Uncovering An Original 1968 Triumph Tiger TR6R Motorcycle
Uncovering An Original 1968 Triumph Tiger TR6R Motorcycle
This is the story of "Uncovering an original 1968 Triumph TR6R motorcycle". From the beginning to the.... well, not the end! Please feel free to read on how I found my 1968 Triumph 650 Tiger and how I got it road worthy again to it's new life. It's amazing wait time can do when you put all your effort in. A lot of time, energy, and money has gone into this motorcycle and it's been worth every single minute of it. Enjoy
Upon arriving to his house, I was greeted by a very nice chap named John. John was also a British motorcycle collector and enthusiast, he stated to me that he use to own many British motorcycles but had "fallen out of the scene". We talked more about British motorcycles and history then we did the motor that I was going to purchase! But hey, that's fine with me. I'm always open to other peoples story's. As I'm looking at his collection, or what's left of it, I noticed a very original Triumph on the end. I could see the original paint on the tank through the frame of the bike that was next to it. I quickly looked over it and was in a stunned state. I couldn't believe it... an all original 1968 Triumph TR6R was sitting in front of me. I have always wanted to find an all original Triumph Twin, any year was fine with me. Could this be my lucky day?
After talking and sharing our stories, I just had to ask John, "is this 1968 Triumph TR6R something you would be willing to sell?" This was the moment of truth! I was hoping what ever price he brought to the table, I could afford. He thought for a few seconds... pondering... "You know, I think i better hold onto it, I sold many of my bikes and I would like to hold onto this one." Well, my hopes where so high then they dropped so quickly. I didn't even want the BSA motor anymore after I saw that '68, but I wasn't going to let the word "no" detour me away.
Dealer license plate frame. "Good Guys"
I ended up leaving Johns place with the BSA motor that I originally planned on purchasing. Its an early 1963 Star Twin motor in nice shape. (If anyone is interested, the motor is for sale) With the TR6R on my mind that night, the following morning I had to send John an email. I always remember this, "A closed mouth wont get fed". I proceeded with the email, initially it was a thank you email for letting me purchase the BSA motor, but I had to ask him about his TR6R. "If you ever think about selling your TR6R, please let me know, it would be going to a great home. Thank you again for your time." I typed. An hour later he sent a reply. "I would sell the TR6R for $X,XXX, it has a clean title". I almost fell out of chair from joy! I wasn't looking to buy a motorcycle and all the sudden so quickly I could be a new owner.
Update (Getting The 1968 Triumph TR6R Road Ready)
Inspecting the original Lucas wiring harness
Getting the 1968 Triumph TR6R Tiger road ready will take more additional work. When it comes to safety, that is step number #1. With the bike sitting for a very long, bearings can develop rust inside and outside the engine. In particular, wheel bearings. Wheel bearings must be changed and replaced with sealed ball bearings to ensure long life. "Fit and forget". We started with the wiring. As we all know Lucas is known as the "Prince of darkness"! The original wiring harness would have been cloth covered from the factory. Now the cloth is gone and has been taped over by a previous owner at sometime. I cut the tape from the headlight bucket all the way down to the coils. I noticed that a wire had been repaired at sometime, other then that, everything appeared to be fine. I also added a solid white wire to the negative terminal on the coil for the ignition switch green indicator light as it was strangely missing it. It does have the correct Lucas 31356 dipper switch on the bars and works very nicely. We also installed a pilot light for the parking light as it was also missing that. All terminals connecting to the coil and grounds where cleaned very well to ensure a nice solid ground. This bike was exposed to nature at some point near the ocean, and some sections of the frame show the damage from rust. Nothing major.
New 1/4" steering stem ball bearings installed
We needed to remove the front wheel, trees and forks to obtain accesses to the steering bearings. Usually the bottom steering race is subjected to rust and corrosion. In fact, I was surprised that the top and bottom races where in very nice shape. As you can, I left the rust on the bottom yoke exactly where I found it! I want to keep this bike "as is" as much as possible. 40 new 60-2364 1/4" chrome ball bearings where installed for the top and bottom races. While we had the top and bottom yokes off, we went ahead and changed the p-clamps, bushings and p-clamp isolastic rubbers. Unfortunately we couldn't salvage the p-clamps. The lock nuts on the bottom where stripped and the clamps had to be cut off. That task in its self took hours of delicate work.
