Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech which engine will fit my bike

I have a 1972 bonneville 650 oil in frame. Can anyone tell me what years of an engine I can use? Does anyone have one for sale?

I would think you can use virtually any Bonnie engine from all unit construction years, like BSA, Triumph rarley changed anything major on their bikes during model upgrades they were generally minor cosmetic changes. If your a bit more adventurous you could try slotting a BSA engine in the frame, Remember BSA and Triumph were at the time virtually one, Rocket 3 is a BSA name for the Triumph Trident, albeit with minor differences, both I'm sure shared the same frame, I would not be suprised if an A65 engine would slot straight into a Bonnie frame, it may even be possible to fit a Trident T150 (I fink) or a rocket 3 engine in.

Ian

That is true any 650 unit engine from 63 on will go in there. It is best to go with a later 60s motor. They are much easier to time. Earlier 60s need a degree disc to time later they had a fireing position lock to time. Also before 72 since in 72 they went to push in exhaust and that tended to wear the ports in the head. Earlier heads will fit later motors so if you want a later 5 spd engine you should find an earlier head or have spigot welded on. They are available.

You can ask Joe at Joes_Garage. Go to the following website and send him an e-mail http://home.cfl.rr.com/limeyland/ . Joe is into restoring Triumph, BSA & Norton. If he doesn't have the engine he probably knows where you can get one. One thing about Joe is that he likes restoring the bikes to original factory condition. He isn't into modifying the bikes. This is a side business for him not his regular day job, so be patient.

Tom