Triumph TR6RV Tiger Restoration; 26+ Years Sitting

[BAinLA]

Hi guys. I found this 5-speed one-owner Tiger languishing in a yard near here (Los Angeles area). The price was right ($200) so I took the plunge.
So far I have drained the "oil" which looked more like crude, totally black. I removed the "master electrical switch" which fell apart when I removed the side cover and cleaned all the connections and contacts and re-crimped the back. Now I actually have lights and ignition! -Well actually I still need to fix the brake switches and the headlight switch.
The engine has good compression but the threads left side plug hole are nearly all stripped so I will need a heli-coil or time-sert. (When we were kids, we just wrapped the plug in tin-foil and torqued it down, "fixed!"
The carb is stuck closed and I have a gasket set en route from ebay.
The clutch is frozen and won't operate, at least when I put it in gear and pull the handle all the way in and kick it over it does not release. SOooo I guess I will be buying a clutch hub puller and see what's up in there.
It should be running soon and I will make a video of the first fire-up. I've pre-oiled the bores and the valve mechanisms of course. I may install an oil filter on the return line if I can find a good one.
I've had 3 BSA 441s, a Norton Atlas 750 and two Bonnevilles ('69 and '70) but nothing since 1985. Does that date me?
This should be a fun project but I don't intend to spend much on it until I see exactly what I have. It's pretty rough. The squeamish need to avert their eyes at this point. -BA

 

[Rocky]

For the price, it looks like a complete bike.
It needs a lot of TLC, but you have a lot to work with.
Good luck and keep us up to date a you progress.

 

[CarlS]

That will be quite the project; but definitely doable. Keep us posted,

 

[sikatri]

I love it! Looking forward to following your restoration!

 

[Greyfell]

You sound like you know what you're doing, and this bike seems to have everything you need. Just get it ironed out and cleaned up, and it will be a jewel.

 

[Qship]

Great find. Hope it runs good for you soon. A diamond it the rough, but still a diamond.

 

['72TR6RV]

Hi guys. I found this 5-speed one-owner Tiger languishing in a yard near here (Los Angeles area). The price was right ($200) so I took the plunge.
So far I have drained the "oil" which looked more like crude, totally black. I removed the "master electrical switch" which fell apart when I removed the side cover and cleaned all the connections and contacts and re-crimped the back. Now I actually have lights and ignition! -Well actually I still need to fix the brake switches and the headlight switch.
The engine has good compression but the threads left side plug hole are nearly all stripped so I will need a heli-coil or time-sert. (When we were kids, we just wrapped the plug in tin-foil and torqued it down, "fixed!"
The carb is stuck closed and I have a gasket set en route from ebay.
The clutch is frozen and won't operate, at least when I put it in gear and pull the handle all the way in and kick it over it does not release. SOooo I guess I will be buying a clutch hub puller and see what's up in there.
It should be running soon and I will make a video of the first fire-up. I've pre-oiled the bores and the valve mechanisms of course. I may install an oil filter on the return line if I can find a good one.
I've had 3 BSA 441s, a Norton Atlas 750 and two Bonnevilles ('69 and '70) but nothing since 1985. Does that date me?
This should be a fun project but I don't intend to spend much on it until I see exactly what I have. It's pretty rough. The squeamish need to avert their eyes at this point. -BA

Hi guys. I found this 5-speed one-owner Tiger languishing in a yard near here (Los Angeles area). The price was right ($200) so I took the plunge.
So far I have drained the "oil" which looked more like crude, totally black. I removed the "master electrical switch" which fell apart when I removed the side cover and cleaned all the connections and contacts and re-crimped the back. Now I actually have lights and ignition! -Well actually I still need to fix the brake switches and the headlight switch.
The engine has good compression but the threads left side plug hole are nearly all stripped so I will need a heli-coil or time-sert. (When we were kids, we just wrapped the plug in tin-foil and torqued it down, "fixed!"
The carb is stuck closed and I have a gasket set en route from ebay.
The clutch is frozen and won't operate, at least when I put it in gear and pull the handle all the way in and kick it over it does not release. SOooo I guess I will be buying a clutch hub puller and see what's up in there.
It should be running soon and I will make a video of the first fire-up. I've pre-oiled the bores and the valve mechanisms of course. I may install an oil filter on the return line if I can find a good one.
I've had 3 BSA 441s, a Norton Atlas 750 and two Bonnevilles ('69 and '70) but nothing since 1985. Does that date me?
This should be a fun project but I don't intend to spend much on it until I see exactly what I have. It's pretty rough. The squeamish need to avert their eyes at this point. -BA

That's gonna be a fun project and a lot of TLC, WD 40 and PB Blaster....but when finished it will be a great bike. I found my 72 TR6RV sitting in a old garage for 20 some years with 16,758 miles.
You got it for a great price! Good luck with the resurrection and breathing new life into this one. Keep us all posted

 

[BAinLA]

Thanks guys,

This is my first bike in 35 years and I am really enjoying this project! I feel like a kid. I can barely wait for my carb gaskets to get here so I can put the Amal back together and start it up!
I'll make a video of the first start-up (it sat in a yard for 28+ years) if I remember. -BA

 

[BAinLA]

Started up 2nd kick! Not bad for being parked outside for over 28 years!

