Triumph Bonneville T140 Owner's Review
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2021
- What is the Triumph Bonneville T140 like to own and ride? In this video I do a walk around of the bike and take it for a ride, and explain what it is like to own.
If you enjoyed this video please look out for my other videos on my classic and retro bikes.
You can download a number of useful resources from my "Buy Me a Coffee" page - all free with no catches - it is just a convenient place to make downloads easily available (but there is an option to buy me a coffee if you enjoyed this video and feel overwhelmed with gratitude) - including:
- T140 service checklist;
- T140 torque settings;
- T140 parts catalogue
and other items: www.buymeacoffee.com/fromthes... - Авто та транспорт
You have a very sensible approach to motorcycling.
What 1970's motorcycle hasn't had a few modifications to make them more
practical to ride on today's roads?
One of my friends has a T140 that he purchased new. Wonderful machine.
After having a small collection of motorcycles, including a T120R,
I kept my 1969 A65L and 194? M20 for enjoyable, relaxed riding.
Congratulations to you for sharing and also to all the older chaps who keep
These wonderful machines running.
I've enjoyed triumphs since my first, in 76, a 64 TR6R, I had for about five years, then was foolish enough to sell it. I've had a 78 Bonnie for a couple months, bought it third or fourth hand, really enjoy it, and have been cleaning up the little things since getting it. I've ridden with a number of Brit's, enjoying the British countryside, "vicariously" to the point I suspect I could ride on "the left side of the road" comfortably, even never having been over there. Twenty years or so ago, I had occasion to land in a couple places in the Pacific, which "drove on the left side", and was a "duty driver, or Staff duty", and got the opportunity to drive on "the wrong side" just for a day or so, kind of hairy, for those who've never experienced it. I've read of "old England" most of my life, and really enjoy the way you Brit's enjoy your rides, your towns. It appears a fair cry different from our own "race to the top" super-highways we tend to spend our time on. Coming from decades of Harley's I find the brit bikes and their clutches very handy, handling, and the clutch is generally better suited for traffic. Thanks for a fine "look-see", and a nice ride around!
I can relate to your story. As a Brit living in Australia I’m used to driving on the left. But some years ago I had the opportunity to tour some of Greece by Softail Heritage Classic. Riding down the Peloponnese coast on a glorious sunny afternoon, the Ionian Sea on my right, I came up to a large roundabout. The anticlockwise traffic flow freaked me out and for a moment I had brain freeze. By the time I recovered I was deadheading flowerbeds with the floorboards. Straight over the centre of the roundabout, leaving deep wheel ruts in the manicured garden. Lucky for me, the formal rebuke I expected and deserved, never came. I attempted to atone for my sins by leaving a cash donation in a Dropbox. Don’t know who the recipient may be, but it will do some good somewhere.
As others have mentioned, a 13mm master cylinder, EBC "HH" pads, and stainless braided hose make a big difference to the front brake. I used to use mine as sole transport, in all weathers, until about 10 years ago; cosmetically it shows. Did a few much-needed jobs on it during lockdown, including clutch/gearbox mods which give me a clutch as light as anything modern. They do seem most at home on the kind of roads you were riding there - mine has huge wide 'bars so I'm like a sail on motorways, builds the shoulders up though lol
I agree I still, at 65, enjoy my original 1979 Bonneville. The only vehicle I ever bought new. I just got the gas tank repainted candy apple red with black flash and gold stripping.
Hi all.
My father designed and painted the first jubilee Bonnevilles. The stripes were painted by hand.
Its called hand lining.
He passed in 2008.
I've got his brushes.
For historians. The bikes were painted at pulley brothers in Birmingham for
Triumph.
Wow! Thanks for sharing. Do you have any photos of your father at work? That would be cool to see.
@@SongsFromTheSaddle
Unfortunately not.
But some bikes he done were used in Coburn & Hughes adverts..in the 70s
There's one on the net
A silver & red motor guzzi.
Red candy apple.
Advanced for 75.
Thanks for letting me keep
His memory alive on your
Page...
Great review and reminded me of my t140 which I bought new in ‘82. Like you I found it brilliant around B roads super handling and grunty motor, but oh those vibes!!! Mine was good til 60-65mph then turned into a Jack hammer until it smoothed out again as it approached 90-95mph!!!
Just bought a 1976 Triumph Bonnie, i love it but boy it takes getting used to as it’s my first and probably only classic bike after riding more modern bikes. Been riding evrything since i was young (42 years ago.)
