TRIUMPH T140 V BONNEVILLE

IF YOU'RE LOOKING for an all-weather, all-purpose, everyday classic British bike, you’re probably staring straight at a 750cc T140 Triumph Bonneville.

A lot of negative criticism has been hurled at these machines, notably citing problems with vibration and oil leaks.

But the fact remains that these machines offer excellent handling, good braking, decent enough suspension, an acceptable turn of speed, and have better parts back up than just about any other classic British bike in the market place.

The Triumph Bonneville is a standard motorcycle featuring a parallel-twin four-stroke engine and manufactured in three generations over three separate production runs.

The 650 cc capacity production T120 Bonneville was replaced in the early 1970s by the T140 Bonneville, the same basic machine but with a 750 cc engine. Refined from the later 'oil in frame' version of the T120, the first few T140s, designated T140V, featured a larger-capacity engine of 724 cc, a five-speed gearbox and indicators, but still retaining drum brakes and kick-start.

Shortly after, the engine was further bored out to 744 cc and front disc brakes were fitted (using single discs until 1982). While originally intended for 'export only' the 750 Bonneville twin, caused so much interest among visitors to the 1973 motorcycle shows, that Triumph decided to put the bike on the home market at the price of 679 uk pounds.

In 1975, along with engine modifications, the gearchange lever was moved from right to left to comply with new regulations mandated for the American market and a rear disc brake fitted.

The initial model of the T140 line was the 'V', which stood for five-speed transmission which was a Quaife design.

   Triumph T140V Bonneville

   Years produced: 1973-1980

   Total production: N/A

   Claimed power: 50hp @ 7,000rpm (1976)

   Top speed: 177 km/h

   Engine type: 744cc, air-cooled two valve per cylinder parallel twin

   Transmission: Five-speed

   Weight: 188 kg (w/half-full tank)
   Km/l: 5.2

      Want to see a 750 Bonnie on the move?

   Click the link below and take a ride.