Triumph T160 chopper to Bobber build.

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  • Tricky13
    Member
    • Mar 2017
    • 81

    Triumph T160 chopper to Bobber build.

    Hi, old biker from the UK here, with an unexpected project after giving up riding back in 2001.

    I now have a new project that i really didn't expect, with a heavy heart i have taken on this bike T160 Triumph trident chop, due to recently loosing a very good friend, and his family has asked me to take it on and rebuild it/get it running, as there is nobody else that could, or ride it for that matter.

    So its been passed to me with the proviso that i build it and ride it for as long as i am able and then pass it back, however in the future i may well buy it, but just don't have the resources right now.

    Long story short he was involved in an accident 25-30 years ago and lost his nerve with bikes, but couldn't get rid of it, and always said he would ride again, but due to suffering server depression in recent years, he has never got any further with it.

    Years ago i re-sprayed it and despite me trying to persuade him that the colour was just wrong, he went ahead and put it together as you see it here, and then it sat in his flat until this sad time.

    So to me it only fitting that i build it again and ride it as he always intended, as a kind of rolling tribute, i will be changing quite a lot of things, as there is no way i would ride that colour, and some of the styling is a little questionable, plus there are some safety aspects that need addressing.

    Anyway i'll keep this updated, but don't know just how long it will take me depending on the amount of new parts needed, but its already in my breakfast room sharing with the cat, as there is no way it will fit in either of my sheds, and still have room to work.

    I have already decided that as a light hearted tribute the new tank with have BFG on the sides as to my wife he was always known as The Big Friendly Giant, as he was 6.7 ft and weighed 300lbs, and the wife is 5ft LOL!

    Anyway here is a pic before it has a quick wash and came in from the cold.



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    Last edited by Tricky13; 03-20-2017, 5:41 PM.
  • Tricky13
    Member
    • Mar 2017
    • 81

    #2
    Just a little update, now the bike is indoors and nice and warm, i have started to strip it down, will be changing quite a few things as i go, will keep the pictures coming for those interested.

    Have made a heat shield for the high pipes as i am not going to replace them, waiting for some stainless tube to add short turn outs.

    Good job i decided to just check the compression and not start it, as the oil feed and return where switched that Harley style master cylinder is going as aside from being mounted on the an extended engine mount, and being right in front of the battery box, so access was very difficult, it also weighed about 8lbs.


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    Last edited by Tricky13; 03-20-2017, 12:59 PM.

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    • Tricky13
      Member
      • Mar 2017
      • 81

      #3
      Engine and frame have now parted company, the engine has had a wash and the frame is now getting some brackets removed and others re positioned ready for paint,




      I have been pondering on what to do about the pipes,, i like the three into two high level look but since i will be moving the passenger foot pegs, the design has to be wife friendly, i was going to make them really short, as i am also fitting a hydraulic clutch conversion, which make the slave run right next to the pipes, but i think i will just shield the cylinder instead, and keep my fingers crossed that it doesn't over heat it.
      Nifty little thing though, fits just right in place of the cable and retains the original adjustment.
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      Last pic is me trying out an idea with some old fork stanchions, and i have managed to find some slightly shorter turn out extensions on the net complete with baffles for £50, which should with the heat shield i made work OK for the pillion...i hope!



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      Last edited by Tricky13; 03-20-2017, 1:03 PM.

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      • Tricky13
        Member
        • Mar 2017
        • 81

        #4
        Well as you can see i have finally managed to get some paint on the frame, and now the engine is back in, and other bits will soon follow, just a case of waiting for some parts to arrive, and some haven't even been ordered yet, and i still have to re make the seats, but it wont be long now, just got to try and string it out until the warmer weather gets here, more progress pics to follow.



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        Last edited by Tricky13; 03-20-2017, 1:04 PM.

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        • Tricky13
          Member
          • Mar 2017
          • 81

          #5
          Couldn't resist a little mock up just to see how the the pipes looked, and to check just how close to the wife's leg they will be....cough!

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          Last edited by Tricky13; 03-20-2017, 1:05 PM.

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          • Tricky13
            Member
            • Mar 2017
            • 81

            #6
            Getting a little closer just all the fettling and checking...and the few bits that are proving a PITA!

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            Last edited by Tricky13; 03-20-2017, 1:08 PM.

