Aaaah, so that's how they came to switch from one side to the other! Thank you for shedding your light! Thank you for watching, I am looking forward to producing more videos like this one. Winter is coming, and I have some maintenance to perform, so you can look forward to some of that. Surely you know your way around these bikes, but I do still hope you will find the upcoming content of value, even if just for a relaxing moment. Speak soon I hope! Kind regards. Geoff

I understand your decision, and can totally relate. I had pretty much the same thing with a Honda CBR600. I kept it a couple of years before selling it because it was just too much of a handful, had a couple of close calls as well, and nearly lost my drivers license. Good times, glad I owned one, and also glad to have moved on. This being said, maybe you can find a nice Bonnie again, now that the little one has grown up. 🙂

Not likely. If I ride again it would be a three wheeler. My health is not very good now. Thanks for the reply. I did ride two Vespa scoots until I worked at a Harley dealer right across the highway. I bought a 50th anniversary Sportster, then traded for a 2009 Softail Custom. Kept it two years sold it back to dealer. Bought a 2005 Ford Thunderbird. Still driving it today. Ride smart and safe.

Thank you, @@granddaddyrap, and you too.

Thank you Scott. Much appreciated!

Hi Roger, Indeed, that flapping about of the key ring is annoying more than anything else.

It does the same to me every time I start it up. Actually, this is the only motorcycle that I will ever ride without earplugs, to enjoy it to the fullest. I end up half deaf after every ride, but I keep telling myself it is worth it.

Thanks bro! A truly heartwarming comment.

@@gmcevoy glad it came across my friend, lovely drive out.

Hi Mitch! Thank you for stopping by. That '73 you mention sounds definitely like its worth making an offer! Fingers crossed! I will help in any way that I can, if you are mechanically minded and have good quality tooling at hand, you will certainly be able to work on it by yourself. It is an integral part of the bonding experience one gets with his bike. Let me know if you manage to strike a deal on that '73! I would love to know. Take care, and thanks again for stopping by. Stay tuned for more, mine is currently on the hoist undergoing winter maintenance.

Thank you Alistair! The frame is indeed surprisingly good. From what I remembered, it was a heavy bike. Then again, the last time I saw my Dad's Bonnie, I must have been 14 years old. I absolutely love it, and will keep it for as long as I can. Now that Winter is at our doorstep, I will be rebuilding the forks as they are leaking, and looking into some proper maintenance for the old girl. She's is good nick, I do intend to keep her up to a high standard as she deserves. It is a part of our mechanical heritage which will certainly outlive us all. Thank you for watching, and I do hope you will stick around for more. Take care! Cheers!!

Thank you! You might want to check the state of the ignition points and adjust them correctly if required, check your spark plugs and gap them too, then make sure the valve tappets have the required setting as well. It is all neatly described either in the factory workshop manual, of which you can easily source a reproduction copy. 🙂 Have fun!

Thank you!

Thanks for the tip Mick. Before messing around with the carburetters, I must check the ignition first. I am looking into electronic options, although not fully convinced. If properly serviced and set, points work well... We'll see. :-) Thanks again!

Nice! Enjoy spending time with them both as much as you can! 🙂

Nice. This ticks all your boxes then. Parts are still widely available, and if they aren't a good machine shop should be able to make them for you. These bikes will outlive us all.

You are going to love it! Thank you for stopping by. 🙂

Hi Karl! They are lovable bikes aren't they? I have also been on the lookout for a twin disc setup. More stopping power is always nice to have, that being said I have been perfectly happy with the single disc so far. Maybe the EBC Green Stuff pads have something to do with good behaviour. I have no point of comparison, as they were already on the bike when I bought it. I have just upgraded to a vented disc, which I have yet to put to the test. Twin discs are nice, but they do translate into more weight to carry around. I am hoping that this vented disc will make a notable difference, as in less weight but higher performance over the stock fitment. Wait and see... Watch out for the first outing video, this coming Spring. Only a few more days to go! 🙂

LP Williams sell a twin disc conversion kit….I’ve got twin discs on my T140E…..I managed to find a used right leg and just put a standard caliper on upside down….works a treat and you barely notice it with the chrome covers on the calipers. If I recall, the left caliper is on studs, the right caliper is bolted on, we had to drill and tap the heads of the bolts to accept the screws for the cover….looks neat….almost factory….

