I bought a classic Motorcycle, which ended in disaster LOL.

[@ianbooth4255]

To counter some of the negative comments on here my experience of owning and regularly riding classic bikes including a T120 Bonneville, a Velocette Venom and a 350 Matchless G3 among many others, is that properly sorted they are first kick starters and utterly reliable. Not the case with the modern Triumph Bonneville which I owned which whilst it was a good bike, unless the battery was kept on a trickle charger you ended up with a bike that wouldn't start. It also let me down several hundred miles from home when the rectifier failed. Never had such problems with my old British bikes. I went to the south of Spain and back on the T120 two up and loaded with camping gear. Never missed a beat. I did a weekend rally on the Matchless. 500 miles each way in a day not missing a beat. I will also add that none of my old bikes leaked or burnt oil. These bikes are simple and therefore easy to set up and maintain. However as in the case of this video they are often found having been thrown together by someone who hasn't got a clue. Whenever I've got an old bike I have thoroughly gone over it mechanically, which usually means an engine rebuild, sometimes requiring nothing more that new piston rings, but in the case of the Matchless virtually new everything! However I knew that when I bought it. Don't be put off owning and running an old British bike but do go into with a desire to learn how to work on it. It is all part of the experience.

[@PaulRoberts-hh5ww]

I had the same experience with my modern Bonny and agree that so called ‘restored/rebuilt’ classic bikes have often been thrown together and need complete going over. You never know what you are buying. All that glitters is not necessarily gold!

[@boredmalcontent]

Totally agree, I'm recently back from 2,600 trouble-free miles round Europe on my 1974 Ducati 750GT - these old bikes can be made to be very reliable.

[@agrajag868]

1979 I bought a nice T120 in Germany, from a REME sgt major, I was based in Paderborn, some of my friends had Triumph's, one a Bonneville special, one a Trident, and a T140, rode them like they were just bikes, almost classics, back to the UK and allover Germany, usual little problems, never broke down, couple of top end rebuilds after a lot of miles. Great bikes

[@71three5ohscrambler8]

I just turned 62 last week. I'm currently freshening up my 71 Honda 350 Twin. Gonna get it back on the road in the spring. You will get it sorted out my friend. It's a love affair with these old bikes. I love the old British Bikes. Greetings from the US.🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@DavidBeard-z7d]

Give the guy a break , its a typically old bike needing sorting , and he will enjoy it in the end, if it wasn't for these people we would not see them on the road, and enjoy watching these clips. keep up the good work.

[@RonF386]

@@DavidBeard-z7d totally agree , yes it’ll give him a few problems , but if he’s meticulous in recommissioning it I’m sure it’ll be fun .

[@frankvanhoorde6340]

​@RonF386 yep it's gonna take some dough and time. Persist, and pass it on proudly.

[@skandix]

Love the Classics, that's why i bought a Kawasaki W650. Extremely well built and starts every time kick or button. Have Fun!

[@dungspreader]

It sounded like it was only running on one cylinder when you initially started it up . The tank parcel rack is very good for removing your testicles in a collision . Twistgrip was loose, very dangerous . I think you need to go through that bike from front to back and put things to rights . The "restoration" was obviously a f*ck up . For not much more money you could have bought a nice late model 500 Daytona or a 650 Tiger . Sorry to be so negative , but I learnt the hard way , as will you , ( if you carry on ). Classic bikes are great , they are so simple , but you have to know what you are doing .

[@theartisanrider472]

yes, i think it was best described as assembled rather than rebuilt. i did buy it with my eyes wide open so i should no better. but plenty of fun ahead me thinks. never give up never surrender lol.

[@dungspreader]

@@theartisanrider472 . I can foresee lots of fun . Enjoy , every day spent with motorbikes is a good day .

[@PeterOgden-h1k]

Get a classic honda and have no problems keep away from British shite😊

[@davidhathaway8271]

Absolutely !

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Nothing wrong with a bit of skiing. Spending kids inheritance. I remember the old starting sequence of my Bonnie. Clutch in, kick over to free the clutch. Tickle, tickle, throttle closed kick it over and slightly blip the throttle. Worked every time!

