Triumph "blackbird" Custom Drag Bobber Bonneville Thunderbird. on 2040-motos

First, a bit of history. I have 20 years experience in motorcycle design and engineering.

I still work as a designer, although not in the motorcycle industry anymore.

So the bike:

I owned it 21 years ago and built it into a Sportster looking roadster. I didn’t include a photo because frankly it’s a bit embarrassing. The build was very nice but good grief! Looking back it was bloody ugly!

Anyway, I sold it to a guy out of state who’s dad once owned a Triumph dealership and that was the end of that, or so I thought!

Some 19 years later I get this bug to build another Triumph, this time a “Drag Bobber” but based on the old 1950’s Thunderbirds nicknamed the “Blackbirds” by the American buyers.

I looked around on the net and all the usual holes for a donor bike for about 2 weeks, then, Low and behold, here comes my old Triumph on Craig’s list, 1 mile down the street, as if.. offering itself up.. or something!!

Very weird!

About 18 months later thousands in paint and bits and the “Blackbird” is born!

I really can’t describe in any detail the amount of work that went into this bike but the photos should lead you to believe, it’s a lot!

I did include a brief build detail and I have 100 photos of the full build thread for the lucky buyer.

Needless to say, everything is either brand new or completely refurbished.

I wanted the bike to have a very low and stretched stance but resemble a true early 50’s chop. Hence the hard tail, full rear fender, gator forks, and genuine 50’s tank badges. You’ll notice all the bad things about the 70’s Triumphs are deleted in this build.

Poor quality, and high/short ride stance don’t exist in this animal.

Also, unlike most of the old Triumph builds I see, I lengthened and re-positioned the foot pegs and foot controls so you can actually sit on this thing and ride it without looking like a gorilla on a moped!

With the total engine rebuild, 750 big bore kit, PWK carbs, and magnet trigger ignition, she fired up 3^rd kick, and she runs lovely! (If not wee bit loud)

You’ll notice many of the custom brackets and the wheel hubs are drilled for that cool racing look, juxtaposed to the obvious old street bike roots. That’s the look I was going for and every where it goes, I need at least an hour for the impending chat with some other biker that always ensues.

(That’s cool though)

Why would I sell it you ask? Bloody good question! Truth is, for me it’s really about the design and the build, and another project beckons.

So, I’d sooner someone out there, who maybe doesn’t have the ability, or tools, or inclination, enjoy this bike rather than it sit in my garage.

This is definitely not your average custom Triumph, It has some of my past, lots of my passion, and more of my blood, sweat, and dollars that I care to remember.

Look carefully at the detail in the photos and bid with confidence then take her to a good home.!

I have a nice 7 minute video of the bike running and on the road with some detail footage but I can't get it linked to the ad yet.

When I can I will link it to the ad but you can contact me and I'll give you the You Tube address for the Video..

Cheers, and thanks for looking!

C.

TRIUMPH “BLACKBIRD”

Compressed Build Detail

1: Motorcycle completely stripped including motor, forks, wheels, brakes, wiring, and all ancillary parts.

2: Motor cases stripped of all bearings and seals, bead blasted and powder coated.

3: Frame: Rear section removed and 6 inch over hard tail installed (Welded)

4: All custom brackets fabricated and tacked to frame for pre construction.

5: Empty engine cases and barrels assembled in frame for pre con.

6: Front fork trees raked 6+ degrees, forks basically assembled for pre con.

7: Both wheel hubs painted, new bearings, rims powder coated, (Rear 16 inch) Re assembled with stainless spokes and new tires.

8: Footrests, side stand, brake pedal, gear shift, seat height, all adjusted and lengthened for optimum seating/riding position.

9: Exhausts, battery & ignition case, handlebars, rear mudguard, frame struts, etc all fabricated.

9: All other ancillary items manufactured and positions set.

10: Ride height adjusted and all parts disassembled.

11: All frame parts and engine cases powder coated as necessary.

12: Frame and engine cases thoroughly washed and prepped for assembly.

13: All new steering bearings and chrome fastenings, etc installed, wheels fitted with new brake shoes and springs.

14: Forks reassembled with new seals, oil, and chrome fastenings and installed with both wheels.

15: Engine reassembled with new big/small ends, valves, springs/guides, (Head ported and bead blasted) new pistons barrels (750 Big Bore) clutch plates, stator and rotor, primary chain and outer clutch wheel, shock absorbers, Final drive sprocket, gaskets, new PWK carburetors, magnet trigger ignition.

16: Engine installed with new fastenings, carbs, exhausts, custom billet caps, new oil lines all installed.

17: Complete new wiring loom custom made for new specs.

18: Original Gas tank, stripped soldered and sealed. Strap brackets fitted to bottom and custom brackets installed to accept the 1950 “Blackbird” Tank badges.

19: Gas tank and rear fender painted in Dodge Viper metal black with Porsche arctic silver stripe and custom mixed burnt orange stripes.

20: All remaining parts installed, new gel battery, new horn, new cables, custom battery/ignition box, sprung leather seat.

WAY TOO many other small 4-10hr details to list but I have 100 photos of the complete build.

Finally:

Engine oiled and tank filled with gas.

THIRD kick, she lives!