Traditionally Triumph

TRADITIONALLY TRIUMPH

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The Immaculate Restoration

SO LONG AS THERE ARE motorcycles, there will be little boys to dream about them. And when Ray Corlew was just a wee tyke, the particular motorcycle holding his imagination captive was a Triumph. Visions of Bonnevilles danced in young Ray’s head. Now a more mature 56, he lives in Cottontown, Tennessee, and owns a successful appliance store. In other words, he has the wherewithal to purchase his own Bonneville. And purchase one, he did.

A 1967 model, it was restored to its pristine state by John Otto, who piqued Corlew’s interest with his traditional ideas regarding restoration. “I wanted somebody who really liked and cared about Bonnevilles,” Corlew explains. “The outstanding Triumph restorations are done by people who really care about old British bikes.”

Apparently, Otto passed the test. Corlew took the finished product home in April, 1996. He won’t disclose the sum for which he procured the Tmmpet, but he estimates the bike’s present worth to be in the $12,000 range.

One glance at the Bonneville reveals that Corlew’s trust wasn’t misplaced in Otto. From fender to fender, it oozes authenticity. Looking for misplaced decals that would mar the bike’s facade? Won’t find ’em. How about that paint scheme, is it a stock hue? Without a doubt. No wonder the owner calls Otto “a walking encyclopedia of Triumphs.”

Corlew says proudly, “This Triumph is about as correct as you can make a bike. One criticism I’ve gotten is that it’s over-restored. But there’s no way you can go out and buy a can of dull paint.”

A closet restorer himself, Corlew is familiar with the headaches and heartaches of the hobby. The key, he says, is in the orchestration of the restoration. Choosing the proper chrome shop, painter or welder is the name of the proverbial game.

And Corlew is quite adept at the game. In addition to his Bonneville, three wellmanicured Triumph Cubs and an unblemished Honda CB550 Four round out his vintage stable. He regularly shows all of them in regional concours, and he frequently wins.

Sadly, the only thing he doesn’t do with his motorcycles is ride them much. Particularly the Bonneville.

He keeps it safe and sound in the den. “To me, it’d be a cry in’ shame to destroy a bike like that,” he says.

Unfortunate? Most definitely. But somewhat understandable, especially when you stop and listen to Corlew wax poetic over his bike: “The thing about Bonnevilles that makes them unique is that there isn’t a rider over 30 years old who doesn’t have some sort of story about a Bonneville. Everyone knows what a Triumph Bonneville is.”

Considering the Bonnie’s widespread popularity and recognition, you could almost call it a tradition.

-Wendy F. Black >