Rebuilt front forks installed with new seals, springs and oil
Surprisingly the front forks worked quite well for them not being serviced. The bottom stanchions where in nice shape. The top, not so much. Getting the tubes out of the yokes was a real chore. The slight surface rust caused the tubes to become stuck but with the help of WD-40, we managed to get them off. Fork tubes and seals where replaced by EMGO parts that we stock. We recommend using 20W Maxima non-foaming fork oil which can be found at a local motorcycle shop.
Under the seat of the 1968 Triumph TR6R.
Over the weekend I wanted to replace all the rubber components under the seat, which include the battery tray / strap rubber grommets and the large bottom oil tank grommet. Since I needed to change the oil... I decided to drain the oil and to pull the entire oil tank off. The oil tank filter was spotless, but I wanted to be 100% sure that it was clean inside. I used my LED flashlight to shine some light inside and I could see sludge sitting at the bottom. I literally cleaned this oil tank for an hour flushing out the oil and sludge out with petrol and cleaning solevant. I squeezed in a steel wool pad to help remove the thick sludge. It worked very well. With the front wheel, rear wheel, forks, electrical, Amal carburetor, and oil tank having been rebuilt, cleaned or inspected, its safe to day that this bike is now ready for the road. I feel much more confident that the oil tank is clean. You can see I installed the optional blue Lucas 2MC capacitor. Disconnect the fuse, turn the key on, tickle the carb and it will run off the Lucas 2MC capacitor. Once running you will be able to turn your lights on. The Lucas 2MC capacitor was designed for emergency use if your battery where to fail but it was quickly picked up by off road enthusiasts that liked the idea of eliminating your battery. Today, many British bikes and even American / Japanese bikes have retro fitted the Lucas 2MC capacitor to there machines. It's pretty amazing of what a little capacitor can do...
Lucas 35601 cut-off button installed
I had an extra Lucas kill button laying around and decided to install it on the handlebar. Although it's not technically "correct" for a 1968 model, it does also look good and may come in handy. In an emergency, I don't have to reach over and turn the key off, I can simply use my left hand thumb and press the cut off button. This Lucas kill switch is also called the Lucas "mammoth" kill button as it is rather large for a typical kill button. This is the brown button variety as used on Triumph twins with standard ignitions from approx 1966-1967 according to factory Triumph parts books. This kill button looks the same as the types used on Triumph and BSA models with the E.T. ignition, they are different and should not be interchanged. Original part number for the Lucas brown button kill button is 35601.
Outside view of the inner transmission cover once cleaned
Your probably wondering how we went from praising this motorcycle, stating that this TR6R is now road worthy, how original it is, down to pulling the inner and outer gearbox covers. Don't let the photo fool you as there is no problem at all. In fact, we pulled the inner and outer gearbox covers to simply change the gaskets, that's all. We did find some interesting aspects about this 1968 Triumph TR6R that may tell a little history of its life story. Upon pulling the outer gearbox cover off, I noticed that the mainshaft nut was loose. When I mean loose, you could remove it with your hand. The only way it was secured was by the tab washer. There was also a random spring sitting on the bottom cover. To this day, it is unknown where it came from and why it was in the outer cover. As pulled the inner cover off, I was amazed to see the condition of the transmission. No rust, no wear, and no sludge. It almost appeared to been rebuilt at some point? Which leads me to believe, has this motor been rebuilt? If so, why? Was it rebuilt under a warranty for some reason? Its really hard to say, the condition internally is mind blowing considering where it was found and its use. Still had the original RHP mainshaft bearing and Torrington needle bearing. While I was in the transmission, I decided to replace the kickstart return spring, all gaskets, kickstart bushing, shifter return springs, and the gear change o-ring. I inspected all parts and everything was fine. Again, there where no problems before, so I wasn't expecting to find anything out of the ordinary. The inner and outer gearbox cases where meticulously cleaned to allow an oil tight seal once I installed the new gaskets. Some folks do not like putting gaskets on the inner gearbox cover as it may increase the end float. While that is true, the workshop manual states that the end float should be "perceptible". Interpret that on your own. I Indexed the transmission with the camplate in 4th gear. It took me a few tries to get it right but I got it. Torqued the mainshaft nut to 45 Ft lbs and buttoned everything else up. If your curious, the selector forks in my 1968 Triumph TR6R where cast iron and not the later bronze types. From what I can tell, everything in this transmission is correct for a 1968 model as show in a 1968 Triumph parts book.
