Bonneville Types

Right, Tone, this is off the top of my head ...
Arguably the best Bonnies were the late sixties/1970 models. In 1971 they went to the 'oil in frame' models (a bit tall for some) but still 650cc and 4 speed. The frame was duly lowered after a year or two and a 750cc version was launched around 1973. Beware - the first 750s (T140) were around 725cc before being opened up to 745cc after about a year. They gained an extra gear with/shortly after the increase in capacity (T140V the V being a Latin five). Mid 70s they gained a single front disc brake. There were limited edition bikes available from time to time e.g. Silver Jubilee and Royal Wedding models, based on the standard format (T140V/oil in frame/750cc) with just different paint jobs, badges and certificates etc. An 'Executive' model appeared for a while kitted out with panniers and handlebar fairing. Also a (TSX?) custom jobby made an appearance as did an 8-valve model with a bit more power and a few top end problems (allegedly). If memory serves, an electric start model also appeared around the late '70s, and even a rubber mounted engine made a brief appearance.
Les Harris took over production of the Bonnie from his Newton Abbot factory in the early-mid 80s after the demise of Meriden with a few differences such as Marzocchi forks and Veglia instruments, until, it was said, the tooling became worn out and production ceased.
All the above is approximate and can no doubt be checked out on google and model specific websites. Classic Bike Guide and Classic Bike magazines can be a source of model information, CBG particularly, although the new edition (September) focuses on early Hinckley models (just to be awkward!).
Essentially, from about 1975 onwards, the Bonnie remained much the same with just detail/paint differences apart from e/start and 8-valve heads.
As I said, this is all off the top of me head and I will stand correction where necessary.

 

Well put Steve! Very interesting reading.

 

Cheers Mr T.
I had to lie down after that lot! Just hope my memory wasn't playing too many tricks on me.
Still have fond memories of my '69 Bonneville, but sometimes you just don't appreciate what you have, especially as a bloody yoof!

And thanks, Tone. I just hope it was useful. Just a broad outline really.

 

A well restored Bonnie can command a good price, and they are relatively easy to work on with parts (usually) easy to source.

 

Was looking at (drooling over) a Les Harris Trident the week end at Peebles, what a beaut!
Was no 10 of a short run, was up for £20,000!