[@gordonyoung3668]

Before you start the engine when cold you need free off the clutch. You do this by pulling in the clutch lever pressing down on the kick starter and you will feel it unstick, standard procedure on a Triumph. It does look like a dogs breakfast but could turn out nice, good luck hope you have some AF spanners.

[@Sticky-gp2yh]

And why I gave up on old classics and bought a modern classic in the end. 😂 Don't care what anyone thinks😉.

[@carlarthur4442]

I had a B M W K75c, had it for 16 years great bike never really let me down , except once , which was a loose earth wire behind the injector cover 🤔 I had to sell it last June, it was a lump , downsized to a lighter bike , I wanted a single cylinder engine air cooled, so I bought a Royal Enfield Meteor 350cc, just the job for what I wanted , one of my mates bought one and we had a few nice rides out round Wales , looking forward to the better weather to get out again , fuel injection electronic ignition system, 80 m p g , what's not to like .

[@russpayne6808]

This is great - it's the only attitude to take with a "rebuilt" 60's Brit twin.....things will go wrong, but as other say, stick with it. It seems to be pretty solid, just needing some spanner-time in the garage, short runs to get everything reliable and it'll be a joy. Or not.

[@ronmoropito2200]

I bought a Triumph T-100-SS in 1962. It was a slightly used '61 model. Loved it, for a VERY short time, and then the troubles started. Over 40 bikes later I've mostly been buying mainstream Hondas and Suzukis. Lesson learned.

[@jamesburnside4819]

Don't get discouraged mate. Find a old wrench that knows these bikes well and make sure to order new blank checks from the bank. Eventually you'll get what you wanted.

[@theartisanrider472]

all in hand. itll be fit and ready for the spring season. next year. check out this saturdays episode. your get a quick glimpse of it on the bench and a very interesting shed find bike. ride safe

[@MichaelCairns-fv2vi]

Had a few oldies..patient now(no not mental patient) . I prefer to pull them down before even starting them now. I ALWAYS discover something that will damage machine and or me. Petrol dripping on an arcing wire, brake cams overlocking, and everyones fav throttle jamming..right up there with chain fails. Youre life is riding on some f fing know all that knows f all. Never forget that. If a catastropic failure occurs due to your own tinkering you also cant blame anyone but yourself. Satisfaction and joy of riding a machine youve touched,inspected every moving part of is fufulling

[@johnkelly2279]

They make great anchors....

[@theartisanrider472]

lol🤣

[@andrewlea3796]

Standard ? your having a laugh mate , Its a lash up , The number of people that get ripped off with so called classic bikes is scary

[@kass9722]

yup...he paid 3k for a 500 quid bike...bizzare...ok i know it's youtube & there is obviously more going on, but why is getting scammed "fun"??

[@davebarrowcliffe1289]

"If it bleeds, we can kill it..." A Schwarzenegger

[@theartisanrider472]

eyes wide open when i bought it, never give up never surrender. its the way. 😂

[@robbikebob]

....and that's why MODERN classics are popular! Love classic bikes...if I was rich enough to pay someone else to look after them...

[@funkygrib1]

Just got a RE Scram 411 for these reasons. Dog rough classic air cooled single with a 3 year warranty, miss a kick start though.

[@mattdog1982]

Me too. I love the old bikes, but can’t justify buying a ‘risk’ like a matchless 350 when you can pick up a nearly new Hunter for less.

[@mattdog1982]

@@funkygrib1I think the scram is very underrated bike. The most practical bike for Uk roads

[@funkygrib1]

@@mattdog1982 I really wanted a Himlayan because it is a classic but I only do roads (no green lanes in Scotland) so the 19 inch front just makes sense. I am very happy with it. At 65 the low power almost makes sense, keeps the wife happy.

[@windmilljohn]

I was about to say that you should always check over things like tappets, oil, tightness of important bolts etc even if you bought it from a dealer. Then I remembered the number of times I’d travelled hundreds of miles by train to pick up a forty plus year old bike and ridden it home 🙄😊

[@Thelivewire64]

This is starting to remind me of the time, oh about 2016, when I lived in Adelaide South Australia and a mate Dalts, flew over from his home in Gippsland Victoria, oh.....about 1000Km east of Adelaide. I picked him up from the airport and took him up to the Adelaide Hills, where he'd planned to pick up a 1970s Norton Commando and ride it back home to Gippsland. A couple of my workmates in Adelaide thought Dalts a bit optimistic. But Dalts set off immediately after the purchase and I'd say he'd ridden about 200 Km, before he phoned me and said it was miss-firing. Things got worse and he only managed to cover another 100Km or so. In the end his Father came over to pick him and his bike up and drove back to Gippsland. Dalts fixed the miss-firing issue, after getting the bike home, but a modified oil line popped off and the motor ceased. I'm not sure what became of the bike, I've been hesitant to ask.