Hi
Had the same issue with my choke, I’ve just put a manual old style lever on it so no more issues👍
Great review
Got one and you’re spot on
G'day mate from great review love your honest and simple opinions (by simple I mean not making it over complicated). Your enthusiasm for bikes and the joy of riding is evident and contagious. I've spent a lifetime riding mostly Japanese bikes with a Guzzi and an Aprillia thrown in but feels it's time for an old British bike. Looking for something like yours and you've convinced me! Cheers Phil
Thanks Phil. I love Guzzis too. I've owner 3 over the years: T3, T4 & a Spada. I toured all over Europe on the Spada in the 1980s.
Sounds gorgeous
Here for my 'keeper' - '78 T140V. Appreciate your expertise and knowledge. Deleted my choke cable.
Had 2 T140Vs over the years .
Used to pull wheelies
Every where loved the low down torque....
No oil leaks .clear silicon.
Ps ...No better site
In the 70s than a Rocker on a us spec bonnie.
1979 left school one plan
Jean's boots leather jacket motor bike.
AC/DC.
IM A ROCKER.
Turn it up to 10.
Pint of beer.roll up.
Great video and review thanks
I can see its an T140E - my best mate had one at the time. His was a genuine export model in black and silver, the bars were a different pattern - something like a 7 inch pull back, those look like they're off an earlier bike, even possibly an export BSA or a Trident. The E model had electronic ignition as standard, as well as the Amal MkIIs.
When I was 17 year old, I ached to own a new ‘69 or ‘70 Bonneville T120. During the course of the next fifty odd years, the opportunity never came around, but I did own some wonderful bikes including a BMW K100, Two Heritage Softail Classics, the 80 & the 103, a Munch Mammoth TTSE 1200, a Honda Fireblade 1,000 (which was insane and I loved it), a Ducati SD900 (which I still have 43 years later) and so many more. I’ve been lucky, but now at 70 years old with the HD FLHSTC 103 bagger, I’ve been wondering if I should get a Triumph. I’d probably go for the 1960’s single carb 650cc (not the oil in frame model) but a Trophy, Tiger or TR6. Is it a dream I should just accept never happened and move on. My concern is that it will disappoint, like eventually meeting ones hero’s. What do you think ?
@@colnuttall9035 Depends what type of riding you do doesn't it. IMO the old Triumphs are good for two things, riding the twisties and looking cool on. My teenage friend who was my best mate still has his, as well as a Hinkley 790cc Bonnie with Norman Hyde pipes, a 1200 Trophy tourer and a 2300 Rocket III. He saves his old Bonnie for special occasions, like when the sun comes out in dear old blighty. 🌞
@@FunAllDayLong4353
My riding style these days is day trips to our many beautiful old Victorian (the Australian State, not The Regent) towns and longer runs Interstate or to Melbourne. I’m sure the Triumph would help me look cool and be fun on backcountry roads. But my Ducati SD900 and Harley Davidson FLSTC 103 will do all that and more. But the itch for something 1960’s and British, remains. Perhaps we’ll have to see what happens!
@@colnuttall9035 It's got to be worth a throw of the dice isn't it. You only live once etc. I think you'll be on the right lines with a single carb model. Maybe updated 12V electrics might help as well or at least electronic ignition to give reliable starting.
@@FunAllDayLong4353
All good advice, thank you.
Great video lovely bike 👍
Lovely bike, always wanted one in that colour, I would rechrome the mudguards or maybe paint them in the same colour red as the tank with pin stripes.
Great looking Bike.
I have the same model -the mudgards suffered from cheap chrome and rusted at almost first rain! Many were re done in black pwder coat by owners- I own a Jan 76 T140v which has rear drum brake, disc was factory upgrade a few months later but many owners found rear calliper copped all rain ,mud , and grit and needed regular maintenance ! They are the Yank market mufflers for sure ! Downton Red Ends on mine so deaf car drivers know you are there? UK bikers only have about 3 months a year to enjoy riding ,
but in spring tis heaven at minus 2 mornings ! Great video Norfolk broads or Oxfordshire?
Hi Michael. Thanks for your comments. I recorded this video in Northumberland, where I live.
Great video, love your bike. With the front and even the rear brakes, consider installing beaded lines. They make the sort of difference you will enjoy. I put them on all my bikes and love them. Cheers from Australia
Thanks for the tips!
My E model is the best handling of all my bikes, most of which are quite a bit newer. I solved the front brake issues with EBC pads running on a Dunlop floating stainless rotor. It now brakes as well as the 2019 Interceptor that runs Brembos.
Thanks for the brakes tip Phil. I'm going to invest in some EBC pads this coming Spring.
