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.

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.

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 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.

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!!!

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

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.)

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Great video and review thanks

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.

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.....

Sounds gorgeous

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.

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.

Great video lovely bike 👍

Not Export bars for US, great bike enjoy

Oh wow you and I have the same bike.....1978 e think maybe .5 or .75 investigating .choke the bloody same lol..

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)

Great looking Bike.

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.

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?

Triumph sounds very nice. I understand that you own a number of different machines , what insurance broker do you recommend ?

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

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 .

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..

What is the difference between T-140V and T-140E ?

Did you ever sort the choke issue, I converted mine back to the manual type

sintered pads and a 13mm master cylinder

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...

Do'nt go to far away , it's a long way walking back

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!