1965 Triumph Custom Sunsetter - 3-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article

Description

1965 Triumph Custom Sunsetter - 3-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
00 TRIUMPH PRIZEWINNER
We at CYCLE are extremely selective
when it comes to choosing custom motor-
cycles for editorial coverage. We feel that
customs should appear clean and functional
rather than “way out” merely for the sake
of being different. Don Zumbrunnen of
Los Angeles has achieved our standards in
every respect with his J961 Triumph Tro-
phy called “Sunsetter." Don is a customizing
artist who refuses to settle for anything less
than perfection. Every hidden corner is
finished just as immaculately as if it was in
plain sight.
The name “Sunsetter” is derived from the
inspiring exotic Jaquer finish: Tangerine
orange over pearl white with candy red
shading! All paint and metal work were
painstakingly enacted by the talented Dean
Lanza of Los Angeles. The fuel tank and
rear fender are sculptured in fiberglass, with
airscoops adding an attractive touch. Braces
are welded Hush to the rear fender. The
chrome front fender is a stock universal unit
installed upside down, providing an exag-
gerated flair al the tip. Almost everything
else in sight (and most out of sight parts)
have been chrome plated or brightly
polished.
Rear suspension units received the stand-
ard treatment: covers removed, springs
chromed. Stock chainguard has been
chopped and plated. Taillight is basically
stock, although license mounting plate has
been altered and chromed. This entire unit
has been relocated on the right-hand side.
Handlebars arc Flanders (Pasadena, Cali-
fornia) drag bars. They add a sleek lowness
to the machine's profile. The custom-up-
holstered Bates seal and pillion also contrib-
ute to lhe low silhouette, although comfort,
compared with larger seats, is reduced.
The major part of the bike's front end
is from a ’63 Triumph, including the fork
assembly. The wheel, however, is stock
'61 equipment. All steel parts have been
chrome plated.
ENGINE:
The Sunsetter is not only a show bike.
“THE SUNSETTER”
Seat and pillion, by Bates, Long Beach, California.
TANK SCOOP blends beautifully with overall
theme.
Triumph speed specialist A. J. Lewis has
seen lo it that performance is in keeping
with appearance. Modifications include a
completely worked-over cylinder head fined
with twin Amal carbs, polished, ported and
relieved, big valves. .010" overbore, hoi rac-
ing cams, engine balance, competition
magneto, and high compression pistons.
Zumbrunnen has yet lo try his luck on lhe
dragstrip, but he is confident that lhe times
and speeds will be excellent.
The owner is not one to keep his prize
effort in a glass case: although the Sunsetter
has appeared in several shows (and won
trophies) it is nevertheless ridden daily, and
has been on several extended trips. The only
problem occuring is occasional overheating
because of the lack of heat dissipation
caused by the extensive chrome plating on
the engine. But this is kept under control
Continued on Next Page
00 TRIUMPH PRIZEWINNER
We at CYCLE are extremely selective
when it comes to choosing custom motor-
cycles for editorial coverage. We feel that
customs should appear clean and functional
rather than “way out” merely for the sake
of being different. Don Zumbrunnen of
Los Angeles has achieved our standards in
every respect with his 1961 Triumph Tro-
phy called "Sunsetter.” Don is a customizing
artist who refuses to settle for anything less
than perfection. Every hidden corner is
finished just as immaculately as if it was in
plain sight.
The name “Sunsetter” is derived from the
inspiring exotic Jaquer finish: Tangerine
orange over pearl white with candy red
shading! All paint and metal work were
painstakingly enacted by the talented Dean
Lanza of Los Angeles. The fuel tank and
rear fender are sculptured in fiberglass, with
airscoops adding an attractive touch. Braces
are welded flush to the rear fender. The
chrome front fender is a stock universal unit
installed upside down, providing an exag-
gerated flair at the tip. Almost everything
else in sight (and most out of sight parts)
have been chrome plated or brightly
polished.
Rear suspension units received the stand-
ard treatment: covers removed, springs
chromed. Stock chainguard has been
chopped and plated. Taillight is basically
stock, although license mounting plate has
been altered and chromed. This entire unit
has been relocated on the right-hand side.
Handlebars are Flanders (Pasadena, Cali-
fornia) drag bars. They add a sleek lowness
to the machine's profile. The custom-up-
holstered Bates seat and pillion also contrib-
ute to the low .silhouette, although comfort,
compared with larger seats, is reduced.
The major part of the bike's front end
is from a ’63 Triumph, including the fork
assembly. The wheel, however, is slock
’61 equipment. All steel parts have been
chrome plated.
ENGINE:
The Sunsetter is not only a show bike...
12721-6508-04