Hi Alan! Congrats on your purchase! You will love it! Look forward to seeing more of this beautiful machine. Winter is coming, up here, so it is already laid up in the garage and sitting on the hoist, ready for some spanner spinning. From basic maintenance to rebuilding the fork, there will be lots going on. 🙂 Speak soon!

@@gmcevoy funny u mention forks as i,m replqacing tubes springs bearing basically all .... chain reaction all worn but hey nearly there and electronic ign (trispark) and new amals its one kick bike

@@alwood9148 Fantastic! Let me know what you think of your new electronic ignition system. I am weighing out options at the moment...

@@gmcevoy mate i do have to say it was so easy to set up with a digital red light to help set ,5 mins of finer adjustment its closed up now(just had to add 6v coils and new leads

@@alwood9148 Nice! I still have not made up my mind on which system to buy. I will get around to that later on I guess. Right now, the front end is all over the place. I started polishing the front wheel spokes, and I sincerely wish I hadn't. I did just the one to see what was under years of grime, now I have to do them all. Front AND back. Ugh! Hahaha. Steering head bearings were a mess, and so on. Well, you'll see when the video goes live in a few weeks. Hehe. Take care, Al!

Thanks William! I love it!

Hi Jim. My heartfelt condolences to you. I actually bought a second tank in the colour I wanted, like the one my late father had, so this blue one is still intact. 🙂

@@gmcevoy Perfect solution!!

Never say never. There is one out there for you. It will turn up at some point. Just keep your eyes peeled. 🙂

Thanks David! That was a bargain! Well played! Haha. Do you still have the bike?

@@gmcevoy no that was in 1984,I loved the bike kept it for a few years then I sold it and ended up getting a 750 four Honda then an Rd 350 l c Yamaha, definitely regret selling the trumpet though, thanks for your reply ATB Dave

@@davidcottom7750 Ah well, you can't keep them all. But it is nice that you owned one at some point in your life. Something nice to look back to I am sure. All the best, Dave!

Hi Alan! That's great news! I am just about wrapping up the editing of the front end rebuild here, it should be online by the end of the week. Then I must take care of the rear, service and tune the engine, and Spring will finally be there! Speak soon I hope!

@@gmcevoy hi mate are u changing rear shocks? we have a company here do the old koni,s now Ikon very good but u have hagons But i decided a new wiring harness is more important for now like u ,soon i will replace the worn shocks

@@alwood9148 Hi Al! Rear shock seem okay so far. I did just upgrade to progressive springs at the front. Check out the video I posted last week about the front end rebuild, it might be of interest to you. Cheers!

The only motorcycle with a left hand brake that I rode on was a Moto Guzzi Stornello 125, on which I rebuilt the engine. Instead of dropping a cog, I would slam on the rear brake for the first few hundred meters or so. It took some getting used to. 🙂 What's with the key cutter advice? Did you lose yours often? It is a great idea however...

Thank you for your input, James. How is the drum brake better than the disc? Genuinely interested by your reply.

@@gmcevoy Mainly atheistic, the conical brake was so clean but actually it was also more powerful than the disc and required less maintenance. If a T140 was used daily all year around the discs rusted at the edges and the calliper became jammed by road salt corrosion etc. That said, none of the left-side gear change bikes retained the rear drum anyway. Re the tank colour change, why not retain your original and buy another to repaint? Plenty of them available including new ones from India.

@@jamesfairmind2247 Interesting... Regarding the tank, it has already been resprayed. I can tell because the scallops were not done properly: the leading edge goes under the badge and can be seen from the side. It looks off... I was able to source a new tank however, so called made in England, already sprayed and everything. Had to shell out half a fortune for it, and I was a bit disappointed at first because the paint is still flashing off, even after four months of drying in the garage, and the screw locations don't fully match the tank badges I have. The top coat is still a bit soft, so it still needs to cure. Anyway, it's there, so it should hopefully be ready for Summer. I will need to fiddle around to make the badges fit, but I have to wait until it is solidly dry.

@@gmcevoy Ok, sounds like a bad paint job, possibly from India! Anyway it is hard to beat a T140, great bike to own, enjoy it!

@@jamesfairmind2247 I love it, and highly look forward to riding it come spring! Stay tuned for more rides and technical videos. Take care!

