1979 Triumph Bonneville

T140DEA21933

This iconic British motorcycle with 6,215 miles was acquired from the original owner here in Massachusetts in the Fall of 2007. The machine has the correct 2 into 1 Jardine Muffler with factory original TT style head pipes with the appropriate jetting to the Amal Series II Carburetors. Typical of the 1979 production year, Meriden, the Triumph factory that built this T140D, had issues with the paint on their frames, so most 79's with original factory painted frames display some form of rusting and paint peeling. As a result, this machine's frame and all related parts were completely disassembled, cleaned, detailed and professional sandblasted, powder coated and baked to a deep, shiny black as seen in the photos. This industrial grade powder coating is as durable as it is handsome and will last for decades to come. I have preserved the brilliant factory chrome fenders and hand painted and pin striped tank; you can see the Triumph factory pin striper's initial under the tank... looks like a "B". The factory paint on the tank is in very good to excellent condition for it's age, and it is completely original. It was also outfitted with a British replacement seat cover that was manufactured to OEM specification and is in perfect, like-new condition. Even the seat pan was beautifully powder coated and looks like a new bike when you lift up the seat. With the frame and all the black parts refinished, along with the original deep chrome that the British do so well, has brought this Bonneville back to its original youthfulness. The engine is in a proper state of tune and benefits from the RITA electronic ignition along with properly serviced carburetors that have been professionally synched. The engine has never been tampered with, nor have the cases been opened which is a tribute to the design of this impressive 750cc engine. The bike has a new, sealed battery, so no more acid overflow tube and related damage around the battery. The brake system has been completely redone with excellent quality, stainless steel, reproduction master cylinders front and rear as well as all new brake lines. This Bonneville stops exceptionally well for a vintage British bike. Of course there are numerous small rubber parts and fasteners that have been replaced; I restored this bike for myself and didn't cut any corners, so I have invested more time and money into the bike than a dealer or casual rider would. This motorcycle is truly a classic that will continue to appreciate due to the original condition and meticulous attention to keeping the machine as original as possible. There are two minor / optional things that I have yet to do on the bike; one is to touch up the speedo/tach housing black paint, the other is to re-chrome the headlight bucket as it has some minor pitting... not that bad actually (see pictures). You could easily put on an aftermarket headlight bucket, but I didn't want an aftermarket, non-original part, so the next owner has the option to do as they please with regards to these minor issues. The 2 into 1 Jardine exhaust system was unique for this model and has a very nice and exciting note to it. It is a bit louder that the standard exhaust, but if you take it easy on the throttle, it is neighbor friendly. I ride this bike conservatively and just for recreation... when the weather is nice. The spring and fall are some of the best time of year for these air-cooled machines. As you probably know, this bike has some real power for a 1979 machine... about 50 hp. It is nothing compared to todays superbikes with 100+ hp, but I have to say it is more exciting and just plain fun to ride this bike. Newer bikes (which are wonderful) are so refined and so smooth are almost sterile compared to the Special. The Special, being a vertical twin, has that unique vertical vibration that reverberates throughout the machine, that combined with the sweet tone of the exhaust makes for an exhilarating riding experience. I consider this motorcycle an investment that you can use and enjoy, take to motorcycle shows (I showed the Special at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum's European Motorcycle Day Show), and with proper care and maintenance, it will continue to appreciate in value. This is a one-kick T140D, partly because it had never been tampered with and largely because the machine has been brought back to its delivery-ready state of tune. This Special is a numbers matching engine and frame VIN with a clear Massachusetts title. VIN # T140DEA21933. If you are looking for a legitimate, thoughtfully restored, stock example that is just broken it, this is the one. Bid with total confidence, as they don’t run any better than this Triumph. I require a non-refundable $250 PayPal deposit within 24 hours of the end off the auction with the balance to be paid within 7 days of the end of the auction at which time the title will be sent/given to buyer and machine will be released to transport company or buyer/agent. I have a reasonable reserve and I will gladly answer any questions you may have, ask through ebay or call or text me, Steve, on my cell at: 781-635-8500.