GT750, Commando or Trident

[Big Phil]

Happy days indeed for me. 2 more grandchildren with one on their way in October and the other having arrived 3 months ago. So now I have 3 sons with 4 granddaughters with a 50/50 of a grandson arriving October but Hey Ho don't give a shit as long as the new born is healthy. Absolutely buzzing and like a lot on here loving my ever growing family.

So now we are almost on to the bikes but please bear with me 🤗 My missis has spent a fuxxing fortune on our 3 boys families lately and is continuing to do so. I don't mean a few hundred quid here and there I'm talking thousands and is she continuing to do so! The thing is I love helping my boys out and have no problem with her doing this at all.

Then this evening I mention again that I still want to get a another classic bike, Norton, Suzuki or Triumph as an investment. In all honesty I just want one and don't give a rats arse about being an investment. Until now she has laughed her ass off and said no way blaming space, cost and COVID or anything else she can think of to stop me. But this evening she said and I quote "Oh you've wanted one for ages why haven't you got one before" 😳 Obviously she is feeling guilty about her spending spree or just so happy she doesn't give a shit what I do.  Whatever happy days for me. 🤗

So Guy's I am a fortunate and incredibly lucky person to be able to decide between purchasing a Norton 850 Mk3, Triumph Trident T160 or a Suzuki GT750. They all have to be 1976 models with electric starts and front discs. The bike I want has to be pretty much mint or thereabouts with history and matching frame and engine numbers. I love 2 strokes as I was brought up on them but have latterly edged towards owning a British classic so probably edging towards the Norton or Triumph.

Which would you choose and does anyone on here know enough about any of these bikes to be able to help me by a genuine good one?

[Johno]

First up I'll declare my interests and bias. I haven't owned any of the three options and and never owned a British bike.

I started riding in the early 70s and my mates 1973 GT750 was my first up close experience to motorcycles. I rode pillion on country roads and I was hooked. Cruising at 80mph seemed effortless.

All the bikes I have owned have been a Japanese except for a Montesa King Scorpion 250 trail bike.

If the choice was mine I would be considering how I would be using the bike, local clubs with similar bikes and availability of spares services and other owners in my area. While it always good to meet others with the same or similar bike being different can also provide some pleasure as well.

Going with a model with electric start is a great idea. I'm definetly too old to kick start a large capacity machine. I remember seeing a guy with a beautiful 1960s Triumph at a country Rally exhaust himself trying to start his bike. He eventually gave up and loaded it back on his trailer.

The GT750 is definetly different from other large capacity bikes of the era being both water cooled and a two stroke.

Being in the UK you can't go wrong with any of the three as I'm sure there is a strong following for them all.

I hope you have ridden some older bikes recently. If not you may be in for a shock. 1970s machines don't go and stop like your 1400. A 45 year old bike is a different animal.

In the end go with your heart and enjoy the ride.

[DP1400]

Phil, its a no brainer - GT750 every time. Owned one, ridden a couple of others. Lovely bikes. If you opt for one let me know - i can advise on what to look out for! 

[KiwiCol]

This is going to be an interesting thread!    @grog  @Irish in Oz  @Hooli  @gsxbarmy

Just bumping it for a few guys.

[VladTepes]

Out of interest how much are you looking to spend?


It really is a personal choice,

From a practicality and reliability point of view the Suzuki is the obvious choice.
It's also the boring choice.  You already have a good and practical motorcycle - the 1400.

From an aesthetic point of view - pick teh one you prefer. For me:
Norton 850 Mk3 / Triumph Trident T160 (tied), then
Suzuki GT750.

bit it's not me, it's you.


Also instead of a T160 I'd go for a BSA Rocket 3.  Sure it's the 'same' bike but.... better 





Of course if you wanted the bike the Trident was actually trying to be, you'd get a Honda CB750.




BSA for mine

[grog]

Phil, a good move to get a 70s. Often thought similar. Know nothing about Tridents except Mates used to burn valves. Better material now. Norton, well, have often written the worst ive owned. 1973 Commando, was just always breaking something. Hated that bike, i tried hard with it but it always bit me. 4 GT 750, amazing bikes. Far from boring. To buy today must be totally sure coolant has been always good, internal corrosion otherwise, thats not what you want.H2 Kawas or Z1 another choice. My choice for a 70s is either CB750, love those bikes, owned 2. XS or TX 650 Yam, owned 1975 TX, love them also. They both have limits but ride very nice.

[GSXKING]

WHY  

[Hooli]

Norton or Trident for me, a GT750 is just an old Jap bike & will never be classic.

[grog]

Didnt know he was talking classics. As to why Chris, guess thats the reason i only think about one,i never do it.Couple of Mates have them, never leave the shed. Ill just stick with 14, always come back to that conclusion. Nice ride home tonight, always seals the deal.

[Mick_J]

Great that you are in a position to buy a 70's classic as an "investment".  If it was me I'd go for the BSA Rocket 3, Triumph Trident T160, Suzuki GT750 and ignore the Norton.  I have owned a couple of Beesa's a triumph and a GT, the GT needed the least amount of spannering to keep it roadworthy but I suspect it will never reach true classic statue whereas the others will/have.  Never owned a Norton, too many horror stories of poor build and rubbish handling back in the day, isoelastic suspension crap.  Good luck with your deliberations. 
I think a Kawasaki Z1 would be the best investment for the future though.

[GSXKING]

Heaps of guys have heaps of old relics. I don't poo poo it. It's just not my thing. @grog  As you say, never leaves the shed or if it does it breaks down 

[DP1400]

From personal experience i feel there's no point in filling your garage with similar bikes unless for financial gain. Only the best one will get ridden.ie. why jump on the Z1 when you have a far superior '14 as an option?
Only by buying something entirely different will make you WANT to ride it. And theres the obvious opportunity to get together with likeminded people.
Owning a 2T Triple would ultimately fit the bill, thats why, given the opportunity, a Red GT750M would be my choice. A real pleasure to ride, and listen to!!

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Bevel drive Ducati

[VladTepes]

Bevel drive Ducati

But yeah

[GSXKING]

Bevel drive Ducati

Bevel Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9tfultyVkA

Desmodromic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocfIYUc5bpU

An interesting topic, I'd never seen Bevel in action. Have heard them heaps, as a teenager my neighbour had 900SS.