Hi Ronnie! Thank you for your kind words! Something is in the pipeline about changing rear wheel bearings and a new tank, coming soon. In the meantime, have you seen my video about changing fork seals, bearings and front wheel bearings?

@@gmcevoy yes i did, really good and very informative. Ive had mine since oct 22, traded in my BSA Lightning for it. Came across some wee foibles, head steady bolt was missing, causing excess vibrations which almost made her implode. That and some carb issues, but all good now. I have the Thunderbird Commander for long runs with bros, the Bonnie is my bike therapy time, you ride yours as i do, up the revs and bucketloads of torque, fantastic bikes. One thing kinda bothering me, the bars are secured by P clamps and some metalistik bushes, giving dome fire and aft movement. This spooked me at first, but been told its normal, more so on my model with high bars, dies yours have this play, about half inch firward and back. Regards Ronnie

@@ronniemcmurdo2016 Hi Ronnie! Mine had such play, which is one of the first things I investigated and sorted out when I got the bike. I was told it is normal too, but wouldn't believe it. In fact, it was because the two bolts under the fork yoke were loose. I nipped them up, and the play was gone. You need a 9/16 spanner for that. It the play still persists, then the bushes need replacing. I have a new pair, which I will gladly give to you if you need them.

@@gmcevoy hi Geoffrey, cheers for getting back to me again, yes i know they are 9/ 16th, mine are tight. Was looking at a top hat kit that does away with fkexi bushes and makes a solid fit. Now i know its common and should have play, its givien me piece of mind. My mate has the square tank one ( kniwn as the breadbin) and his have the flat bars, not as much play on his, but obviously higher bars lead to more. Anyways, im loving it, cant believe the fun and joy it gives when riding, the whole package is outstanding, and fir years ive had all the spirtsbikes, R1s, Fireblades etc. This Bonnie gives me the biggest grin factor ever, superb. Look forward to your future videos riding yours, keep it sunny side up. Kind Regards Ronnie

@@ronniemcmurdo2016 Thanks Ronnie. I also quite enjoy it, and look forward to sharing it with the world. Thank you for sticking around! It is worlds apart from the many other bikes I have owned. This one truly has a soul, to which the rider can bind... The others were fun for sure, some could rip your boxers off and so on, but this is just something else... I look forward to hearing from you again.

Thank you Darren. It also means a lot to me that you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Hi! Thanks for your comment, and welcome to T140V ownership! I too have trouble finding neutral, and I have found out that it is much easier to find it while the bike is still rolling. So before I come to a full stop, I put it back in first and gently nudge the lever toward neutral. 9 times out of 10 it works, or else it goes back into second, then I just nudge it down. As long as the bike is rolling, it works. When it's at a standstill, it is much more difficult. Have fun, and thank you for subscribing! It means a lot to me.

@@gmcevoy thanks very much for the tip to find neutral as you're rolling to a stop. I'll give that a try and practice it. Cheers!

Likewise Mike.

Most definitely. I keep a close eye on the oil pressure gauge. A sensible addition that every owner should make. I will make sure to point that out in my next video.

Hi Marko! Tanks, much appreciated! What colour is yours right now? Maybe we can swap tanks? lol. Otherwise I can always send some pictures if you like. Lay down your email address, or send me a message at info@mcevoy.com. Speak soon!

@@gmcevoy I have tried to respond to your message, but it keeps disappearing?

@@markotuomas672 Well, I can see your latest reply. Take another shot, hopefully it will come through.

@@markotuomas672 I just replied a minute ago, and the reply disappeared. Did you get this one?

@@gmcevoy Yes, I got this one. I also tried to send you an email, but I got a replie that it didn't go through 🤷🏻‍♂️ I got an note that said your email address provider has block that doesn't let certain emails through.

That is quite interesting! How did you find that out?

@@gmcevoy Thank you for your reply, a friend of mine in the Triumph Owner's Motorcycle Club told me about the Mini Cooper S brake pads being compatible with the AP calipers on my T140E. I also use them on my T160V, they performed just the same as the pads from Triumph. I also used a Borg & Beck clutch plate that was intended for an Austin Mini in the T160V, again it was a lot cheaper that one from a Triumph dealership. That too was recommended by a TOMCC member.

