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After being dashed out of
the idea of having his wife
join him for motorcycle
rides atop the spare bike in
the garage, bike buff, Andy
committed to a project that had been on
his mind for some time.
The spare bike was soon liquidated
and the search began for a British bike.
Triumph or BSA seemed to be the way
to go to Andy, as the spares remain
relatively easy to get ones mitts on, the
technology is simplistic, and let’s face it
there’s something undyingly beautiful
about an old British twin.
Kijiji soon offered up a couple of
prospects within Andy’s intended price
range, and so began the task of making
a decision. As a side note, I must make a
suggestion on behalf of Andy, pertaining
to people out there who are trying to sell
a motorcycle…
Andy – places phone call!!! Ring, ring,
ring!!!!
Seller – Hello!
Andy – Do you still have the
motorbike for sale?
Seller – Yes, but I’m LOWERING
the price!
Andy – Gasps in disbelief, tries
desperately to hide laughter while
soiling himself.
The Hand of God – Slaps Seller
repeatedly, until last remnants of
stupidity have been thrashed aside.
Suggestion being, most potential
buyers will do a fine job of
trying to lower the price,
without the help
of the seller. I would like
to add subliminally here,
that if this man
should ever read this article, would he
mind donating half of his paycheck to
me each month? Much appreciated,
now back to the story!
Needless to say, after running, not
walking but running to the seller, with
a small handful of change, our pal Andy
had his bike.
It was a 1972 Triumph Tiger 650, in
a Bonneville chassis, and according to
Andy, she was in a bit of a state to begin
with. It looked as though Stevie Wonder
had been flown in to rewire her back in
1984, when she was last plated. Having
said that, the old Tiger Bonnie turned
over and compression seemed good,
so over the weekend Andy rewired the
ignition, cleaned her single carb, and
fired her up. She sounded solid,
oil pressure good and so the tear
down began.
Anyone who has ever restored or
fiddled with an old bike will tell you.
Next to the right tools, a warm, dry
and spacious garage, the one thing you
are going to require, is an incredibly
understanding wife! As what used to
be your garage turns into a haunted
fun house, strewn with squiggly bits of
chrome and aluminum, she maybe your
only safe passage back into your house
every so often for food, supplies and to
shave your new ‘ZZ Top’ inspired beard.
After encountering the first problem,
namely a cracked neck and bent forks,
the Tiger Bonnie was treated to new
bushings and bearings, cables and
gaskets, most of which were available
in Canada, over the internet or at
the Vintage bike shows. Once those
problems were alleviated she was sent
off to Metal Works in Stoney Creek to
have the frame and other chassis related
bits and bobs powder coated.
Most of Andy’s Triumph remains
stock; with the exception of the new
Boyer ignition system that is tucked slyly
up under the frame neck, as the original
points and coils had been laid to rest.
After an online crash course in how
to fiberglass and after sending a black
toxic cloud over the Brampton skyline,
Andy opted against the traditional stock
Triumph banana seat, and went for a
custom café racer look.
All of the parts were in place; all she
needed now was a paint job.
A local auto paint shop directed Andy
to artist Amanda Brisebois at Black
Widow Airbrushing. Let’s face it, says
Andy, you think airbrushing, you think
Dragons and skulls and Ringwraiths, not
exactly Brighton Beach with the Mods
nov’10-jan‘11 [54] nov’10-jan‘11 [55]