1978 Triumph Bonneville

T140VJX0XXX

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Offered for your consideration is my beautiful 1978 Triumph T140 Bonneville. This bike is one of two Triumph Bonnevilles I purchased a couple years ago. Here's the back story. I'm into antique bikes, mainly Indians. I regularly ride my old Indians around the country as well as being an active participant in AMCA antique bike runs. A couple years ago my better half started bugging me that she wanted to learn how to ride and participate in the antique bike meets. I love her to pieces, but I wasn't going to go through teaching her how to ride old Indians with a foot clutch and tank stick shift. Quite a few of my fellow AMCA members ride Triumphs and BSA's. They are always reliable, fast and handle like slot cars. I'd always been a fan of British bikes when I was a young man in the 70's so that seemed like the logical bike for me to get her started riding while still having a bike at least 35 years old so she could legitimately participate in AMCA runs. I searched for a while and finally settled on two Triumphs, this '78 Bonneville and a '76 Bonneville. The '76 was in great condition but the body work was showing signs of age. However, this bike had spent virtually it's entire life indoors. The chrome and paintwork were in much better condition. My wife liked the paint scheme much better on the '76 after I finished the restoration so to make her happy I painted the tank on this girl the same beautiful metallic blue, but instead of the silver accent on top of the tank I had the second color on this one done in white. Once the two bikes were done next came the job of teaching my darling how to ride. That lasted about 5 minutes when she pronounced she didn't want to learn how to ride anymore. Swell............ So, back to my bike. She was in great condition when I found her. Started on the first or second kick, ran like the wind, didn't burn an ounce of oil and made no funny noises. Just to be sure I pulled the top end and replaced the rings and valves. She really didn't need either but what the heck, I had the top end off so I might as well. The only other thing I did was to rebuild the master cylinders on the front and rear brakes. I had heard from too many British bike owners that this was something that you should do. It also had some really restrictive factory mufflers that made it sound like a sewing machine and killed the performance. I pulled the mufflers and replaced them with a $500 set of quality British aftermarket mufflers. She now sounds like a proper Triumph and runs like a scared deer. I also installed a new battery. As pretty and nice as the bike is, there are a few little nicks here and there. The chrome is in wonderful condition overall but there are a few tiny blemishes here and there. It is not evident unless you are really looking to see it. This is nit picking but I want to let you know the bike's condition before you become the new owner. All in all the bike is as close to the condition of a new one as you will find. I really don't want to sell either of these Triumphs. I have a ball riding this old girl and everywhere I go people want to ask a million questions. The sad reality is I just don't ride her enough. When I walk into my garage on a weekend I still pull one of my old Indians out, so this bike and her sister bike wind up looking pretty in the garage. As a '78, all the controls are same as on a modern bike, namely left foot shift and right foot brake. Lots of you can jump right on an old Triumph and negotiate the left foot brake and right foot shift, I just wasn't one of those guys. I hate to part with her but if I'm not going to ride either of them enough to justify keeping them it makes more sense to put my old girls into the hands of someone who will ride them and appreciates how nice they are. I do not want to trade for another bike or any other vehicle, I have over 30 bikes and as my better half regularly reminds me, she has not been able to park her car in the garage for years now. I need to clear up some space. I will not end the auction early, and don't bother asking what the reserve is. If she makes reserve the high bidder will become the new owner. She is a wonderful bike but remember she is 35 years old. There is no warranty and she is selling as is, where is. Know what you are bidding on. I am an Indian guy much more than a Triumph guy so my knowledge of them is somewhat limited. Feel free to ask any questions and I'll be happy to answer them as best I can. One of the cool things about this bike as while it's a reliable as a brand new bike, it being 35 years old is eligible to participate in Antique Motorcycle Club of America rides. The AMCA is one of the greatest organizations out there and I encourage you to participate. I will be happy to assist with shipping, but in the end it's the responsibility of the owner. I live in Las Vegas and that is where the bike is located. Non refundable deposit via paypal. Remainder to be paid prior to picking up the bike. Good luck, and happy bidding!