1956 Triumph 6T 650cc Thunderbird, useable bike with V5C doc

1956 Triumph 6T Thunderbird 650cc, excellent runner with V5C doc
Here is a well used example of the popular Triumph 650cc touring classic the Thunderbird or 6T as it was designated.
This bike has seen a lot of all-weather regular use in recent years but and it is in good running order ready for further use “as is” or some may say time for a cosmetic tidy up in which case it could be viewed as a rewarding “light”/ cosmetic project.
The bike starts extremely easy. Coil ignition through 12 volt electrics.
The engine sound great, no smoke no oil leaks, no untoward noises. All the charging system is working well. It is regulated by a modern solid state rectifier / regulator. Lights are excellent. Smith's 120 mph Chronometric speedo is working well. SU carb, (standard on 6T models) is excellent through the rev range and gives a good steady tick-over.
The gearbox and clutch are all A1.
The brakes are ok, I would say the front lacks real bite though. Handling is great. This is a lovely comfy bike to ride around on. It's smooth and got bags of beefy torque but is softer and smoother than the sportier Trophies & Bonnies. An ideal club run or pottering bike that is also capable of making light work of longer runs and two-up excursions.
The bike comes with an up to date V5C doc.
Registration number is 832 UXA. Registered as a Historic Vehicle so free road tax and MOT exempt.
Frame number is 74238, engine number is 6T 64766 These are both genuine factory stampings. According to Richard Wheadon of the Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club,
"Both numbers relate to 6Ts.
74238 delivered to Robert Bevan, Cardiff on the 23rd November 1955.
64766 delivered to Eddie Stephens, Carmarthen on the 10th March 1955."
Cosmetically the bike is somewhat “challenged”, Good news is that the enamel on the frame itself is actually quite good. Used, but very decent condition. The tin-ware, tank, oil tank, tool box and mudguards all have very poor old paintwork which could be described as “oily rag” at best. The tank is however nice and clean inside and has not been linered. Front wheel rim is reasonably good but chrome has started to blister in places. Spokes and nipples are very sound, old plated type. Front tyre is an unworn but ancient looking Dunlop TT100 so will need replacement. Rear rim is a very good Jones, decent chrome, very good clean plated type spokes & nipples. Rear tyre is and Avon SM MKII which may have a few miles left in it, but is pretty well worn. Both exhaust down pipes are reasonably good. Right side silencer has light rust, left side is very presentable. There is no fin damage on the barrel. One small chipped fin on right side of cylinder head near exhaust. Top end of engine is nice and oil tight. Both numbers relate to 6Ts. 74238 delivered to Robert Bevan, Cardiff on the 23rd November 1955. 64766 delivered to Eddie Stephens, Carmarthen on the 10th March 1955. Side and centre stands are both fitted and in very good condition. So here is a great opportunity to own a good running and useable Triumph 6T that could either be enjoyed “as is” or improved to a higher standard of cosmetics. (I would just use the bike as an all-weather everyday classic.) Selling as a good runner.