We’ve come across these Triumph factory films, and think they’re just awesome.
They really illustrate how motorcycles used to be built by hand. One of our favorite parts is right at the beginning, when the frame is being prepped for brazing by sitting on a pile of hot coals.
We also love the lab coats and jaunty music, neither of which you’ll find in our shop anytime soon.
Part I
Part II
Part III
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Many of our best restoration projects start out as nothing more than a pile of old, rusty parts, as many of the original bikes from the 1960s and earlier were simply never regarded as collector items. Instead, they were used as daily riders and enjoyed thoroughly year after year. Take for example, this 1968 Triumph TR6R which we found last year and have been waiting until now to restore.
This particular bike was found for sale in exactly the condition as you see here – a frame plus motor, along with a box of parts. A frame and motor with matching serial numbers constitute a motorcycle – at least from the standpoint of being able to carry a title and hold value – and this bike is no exception. The numbers match, and this bike will be a sound investment.
The first step in the restoration process is to take inventory of all parts. We use a simple checklist that includes columns showing which parts are missing, sandblasted, power-coated or painted. Ask us for a free copy of this checklist when you order from us.
This model is fairly complete, and there’s a fairly healthy market for circa 1968 parts. Amal carburetors, Lucas headlamp shells and electric components, high quality seat reproductions, quality cloth-wrapped wiring harnesses, and more are all available through our shop. We have back stock on the other parts that will comprise the top end, as well as various cad-plated bolts, alloy fasteners, etc.
From a finish standpoint, the first step is to sandblast all parts and prep them for paint. As you can see in the photos below, we’ve carried this out on the fenders and chain guard.
We’re in the process of securing an original 1968 tank for this machine. The TR6R was the touring model of the Triumph line, as opposed to the Bonneville racer, and this has a larger tank at nearly 4 gallons.
In our shop, we have great original examples of tanks in every color, for every year, and have perfectly matched shades. We refinish the painted parts far better than the factory originally did – without runs. More on that process later.
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This website has been a long time coming. After more than 47 years in the business, we’re reaching out to Triumph enthusiasts around the world, and inviting folks to get to know us.
I have some stories to tell, some secrets to share, rare parts, beautiful bikes, vintage goodies, and plenty to talk about with you here on our blog. Look for regular updates, and we’ll look forward to your feedback and participation.
We’ll be updating the site every day with new products. We have literally thousands of parts, and not everything will be listed here. If there’s something you’re searching for, or you’re not sure what you need, please call us at (781) 245-9663. We either have it, or can get it, and you can be sure it’ll be right.
We’re launching this website to help keep these motorbikes, and our community, alive and well in the digital age. Thanks for being a part of that community, and getting to know us at Don Hutchinson Cycle.
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