The header pipes on my Bonnie

[JamesH]

Hi All

I'm thinking of using my Kevin Rudd money to get my Triumph Bonneville back on the road. Ive got an electrical problem, battery not charging. A new battery did not fix the problem.

Anyway the header pipes are really rusty and the chrome is long gone, looks very daggy but there is nothing actually wrong with the pipes. I saw a picture of on old bike with the pipes taped in what looks like hockey stick handle tape. Sort of looks furry and cloth like.

Would anyone have an idea what that stuff might be?

TIA

[Tank]

Hi All

I'm thinking of using my Kevin Rudd money to get my Triumph Bonneville back on the road. Ive got an electrical problem, battery not charging. A new battery did not fix the problem.

Anyway the header pipes are really rusty and the chrome is long gone, looks very daggy but there is nothing actually wrong with the pipes. I saw a picture of on old bike with the pipes taped in what looks like hockey stick handle tape. Sort of looks furry and cloth like.

Would anyone have an idea what that stuff might be?

TIA
Heat insulation strapping, get them rechromed, get an auto leccy to check out the charging system, you didn't mention what year model, Regards Frank.

[p38arover]

Don't waste your money.

Look, I'll be in Perth in 2 weeks time. I'll load the bike into my car and get rid of it for you. :)

[JamesH]

Hi Tank

It's a 1981 T140E - with the 5 speed and lectronic ignition but pre-electric start. It's not concours by a long shot but the engine is really tight and feels good. Sounds really good too.

To clean up and rechrome the pipes would be more exxy than a new pair wouldn't it? (Maybe google is my friend here).

[JamesH]

Don't waste your money.

Look, I'll be in Perth in 2 weeks time. I'll load the bike into my car and get rid of it for you. :)

Gee! Really?:p

[p38arover]

Gee! Really?:p

Yep, I'm good like that. Ask the blokes on the Two Wheels forum.

[p38arover]

Seriously, I wonder how hard it would be to have new pipes made up by an exhaust shop and then ahve them chromed.

If your existing pipes are rusty, they may look awful after rechroming.

[Tank]

Hi Tank

It's a 1981 T140E - with the 5 speed and lectronic ignition but pre-electric start. It's not concours by a long shot but the engine is really tight and feels good. Sounds really good too.

To clean up and rechrome the pipes would be more exxy than a new pair wouldn't it? (Maybe google is my friend here).
Maybe you could clean them up and roughen up any chrome left (heavy grit emery cloth) and paint them flat black with VHT exhaust paint, I had a 3 into one (megaphone) on my '74 Triumph Trident (triple 750) and it looked real smik. Someone on here should be able to tell you how to check the alternator to see if it's charging.
Ron's a nice bloke, isn't he, if he can help he will, have a safe trip Ron, Regards Frank.

[Bigbjorn]

A modern bike. Not worth worrying about. Give it to Ron and he can put it out for the city Council cleanup.

The Historical Motor Cycle Club now has a thirty years old cut-off date for historics.

[tracker]

something like this?:)
Boating & Fishing Forum - Bonnie (http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/thread-view.asp'tid=236029&posts=6)

[Shonky]

It's a 1981 T140E...


...thirty years old cut-off date for historics.

Less than three years in it Brian! :o

[JamesH]

A modern bike. Not worth worrying about. Give it to Ron and he can put it out for the city Council cleanup.

The Historical Motor Cycle Club now has a thirty years old cut-off date for historics.

All pre 88 Bonnies are eligible just the same way a brand new Defender should be allowed historic plates. I admit the electonic ignition means i have to give up my barstool for a points rider just as synchro and power steering Defenders give way to a Series.

I found this place: Union Jack Motorcycles (http://www.unionjack.com.au/index.html)

It looks like I can get a new set of pipes for about $350 with all the sundry bits. The idea of going to a exhaust dude to get some made up and chromed seems like a good one; almost as good as my original heat strapping idea...:angel:

[JamesH]

something like this?:)
Boating & Fishing Forum - Bonnie (http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/thread-view.asp'tid=236029&posts=6)

More like this. It has disks front and rear (hmmph, snort the purists) and a set of hot dog tailpipes. It also look a lot less shiny:(

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/02/456.jpg

[peewee]

when it comes to old british bikes screw the purists ! they didnt usually stay standard for long from new any way. my 73 commando will be getting some decent front brakes as part of it`s rebuild. i realised how bad the original brakes were when a commodore pulled out in front of me ( hence the need for a rebuild )
have you tried the uk for pipes ?

[JamesH]

when it comes to old british bikes screw the purists ! they didnt usually stay standard for long from new any way. my 73 commando will be getting some decent front brakes as part of it`s rebuild. i realised how bad the original brakes were when a commodore pulled out in front of me ( hence the need for a rebuild )
have you tried the uk for pipes ?

I'll browse in the UK, thanks. Haven't asked Vintage & Modern here in Perth for price yet.

[p38arover]

Re wrapping the pipes, see this thread: twowheels • View topic - Header wrapping? (http://twowheels.com.au/forums2/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=20042)

[JamesH]

Re wrapping the pipes, see this thread: twowheels • View topic - Header wrapping? (http://twowheels.com.au/forums2/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=20042)

That is really interesting, thanks Ron.

[Shonky]

My Uncle has a '71 Bonnie that he has had since the 70s and fully restored a few years ago.

Hes just started on a '36 (?) Harley and has a Ducatti as his daily crotch rocket...

If you do much circulating in the WA Motorcycling scene you may even know him... :eek:


Can't be any more specific on the bikes - I don't really speak motorbike. :(

[Bigbjorn]

Less than three years in it Brian! :o

If it had been up to the club, they would have preferred a fixed cut-off of about 1965-70 when there came about radical changes in technology, construction, appearance etc. which differentiated the traditional bike from the modern. However the uniform road rules say thirty years old is eligible for historic/special interest registration so the club really had to go along. They are going to a rolling cut-off of thirty years old from 2011.

[Hoodoo Brown]

Get the headers rechromed with triple chrome.It last longer.

Show caution with aftermarket headers. Dubious quality.

I have a new Bonneville and the headers have given up after six years. Single chrome on poor quality stainless pipe. They have to be replaced.

[p38arover]

I might get my wife to try out a Bonny. They look fairly low to the ground.