@@davidmacgregor5193 That is some truly interesting Triumph lore, right there. I am intrigued by the clutch though. I suppose you are speaking of the friction material, as it is a multi-plate system in the T160V?

@@gmcevoy Thank you for your reply, unlike the Bonneville variants which have a wet multi-plate clutch, the Trident variants have a dry single plate clutch, much the same as Moto Guzzi V-twins and BMW boxer twins. The Trident clutch plate is of Borg & Beck manufacture, it is exactly the same as the one in the Austin Mini car.

That is great to hear!

I have a 1973 750 Tiger TR7. I have owned since 1977. It has 63,000 miles & the cases have never been split. The inner cover of the transmission has never been off. A couple of years ago I rebuilt the clutch & installed a new clutch hub including rubbers etc. I had it bored .020 over at 30,000 miles. I use left over premium gas from the 6 gallon tanks on my boat, that is premixed with Pennzoil Semi Synthetic marine 2 stroke oil. This helps the carburetor slide from not sticking. I used a Viton O'Ring on the exhaust tappet block that is pressed into the barrel flange in the late 1980's. I have not had any problems with push rod tubes leaking oil since. I had to have the frame welded where the swing arm pivot tube scallops the oil tank - this is a common problem with oil in frame. I made my own wiring harness back in 1984. I duplicated the original harness, but tried to use better connectors etc. I had to solder in the handlebar switches. I replaced the Rectifier & diode with a Podtronics unit. I still use ignition points & have replaced a coil twice. I had the head reworked in the 1980's, because engine was smoking. The bike still runs good!

@@chamberizer Sweet! Sounds like your bike will outlive us all! They truly are from an era where things were built to last.

Sweet! I think 1976 must have been the year during which they switched the gear selector from one side to the other. I think my Dad's was a '76 too, and still had it on the right.

Hi there! I would think they are Smiths gauges but I couldn't say for sure, off the top of my head. They are original equipment, of that I am sure. Try Andover Norton in the UK, they might be able to help.

@@gmcevoy Thanks!

It had already been resprayed by the previous owner, and it was a shoddy job too. In the end I bought a repro tank in the colour that I wanted.

Hi Andy, thank you for saying so. The silencers are standard in this video. They had been renewed by the previous owner. Generally speaking, this bike has been very well cared for. I recently found out that the mileage is unlikely to be genuine, but no matter what, the gentleman who bought it new really liked and cared for his bike.

@@gmcevoy You’re probably right, it would be rare to find a bike of that age that has done such low miles. I have the same 78 model that I have had for over 40 years but now in need of some TLC. It would be great if you could do a walk around video at some point.

@@mrandyknight1 I would gladly do so, as soon as it is off the hoist. What would you like to see in particular, what would be your expectations with a walk around video? I have always found those boring to Hell and back, but open to all options, especially if it helps.

@@gmcevoy I was just interested in seeing the condition of your bike as it looks really smart from the riders pov but especially interested in the exhaust setup - A

@@mrandyknight1 Understood. Duly noted, and will do!

I haven't. In fact, I had no idea the brand was still alive. Good to ,now that it is still up and running! I dram of finding a set of John Tickle exhausts, but they are about as widely available as hens teeth. One needs to keep an eye out in parts jumbles and so on.

Thanks for the tip Gareth!

The previous owner fitted "green stuff" pads. They seem to work well enough.

Hi! In Belgium.

Hi David! Holy crap! Feel free to share your story if you feel like it. I had no idea they could do that... Glad that you are here to tell the tale. Do you still have the bike?

@@gmcevoy Hi thanks for taking the time to write back . My Bonneville was purchaced from a local MC as a basket case . as i owned a panelshop i got stuck into the restoration . She ran ok for a while but then i decided to strip the engine down . i ran out of time as i was quite busy in my workshop , i gave the engine to a guy who was supposed to be a whizz on triumphs . BAD MOVE , he told me the bottom end was good so i went on a trip up north , when things started to go slowly wrong . Cut a long story short ,,, riding with some mates to a motorbike show ,on the motorway doing a nice steady 90kms she suddenly siezed up , nearly threw me across the lane but i managed to shut her down and pull the clutch . Got across three lanes lookd back and the motorway was a white out with smoke . OOPS !!! . Anyway she is nearly finished, total strip down and repaint polished everything that can be polished , new bars , tyres ,seat , ill keep you up dated with progress , More bad luck , while the case was in storage a very tiny water spot got onto the exhaust cam lobe and has gone through the hardening , now have to pull it all down again . Im feeling a bit gutted.

