vlad the inhaler Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Hi folks, I've just signed up to the forum as I'm looking to build up a bike for green laning and long distance trials. I've got a WD B40 frame and a C15 engine but I'd really like to put a Triumph 3TA engine in (mainly because I love the sound of the twins). I haven't got as far as acquiring an engine yet as I thought it would make sense to check out whether it's possible first. Has anyone out there done it themselves and if so are there any major issues i.e. will the engine fit the frame without major mods and is it possible to get chain alignment ok without dramatically changing the balance of the bike? I'm not looking to do hard core trials and it will probably spend more time on the road than off. Any thoughts and wisdom gratefully received. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon v8 Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Welcome to the forum. My advice is to get the tape measure out and do it - whatever you end up up with it will be another British bike being ridden.Both the unit BSA and the unit Triumph twins have plenty going on in terms of modern ignition and lighting coils,so getting reliable sparks and lights is easier than ever before - the two biggest problems in the past... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laird387 Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Hi vlad, One point missed by most these days is that ALL the BSA factory riders over the years had C15 engined bikes - they all tried various versions of the B40 motor but, almost without fail, they all quickly reverted to the C15. I talked to most of them and the most common comment was that the bore/stroke of the 250 motor tended to give a better power output for finding grip on muddy/slippery sections and equally the 250 had perfectly adequate power for most when riding off-road. My advice would be to build the bike up as a C15T green laner and try it and have fun - it might even be the cheaper solution in the long run. If you really prefer the thought of the tearing silk noise of a Triumph twin - as I must admit I did - and you are not deadly serious about trials use but more green laning, then find an old Metisse frame and Triumph motor. That's what I did and with QD lights fitted it looked the part and I did many thousands of miles setting out sections, checking routes, even spent a few years on the RAC Land Access committee double checking route access and blockages donated by some farmers, but usually 'nimby's' who had moved into the country without understanding the countryside is there for all of us............ Whatever you do - enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwackerdave1 Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Direct answer to your question is yes as I ride one in trials. It is not a WD frame and I do not know the difference. It is a tight fit with exhausts being a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pocket Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 The triumph adventurer was basically a unit bsa frame, b25/b50 oif with the triumph twin engine fitted in it for trails, green lane work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldford02 Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 I have a TRIBSA with a 500 unit twin engine in a B25 frame. The engine does fit, but the rear part of the LH frame loop has to be modified with a hammer. Because it is all so tight in that area, It is imposible to adjust the primary chain tension without taking the engine out of the frame. Not great! The side stand needs to be very long, the bracket modified or made cunningly cranked. i used a Triumph high level siamese pipe from Armours (unchromed) and had to have a new RH exhaust tube made up for it as the std version wants to pass through the frame downtube! The oil in the frame set up gives you more room to package an air filter/battery/assorted electrics in the space behind the engine. You can also buy competition side panels from Rickman which cover up all this junk. Overall it is a really nice bike for road and trail. I would add a picture if I knew how to do it! I am looking for a folding gear lever for my bile - anyone know a supplier? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallo Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Unless you intend to enter trials events I wouldn't bother, if you look how much it will cost to build this up you're much better off buying something like a Honda CRF. I have a lot of Pre '65 trials bikes and built a couple so I know how much you'll be looking at, you'll be hard pressed to get much change out of a couple of grand and this will buy you a solid purpose built green laner. As for noise, not sure you can beat the FMF will a mega pipe manifold :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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