobble or "flop", although slow speed handling is as to be expected from a typical classic chopper. The sprung hub, sprung seat, and girder fork make for a reasonably smooth ride even up to highway speeds.

While the original rear brake works quite well, the fact that it has no front brake means care must always be taken, in consideration for the fact that the engine can definitely take the bike faster than the brakes can stop it in an emergency.

It has a few minor oil dribbles, but that is to be expected of a 56 year-old bike, even though great care has been taken to true the gasket surfaces and properly torque everything down. It does not smoke or blow any oil out the crank breather tube.

BOTTOM LINE

As already stated, this is a 56 year-old bike, and performs as you might expect if you know anything about old Triumphs. It handles like a chopper, not a modern bike, period. If you are expecting to take this bike on a long trip, you'd better be a true rider, and you should carry a few tools with you.

Otherwise, this is one of the coolest vintage choppers you'll ever own, and it will perform quite well around town and on moderate highway runs. I'm quite certain it will "top the ton", but will be more than a double handful doing it. If you are looking for a reliable running, regular riding bike that stands a decent chance of grabbing a trophy or two, you have found one of only a few good ones, at an excellent price.

As with all of my previous sales, this ad contains no bull, no hype, and no fluff. The bike is EXACTLY as described, just as all my previous sales have been. If you will take the time to contact any of the previous buyers from my sales (see e-bay feedback), you will find this to be completely accurate.

As with all of my builds, this one was fully documented with detailed narrative and many photographs, on this very forum. You can go all the way back to see the "before" pictures, complete tear-down, and step-by-step rebuild.

I can post & send additional photos for any serious potential buyers.

WARRANTY/GUARANTEE

NONE, other than I guarantee it is exactly as described. If you can kickstart an old bike, you can kickstart THIS old bike. If you change the oil & spark plugs regularly, and maintain the bike regularly, it will continue to perform well for a long time.

TERMS OF SALE

$1,000.00 deposit immediately upon negotiation of final price (PayPal or U.S.Postal Money Order via overnight express. Bike will be released to buyer or shipper when balance is paid in full. Balance of sale price must be paid in U.S. Postal Money Orders or cash ONLY.

SHIPPING & HANDLING

All shipping and handling is the responsibility of the BUYER. I will assist with loading in my truck-accessible driveway. Crating, handling and local transportation to shipping docks NOT INCLUDED. I recommend Keyboard for door-to-door motorcycle shipping. I will be traveling to the west coast from Texas to Los Angeles, then up to Portland, and possibly Washington, in early May, and can deliver it along my route for a small fee to offset my gas cost only.

SALE PRICE

Over $10,000.00 has been invested in this bike, not including the "donor" rolling classic chopper. Sale price can be discussed privately via e-mail or phone.

SELLER CONTACT INFO

For full details, and to discuss price & transportation:
City: Laredo
State: TX
Country: USA
eMail: grandpaulz@hotmail.com
Phone: (956) 231-6871