Triumph Bonneville T140Malcolm Turner's 1979 750cc T140E
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" I bought my Triumph Bonneville T140E from new from a firm called Acton Vale Motorcycles in West London. It cost about £1600. It’s still got very low mileage at just 21,000, and has had the top end rebuilt twice to cure oil leaks around the pushrod tubes. It’s on the original bore and original valve gear, etc. Much of the mileage was done on the continent. I’ve visited Germany, France, Norway, and all the countries in between. I went to Holland on a separate trip; these were always solo rides, mostly to club events.Cruising at around 70-80mph seems to suit it okay. It hasn’t been converted for unleaded, incidentally, and I don’t use any other fuel additives. Just ordinary unleaded. It’s on the original chrome, and has the original paint on the frame –although I’ve had to dolly that up a little. I removed the carrier and blanked the holes and fitted aftermarket indicators. I've never much liked the look of the standard indicators.
I’ve had other British bikes; a T150 Triumph Trident and some BSA A10s. And I also own a 500 BSA single and a Hinckley Bonneville. But I prefer the Meriden bike by far. I shall probably get rid of my Hinckley Bonnie after a trip to France this year. I do my own servicing. It’s simple enough and this bike hasn’t actually wanted very much. Aside from minor oil leaks at the top end, it’s pretty much oil-tight. Parts come from all over the place, but mostly TMS in Nottingham and Worsley Motorcycles. They’re all pretty good to deal with. I like the Bonnie gearbox. It’s never given any trouble. The clutch is okay. And the handling is very good. With a T140, you’ve got classic British biking with decent brakes and a generally good all-round ride. I really can’t emphasise enough how much fun it’s been."
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