68 Triumph Bantam Cub

[manxie]

Hi fella`s. I`ve put my Guzzi up for sale ..... see..... http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C677858  and I`ve been offered a 68 Triumph Bantam Cub as a part ex? I know NOTHING about these little bikes or what they`re worth, any idea`s? I`ve not replied to the seller`s email yet so I don`t know what its like condition wise or price, I don`t want to waste his time asking loads of questions if they`re not decent little bikes. thanks, Steve.

[iansoady]

They're the last gasp of the Cub (if of course it's original) which as you may guess used the Bantam frame which is quite different from the original Triumph model. They're not nearly as nice looking - Edward Turner, for all his faults, did turn out some beautiful looking bikes - but the Bantam frame is quite serviceable.

ISTR that it used something like C15 forks as earlier Bantam items were rather marginal.

I don't think they're hugely valuable but in decent nick somewhere between £1,000 and £2,000 would be my guess.

[manxie]

OK, thanks 

[steveD]

http://www.bantamcub.co.uk/history.htm

A mate of mine had one many years ago and I thought it was great. Much taller than the standard cyb (which I had) and with the later engine it went quite well. If I remember they did a High level exhaust version, like a trailie.
Nice bike and I would have thought quite collectable.

Steve

[Smithy]

I suppose it depends on why you'd want one. It's a nice little (little being the word) bike to potter round on but at 199cc it's not going to set the world on fire. I had a '67 cub engine in a '63 cub frame as a teenager and it was good for about 45mph, but it was fun nevertheless.

Tricky thing as an investment (and I don't believe bikes should be merely investments) because although they weren't remarkable in their day it seems almost anything British has the potential to accumulate in value. I have seen immaculate, early cubs going for several thousands of pounds. Who knows what will happen.

I guess it's always going to be a case of if you like it and can justify the value then go for it.