[@philmuskett265]

Triumph (!!) over adversity tastes even sweeter.

[@peterburgess770]

Oh dear mate…Happy days!!. We do buy bikes with our heart and not our head, but I do hope you get to love it. There was a fair old top end rattle there, like the tappets were a mile out?, I am sure Dave can sort that out for you. Maybe a bum bag with a few essential tools should be compulsory riding a classic, that stuck throttle was scary!, where’s a screwdriver when you want one!. I think it just needs a bit of “fettling” from the bike wizard Mr Young, bits and bobs to give her some sparkle, and the starting “knack”….will come in time. Hope you have a lot of fun with it, Good Luck!.

[@theartisanrider472]

absolutley, ive already connected with this little puppy. all part of the classic ownership story. already had fun with dave sorting it out. this saturdays episode im back at daves, not for this but for what hes found in a shed. worth a watch. ride safe.

[@Triumph-Tiger-90-Com]

Its NOT standard ! Feel free to contact me for help, overall a nice project but a financial hole.

[@theartisanrider472]

thanks for that, yep im just arranging the mortgage now and the sale of a kidney, but itll all work out in the end. fun fettling times ahead.

[@Triumph-Tiger-90-Com]

My site has all the info you need to succeed, at a glance it looks like an early frame with a post 1964 engine. Non matching numbers !

[@1celloheaven]

Singularly impressed by your sense of humour :) Bravo !

[@theartisanrider472]

Hi All just thought id add a comment, as the comments are coming thick and fast. im taking everything in good heart, its all part of the biking and youtube world. so i bought the bike with my eyes wide open, it was always going to be a winter project, but like all impatient twits lol, i thought , well why not just try one quick ride 🤣. famous last thoughts. i did think though that i might as well share the embarrassment. just a quick update, so the bike is currently safely parked on the work bench at boldor motorcycles with the excellent Dave young, we,ve done some fettling with more to do, but no permanent damage was done, few!!!!!!!!. il look to do a full update next week, you get a little peek this saturday as i filmed another episode on a classic. thanks everyone for watching and commenting, trust me when i say, the bike will be in full working order in short order., believe it or not i have some mechanical knowledge, it was just missing in action that fateful day. thanks for all those new subscribers, i wont let you down. best regards to everyone. just watch this space 😊TWO WHEEL RIDER

[@ralphmctell5210]

Oh my, that was painful to watch. Romanticism and older classics isn't a success story, especially when coupled with an apparent lack of understanding. This why so many can't get on with them, and blame the bikes. Seriously though, get your pump checked - a young lad like you shouldn't be gasping for air after half a dozen prods. ATB. 👍

[@kafkastrial8650]

It will be fine . A poorly maintained slapped together bike will always be just that ! The Meriden Triumph's are very easy to work on and everyone of them has wonderful styling . Just do the right thing !

[@williamnethercott4364]

Not to worry, it'll be great when it's finished but it's not ready for the road yet.

[@kass9722]

no it wont! it needs 3x what its worth spending on it

[@williamnethercott4364]

@@kass9722 Perhaps you'd like to supply the owner with a detailed list of everything that needs to be done.

[@theartisanrider472]

plenty of fun times fettling ahead.

[@4ager505]

Well, as others have commented...that was very painful to watch. My personal experiences tell me that you should consider either selling your Triumph now...or be prepared to do a lot more work than you currently estimate, along with spending an overall huge sum of money. If you choose (and are able) to a complete the restoration on this bike, it will be a joy to own and ride. Your efforts will bring you a great satisfaction and pride in ownership which you cannot get from a showroom fresh modern machine. That bike has great potential! Best regards, and good luck from the USA...

