Hello Karl, just saw your post :
>Sorry to bomb the car list with a Triumph motorcycle question, but I
>know there are a number of knowledgeable Triumph bike guys out there.
>
>I have a chance to buy an old (out of town) friend's Triumph 650 Tiger
>-- (about 1969?). I haven't seen it since 1976, but as I recall it's
>complete, stock, and in quite average condition. It wasn't like new,
>but it wasn't beat up either -- just a used bike. It runs, and has
>very low mileage, but has just been parked inside for 20 years -- no
>careful preparation for storage & in fact probably no oil changes since
>it was last actually used in the mid 70's.
>
>Unfortunately, I'd have to buy it sight unseen -- it's near San
>Antonio, and I'm in Chicago. The cost of airfare to go inspect it (and
>my lack of available time) takes away that option -- I'd rather chance
>having to buy a few more parts than buy a plane ticket. My perusal of
>ads shows almost no complete running bikes under $1,500 -- he's looking
>for $1,500 and claims to have a couple of local bike guys interested at
>that price. Is this in range? if not. what might be a reasonable
>range of prices for an average unrestored runner?? Furthermore, how
>desirable is a Tiger? I had a bunch of TR cars, but only rode
>rice-burners in my motorcycle days; I know zero about British bikes. I
>just want something for a nostalgic Sunday afternoon blast around the
>neighborhood.
>
>TIA
>-Karl
Sniff, Sniff, be still my beating heart, this bike sounds JUST LIKE the
one I sold about 2 yrs ago, for $1500. to the very first guy who looked
at it. Mine was a used but decently cared for Sunday driver, and was
very dependable and a comfortable cruiser. I'd say if you can get it
for $1500., better jump now, I think I could have gotten $17 or $1800.
two years ago if I had advertised more, but I knew it went to a good
home, so that made the difference for me.
How desirable is a Tiger ? (this is the single-carb, as compared to
the twin-carb Bonneville) I'd say, only slightly less than the Bonne,
since I'm sure you know you won't be winning any drag races with it.
For a '69 model bike, it strongly resembles its predecessors from
the early '60s (the first `unit' engine / trans case models) and even
the older pre-unit big twins, too.
BTW if you are about 5'10" tall it should `fit' you perfectly, I'm
about 6'3" so the Trident is a better `fit' for me, with stock pegs.
Best regards,
Tom Tweed
SW Ohio
'72 TRident 750 basket case
'69 TR-6 R 650 Tiger (sold)
'74 TRident 750 T-150 V (sold)
|