1949 Triumph with 650cc T110 engine fitted, runs well, V5C

1949 Triumph 650cc Rigid Speed twin/ Thunderbird / T110 V5C Here is a rare opportunity to own and restore a much sought after rigid Triumph. This example started life as a 1949 5T speed twin but has been upgraded at some point to 650cc with a T110 engine. The bike would make a great project to restore back to 5T or to 6T spec or possibly the ideal “donor-bike” for a mildly customised or bobberised special. The condition of the bike currently is a bit of a mixed bag. It has obviously been painted an appalling choice of colour scheme but has been painted, including the black frame, to quite a high standard. The engine starts well and sounds good, not smoky and good mechanically. Good oil return and oil pressure “telltail” working. The bike is rideable but not necessarily ready for the road. I would suggest that it needs completely going through and in that sense I am selling this as a project rather than a ride/restore. That said I have ridden it up and down a test track and it actually rides quite well. Bags of beefy power, smooth delivery, gears and clutch all good and brakes working well. Speedo is not working and drive cable is missing. The dynamo is charging well and lights all work and are very good, brightening nicely when revved (no ammeter fitted). It is a 6v system but with modern solid state regulator. I suspect the front forks need rebuild / checking over as their movement feels limited or it could just be the incorrect gaiters that are restricting them. The bike comes with V5C doc. Date of registration is 18th Feb 1949. Registration number SXS 798 cannot be transferred to another vehicle. Frame number is TF27395, engine number T110 65374. These numbers match the V5C doc. The bike is registered for Historic Vehicle road tax (ie free) & is MOT exempt. Cosmetically the bike is overall not great. The black stove enamel on the frame is in excellent quality & condition. Other tin ware is also good quality enamel but terrible choice of colour scheme! General attention to detail is poor and the overall look of the bike is that it has been through a half hearted tarting up process. It does however start run and ride surprisingly well. Front wheel rim has quite poor chrome, decent dull old spokes. Later Twin leading shoe 8” brake. Front tyre is budget “Sevis” ribbed type in as new condition. Rear rim and spokes have been silver painted. Spokes look pitted under the paint. Rear tyre is budget “Servis” TT100 style in good condition. There is no fin damage on the engine. Seat is in good condition and is extremely comfortable. Petrol tank is decent/clean inside, not been linered. Exhaust system is in poor, silver painted condition and I think it's the wrong one to suit rigid frame. No rear stand, sidestand is in sound working order but gives poor ground clearance. All in all a great opportunity to obtain a running, road-registered, rigid Triumph 650 which could be improved “as is” to a better standard, restored to 5T or 6T spec or possibly customized / bobberised as is the modern trend. Selling as a good starting and running example in need of thorough recommissioning / safety check etc or full restoration before using on the road.
UK & WORLD-WIDE DELIVERY NO PROBLEM! Collect in person or delivery can be arranged. (Please note in fairness to the delivery companies I cannot arrange delivery until full payment has been received). I HAVE SEVERAL REGULAR, RELIABLE AND REASONABLY PRICED UK AND INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY CONTACTS THAT I KNOW WELL AND TRUST BUT YOU ARE WELCOME TO COLLECT IN PERSON! PLEASE ASK ME FOR A QUOTE! Payment please in order of preference: Bank transfer, Card payment, Cash on collection. I can store the bike for a few weeks no problem so long as payment has been made!