@@davidthomson2249 spine chilling tale, right there. Thank goodness for your quick thinking! My late father had a similar situation with his, the engine has seized for some reason, I remember him telling me that story. Tough luck about that cam situation! Look at the good side of that: it is the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a performance camshaft. :-) I hope you will have enough time to be able to rebuild and enjoy it this summer! Stay tuned, and I will be glad to hear from you as you go! On my end, I am waiting for parts to rebuild the rear end. A video will come along about that soon. Keep in touch, David! All the best.

Hi Colin! This is in Belgium. 🙂

@@gmcevoy Funny I was wondering the same thing. He sounds like a Brit but I know Brits drive on the left?

@@motorcyclementor1785 I am of English descent, but live in Belgium. 🙂

Thank you, I think I will. It was not available last time I looked. Not where I usually buy parts. If you have a parts dealer to recommend, please let me know.

Super! Est-ce que vous l'avez toujours?

@@gmcevoy oui mais démontée en boite . j'aimerai la restaurer .. mais pas évidant de trouvé les bonne adresse ici en Belgique

@@jean-jacquesnameche3429 Ah, c'est génial ça! Heureusement que vous êtes tombé sur ma vidéo. Je suis mécanicien professionnel, spécialisé en véhicules anciens. Je suis actuellement en train de refaire les fourches sur la mienne. Je profite de l'hiver pour effectuer un grand chantier de remise en forme pour qu'elle soit prête pour le retour des beaux jours. Je serais ravi de vous aider avec le remontage de votre Bonneville. Si vous voulez, on en discute?

@@gmcevoy Merci, ce n'ai pas prévu en ce moment car j'ai d'abord un petit garage de 3mx 6m a faire dans mon jardin normalement cette été .. et pour ce qui est de ma Triumph je dois refaire peinture du cadre et tout les chrome , jante et moyeu a repolir et bien sur revoir le moteur qui n'a pas subit de casse mais ouver depuis des année a la poussière , j'aimerai revoir la culasse pour pouvoir roulé a l'essence actuel et puis sur cette culasse les sortie d'échappement n'on jamais été solidaire .. mais c'est très gentil de votre part , j'avais pensé aussi il ya quelque année de la donné a une entreprise de restauration vu le manque de temps , je sais aussi que cela va me demandé beaucoup d'argent pour la remettre a neuf mais c'est mon premier désir , j'ai eu mes 65 ans en mai de l'année dernière et je suis devenu pensionné .. mon métier est Horloger que je continue a exercer a la demande des quelque maison de ma région ..

@@gmcevoy ❤

Indeed. The same could be said about so many other makes that went under. But what a joy to keep these technological marvels from another age alive! Even though the brand as it was no longer is, the bikes are still here! The more we can save and restore the better. 🙂

I will ask my Castrol rep about this. Thanks

Factory very specifically stated a 20/50 multigrade for the T140 because of the lower tank capacity compared to older models and the subsequent over heating issues. Multigrades are modern and are better and able to cope with temp fluctuations. I don't understand this adherence to mono-grades- it;s a bit like reverting to a tube radio from transistors. I have a 97000 mile bonny and all on multigrades and there can be no better evidence of correct oil useage.

That corroborates my findings as well. I will stick to 20W50, as it is more readily available too. I have found a cartridge filter pod which can be adapted to the circuit. I intend to add that for better filtering that the original gauze, even though I am concerned about oil flow. We'll see.

No problem with cartridge filter ,and it allows for a better oil ,I use westways 20/50 semi synthetic 👍🏍

20/50 TURNS TO PISS.speak to tms off nottingham on the subject

Hello Roy. Welcome to Belgium :-)

@@gmcevoy Wow! My wife is from Wavre!

@@xfirehurican Wow! Small world, isn't it?

I bought another tank, Bruce, relax. And besides, this one has already been resprayed, so I am not even sure it is the original colour.

It is called Polychromatic Blue. I switched over to Cherokee Red. It is all down to personal preference in the end, but I have both now. 🙂