Lot 01: Triumph Bonneville

Calls for a 750cc variant of the "Bonnie" had started during 1969 when the AMA relaxed their protectionist rule that limited over head valve machinery (meaning BSA, Norton and Triumph) competing in the Class C (roadster based category) to 500cc but allowed side valve machinery (Harley Davidson) a displacement of 750cc. In response to this rule change a batch of 750s, typed the T120RT, had been produced by TriCor in the States using an aftermarket big-bore kit doctored to look like a Meriden product and had not been picked up by the AMA scrutineers, however, a long term solution was required that was answered when Triumph introduced the production 750cc variant of the Bonneville during 1972. Early versions displaced 724cc utilising "bored" out versions of the existing barrel, however by December 1972 a new cylinder casting was available that could be taken to a 76mm bore and allowed for a rebore. The result, with a stroke of 82mm displaced 744cc and was typed the T140V and offered in both UK and US specifications. The new model continued to offer excellent handling and braking, characteristics aided by it's lightweight and although the new engine was felt by some to have lost some of the "snap" offered by it's 650 predecessor it made up for it with an abundance of mid range "grunt" and delivered a similar top speed . The new model barley had time to establish itself before the turmoil of the workers sit in occurred during September 1973 leading to two years of lost production. The establishment of the Meriden Co-operative saw production recommence in July 1975 with the T140V at the head of the range, now fitted with a lefthand gear change and rear disc brake establishing the design that would carry the "Bonnie" into the eighties. Refinements over the coming years included the adoption of Mk II Amal Concentric carburettors and electronic ignition during 1978 resulting in a change in type code to T140E, largely in response to increasingly tough US emission laws. This silver and black US specification example is described by the vendor as being in very good condition. It has recorded only 6404 miles and is offered with a breakdown of the mileage. The vendor informs us that he has accounted for 2756 of those miles since he acquired the motorcycle in 1998 and expresses his reluctance to sell the machine, the decision being the result of a knee operation. This lovely Bonneville is offered with a fresh MOT certificate and a Swansea V5C.