1969 Triumph Bonneville. August 2008

Murray's Britbikes came across such a bike a few months ago and began the restoration process. It had to be completely stripped, cleaned and checked over, prior to having all the parts organised in their various groups, for treatment. Fastners re-plated, all chrome work re-finished or replaced, frame parts blasted and powder coated, instruments rebuilt - the list goes on.. . and on.During the engine rebuild, all bearings, seals, valves, valve guides and pistons were replaced including crank grind and re-bore if necessary. Any other parts that don't match up to specs were also replaced.

The final touch prior to assembly was "VAQUA BLASTING" of cases and cylinder head, in Murray's new machine and polishing of the outer covers. Once everything was rebuilt, painted, chromed, vaqua blasted, polished etc. and the wheels fully rebuilt, the painstaking assembly began. The wiring loom was replaced with an original cloth covered unit, and eventually, after a new battery was installed and the tank filled, the bike roared into life.A few kilometres of road testing uncovered any bugs and allowed for fine tuning, then the bike was ready for the showroom floor.Back in 1969 a new one of these would have set you back roughly 10% of the price of the average house or 30% of an average annual wage.

You do the sums and you will soon realise that they are quite cheap on today's market at $14,000, and the value of these beautiful bikes has only one way to go. This - as expected - is a first class restoration.You can contact Murray on 0408 833 511 (BH) or call into the jam packed shop at Unit 5, 5 Kingston Avenue, Richmond. S.A.5033.