Chrome-laden 750s are arguably the archetypal iconic motorcycles of the 1970s, and for many a British enthusiast there’s nothing more alluring than a Triumph Bonneville. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Bonnie’ by aficionados, this was a model range which encapsulated the spirit of engineering excellence in a supremely stylish package which also acted as a standard-bearer for enjoyable rideability. Named for the Bonneville salt flats, upon which a near-endless conveyor belt of land speed records has been laid down, the Bonnie has performance at its core – but don’t go thinking it’s an uncompromising out-and-out tearaway. With sweetly-handling dynamics and a package engineered as much for comfort as for tactility, this is a retro speed machine you could live with every day.
The T140 Bonneville arrived on the market in the early ’70s, replacing the old 650cc T120; the architecture was fundamentally the same, it was the bigger engine that made all the difference. The first iteration was designated ‘T140V’, which evolved the older platform with its 724cc engine, five-speed gearbox and indicators, but still retained the old kickstart and drum brakes. Shortly after launch, the engine was upgraded to 744cc and the bike was fitted with a front disc brake setup, with rear discs arriving in 1975. The bike you see here is a 1978 model, resplendent in the pure original spec along with the security of the updated brake package – as such, a ’78 Bonnie is a thoroughly desirable machine.
This Bonneville T140V has evidently lived a pampered and beloved existence – it’s an original-spec machine with matching engine and frame numbers. The history is a little unusual here however, as the seller doesn’t have a huge amount of information on the bike: he inherited the Triumph in July of this year, and has no intention of using it which is why it’s now available for sale. What is known is that it was purchased from a classic motorcycle specialist in 2018; we can see from official records that it was first registered in May 1978, and the last recorded MOT was in May 2018.
It’s evident from the MOT history that the mileage has been adjusted at least once – the 1994 MOT shows a recorded mileage of 16,085, while the year-on-year readings in recent years fluctuate (the system reads as 6,476 miles in 2015, then 5,111 in 2016) so we can assume that the speedo has been replaced on these occasions. However, the mechanicals of this bike are absolutely impeccable, as a dive into the paperwork demonstrates…
The Bonneville comes with a reassuring sheaf of MOTs, invoices and receipts dating back way through its history. A particularly interesting document from August 1990 shows a number of integral parts being ordered from the specialist Ben Lloyd & Son, including downpipes and Norton-type silencers, USA-type seat, Doherty grips, plus all manner of clips, screws, connectors and suchlike – evidence that the Triumph received some manner of extensive restoration and/or recommissioning at this time. A separate receipt from this time itemises a cylinder head port conversion and full engine rebuild, while another details yet more screws, fixings, rubbers, washers and cables – this was evidently a labour of love for somebody who saw an original and little-used bike and felt it worthy of bringing back to as-new standard.
This really is a beautifully presented motorcycle. Whoever it was who rebuilt it in 1990 did a painstakingly thorough job, the paperwork is testament to that, and it’s clear from the way it presents itself today that the Bonneville has been carefully stored, sparingly used and lovingly looked after. The chrome gleams beautifully, with no pitting or patination, and the wheels are free from corrosion or damaged spokes. The engine is beautifully clean with no signs of leaks, and all of the bolts and fixings thereof are as-new. The frame is in impeccable condition, and the fuel tank is free from dents or scratches with a lovely lustre to the paintwork. A pedant might pick out the slightly faded black plastic detail around the Bonneville badges, but this is really more character than anything. The chrome trim has lifted slightly around the dials, but the gauges themselves are in good order and everything’s working as it should. All of the lights are present and free from damage, and the seat is perfectly presented with no undue wear and good support. There’s no evidence of the bike having been crashed or dropped, and the tyres, forks, mirror and emblems are all in good condition – everything, quite simply, is as it should be.
The seller is keen to highlight that the bike starts first time without issue, and is ready to ride. This isn’t a project or a restoration proposition, but a bike which can be immediately pressed into regular use if so required. The T140 runs an air-cooled parallel twin motor with twin Amal carbs on shortie manifolds, dry-sumped with an oil-in-frame setup, so it’s a neat little package. The five-speed sequential ’box is a design renowned for its robustness, and on these later models the gear-change is mounted on the left. All of this is in excellent order with this bike, having benefited from a full rebuild as documented, and it’s reported as presenting no running issues or concerns. Chassis-wise, the mild-steel frame houses twin adjustable rear shocks, with sprung and oil-damped front forks. This is all solid and in good working order, as are the hydraulic disc brakes. As far as we or the seller can tell, there’s nothing to remedy here, it’s all operating as Triumph intended.
It’s really not so much a question of ‘Why would you want to buy this motorcycle?’ as ‘Why wouldn’t you?’. The Bonneville 750 is renowned as a supremely rewarding and tactile rider’s bike, equally at home carving up B-roads or cruising along coastal highways, and it’s earned its place in posterity as one of the truly great British bikes. It’s a bit of a looker too, isn’t it? No-one would judge you for buying it simply to hang on the wall to admire as an art piece.
That would be doing this bike a great disservice of course, as it’s an impeccable example of the breed that’s just begging for a true enthusiast to jump on and ride it like it’s meant to be ridden. The fastidious restoration in the nineties saw it being revivified as essentially a new bike, and it’s clearly been pampered since then – looking at it now, it gleams in period-perfect condition, with even every screw and bolt looking factory-fresh. This isn’t a bike that will require recommissioning or restoration; it’s a complete and ready-to-ride Bonneville, just waiting for the next chapter of its life story to be written.
** The pictures in this listing have been provided to us by the seller **
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1978 Triumph Bonneville T140
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