Description
This motorcycle is Lot 392 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 392
1981 Triumph 744cc Bonneville T140E
Registration no. SKL 745W
Frame no. T140ESADA28751
Engine no. T140ESADA28751
Despite the age of the basic design and strong competition from Japanese and European manufacturers, the Triumph Bonneville remained for many years the UK's top-selling 750, and was voted Motor Cycle News 'Machine of the Year' in 1979. After the Meriden debacle, Triumph had continued with the Bonneville as its main model, ringing the changes to produce a succession of special and celebratory editions, while significant technological developments included the adoption of electronic ignition and the introduction of models with electric starting and another with an 8-valve cylinder head. Towards the end of production at Meriden a frame with rubber engine mounts was introduced, the design being the work of Bernard Hooper, who had been responsible for the Norton Commando's Isolastic frame.
It was, of course, too little too late, and the company folded in the early 1980s, its remains passing into the hands of entrepreneur, John Bloor. Nevertheless, these last-of-the-line Meriden-built Triumphs had been well received: Rider (1981) described the Bonnie as 'remarkable, fuss-free, and reliable', while Cycle World (November 1981) declared: 'ghosts from the Limey past, such as oil leaks, vibration, and faulty electrics were not a factor'.
This T140E Bonneville was acquired by the private owner in June 2020 and has covered only some 7, 500 miles from new. According to our vendor, it is one of only 50 Bonneville's built with the aforementioned anti-vibration frame and electric starting. The machine sat unused for many years until its acquisition by a retired engineer, who restored/ rebuilt it from the ground upwards - over the course of hundreds of man-hours - between 2018 and 2020. The engine was rebuilt during the restoration process. Over £5, 000 was spent on the restoration, although there are no bills available. The many new parts purchased include the tank, seat, mudguards, handlebars, controls and levers, wheels, tyres and brakes, while the machine was also repainted. The carburettors were fully rebuilt to 'as new' condition by a specialist, and we are advised that everything works, including the electric start.
The Triumph's last outing was in March 2026 on a 80-mile run with the VMCC. Due to illness the machine has not been used for the last six months, although it has been kept indoors and started regularly. It is, apparently, smoother than a regular Bonneville (no surprises there!). The Triumph was last MoT tested on 16th April 2019, at which time the mileage was recorded as 7, 099 miles; the current odometer reading is 7, 562 miles.
According to the accompanying HPI report, the Bonnie was previously registered overseas and was first registered in the UK on 1st August 1994. The report also notes two former keepers in the UK. Offered with old/ current V5/ V5C documents.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
£2, 800 - 3, 800
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
