1978 Triumph Bonneville

T140ECX05855

Once in awhile we come across bikes or cars that have been stored or put away for decades after very little use. This 1978 Triumph Bonneville is one of those. It has 2063 miles on the odometer and had not been modified or changed in any manner before it was garaged many years ago. The story on this bike is that a Triumph enthusiast saw it for sale many years ago with 15 miles on the odometer from new at a dealership back east. The owner would not sell it at the time and that was the end of the story or so he thought. A decade later he saw an add for a similar bike in Eugene, Or. He had been disappointed at not owning the first bike, so he immediately contacted the owner of this “local” bike. Well, it was the same bike. The guy back east had finally sold it to this buyer in Oregon who then put the miles on it is has today. Needless to say a deal was made and the bike has been here in Southern Oregon since then. Times are hard and the bike was sold once again last year and the new owner now wishes to liquate it. The bike is a time piece of how the motorcycle industry saw American motorcycling tastes in those years or in the case of Triumph, guessed in the wrong direction with the lack of accessories or what we consider as basic standard features today. This is a 750cc twin with no electric start, over head valves and a single disk brake in the front. There were almost no bikes imported in this color scheme of brown paint and upholstery and to find one in this condition is rare. When we picked up the bike, the first thing I noticed was the front brake was not working. The lever has a very small operating link between it and the master brake cylinder that is broken. The lever is therefore disconnected from the master cylinder. The other thing I noticed was that the bike has been on display in an office and the right side faced west near a window. The right side panel paint has faded and is a different tone of brown then the other side and the tank. Other then that, it appears to be in excellent cosmetic unblemished condition. We have not fired the engine or driven it at this time because all of the fluids need to be changed. Some owners are fussy and want to do this in a specific manner on a bike that has been in storage this long. I have kicked the motor through and it has good compression. If the bike sells and the new owner wants to make sure it runs, we will make the sale contingent on that condition. Your choice. This model in this color was imported in very small numbers and if you are looking to complete your collection or start one, this is a rare bike in rare condition. The seller is reluctantly parting with the bike as it will be impossible to replicate or find in the future. If you wish the original images, please forward your e-mail addresses to me and I will send them on. See it at Automania, 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, OR 97526. For other interesting bikes and collectable vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 Oregon Dealer DA1287. Also check with Paul about Travel Trailer RV Rentals starting at $45/day. 541-660-1766 & http://www.pacificnorthwestrvrentals.com If you do not have at least 10 positive feedbacks, please do not bid without contacting me first or your bid will be cancelled or blocked. I accept collected funds only and for the amount of the sale. A $1000 deposit must be made within two days of the end of the sale and balance within seven days. The vehicle cannot be picked up until funds have cleared or prior arrangements have been completed. I can assist with shipping, but that will have to be ordered and paid for by the winning bidder. I cannot accept personal checks. If you have any questions, please e-mail me before bidding and I will do everything I can to answer your questions. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE BIDDING: All items are sold as is, however if you have any problems with the transaction please contact me before leaving feedback and I will do what I can to make it right. I accept PayPal for a deposit only. Please, no personal checks. I leave feedback after receiving it. Thanks and good luck with your bidding. Ted