1978 Triumph Bonneville T140V

The Purchase of an Old Beauty

For years I've known I would someday get around to buying a classic bike. My heart told me it would be a British bike. And since finding one is no longer a problem – what with so many auctions going on and sites like cycletrader.com now commonplace – I didn't really have any excuse for not looking around at least. So, I decided to follow my heart and explore some of the Internet offers.

And then one dreary Sunday afternoon...

Raindrops hammer the office window as I compare a 1972 Norton Commando and a 1978 Bonnie. Their identical pricing doesn't make the decision any easier. The paint and chrome favors the Bonnie, but for some reason the Norton looks more desirable. I postpone my evaluation for a moment and venture upstairs to discuss it with Christa. Bad timing.

"Why on earth would you want a stack of old iron?" she asks.

Not quite the show of support I expected from my cherished mate, it reminded me of the laconic response I got from an elderly American lady I once met in Austria when I proudly showed off my 1972 Corvette: "Who buys an old car with dirty carpet?"

Maybe it's a woman thing or some non-gender specific OCD thing, but it doesn't deter me from the quest. Back in the office, I pick up the phone and call the Norton owner. Joseph launches into a detailed history and honest assessment of his bike. The only owner, he tells me he has always taken good care of his "baby," but admits that the head should be done and maybe the tires aren't the best anymore....

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