First Post 1960 Triumph Find

[chassy55]

I'm not sure they had that support tube in 1960. Looks like it still has the original rear tank mount. That's rare on a custom. Why replace the rear section? I think it fits the bike good.

[supercrouton]

A Duplex is a Duplex. There was only one version, from 1960-1962 and they all came with that support tube. The front frame loop of the above bike is a 1960 Duplex. You are right though about the rear section, it looks good to me too
Cheers, Dan.

[BikeVice]

The first 60's didn't have the lower support tube, but frames were breaking in service. Triumph added the support tube mid year.

Eric

[latte hardtail]

Thanks for all the quick insight.
All of the people here have a real passion for the art of Cycles. That is what I love about the Boards here. I have learned a lot from reading here over the last year, and can tell I have only scratched the surface.

Now to some more figuring. I did a little bit of mock up tonight after work, and took some quick measurements. I want the bottom frame rails to be as perpendicular to the ground as possible. So I took the front wheel off and blocked the bike up with some 2x4's. The bike sat about 3.5" off the ground. I love the low look, but what is the optimal ride height for lowness? I then shoved a 3/4" piece under the front, and it still looked decent. With the later scenario the approx. center of the fork front axle is 3" lower than the wheel axle. In your opinions how much fork travel do I need to lose. I know 3 is the obvious answer, but with sag and all in consideration I'm guessing maybe 2 - 2.5.

One last question for me to go on for now. Do I tear this engine down (turns free, and the previous owner said it ran when put away 10 years ago)?

Mock-up pics.

[supercrouton]

Originally Posted by BikeVice

The first 60's didn't have the lower support tube, but frames were breaking in service. Triumph added the support tube mid year.

Eric

I stand corrected, as usual

[tombat]

Originally Posted by latte hardtail

Thanks for all the quick insight.
All of the people here have a real passion for the art of Cycles. That is what I love about the Boards here. I have learned a lot from reading here over the last year, and can tell I have only scratched the surface.

Now to some more figuring. I did a little bit of mock up tonight after work, and took some quick measurements. I want the bottom frame rails to be as perpendicular to the ground as possible. So I took the front wheel off and blocked the bike up with some 2x4's. The bike sat about 3.5" off the ground. I love the low look, but what is the optimal ride height for lowness? I then shoved a 3/4" piece under the front, and it still looked decent. With the later scenario the approx. center of the fork front axle is 3" lower than the wheel axle. In your opinions how much fork travel do I need to lose. I know 3 is the obvious answer, but with sag and all in consideration I'm guessing maybe 2 - 2.5.

One last question for me to go on for now. Do I tear this engine down (turns free, and the previous owner said it ran when put away 10 years ago)?

Mock-up pics.

In my opinion stance is an often and quite glaringly overlooked component of an appealing bike. As can be seen in your mock up photos, you haven't spent a dime yet and just by getting the stance to an eye pleasing level it already looks quite different (better I would say). I think that a couple inches out of the forks would about right, you might test the drop by refitting the front wheel and having a sit. That should give you a good starting point for amount to lower the forks. There are some good tech threads here about lowering external spring triumph forks.
As far as the engine goes..... well that's your call but sludge traps are a significant concern for Triumph lower ends..... I'm sure you could run it a bit but it could be a time bomb, I am not aware of any way to really tell the condition of the sludge trap without splitting the cases and pulling it out. Then you always end up getting into the "while I'm down here...I really should....." situation, at least I usually do.
Tombat

[Englishman]

Originally Posted by BikeVice

The first 60's didn't have the lower support tube, but frames were breaking in service. Triumph added the support tube mid year.

Eric

I have a 61 with that tube missing, I haven't yet determined if it was just removed by a PO.