Triumph Thunderbird Restoration

[Brissance]

I have gained possession of a Triumph Thundebird and am considering this as my firt project bike.

Considering it's age it is in reasonable/good condition and has full documentary covenance. The only real isssue is that it is now fitted with a Honda 400cc parallel twin motor and associated transmission, which fits asthetically. It's a good looking bike, for those of us that like old school styles and I like the idea of restoring it.

What I'm looking for is advice/help from others that have undertaken such a project in Thailand. Paint / Chrome / Machining aren't really an issue but I'm sure the logistics of these processes can be improved where professionals are concerened.

Any help is welcome.

[VocalNeal]

Now we need a name for your bike.

Norton with Triumph engine is a Triton

Likewise a Tribsa etc.

So

Homph?

Trionda?

Trinda?

Thonda?

Honbird?

Thondabird?

Edited December 20, 2011 by VocalNeal

[Brissance]

Now we need a name for your bike.

Norton with Triumph engine is a Triton

Likewise a Tribsa etc.

So

Homph?

Trionda?

Trinda?

Thonda?

Honbird?

Thondabird?

Ah! Distant memories of old cafe racers.

At this moment in time I'll call it a Humph.

Surprisingly, it rides quite well with the Honda engine. However, I hope there is a problem with the brakes. Front and rear drum brakes don't seem to be that effective. I have rode it for 800km now.

The bike's now transferred to me and it's taxed until 2556.The previous owner said he could get the original engine and actually came up with it. I picked it up on the weekend. The motor seems to turn ok, so it may not be so bad. Quite a few stripped casing bolts though. If that's the only problem. it's going back in the frame.

I'm gonna strip the bike this week. The name could change.

[soihok]

Great project.

Inspiring to say.

As the original equipment will be so long in the tooth and almost like finding a needle in a haystack, the introduction of modern equipment has to be the way forward.

I don't know if you have heard of StreetFighters Magazine, but there is a wealth of info to be gained by reading about the bikes that have been built by inspired owners such as yourself.

http://www.streetfightersmag.com/

Keep the look of the bike but radically upgrade the running gear and motor. I'm sure this is easier to do in the UK than Thailand with all its complications and red tape, but the idea is great.

I am planning to start to build bikes when I eventually give up the day job, but I can't see this happening for another 15 years t least!

Good luck with the build and don't forget some photos.

[Lickey]

Yes, good luck with the re-build, interesting stuff,

With Triumph drum brakes the shoes need to be centralised at every shoe change ect, im almost sure your bike has single leading shoe, to centralise the shoes, loosen the anchor bolt on the outside of the brake plate, pull the brake on hard and tighten the bolt/nut, adjust brake as ness and try braking perfomance, if no better, a close inspection like glazed shoes drum ect, clean all surfaces with a fine grade emery paper, copper slip the acuator arm spindle, and try again,,

keep posting, many other tips and hints for the older Triumphs can be provided,,

[pokerkid]

Can you upload some pics

[Kwasaki]

Had a T110 with a bomber sports sidecar, great old bike fond memories, keep the Honda engine.

http://www.g7tsx.co.uk/?page_id=20.

Me dad had one of these his last motorbike :-

st5.bmp

Strip down the drum brakes clean em up, dust accumulates quickly and brings down their preformance but they will never be as good as disc as I am sure you know.

Edited January 17, 2012 by Kwasaki