Triumph Bonneville Royals Steve A

Steve A, NSW, Australia. 1981 UK Spec Royal.

Comments from Steve.

Hi Mike yes I was very lucky to be in "the right place at the right time" The history of the bike is as follows- The bike was purchased new from Hailwood&Gould Birmingham registed No MUK 10X on 17th sept 1981 by a Mr D Boulton from Castle Bromwich, he also purchased an "extended warranty for 24 mths package" with the bike. The original problem with the electric starter was rectified under warranty and the 500 1000 and 1500miles services all done by Hailwoods.The bike was sold in the UK by Mr Boulton and to who I don't know maybe a dealer but it was bought alongside with a "Jubilee" by an Australian then exported to Australia leaving UK on 21/12/84. It arrived in Sydney by the importer who I think was a dealer and onsold to person unknown, then I have an undated receipt that the bike was handed over to my friends father in payment for "back rent" owned for leasing a commercial premises, it is unknown if a shotgun or brass knuckles were involved in the exchange but anyway the bike remain with him until his death when my friend inherited the bike. I bought it from him on /11/12 and currently own it. The bike had suffered in storage with the chrome was rusted on the fork stations and handle bars as well the fuel taps were leaking all of which I replaced with new originals. As could be expected the front and rear hydraulic brake systems were completely shot so I rebuilt them adding non standard stainless braded brake lins and front fork gators (both can be easerly replaced back to stock) unfortunately a couple of drops of brake fluid had dripped onto the tank paint but otherwise the paint and seat is in excellent original condition (the tyres are hard as a rock and bit cracked) The original shocks had been replaced with Paioli units but I have just located another pair of and about to fit them. Lady Diana (as my wife calls the bike) now is sparking and has only 3030 miles on the clock, she runs beautifully (after much attention to the bing carbs) I loaned the bike to be on display at our Australian National Motorcycle Museum at Nabiac NSW where she sits today and will remain there for the foreseeable future. As I said Dianna is No 2 UK Limited Addition. I read in John Rosamond's book "Save The Triumph Bonneville" that No1 was offered to the Royal Couple as a wedding Gift but they refused the bike asking that the monetary value be donated to their at that time charity "Year of The Disabled" according to the book the factory auctioned No1 but didn't mention who bought it and dually donated the money to the charity so I am curious about it's history and it's whereabouts today, have you any Idea as I thought I heard somewhere that it is at the London Motorcycle Museum, recently I corresponded with William Crosby when purchasing parts from him (Reg Allen's in London) and mentioned my bike then asked if he had No1 in his Museum but he did not answer? Here are some pics of "Lady Diana" as she looks today minus the correct shocks which will be added soon. Regards Steve S. NSW Australia.
P.S. I have the extended service book, original service book original owners handbook and of course the original certificte of ownership signed by Hailwoods and Mr John Rosamond Chairman of the Co-op.

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