[@theartisanrider472]

yep, this is a keeper. im a glutton for punishment, but me and the bike have shared a dirty layby together and we have bonded. fear not, this bike will be on the road by spring 2025. it reappears briefly in this saturdays episode. worth watching. ride safe

[@GGT2501]

There’s a lot of rubbish on here. 3000 is a tad high, but it’s alll there. I’ve had two t100s, reliable, start easy, simple to maintain. Get the. Haynes manual and decent set of AF spanner’s and you will soon know it all. I’d recommend electronic ignition and a twin leading shoe front brake

[@garyholdsworth1301]

Years ago my brother -in -law stopped by on his Bonneville and proceeded to scare himself by riding my GT750 Kettle which went faster from 70mph to 100 than his bike from 0 to 60.

[@raymondduduryn7573]

We've all been there, you've got quite a bit of work there, don't expect too much, if you enjoy fiddling about then that's your bike, good luck, 👍

[@Merthyr-Dave]

Just potter about, and enjoy it when it running better,i have a 1960 triumph Thunderbird 6t. They are great old bikes, the Triumph, i love them

[@thra5herxb12s]

The problems are mainly to do with bad ownership. Owners that know how to look after these bikes rarely have problems.

[@750triton]

Never used a choke on an AMAL that had tickler. When it was still cold and stumbling when you cracked the throttle, just give the tickler a prod or 2. You may need to do that again once you set off. The 350 & 500 went unit construction from 58, it was the 650 which started in 62. A word of warning regarding that fuel tank. The early 350's had no upper tube, under the petrol tank, they only had the horizontal one at the bottom of the tank. The fuel tank on those was a stressed member. I've seen a few with an extra tube bolted in between the headstock and saddle post. The tank you have is from a late model T100 C or R and shouldn't have the scrotum shredder parcel rack. You could possibly sell that one and buy a correct tank and make a quid at it. I don't think I need to draw pictures of what may happen to the frame without that stressed member. Engine sounds good. Just a couple of wrinkles to iron out and you'll be having fun

[@esslar1]

With my 1966 T100, I used to jump up and go down on the kickstarter with my full weight. It was 500cc, so maybe that was why. It usually started pretty quickly, can't recall having much trouble with it that way.

[@ry491]

Tip for test rides on classic bikes. Never go further than the distance you can walk back . I have learned this from Experience. Worst thing that happened to me was my gear lever shearing off a 3TA when miles from anywhere. It was in first so it was a very slow ride home !! I now ride an old Honda . Enough said .

[@funkygrib1]

100% around the local block and right handed so as to use each corner as a junction. Brake, gears, clutch work it all. Easy to pull on the drive for tools and adjustments.

[@theartisanrider472]

haha so true, i sort of did go that way, i was heading for my remote office which was right next to bolder motorcycles and my saviour dave young. oh well il take my own advice next time, which i probably wont. wheres the fun in that. 🤣

[@MrBeracah]

You’ve got a heart like a lion to ride that bike, in that state.

[@Cobra427Veight]

I think she needs a good going over before any more test flights , and as suggested reset the tappets, change the oil , clean out the oil tank , maybe wouldn't hurt to clean the carbs , if the front brakes are rubbish, get some brass stranded shoes , they work on by bsa b33 , I just finished de lemoning it as well , so I know what you mean ! !

[@brockett]

Just beware that lots of new chrome means the bike was allowed to get well rusty. So the Tank will be a rust bucket as well. If that was not bad enough new chrome is likely to be very poor quality. It's still going to a better bike than more 350's on the market today. The throw on the kick starter looks too short. Is it the correct one or some new chrome pattern rubbish? You can't see the twist grip is turning. It needs tightening also the cable looks kinked and if it is the throttle may not release. Maybe you should get someone who has a clue to look at it.

[@theartisanrider472]

its in safe hands now. lots of tinkering ahead. it reappears briefly in this saturdays episode. worth a watch for the shed find bike.

[@DonLeist]

Nice looking triumph 500.

