Mark's
Triton Project
Manx Triton Rebuild
You may recall from past newsletters the project Triton that is underway
here in Tassie. Ton-Up Mark purchased a complete assembled Triton that
required a tidy-up and running in. It was the usual story: “rebuilt motor
by some expert on the mainland” that was proven to be crap. The bike
consisted of a Norton Slimline frame, Manx tank, Triumph T6 pre-unit motor
and gear box. It was reported that the bike was originally raced over 20
years ago in local competition.
After a lot of work tidying the bike up and getting the motor to run,
a short trip of about 10km was all it was capable of before coming to a
sudden halt. It was at this stage that Mark decided to do a total strip
down and rebuild.
Magazines and books were sourced to give Mark an idea of what he wanted
the Triton to look like and what parts were available. Dave Degans and
Unity Equip in the UK were contacted and have provided to be very friendly
and helpful.
So what stage is the project at? The frame is up the road at AKR engineering,
a local firm that is only involved in motorbike repairs. A Suzuki RGV USD
front end is being mated to the Norton frame. A front wheel hub is
being modified to take twin discs fitted to spoke wheels - at this stage
Mark is not certain if alloy rims will be fitted. The rear brake is a Triumph/BSA
conical hub c1970.
A new alloy Manx tank has been sourced from the UK together with a beautiful
central oil tank and seat unit. Tingate clip-ons have been made to fit
the RGV front end. A fully adjustable alloy rear brake lever from Barley
Corn in the UK is ready for setting up and fitting together with a rear-set
gear lever from Unity. Swept back pipes and Dunstal replica pipe are ready
to fit once the motor has been assembled.
Parts for the motor include an 800cc Routt kit from the USA, and 750
Bonnie head, rods and crank. A belt drive unit which will need some sorting
out to run with the original T6 alternator set up. The job of motor assembly
will be left to one of two Triumph experts here in Tas.
From the bits that I have seen lurking in Mark's shed this Triton is
not only going to look good, it will be fast. As those of
you that have built bikes will know, there is still a long way to go before
the roar of the Triton will be heard on the open roads. [And what great
roads they are! Ed.]
Thanks to all the Sydney Ton-ups for their hospitality once again during
my stay in September. The Rockers Reunion was great fun, special thanks
Su and Adrian for putting up with me.
Tas Newsletter Oct 2000
