1969 Triumph Bonneville - Baxter Cycle + Hutchinson + Graham Cousens Restoration on 2040-motos

Triumph Bonneville tech info

Engine Size (cc):650

Moto blog

The future. But we can't have it

It's no secret that we motorcyclists are getting older. We're ageing because less people are passing their bike test each year (roughly 30,000 last year compared to 50,000 for the 10 years before the new two-part test) and so not only is the pool not growing it's not even being replenished and so the average age isn't being diluted down by yoof. When the going gets tough in any situation, you really get to see who's got their shit-sorted and who's light enough on their feet to adapt to change.

2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 Review – First Ride

The sportiest modern classic continues to push the performance envelope Photos by Triumph Motorcycles. Selling 20,000 units since its reintroduction in 2019, the Speed Twin had once topped the charts as Triumph’s best selling model before being unseated by the likes of the excellent standard Trident 660, and now the equally impressive TR400 machines. For 2025, the Speed Twin 1200 not only gets enhanced electronics by way of an IMU and slight styling upgrades, but is also now joined by a pointedly sport-focused RS model that ups the ante of what a modern classic is capable of.

Filling a void with an RD350LC

Last winter I managed to fill a void in my life when I stumbled on a very reasonably priced Yamaha RD350LC.  It was a tad scruffy, had the wrong exhausts but most importantly it was blue and white with all numbers matching.  I had the usual euphoria when the deal was done but I underestimated how much pleasure this particular purchase would continue to deliver another eight months down the line. The difference with this old bike is, instead of just taking it for the occasional ride I was talked into doing a full nut and bolt restoration.  Having never taking a bike apart completely before, initially it was quite daunting but I soon found the RD is easy to work on so it turned into a truly satisfying experience.  I’ve had some help from LC enthusiasts with the rebuild, however, the stripping, sourcing and organising was a total labour of love.  And call me sad but it has made me bond with this bike like no other which only adds to the feel good factor.  The bike cost £1800 and I’ve spent around £1000 but I reckon my mint Elsie is now worth a fair bit more.   I fancy rejuvenating a Fizzy  next time but there’s lots of other cheap 70’s and 80’s winter projects  out there so why not have a go yourself?