Occasionally, customers and acquaintances tell us they want to sell a bike and ask us to pass the word along. Here's a champion we built for a customer in Long Beach. And we don't mind saying it runs even better than it looks.

Classic Cycles, Inc. in Orange, CA completed this 22-month project in January, 2010. In rolling up nearly 1,300 head-turning miles, she's earned these distinctions:

You're not likely to find the sweeping arc of these A65 exhaust headers on any other Triumph. They were shaved and then painstakingly massaged to align with the frame. Fusing a baffled megaphone to each pipe yielded two one-piece units. They evoke Manx Gran Prix Triumphs of the 40s, but with a more subdued growl.

The front end really expresses the essence of this bike. The springer fork gives the great English marque a Yankee influence. And the brass-trimmed headlight sets a tone carried through the engine area to the taillight. The level of detail is apparent in the finish.

Polished fin edges make room for copper fittings of the rocker box oil feed line. One of two brass petcocks appears top, left. And below, right, a bronze exhaust header clamp lends more beauty and dissipates more heat than the factory original.

Visually offensive elements are eliminated or hidden. There's no battery, wiring is routed internally and switches are concealed. A Boyer-Bransden Power Box provides direct current straight from the alternator. A Pazon Sure-Fire electronic ignition replaces the points. The entire 12-volt system is negatively grounded.

This angle highlights the oil tank under the seat. Originally from a 200cc Triumph Cub, it was expanded to lubricate a 650. It also provides cohesion from frame to fender. Notice how the tank mount mirrors the radius of the exhaust header and ignition cover.

T Markus Customs in North Hollywood supplied the finish for Falcon motorcycles and this bike. The gas tank and fender are gold metallic over cream pearl. The frame and lower fork legs are brown with cream pin striping. The oil tank is gold metallic. Surfaces obscured from view have the same high-quality finish as those most visible.

"Brown Sugar" was groomed to resemble what a joint venture between Triumph and Harley might have produced after WWII. Think American character grafted to British DNA. So far, the 21st century has only witnessed one motorcycle like "Brown Sugar." And she's the one—an award-winning blend of vintage inspirations and new ideas.

The bike has 1,259 trouble-free miles as of April, 2012. And she rides perfectly, whether on city streets or freeways. Just be ready for plenty of admirers.

This 1964 Triumph 650cc TR6 Custom is for sale "as is" by its owner. Please note that full, cleared payment must be credited before purchaser pickup or purchaser-paid shipping.

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