Non V-Twins
1970 Triumph 650 Gets A New Life
Story by Wendy Manning
Photos by Sedrick “Mitch” Mitchell
This 1970 Triumph 650 comes to us from Rob and Josh Hartz, of Hartz Bros. Custom Cycle in Watertown, New York. Rob and Josh build all their own bikes and, Josh says, their favorite aspect of this build is, “It’s not a cookie cutter bike made from new resources. It’s an old bike that had been recycled, if you will.”
When asked what part of the build gave the brothers the most trouble, Josh said, “Triumphs equal trouble. You name it, and it probably fought us. Every Triumph has it’s own problems, but customers sometimes make their own. You need to know about these bikes, they aren’t Harleys. They require a certain amount of skill and knowledge to own one. Adjusting valves, tightening a chain, these are things you need to know. You can’t just hit the start button and go. Our bikes are all kick only.”
It must have been worth it, though, because the bike handles “awesome,” according to Josh. “It handles like a 650cc BMX bike.” Although Hartz Bros. Custom Cycle has built more than 34 bikes since opening in 2005, they call this one a “TT,” or “Tavern to Tavern” ride. This particular bike, The Kane Build, belongs to customer Michael Kane. “We take deposits for bikes on a monthly basis,” Josh said. “They take two to three months to complete. Every bike is built one at a time by myself and Rob. No employees means lots of work gets done—and done right!
Josh said he or Rob ride every bike they build at least 20 miles before it goes to its new owner. “It’s hard in the middle of winter though. It’s a cold icy test ride for sure,” he said.
The concept for The Kane Build came from the brothers’ father. “My father had a Triumph when I was really young,” Josh said. “I used to ride in front of him with my hands on the handlebars. Bikes have been in our blood forever.”
On modifying an older bike, Josh said, “Every time they start it’s a miracle, to bring back pure rusted old junk to life. It’s a great feeling to hear these bikes fire up when they are done.”
Next on the list for Hartz Bros is building “Triumphs and classic V-twin based choppers and bobbers—lots of them,” Josh said.
You can see the bikes being built on the Hartz Bros. Custom Cycle Myspace page. “I document the motor teardown and rebuilds,” Josh said. “We do them in-house. And one thing is most important when building these bikes: You have to do them right, or don’t do it at all. Visit them at www.myspace.com/hartzbros
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