hello all.. Recently joined to learn More about the famous land speed record holding marque... Have been riding a variety of BMWs for the past 10 yrs or so. Looking to buy my first Triumph (although previously owned GT6/ spitfire and Vitesse) but don't have the space for car in the garage.. Looking at T120 ( 1966-70) but any (constructive) comments and guidance welcomed... Many thanks...
T120 Bonnie expensive and no indicators, comes complete with Mr Turners vibration.. T140 Bonnie cheaper, larger 750cc engine, indicators Modern Bonnie T100 some good bargains and reliability. Pal has 2013 version for sale. Depends also if yer happy to tinker with old stuff between rides. Suggest yer get to a Triumph dealer next Saturday, they are having open days but with riders bikes on show as well as new bikes. Yer can chat to riders and get their experience and views as welll. I've had them all, liked 'em all, got 2009 Bonnie SE at the moment, and a 1964 Thunderbird. Welcome aboard and good luck. Did Ypres over a weekend last year would not have done that on older bikes. Just bimbling round country roads fine with other two if yer can cope with no indicators on earlier models.
Thanks for this.... Just came back from last b/h weekend in Cambrai and Ypres touring the WEstern front but on a gas adventure... Lovely roads as always... Didn't the T140 suffer from broken cranks and hence were de-rated? Have got modern bike so happy with pre 70s and happy to fettle...
'68-'70 T120s are generally thought to be the best of the bunch, but have prices to match - anything up to £10,000 and occasionally north of that. I was lucky enough to own a '69 Bonneville in 1971/2 and it was a lovely bike (R.I.P. SHJ 323G - and no, I didn't kill it, that was the subsequent owner!). The early oil in frame T120s have a tall seat height, which was lowered a bit around 1972/3 (all dates are from memory and not to be taken as gospel ). Early T140s were around 725cc making some engine parts more difficult to obtain, so bare that in mind. All subsequent models were full fat 750s (well, 748cc, IIRC) and easier to get engine parts for. Anything with a model suffix 'V' ie T140V has a 5 speed gearbox. T140s are cheaper to buy than T120s, as a general rule. All bikes from 1971 onwards are oif models, 1970 being the last model year with a 'normal' frame. I don't remember any particular crank problems with any model, unlike the Norton Commando 750cc Combat engine of 1972 which knocked out main bearings just for fun!! Right ... I've taken me anorak off and am going for a lie down!
Thanx for your help.much appreciated. Can I borrow anorak for a month or so. It might help in the process..! Can't stretch to the higher figure but hoping to get one that needs a "little" tlc etc...I'll. " keep em peeled" Thanx again..
Thanks... Good advice... A lot of the adds in EBay appear to my (novice) eyes to be good but turn about to be bitsa bikes... Different tanks and mismatching mudguards etc... B***dy Minefield... Very helpful member from the local club is helping though...