According to psychologists, the formation of mental connections, or synapses, is largely completed during adolescence, with lifelong preferences and inclinations shaped by these early neural pathways? The euphoric thrill that courses through your veins when ‘that iconic song from your childhood’ suddenly fills the airwaves, transporting you back to carefree days of yesteryear? Synapses. Surprisingly, even bicycles are not immune to this issue.
The motorbike that adorned Simon Leake’s bedroom wall in Sydney was a Triumph Bonneville. Above the makeshift shrine to pop culture icons David Bowie and Farrah Fawcett, a British twin bicycle stood out, its humble design akin to the simple model displayed beside it.
Youngsters These Days
As Simon reached the milestone of adulthood, he seized the opportunity in ’82 when he spotted a pristine Meriden Bonnie, boasting an astonishingly low mileage of just 1500 clicks on the odometer. The seasoned bike dealer noted the short-lived ownership history: a youthful buyer, barely a few months prior, had acquired the used bike with high enthusiasm, only to relinquish it hastily after a novice rider’s unfortunate tumble and subsequent bout of “brown pants” syndrome.
“With a hint of serendipity or meticulous planning, Simon’s memory is unclear; nonetheless, he remembers strolling into the store the very next day and securing the item for $1800, his face still aglow with satisfaction.”
Gone in 4 Months
The damaged bicycle was sold “as-is” following the incident. Tank smashed. Entrance fender all helter-skelter. The assorted array of scrapes, scuffs, and bruising, coupled with the revelation of a bent rear shock absorber only discovered during a thorough inspection and the lingering discomfort from a couple of kidney issues.
With minimal funds as a student, he managed to fix the tank using filler and a can of chrome spray. “It seemed fairly good. So well-received that it was pilfered from the university’s parking lot four months later. As Simon was a student, there was no insurance to cover the loss, and just like tears falling like rain, it vanished without a trace.
As he reluctantly settled onto the Yamaha 175’s seat, he felt an overwhelming pang of longing for the Trumpet, starkly aware of the vast gulf between his current situation and his former glory.
Simon recounts the Bonneville’s impressive ability to navigate even the most absurdly banked corners with characteristic British poise and aplomb, its sparkle in his eye betraying a deep sense of satisfaction. “Even at extra lean angles, the vehicle proved surprisingly adept; with a slight adjustment of throttle input, it effortlessly absorbed the stress.”
Only a few years had passed since Simon’s unyielding yearnings for triumph still lingered with unwavering intensity.
As I borrowed my friend’s Bonnie and embarked on a journey from sun-kissed Sydney to frosty Canberra during the bitter cold of winter, the dismal mornings necessitated some reluctant start-ups for the bike. Yet, the 4-hour cruises provided ample opportunity for Simon’s thoughts to meander and drift into wistful reverie. It’s possible that he would have wanted another Bonnie in any event.
In the meantime, in Queensland
Having reached a milestone of empty nests, Simon is finally free from the financial burdens of raising his children, whose profligate spending habits are now a distant memory. Despite the motorcycle’s iconic ideals still resonating within his more discerning and mature mind, he casually perused a few genuine listings on local motorcycle marketplaces.
“What’s expected to emerge is a genuine 1973 model, the second year of production, boasting a 750cc Triumph Bonneville engine and an impressively low mileage reading of just 5,500 miles on the odometer.” I was informed by the Queensland owner that the item is genuine. According to Simon, he acquired it from the original owner with the intention of restoring it, but has not yet had the opportunity to complete the project.
Journey of a Lifetime
As we finally arrived in Sydney, she appeared utterly exhausted and remarkably dishevelled, bearing the unmistakable signs of a long and arduous journey.
Simon’s first modification was to swap out the bike’s original rust-brown, rubber-padded tank for something entirely new – and significantly cooler. While train enthusiasts might lament the prospect of replacing their prized motorcycle’s handlebars with a dull, brown lump, it’s hard to imagine anyone opting for such an unattractive upgrade over a gleaming, chromed design featuring a striking black flame and golden stripes.
“I inspected the aged oil filter and found it clogged with a thick layer of rust-red Queens sand,” says Simon. While it may foster growth in certain contexts, this phrase’s applicability is limited to specific scenarios and does not universally hold true. It took three complete oil changes before the black residue ran crystal-clear. Following maintenance, I removed the carburetors to facilitate a thorough cleaning, then installed new gasket sets, petcock assemblies, throttle cable replacements, tyres, cone-style mufflers, a fresh battery, various components, spark plug updates, and lubricated nearly every moving part.
Works Each Time
As Simon mentally counted down to a triumphant start, he executed each step flawlessly: tickling the petcocks, verifying the spark, and mounting the starter like an athlete primed for a gold-medal sprint. Nothing. “Time to kick-start this thing, don’t you think?” he says with a grin. So, in a moment of raw emotion, I relive the experience and re-immerse myself in its intensity. Increase! It begins first time.”
As he gazed at the motorcycle’s rusty frame, he wondered aloud, “Could this really be a genuine Triumph, its inaugural start and all?”
A wrench lay broken beside me in that moment? Simon replaced the outdated spark plugs with a modern digital ignition system, subsequently upgrading the carburetors to high-performance Amal Mark 1 units. With a fresh set of recently replaced engine and field gaskets, meticulously installed by Simon’s newfound expertise from his Triumph mentor, the motorcycle now hummed with renewed vitality.
Simon chuckles, “This bloke is convinced it’s the only Bonnie in Australia that doesn’t seep oil – and I reckon he might be right!”
Here: A testament to meticulous maintenance, this 1962 Bonneville presents in stunning condition, boasting a virgin engine and pristine gearbox, with mere 5,500 miles since leaving the factory.
While some might dismiss the 1970s Bonneville as outdated, a certain Aussie enthusiast’s enthusiastic ride on a warm spring morning revives its charm. A crucial component – neurons’ building blocks.
Photographs by Machines That Dream