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            • billybiltit
              Senior Member
              • Aug 2009
              • 771

              #7
              a very nice improvement i think your buddy would be blown away!

              keep us posted,
              leon

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              • Tricky13
                Member
                • Mar 2017
                • 81

                #8
                It lives!!!! was expecting the Amals to leak all over the place, and flood it but no it started almost first kick, and does so pretty much every time, still smokes a bit too much , but i am hoping it will clear itself once it gets a chance thoroughly warm up, was a little worried when the oil pressure took a while to come up, still a little low for my taste but that could be the gauge, so will run it up a few more times and then take it for a quick spin in the next few days.:grinno:

                Last edited by Tricky13; 04-02-2017, 6:32 AM.

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                • Tricky13
                  Member
                  • Mar 2017
                  • 81

                  #9
                  Unfortunately now getting clutch drag, so have had to strip the clutch and fit new bearings and plate, so waiting for parts, couple of recent pics.



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                  • farmall
                    Senior Member
                    • Apr 2013
                    • 9976

                    #10
                    Good to see another Trident saved from the breakers! Nicely done.

                    The center cylinders tend to run warm and Meriden didn't add an oil cooler by accident. I suggest finding something suitably sexy with plenty of surface area.

                    Those dual discs were always a good idea and well worth what the modified fork leg cost, especially when someone else paid for it.

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                    • Tricky13
                      Member
                      • Mar 2017
                      • 81

                      #11
                      Thanks! i decided to see just how hot the oil will get without, i have both oil temp and pressure monitored, as its only going to be used a summer cruiser in the flat Fenland's, i suspect that it wont get that hot...but we will see, i am also running a one size larger main jet on the center pot.

                      Apparently some of the development took place in the southern US, so that may well be the reason for a large cooler, mind you i could always switch to a fully synthetic oil, if i can find a 20W50, that should take higher temps, the other option is too fit an external car type oil filter, that should help.
                      Had one on my pre unit Bonnie and that never had over heat problems even at prolonged 90MPH!
                      Last edited by Tricky13; 04-24-2017, 5:22 AM.

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                      • Tricky13
                        Member
                        • Mar 2017
                        • 81

                        #12
                        Just to update this, had clutch drag problems, so had to rebuild/replace the clutch, but now suffering low oil pressure so have just stripped the engine to find the oil pump has been bodged, and the main shells are pretty worn as a result, hopefully i can get this sorted soon and eventually get some miles on it, only managed about 20 so far!

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                        • Dougtheinternetannoyance123
                          Senior Member
                          • Apr 2012
                          • 1021

                          #13
                          Bummer, But it could have been way worse so good you caught it when you did. I like the High pipes you have. I am not a triple expert but on the twins I like the late T140 High volume oil pumps and fit them to many builds along with cleaning up oil passageways. They are affordable as well. I have a Morgo pump on a preunit Bonnie and its nice and works well but the T140 updated pumps do just as well and cost way less.

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                          • Tricky13
                            Member
                            • Mar 2017
                            • 81

                            #14
                            Yes always liked the Morgo pumps, and fitted them to the twins I've had, unfortunately they don't make one for the triple as its a rotary pump, bit like a car pump, it works quite well when nobody has tried to be clever and fitted the case to pump gasket to the inside of the pump, stopping it making enough pressure, hence the demise of the mains and rod bearings.
                            I am hoping that i may get away with crank polish and new shells all round, along with a new oil pump.

                            Definitely could have been worse, heard plenty of tails of rods through the cases from the same symptoms.

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                            • Dougtheinternetannoyance123
                              Senior Member
                              • Apr 2012
                              • 1021

                              #15
                              I have never cared for the Triples much, Twins & singles for me. But I have 2 of them here I am storing for a friend in the UK who allegedly will be here in a month or 2 to ship them back to Blighty. (He was supposed to show up last year) One is a runner, the other is pretty complete but totally knackered. Sat out in the weather I believe and very rusty. But its all there and has papers. Its sitting in my garage at the moment as it wont roll and i have to take it partway apart to get the wheels to turn so I can stuff it into Storage. (it might make you cry) Pix on request.
                              I also have some odds and bits that came in a pile,, seems the cases were ventilated for the same issue as yours. I might make a clock or wall art out of some of it. Gonna run the engine cases parts thru the solvent tank to clean them up. Maybe some is useable. Good luck with yours, but while apart might as well fix it right.

                              I have enough parts to put together a couple rolling chassis. Frames, forks, wheels and body work, But around here without an engine they are not worth much. If you wanted a stock roller (if you decide to go cafe racer down the road later) perhaps I can send one with the other bikes when my friend from the UK finally arrives.

                              Comment

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