Nice one, the only problem that the latter T140s have, is the Heath Robinson left hand gear change. I was lucky, I had the 73 model with the right hand
gear shifter. But you are right the T140 is and was a very good all rounder. Cheep to run, and very checkable, I loved mine,
until some Bar Steward stole it. Yes one of the best bikes ever made. Happy riding, and Thanks.
Thanks for sharing
EBC do some green pads which really helped improve the braking on my Dad's commando, you also might want to consider a 13mm master cylinder as that can also make quite a big improvement
Great! Thanks for the tips Sam.
I've a 73, ride mine at 60 ish minimum around the country roads, rather spend 8 hrs on a journey than 3 hours getting there.....
Your bike is beautiful, almost identical to my bike which is a 1978 TR7RV Tiger, which was the same colour as yours but I recently sprayed it all black and have fitted stainless steel mudguards. I have the same "peashooter" exhausts, don't they sound just the best. I want the same bars as you have because mine have the American export 10" rise bars nut the hand grips are toed in too much for my liking which makes them not so wide. I'm not so sure your bars are American export, if so they may be early 70's US. My bike has done 28000 miles.
Would be wise to find out whether the sludge tube has been cleaned out. Should be done around the 20000 mile period. Could be looking at major issues if it hasn't.
Oh wow you and I have the same bike.....1978 e think maybe .5 or .75 investigating .choke the bloody same lol..
Not Export bars for US, great bike enjoy
Nice video of your bike, would be interesting to know which EI system it has, with regard to the choke it's a common fault due to ware on the bar that is supposed to retain it in a recess I fitted lever and cable enricher. Interesting to see a set of cowhorns as opposed to the ape hanger style.
It's a Sparx system. I think the business is no longer on the go.
The bars are off a T120R, the frame is one of the last V models with the under slung rear brakes, you can also tell the frame is off T140V as the rack is a different shape than a E and bolts on behind the shocks rather than in front like the E models (they are not inter changeable), the seat where it meets the tank is a lot wider than the US Spec E model Tank so I'm guessing the original seat was replaced for the UK spec one . Also the T140V and Tiger side panels don't have the cut-out in the corner as there was no seat lock on those models, but you have later E side panels showing the cut-out where the lock is fitted on later models. Anyway, cool looking bike and good videos.
Thanks for that information. It's a late 1978 model when Triumph were changing from the V to the E, and so there was not a 'clean' changeover as older parts were used up. Also. it is likely that some parts have been changed and replaced over time.
By the way, I follow your channel. Thanks for some great videos!
Nice bike, considering buying one at the moment. Are the mirrors original?
My T140E starts vibrating above 110 km/h witch makes it very unconfortable at highway speeds. To drive more than 100 miles per hour on such a motorcycle seems like a real challenge.
The clutch is always slipping and the suspension is terrible. The brake needs two hands to make go slower. Still i enjoy riding this English motorcycle although it has taken a lot of time and money to make it somewhat reliable.
Hi; actually you have the USA model not the "export"; the export model (rest of the World) is the same like the UK but with the "European" lens on the headlight (more pretty glass) and the clocks the other way (like in your case)
I have a 79 (export model) but with some mods like the double front discs kit; Hyde rear sets; dual plugs head; external oil filter with the feed directly to the timing chest; Mikuni carburetors; etc
You say that those higher bars are comfortable; yes; but at those low speeds; I use this and the other Triumphs only on the road for commuting (I do not have a car) at a strong mid range speed. The commutes are 60km minimum to 250km max.
The other year previous to the closing borders here I did a 1500km trip. In couple of years I put 13000km on the road and the low bars are far better to keep going with the wind and speed (117 - 120km/h constant)
Your posts are good, i recently got a 78 t140v, love it, but two wee probs.
1st one, there is oil on floor just in front of right hand of centre stand, have looked below but dont see anything. Also, plugs get sooted, looks like running rich, i turned mixture screws out 2 turns from fully in and still bit sooty, i dont want to take them out too much as it would be running lean.
Any suggestions buddy
Not easy advising on either of those issues. With the oil leak you've got to try and trace the origin. Re the plugs - sounds like a mixture issue. I'd strip and clean the carb first & then readjust it. You could try running a hotter spark plug.
I have a random T140 question for you. I'm having trouble getting a wench on the timing plug hole bolt at the backside of the engine. Seems to be a 5/8 wrench (I think) but the way the top of the bolt sits down recessed in the case makes it hard to get a wrench on it. Maybe the previous owner didn't put the washer on it which is making it sit down even lower. Do you have a special spanner or socket you use to get the plug undone. I'd like to check my valves, and using that TDC mark in the crank seems like the way to do it. My other bike is a 64 and doesn't have that timing plug on the engine. EDIT: I went through all the 5/8th sockets I have and I found one that fits fine. Now I just need that tool that screws into the hole. I have one that goes on the spark plug hole... was hoping it was the same size and thread but it's not.