New Dunlop K70 front tire installed and mounted
Adding more than 400 miles on my 1968 Triumph TR6R, all have really been trouble free miles. I did happen to pop the front tube. The front tire is new, but the quality was poor. It was made by "cheng shin" in Taiwan. I replaced the front tire with a new genuine Dunlop K70 gold seal tire along with a new tube and rim tape. We did a quick static balance to keep everything in balance. Riding at night with the lights on, I noticed once I applied the rear brake, the whole electrical system would seem to fail. Almost as it was running strictly off the capacitor. I went through about 70% of all the electrical already, perhaps there is a short. I will go ahead and start fault finding. So far, Lucas has done me well!
Side of the road on the outskirts on Lancaster, CA
Well, the Lucas "Prince of darkness" demons have taken over my 1968 Triumph TR6R for the moment. I may have to take it to a priest... Using my multi-meter and wiring diagram I went ahead and started searching under the seat and then moved to the headlight. Checking all wires I could rule out corrosion or a break in the wires. I also disconnected the capacitor. Once I disconnected the Lucas 2MC capacitor, I started the bike. Flicked the toggle switch to the center position and the lights came on. Took it down the road and it died in me. I had my meter on me so I checked the battery voltage right where the bike stood. Voltage was at a whopping 0.00 volts. There's my problem... Well, sort of. The electrical system is showing a charge, but what would cause the battery to go flat? The battery is new and the sealed type. I turned my focus on the Lucas zenor diode. If the Lucas zenor diode where to fail, it would basically over charge the battery. Perhaps that is why my battery went flat, at one point when the Lucas zenor diode failed, it could have overcharged the battery and damaged it. I did some testing on the old Diode and it appears to be the root of the problem. I cleaned all ground contact points with emery cloth to ensure a solid ground. Judging by the surface rust, the Lucas zenor diode may have failed simply because the ground was poor. As the Lucas zenor diode is the voltage regulator, if the ground is poor, the extra voltage cannot shed to the frame or heat-sink. I installed a new sealed battery and also a new Lucas type zenor diode. Took the 1968 Triumph TR6R for a long local ride and everything was operating smoothly. I took my multi-meter with me and watched the voltage on the battery. I just wanted to make sure that the zenor diode was regulating the voltage and not overcharging the battery. Since the battery was new @14V, the zenor diode technically shouldn't be charging the battery as it is at it's safest peak (voltage rating speaking). Ammeter shows a nice + charge. To sum it up, when I was experiencing dim lightning almost as it was running on the capacitor, in reality, it was running on the capacitor. With the battery being @0.00 volts, the capacitor was the "backup". I'm glad I installed the Lucas 2MC capacitor, if I did not install it, I would have been stranded in the middle of no where.... Thank you Joseph Lucas, always a pleasure.
Under the seat. Shown sealed battery and Lucas 2MC capacitor.
Since I was working under the seat, I cleaned up the wiring, installed a new fuse holder, and added a safety check wire for the seat and also removed the long ugly ground wire that was running from the + side of the battery to the center of the rear fender. I instead added the ground wire from the + side of the battery to the oil tank bracket. It's a good location for a ground and it's barley visible. By the way, all parts that I use on my 1968 Triumph TR6R, and on my other motorcycles can be found here in store if anyone is interested or is experiencing something similar to my problems!
Triumph 650 tachometer gearbox disassembled
I've been procrastinating on removing the tachometer gearbox on my 1968 Triumph Tiger. It had developed a leak as I suspected the seals and o-rings needed to be replaced. Everything was cleaned and thoroughly checked with a magnifying glass. There was slight surface rust on the ends of the gears but where easily buffed off using a soft brash brush. The gears where in almost perfect shape. There was very little "play" once the gear drive was installed in the bushing but I would imagine the "play" was adequate as oil does have to travel around the bushing. Everything checked-out ok.
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Robert Rout
William Loveall
Recently rescued a 70 TR6R out of a shed, been in there about 20 years, original owner. Came across the article while looking for parts. I have the same plan, more than enough garage queens out there, so leaving it as is cosmetically.
