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Bike of the Month
September 2024
1937 Triumph T-80
By Mike Hammond

I have been asked by the local Comstock Chapter to write a short piece for the newsletter. The temporary motorcycle display down at the National Auto Museum provided a suitable topic. My son, Andrew, entered three motorcycles, a 1974 Norton, a 1957 Triumph TR-6, and a 1937 Triumph T-80. I entered the only show quality bike I own, a 1949 Triumph TR5 T.

                

Andrew has developed an interest in collecting and showing older motorcycles recently. This is a new concept to his 'ol Dad, I have (up to this time) only kept bikes that are actively being ridden. The '37 Triumph is a beautiful restoration that was done by someone else, I personally would rather display my own work. However, not all people have the necessary skill set to build a suitable show entry. Is it ok to display an object that you yourself did not produce?  This question will probably stir up quite a bit of debate…

                

As to the '37 Triumph itself, we took it down to the Yerba Buena show in June. The AMCA rules specify that all entries must run. Andrew asked me to look at his bike and maybe get it running. The T-80 had a fresh engine, beautiful paint, sparkling chrome and had never been filled with oil. It took a couple days to get it going and revealed several interesting things. As beautiful as the restoration was, it was incapable of running. The timing had never been set, the valves never adjusted, there were a few wiring errors, and the carburetor was missing internal pieces. This makes me wonder if all show bikes are unfinished. At the Mecum auction you see 100's of bikes, they're pretty, but do they run? Is a restoration truly done until you hear it rev up?

                

After I finished working on the old Triumph we HAD to go around the block. It was surprising how strong the motor was, after all it's only a single cylinder 350c.c. According to the factory brochures it will go 80 m.p.h. Hence the T-80 designation, the 250c.c. T-70 will go 70 m.p.h.,  the 500c.c. T-90, etc., etc. Handling was somewhat spooky with girder forks and rigid rear end. It was great fun watching that great big 'ol headlight bobbing up and down. Brakes were a little sketchy so one needs to plan ahead. This motorcycle has one serious problem, it leaks like the Exxon Valdez. I'm not sure if it's poor workmanship or possibly all these oldies do that.   Dunno-

                

The ACMA show and judging procedure was completely new to us. Andrew entered the '37 and I entered the '49. My '49 was a 100-point Grand National Champion in 1993. Regardless, as the new owner I had to enter the junior class, starting all over again. That was only the first shock of the day. Andrews' T-80 scored 96 points which I thought would be worthy of some sort of recognition. The AMCA judging and scoring procedures are structured to encourage continued participation. The first time you enter you receive a score. The association then wants you to work toward receiving a higher score at their next event, hopefully addressing the items that were called out. Eventually you might receive a 100-point score. At that point in time you will be moved into another class and formally retired. You  are not allowed to compete with that motorcycle any more. There is no giant, shiny trophy, no silver mug for your mantle.

                

Not quite what we expected-

                

Another thing that I found quite unusual. At lunch we were seated next to a table that had several of the judges also eating lunch. One of the judges said, "I have to go judge a BMW after lunch." She then said "I know nothing about BMW's" A different judge said, "I know a little bit, I'll go with you."  I was under the impression that the judging was done by experts. That they arranged to have marque specialists available to look at your bike.

                

I am questioning  my desire to enter the AMCA formal judging event again.

                

Enough ranting for now, I'm not sure show bikes are my thing. I believe in the old adage "Ride 'em, don't hide 'em!"

                

See y'all at coffee next Saturday.

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