Hi Dave. Yes I have the tool that goes in the hole. It doesn'y get used very often, but useful when I need it.
Triumph sounds very nice.
I understand that you own a number of different machines , what insurance broker do you recommend ?
I have a multi-bike policy through the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)
@@SongsFromTheSaddle
Great, thanks I'll hive them a shout.
Timing slipped on my T140 so I've invested in a timing light. Not as straightforward as I was hoping. Possible ill have to remove the primary cover to find the timing marks. Is this a job you've done and, if so, have you any advice?
It's not too difficult, but it's easier with 2 people - one to work the strobe light and check the timing on the left side of the bike and one to move the ignition timing on the right side.
Wonder if you can help...just got a 79 t140
The clutch is very heavy...did have a one in the 80's can't remember that being the same ..also the gearbox is positive but does not seem to click when it engages...any comments welcome cheers..
Hi Eric. Yes the clutch is heavy compared to modern bikes. Back in the 1970s bikes were built for real men. My gearbox is the same - very smooth, easy to pop into neutral, but no 'click'.
I’ve got a 79 t140 also. For what it’s worth I also had a heavy clutch. I ended up putting lighter clutch springs in and it lightened the clutch but made it slip when I get on it. I’m going to be switching back to the original springs.
I put a Norman Hyde 7 plate clutch on so all good now much lighter
Did you ever sort the choke issue, I converted mine back to the manual type
I'm using a clothes peg to wedge the choke open when I start the bike. I then remove it before I set off. I will fix it one day. However, as the carbs are beautifully set up at the moment and the bike is running so well, I'm reluctant to disturb them.
@@SongsFromTheSaddle Had the same annoyance with the choke linkage too on my 1980 bonnie. I bought a choke conversion kit from Anglo bike. Cable up to handlebars, never had a problem after that. Have to say unfortunately the old girls no longer with me and doesn't even show on DVLA sadly. I've just bought a t100 (2011) , lovely bike too.
What is the difference between T-140V and T-140E ?
The E came after the V (starting late 1978) and the main difference is that it had several changes to meet California emission regs ('E' stands for emission compliant), most notably a new head with parallel intakes and Mark 2 Amal carbs. in 1979 they also started fitting electronic ignition, but early ones (such as mine) still had points. There are also other small differences.
The bars are not original . The indicators are original spec though they may have been replaced . Electronic ignition was standard from the factory on this model and I'm sure the exhaust is standard too . T140E , the E denotes the Electronic ignition .
Hi Johnnie. The E in the T140E stands of emission, not electronic ignition. These bikes were fitted with Mark 2 Amal carbs and a redesigned head to meet US emission regs, as most were exported. The bike originally had points, which I still have in a box. The electronic ignition is an after market unit fitted by the previous owned, just before he sold it to me. The bars are original - the bike is in the US export set-up, but this bike was never actually exported. The indicators are recent replacements to the original spec. Cheers
@@SongsFromTheSaddle I bought a 1979 T140E in spring 81 , it had 1,100 miles on it . I had it for twenty years .
I thought about writing more detail , but I won't , you seem to know it all .
@@johnniethepom7545 I do not doubt that your bike did come with electronic ignition, as that was one of the changes in 1979. My comment was simply that my bike did not. Back then Triumph did not stick to a model specification, but rather the specs 'evolved' as they built them. My bike was a very early T140E which left the factory in Autumn 1978, before they started fitting electronic ignition. My disagreement with your comment was simply over what the "E" stood for. It was for emission compliance, not electronic ignition. In either case, let's not get upset about it. It is more important that we actually enjoy owning and riding these beautiful old bikes. I'm certainly not a rivet counter.
sintered pads and a 13mm master cylinder
I have a 1976 140v, and after years of tinkering, have finally gotten a nice running bike. The front brake is still an issue however, and despite installing a new improved master cylinder, the brake still has that "Wooden" feel, so perhaps sintered pads would help here?
@@paulpannell6694 13mm master cylinder made the biggest difference to my 78 T140V
My T160 has another disc , it's got good brakes , looks nice to , see my channel .
It's L.J.K. Setright, back from the dead...
One can only aspire to such fine whiskers.
Do'nt go to far away , it's a long way walking back
I can always get a ride home! 😜
Had a 140E for years .. looks great , loves fast bendy roads …… and totally unreliable. if I want to do a long ride .. I leave the Triumph at home and take a BMW or a Honda. My beautiful. T140? Spend more time waving spanner’s or fixing electrics than riding the damn thing!