Early T140: Newbie Buying Advice Please

Discussion in 'Bonneville' started by Boggie, Nov 10, 2018.

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  1. Boggie

    Boggie New Member

    Nov 10, 2018
    13
    3
    Buckinghamshire
    Hi All,

    I have just joined the forum (first post) and am looking for some advice please. I am an engineering ex-biker, who in my youth owned and tinkered with many bikes, from commuter 125 singles up to big Jap race reps. My wife and I both gave up bikes when kids came along and over the last 15+ years have taken to buying and restoring classic vintage cars.

    However, I remain a biker at heart and have really missed having one but realise that at my age I would soon kill myself on a modern sports bike and they don't really 'do it' for me anymore. So recently, when spotted a restoration project Bonnie I got to thinking that I could indulge both my passion for bringing old stuff back to good as new and at the end of it, have a bike to ride around the local country lanes.

    So, the bike I am looking at was registered on 28th June 1973. It is a US Import (peanut tank and high bars) with matching numbers and showing only 11,200 miles on the odometer, although there is no paperwork to confirm whether this is correct. This bike is supplied with a NOVA certificate and a copy of the dating certificate from The Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club. The bike is complete and the engine turns over and it is a good restoration candidate.

    I have been reading up about Bonnies for some time as I always thought it would be a good classic to own so I have a reasonable knowledge but this bike has me a little confused. It is a T140V so has the 5-speed box but the lever is on the right (not the left as I thought T140s have) and the brakes are drum, rather than disk. I know that the rear disc was a later addition but I thought T140s had the single front disk / Lockheed caliper from 1st production.

    Can anyone help with these questions please and offer any buying advice to a novice Bonnie Buyer?
    Thanks,
    Ian

    Here are some pictures:[​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
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  2. bruno_c

    bruno_c New Member

    Oct 19, 2018
    16
    3
    France
    Hello Boggie

    This is a (not so good) picture of a standard 1973 T140 with US specs.
    T140 US 1973.jpg
    The most obvious déviations of your project bike are the drum front brake, the lack of indicators and grab bar and the mufflers.
    I also think that the exhaust pipes and the raised bars are not the correct items.
    The gear charge lever on the right is correct. It went to the left in 1976.

    Good luck

    Bruno
     
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  3. Boggie

    Boggie New Member

    Nov 10, 2018
    13
    3
    Buckinghamshire
    Thanks Bruno,

    Good spot! I hadn't noticed the lack of indicators yet but I guess they will be available and as I will likely replace the wiring loom anyway, I am not too concerned about the potential lack of connections. I imagine the grab rail will be available either on eBay hare or from the US.

    However, I am not too keen on the high bars so it might be worth building this bike as a period UK spec and keeping the original parts with the bike for future owner originality, if wanted. What are the general views of non-originality with Bonnevilles? I know that in the case of my restored Triumph TR3a car, originality (bar a few sensible mods, such as brakes, R&P steering) is paramount but is this the same for classic bikes? This US spec bike would in my opinion be much better with lower bars, twin front disc conversion, red/black colour scheme, etc but would this be a bad thing to do?

    Cheers,
    Ian
     
  4. bruno_c

    bruno_c New Member

    Oct 19, 2018
    16
    3
    France
    Hello Ian,
    I think you will get better advice in forums specialised in classic Triumphs.
    However I used to ride a 1973 650CC Triumphs until last year and I have some knowledge about classic bikes.
    My opinion is that first, you must decide for what use you want to restore the bike. Is it for riding or for show.
    If it is for riding, the most important is reliability and safety. So the engine and electrics must be in top conditions. For riding, you can retain the 1969 drum front brake which is better than early disks. You can also keep and the mufflers because the original items were a bit too restrictive, but you will have to rise them because they are too low and will drag in the curves.
    For safety you will need indicators . The originals were ugly (IMHO); smaller ones will be prettier.
    Anyway T140s and TR7s are good bikes to ride but not the most sought after classic Triumphs for show. So I think it is not worth to spend much money for cosmetics.
    Best regards
    Bruno
     
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  5. darkman

    darkman Crème de la Crème

    Oct 26, 2015
    7,535
    1,000
    Southcoast of the UK Earth
    Old brits are great bikes if you are happy and capable to work on them, as a guide you can buy a nice original one in the UK ready to go in the 4/6 grand range at the mo. The good thing about a cheaper buy is you know what's been done :)
     
    • Like Like x 1
  6. Boggie

    Boggie New Member

    Nov 10, 2018
    13
    3
    Buckinghamshire
    Thanks Chaps. Will go and have a proper look at it this weekend
     
  7. David Cooper

    David Cooper Triumph Rocketeer.
    Subscriber

    Hello and welcome to the forum Ian.

    98636c6ee64925a19858f8a491d300d2.gif
     
  8. Boggie

    Boggie New Member

    Nov 10, 2018
    13
    3
    Buckinghamshire
  9. Vulpes

    Vulpes Confused Member

    Mar 14, 2018
    16,831
    1,000
    Netherlands
    Hi and welcome.
     
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