Here is the YouTube of it. I didn't expect it to start and was not prepared as you can see. In fact I had been working in the blazing sun and humidity and was really NOT ready for this! Anyway, I'm jazzed. Now I need an oil filter on the return line and then free up the clutch and see how the transmission is. Later I adjusted it to idle very nicely. -BA
<a href="

https://imgur.com/XnMTCu2

View: https://imgur.com/XnMTCu2
"><img src="

https://imgur.com/XnMTCu2

View: https://i.imgur.com/XnMTCu2.mp4
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

 

[Greyfell]

That's awesome; you're off to a good start!

 

['72TR6RV]

Started up 2nd kick! Not bad for being parked outside for over 28 years!

Here is the YouTube of it. I didn't expect it to start and was not prepared as you can see. In fact I had been working in the blazing sun and humidity and was really NOT ready for this! Anyway, I'm jazzed. Now I need an oil filter on the return line and then free up the clutch and see how the transmission is. Later I adjusted it to idle very nicely. -BA
<a href="

https://imgur.com/XnMTCu2

View: https://imgur.com/XnMTCu2
"><img src="

https://imgur.com/XnMTCu2

View: https://i.imgur.com/XnMTCu2.mp4
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Good deal!
What a sight to see.... 25+ years of dust, bees, mice nest being burned out of a ole classic!

 

[Rocky]

How satisfying is that!!!!!!!

 

[CarlS]

Started up 2nd kick! Not bad for being parked outside for over 28 years!

Here is the YouTube of it. I didn't expect it to start and was not prepared as you can see. In fact I had been working in the blazing sun and humidity and was really NOT ready for this! Anyway, I'm jazzed. Now I need an oil filter on the return line and then free up the clutch and see how the transmission is. Later I adjusted it to idle very nicely. -BA
<a href="

https://imgur.com/XnMTCu2

View: https://imgur.com/XnMTCu2
"><img src="

https://imgur.com/XnMTCu2

View: https://i.imgur.com/XnMTCu2.mp4
" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Outstanding! Congratulations! I share your excitement!!

 

[sikatri]

Extremely excited!

 

[grandpaul]

That's always a great milestone on waking up a classic bike, next is the test ride!

Looks like you need to pull the transmission cover and free up the needle bearing on the inside; it might needs to be replaced. Notice the kickstarter flopping? That's a clear indicator. Probably rusty/grungy in there. If it fails in a bad way, the bike can spit you off...

 

[BAinLA]

Thanks guys. I feel like a kid on his birthday.

I do need to clear out the idle circuit better since it needs choke to idle hot. Then onto the clutch which is frozen up. Then I find out about the transmission! Very optimistic about this bike! -BA

 

[BAinLA]

Thanks grandpaul, I'll look into this before I ride. Still need brakes, clutch and check trans and other stuff. -BA

 

[BAinLA]

New clutch installed and transmission seems perfect!! It's a keeper.

I need tires and tubes. Where can I find a good deal on some sticky tires 3.25 x 19 and 4.00 x 18?
All the sizes I see are for tubeless radial or something. Thanks, -BA

OK I typed the front tire size into Amazon and see tires from $54 (USD) to $121. Back in the day ('70s) I think we used to go with some type of Avon s. Is there a better source? Are Avon still up there with the best? your experience? -BA?

 

[grandpaul]

Yes, Avon Roadriders

 

[Bristle]

New clutch installed and transmission seems perfect!! It's a keeper.

I need tires and tubes. Where can I find a good deal on some sticky tires 3.25 x 19 and 4.00 x 18?
All the sizes I see are for tubeless radial or something. Thanks, -BA

OK I typed the front tire size into Amazon and see tires from $54 (USD) to $121. Back in the day ('70s) I think we used to go with some type of Avon s. Is there a better source? Are Avon still up there with the best? your experience? -BA?

Great choice to buy this and get it going after all that time. As for tires, i'd go for Dunlop TT100's. These are excellent tires and retain the 'period' look!! When it comes to staying upright in the wet, cheap rubber might be last thing on your list. Best of luck with everything mate.