[@noeldoran8884]

Brings me back... did similar but got it running right (T100SS) stick with it

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Great project sounds classic old school triumph 😄👌I’ve got a new T120 and I must admit I do love the luxury of it starting on the button, I remember back in the day kick starting many bikes for bloody hours😀😂 but I’d still love one great video buddy 🏍🙏regards James

[@Richard-pe4cx]

push rod tubes yes they will leak ,most of it is there i would ride it to get a feel for it suss out its weak and strong points good luck

[@michaelgilbert3311]

A great foundation for a winter project/re commissioning . Then you can ride with some degree of confidence, Looking foreward to your videos. Ride safe. Mike Sunny Wales

[@bonnie6501]

All the money has been spent in the wrong places , take it as read the engine needs a rebuild , and go from there

[@sunyrj25]

Change the spark plug and spark plug cable

[@themotorider1]

😂😂😂Welcome to the world of classic bikes.😂😂😂

[@johnstonstewart9683]

Ignorance is bliss, strip it and get it built properly

[@velocettedude]

Hello there, if you look at the video from 9-30 to about 9-33 you can actually see the blanking plug fall out and hit the ground. Go right through it and it should then be ok. Also take off the oil tank and hot steam clean out, you will be amazed how much crud is in there. Cheers.

[@theartisanrider472]

ha yes, dave dropped me back and we went for a look and found it laying there. its already giving us laughs and fun. just what its all about. cheers

[@tymhewett5334]

What you really need is two planks on top of each other so they don't break when you push it up into the skip. Or break it for spares for some other idiot. The best Triumph ever was the Wonder Bra.

[@mickperry1935]

Oh dear..... the steep learning curve begins.🤦

[@allanb52]

You have to persevere with these old British bike. I bought a 1983 Honda and that has taken me 9 years to get it working. Unlike your mine is not a nice bike..

[@paul-gr9jk]

Ouch £3000 um yes ....did they give you tea and cakes when you picked that up ? They must have softened you some how. Way over the top price wise ...looks.. it is what is is ..a mongrel I have 63 years on me mostly BSA Triumph, Norton etc still love them great fun when they run right.

[@ChrisTowner-wc8zj]

That sounds really rough .You've been sold a pup .And yes your honda also could have been a pup .If you dont know enuogh .Find someone who actually deos .

[@justkidding9751]

Good luck with the 30 hp. Manufacturers used to be allowed to claim anything back in the day. A modern 125 with 12 hp will be quicker and more reliable. You should have bought a honda from the same year. That will need attention every time you use it. 2 words come to mind money Pitt 😂 good luck. Its gonna cause you an accident with that throttle sticking open. Thats if it doesn't seize on ya with the obligatory oil leak. Its a wall hanger and a good talking point. 😂

[@highdownmartin]

Check out Paul Henshaws classic motorcycle channel. He does a lot of work on triumph and Bsa twins and lots of other very nice rarer stuff. Lots to learn off him. Nothing wrong with Brit iron. Is thirty fifty sixty years of gibbons riding and ‘ maintaining’ them that gives stuff a bad name

[@warrensykes193]

If I can fix a 78 Goldwing, you can fix this.👍

[@MySteaming]

Badge on tank is wrong. Should be the 'Mouth Organ' badge.

[@duncancleverley6366]

As someone who is thinking of buying his first classic bike this is not filling me with confidence 😮

[@mattdog1982]

Unfortunately with the old Brit bikes, you need to strip them down. A project is a better buy

[@theartisanrider472]

go for it, look at the fun you can have. lol

[@Triumph-Tiger-90-Com]

With any classic you must do the research first. There are plenty of good bikes out there and not for much money.

[@PeterWW-W]

Seams to get interesting 😂. Good luck. Better a Bullet? The actual one. No, try it.

[@RonF386]

If you want a fun 350/500 with electric start try a Guzzi V35/50 .Handle well ,ok in modern traffic and easy to work on …?.?

[@Animal666TNOTB]

My brother bought a V50 new. The biggest pile of scrap that ever came down our drive. ( 4 lads 250 bikes between us). It leaked oil from the final drive from day 1, & 2 months wait every time it went for repair. Every time it rained it stopped . Back brake was a joke. It was sold for scrap at 8 years old. & yes, i grew up with Brit bikes, they were bad, but not Italian bad.