D.B. WILLIAMS
continued.My friends told miv that they owner had said that there want one in that town that could start it I swung onto the bike opened the gas lines tickled the carbs and put it on half choke. It roared top life with one kick the owner came boiling out of the bar and when he saw me he said I should have known. He had lived across the hall from me when I had lived in the last town and had a Honda there was a little hill on his side of the building that led down to a little creek. I would often put my Triumph in 2nd gear open the petcocks, tickle the carb pull in the clutch and give it a two step jump and drop the clutch and drive away. His name was Dan and he sold me the Norton for 1,000.00$ that was in 1979 it was a 1974 model. One day in 1981 we had a bad snow storm and my car wouldn’t start. I was managing a small liquor store about 8 miles away. I took the norton and the first 3 miles were easy it had been plowed but the remainder of the trip was unplowed with 25 corners 13 of them speed rated and unplowed about half way the snow turned to freezing rain. I stood on the pegs and left it in second gear and drove to work. I met one car a police car he was driving with one set of tires on the pavement and the other set on thesahoulder in the gravel. When I got rot work I had to run into the corner of the step and the building to stop and I was covered in ice but I opened on time although I was a little late getting there. My Daytona and my Norton are now in the hands of my nephew since I lost my drivers license due to seizures. He has fixed up theDaytona like Steve McQeens bike and next year is going to restore the Norton
D.B.Williams
I bought a 1968 Triumph Tiger 650 in 1973 for 500.00$ the mechanic at the garage had disconnected the choke so it wouldn’t run right. I paid the money and pushed it around the corner hooked up the choke which on the Triumph like
all British bikes using Amal carbs is sprung the opposite to most chokes. I hooked up the choke and drove away. My bike was DC16001 the first in a series since Triumph would start a new set of serial numbers with each improvement. I never did find out what the significance was. I broke the kiss start on one occasion and had to wait for the replacement to come from Wolfville Nova Scotia since the Nicholson Brothers in Saskatchewan were still selling their fantastic manuals for all bikes British but no longer selling parts. I had another instance where my Zener Dioode had come unhooked I got the bike started pulling it behind a Super Bee with a fish stringer but had no lights for the 7 mile trip home after the bars closed. The Super Bee followed me and a friend on sa Bonneville drove in front we came over a small knoll and someone ghad hit moose with a truck and the police were there. My friend on the Bonneville took off with the Super Be behind him and me without lights in the dark. It was a decent moonlit night so I was able top goo irly good but the police were gaining on me fast. I cut through a weigh scale at the corner where there was a stop sign but they had put 45 gallon drums up with beams across them to keep people from cutting through and missing the stop sign. I cut through because I knew a way behind the scale shack. There Police car then had to turn around and go to the stop sign giving me another head start. I crossed hospital hill and took the first left thriyugh the Legion parking lot then over another little hill by McLeods bus garage a sharp turn to the left another left and a right up an alley across the road around a grocery store . I crossed the road laid down the bike and then saw thedlights of the p[olice car coming around the grocery store but more importantly I heard the Bonneville coming fast valves chattering followed by the Super Bee. They had taken the long way through town. They went past the police car at speed and he lost interest in me and followed them both homes giving them warnings. I was untouched and on inspecting the bike in the morning noticed the wire was off the Zener Diode heat sink and was able to hook it up and it ran greas t after that. Then in 1978 I was going down a long hill and the chain broke and stacked up intro the engine case breaking it. My brother had a 360 Kaweasaki Single Cylinder dirt bike that I traded him for. He had a non functioning CDI box which I had to replace sio I thought things were even. When IK bought the bike a pack of smokes was 50 cents and a gallon of gas was 50 cents IO never smoked asa result but that 650 Triumph with the single carburetor would go for miles on a teaspoon of gas. My brother put a 750 Triumph engine in it and rides it to this day.
Then I bought a 500 Daytona it went as fast as the Triumph Tiger because it had two carbs but it used more gas. Then I bought a 500 Trophy but I got transferred and had to leave it ate a friends house and I never saw it again when I move3d back 3 years later. When I was away for the 3 years I stopped outside a bar where some friends from home were outside having a smoke and I noticed an 850 Norton Interstate outside the bar with the key in the ignition. I asked my friends what kind of a fool would leave a beautiful bike like that outside with the key in it.
James Ingram
I had first laid eyes on your Tiger when visiting your web site. I instantly was drawn to the look of the bike. It looks well used but complete as a bike should look. I am not too keen on the showroom fresh look of a classic bike. We have plenty of examples like that, sitting in garages and museums. I like a bike that is used as it was intended. It is the vision I have for my own T100 build but mine is quite a bit rougher than yours. I enjoyed reading about your trials in bringing your fine Triumph back to mechanical health. It looks fantastic!