1979 Triumph Bonneville T140E

Description

Please note: The seller is unable to provide a running video at this time because of snow. He hopes to get one as soon as possible.

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

A bike whose name precedes itself, the Triumph Bonneville has a storied history in racing and vintage showmanship. This bike had a target market in mind, as described by Hagerty: “the Bonneville was a motorcycle for men…. every detail [was] carefully planned by men who ride — and ride hard.”

Debuting in 1978, the T140E was Triumph’s answer to rising regulations and policies from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to cut down on escaping fuel and vapors. The new model received a few changes during the refresh, including a larger 750cc engine, an improved cylinder head, and disc brakes front and rear. What’s more, Triumph gave the bike a left-side shifter and a negative-ground wiring harness — additions that made it far more practical for American riders.

This example is VIN: T140EXA15950. The seller has owned the bike for 22 years.

During his ownership, the seller rode the bike for approximately 300 miles. He reports that afterwards he “removed the battery, drained the fuel, and added it to [his] collection.” The odometer shows 13,980 miles.

Maintenance:
Per the seller: “To prepare it for sale I installed a new battery, changed the oil, installed new spark plugs, replaced, one front brake hydraulic hose, rear brake hose and master cylinder. It would not idle smoothly so after much investigation I found the choke plungers were not seating correctly and adding fuel at idle, so I replaced them and adjusted the carburetors — it will sit and idle at 1100 rpm all day.”

The seller also notes: “Clutch drags a little, tires are old. Starts first kick, runs and rides good.”

Modifications:
This Bonneville appears to be completely stock.

Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller reports that the “paint is old and cracked or chipped in some places. The tank has a small ding in the right side, and there is some rust pitting in the chrome. The turn signals do work but are not in the best of condition. The headlight rim rattles.”

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Dunlop Roadmaster tires that have aged out.

The sale includes one key.

Currently located in Thornville, Ohio, this Triumph is offered on a clean Delaware title. Have any Bonneville stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!