Description
This motorcycle is Lot 527 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Winter Sale; open for bidding 5-15th December 2025.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 December, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 December, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 501.
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing:
Lots 501, 519 & 525 only:
Friday 12 December, 9am - 5pm
All Remaining Lots:
Wednesday 10 December, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 December, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 527
1977 Triumph 744cc Bonneville T140
Registration no. OTE 44R
Frame no. T140V NP77825 (see text)
Engine no. T140V NP77825 (see text)
OTE 44R was purchased by the vendor in 1978 when it was only a year old, with only 2000 miles on the odometer. The speedometer fitted is still the original instrument from new, and the machine now has a total mileage of 28, 456 at the time of consignment. The owner purchased it from Queens Park Motors in Salford, and the Bonnie is unusual being manufactured in 1977, yet not being a Silver Jubilee model which were produced that year. Two years after his purchase, in 1980, the owner celebrated his 21st birthday by riding the T140 from Lands end to John O'Groats. The bike performed faultlessly, and completed the journey, plus the mileage to and from the route, without a hitch. He has used the Triumph every year since purchase, albeit for limited mileage, and it remains in its original paint, with the exception of modest amounts of touching-up in places.
The owner fitted new piston rings in 1979, but that apart, he advises that the engine bottom end and gearbox have never been stripped. Regularly maintained throughout, the vendor recently fitted new flexible brake lines front and rear, a new rear brake caliper, piston, and master cylinder seals. He also fitted a new throttle cable, and since that, reports a minor occasional misfire. He therefore advises that a new owner should check the machine over to his own satisfaction, and carry out safety checks prior to use. The only reported deviation from standard is the fitting of reverse-cone megaphone silencers. OTE 44R started readily on consignment, and sounded marvellous with the reverse-cone megas. Whilst the Bonneville has had only two owners from new, the V5C records another two keepers; these were the owner himself (on the first occasion), and his wife, in whose name it was registered for some time, whilst remaining the property of the vendor. Please note that the V5C records the frame and engine numbers without the 'T140V' prefix, which is present on both. Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old-type V5, and a quantity of expired MoT certificates.
£2, 800 - 3, 500
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
