I acquired this motorcycle in 2009 while helping the late Phil Anderson’s widow try to liquidate a widow’s nightmare, a multitude of motorcycles in various forms, complete motorcycles, partial motorcycles, wrecked motorcycles, junk motorcycles, and any other kind of motorcycle you can think of. In addition to the motorcycles, there were tons of motorcycle parts, vehicles, large construction equipment, tons of slot machine parts and other assorted treasures that were left when he passed. If you knew Phil and had been to the ranch, you are familiar with what was left.

 

The Triumph TR5 was one of the lucky motorcycles to be stored in his large barn rather than a “weed” bike that was stored outside. It was basically all there. I had not restored a Triumph before and thought it may be fun to try, so I did. Phil had been in the process of restoring it and many parts were in boxes, but the bike was fairly complete.

 

It is a very unique machine because it has aluminum cylinders with closely spaced fins. The original motor design was used as an auxiliary power unit for the Lancaster bombers during World War II. The first auxiliary power motors were square finned motors until they ran out and switched to round cylinders.

 

I took the bike down to the frame and did a ground up restoration. The frame was powder coated by Altizer Powder Coating. Alan Mathers at Accent Auto Body performed the metal repairs and Larry Walker did the paint. Chrome was done by Meclec.

 

Being it was my first Triumph restoration, I was unfamiliar with the wicked push rod tubes. I figured out that there are about 18 points that can leak on the Triumph top end as compared to 3 on a BSA A65. I believe I solved most of the leaks but the push rod tubes were a pain.

 

It is an awesome ride and the push rod tubes are not currently leaking.