[@RonF386]

@ I had two , didn’t leak a drop of oil . I have a 1998 V75 Italian police bike , never misses a beat . The only thing you need to watch for is poor switches

[@russthebiker]

biggest problem with British motorcycles, is blokes who think that they are motorcycle mechanics ! I grew up in a family of engineers, I dont fiddle with motorcycles, I pay some one else to do it, after buying heaps of junk as a youngster that had been tinkered with by imbeciles, Used to drive my dad mad !!! best bike I ever owned a 3TA one owner, serviced by a local garage where my uncle worked, and the first owner just did the routine checks on it, 3 years later still running sweetly and my Uncle bought it off me, I often fancy buying an old Brit bike, but I would have nightmares, and set fire to the thing if it went wrong !! Happy with my Little Guzzi for the last 21 years

[@davegutierrez3670]

What guzzi is that? I had a m2 500 that was great

[@russthebiker]

@davegutierrez3670 breva 750 first year of production, travelled all over Europe on it, often two up Same HP as a 69 bonneville

[@davidlax9454]

Way too much for a 350 unit in that condition buttt nice little bikes when sorted

[@tommoso55]

From here it looks as though you've got a Avon Speedmaster rear tyre on the front 🤔

[@MrBeracah]

You’ll miss the electric start.

[@billyjo1148]

350 tiger a sensible one

[@peterfowler8044]

An entertaining video , but geez , you might consider a gym membership soon 😉

[@bananabrooks3836]

"Valve shafts"

[@davidknowler4719]

I cannot believe the amount of nasty comments here . Get it sorted mate and enjoy it . Ok it's not standard but that doesn't matter unless you are a geek . Know these Triumphs better that most so contact me if you like .

[@mikehurley5052]

Great advert for classic Japanese bikes

[@lyndatomlins3448]

None of those 'problems' are very bad. If you expect it to be trouble free, you are wrong. The age, all the owners abusing it & someones so called 'restoration' are the result. Also, these old bikes had problems when new. Only the Japanese made trouble free bikes when new. If you want a nice ' old bike ' , no problems, buy a near new/ little used R E. single. Heaps of them around in GB?

[@MrBeracah]

Engine sounds too rattling for my liking

[@nickmarshall9192]

A major disaster is when an engine seized up whilst riding Or throws a rod through the cases The problems you have are hiccups You need a knowledgeable local bloke to help you go through it thats all

[@theartisanrider472]

all in hand, checkout this saturdays episode, it reappears briefly. 😃

[@nationnofire]

Put it back in the shed

[@GrahamRozee]

That needs looking at by someone who knows about unit Triumphs. Sounds awful

[@redzed40]

whoops

[@disrowe]

The original Triumph bikes were not much good

[@4ager505]

Here in the USA, we found them to be quite good after we settled into the proper operation and maintenance routines. We still are quite pleased with them when they are properly done up. If you have any which require more effort than you wish to put forth, send them on over to this side of the pond. I would be very happy to own a few more.

[@davidhathaway8271]

I actually cringed watching this video. To attempt to go out on a bike that had not been fettled/ service properly is foolish. Even the throttle was turning on the handle bars. With motorcycles you either have the right skills/ mentality or you dont. I've had plenty of Triumphs and other British bikes and have had minimum problems because I serviced them correctly. Videos like this just further the idea that British bikes are unreliable when the real problem is owners that lack the correct skill/ competance levels. You really need to know what your doing with a bike like this . Cheers.

[@Gregorio-d3q]

Lol!

[@davidlax9454]

That was painful to watch sorry

[@theartisanrider472]

you should have been there. lol still its a first world problem, but fun and chaos ahead. cant wait.

[@PeterOgden-h1k]

Get a classic honda and have no problems keep away from British crap

[@kass9722]

why did you pay £3000 for a £500 bike? by the time you get anywhere near getting it rideable & cosmetically decent, you're taking a minimum £3k haircut..wow! yes yes...i know youtube...blah blah blah, but these vids should come with public warning of financial incompetence😁

[@nickmarshall9192]

I'd like to know where you can buy a bike like that with a v5 for £500 ?

[@GGT2501]

Yep you get one for 500 and I’ll give you 750

[@stephenhewitt5835]

Too painful to watch

[@theartisanrider472]

thats what makes it fun to watch, keep watching it can only get better, probably lol. it reappears this saturday breafly, worth watching. 😀