Well almost just put a deposit on it. 1981 Triumph Bonneville ABOVE: The 1981 T140ES Executive was a factory touring bike, with sport fairing & saddle bags (panniers). MORE SPECIAL MODELS The 1981 Triumph Bonneville attempted to address dwindling sales with what had become "Limited Edition"-madness. Not that it was a bad thing, they turned out some pretty nice bikes. But, the problems Triumph was facing couldn't be solved by cobbling together yet another tarted up version of the same old tired 1937 design. But, that didn't stop them. More power to 'em! MODEL DESIGNATIONS Meriden came out with no fewer than 3 new versions of the 1981 Triumph Bonneville. The first two were variants of the 1981 Triumph Bonneville Executive, meant to be the touring version, in both kickstart & electric start versions. These came with fairings, top box (touring pack) & panniers (hard saddle bags). The third bike was intended for Police duty & was being evaluated for that purpose. This final 1981 Triumph Bonneville variant was called the T140AV, the "AV" ambitiously designating "Anit-Vibration", which used rubberized engine mounts to quell the vibes. At that time, BMWs boxer-twins were getting the lions share of Police business in Europe & the UK, partly because they were very smooth, but also very reliable. Neither of which could be said for the Triumph Bonneville, unfortunately. ENGINE MODS The 1981 Triumph Bonneville model year began with Engine #KD28001. Engine mods were few. The TDC locating hole was itself relocated to its former position in front of the engine, because the starter was now in the way & the crankshaft was notched accordingly. There was a new heavy duty 4-lipped roller main bearing on the timing side. The oil feed to the exhaust tappets was blocked off. The old-style screw-in exhaust spigots & finned clamps made their return. Oil seals were added to the exhaust valve guides. NEW CARBS Every tightening emissions standards forced a move from the Amal Concentric MkII carburetors to the 32mm German-made Bing Type 32 CV (Constant Velocity) carbs for the US market. Early T140Es & T140ESs & all home-market 1981 Triumph Bonneville Executive models were delivered with the Amal MkIIs. The clutch was massaged with thinner plates with cork faces, down to 6 plates from 7 & lighter springs were installed. Starting mid-year, the higher-output alternator of the ES version was now installed on all units, with or without electric start, presumably to simplify production. SEEKING NEW SUPPLIERS As a sign of the times, Triumph Motorcycles ceased to be the high-volume component purchaser it had once been, so many of its suppliers moved on. Girling rear shocks & Lucas chromed turn signals ran out mid-year & had to be sourced elsewhere. Time was running out for the Triumph Bonneville. Pity, that. BELOW: A complete set of factory panniers (saddle bags). New Steed I have just put a deposit on. What do you think peeps. Give it to me the good and the bad. I can take it might sob but I'm strong well my Darling wife is mostly funding it but has told me i have to start slowing as i am wearing her down. Joe.
Thumbs up from me, Joe (and Mrs. Joe). I've always liked the Exec. and reckon that, if it's used as a "classic" (limited mileage, pampered pet, etc.), it will serve you well and for a long time to come. Of course, if it really isn't for you then you won't have trouble selling it (to me ....?). Seriously - just do it.
I gave it a "funny" Joe, not because you're buying it but because Triumph actually thought this was the answer to the Japanese onslaught in an era that brought us bikes like the CBX and Z1300!! If you like it snd it's what you want, good on yer.
Adie P Yes the deposit has been paid. I knew I could not afford it so it was the puppy dog eyes to my Darling expecting to be told you have enough bikes. But no she calmly said do you like it answer o'h yes OK I will help you secure it tell him to hang on to it till mid August and I will give you the money. I am still grinning. Joe
Wessa You know I think I will. But Tracy did mention i bought one last year and it never left the garage before i sold it but i think it will be different this time. Joe
Pegscraper. To true the British industry sat on it's laurels to long when the had the ability to build great bikes. But this is just to get me over a little depression. Joe
Andyc1. You can't do that to me. The only three times I was forced to wear one of those was my two Sons weddings and only as i was told to wear one by you know who. Maybe that is why she is so helpful now still feels guilty. The two suit went into my wardrobe and have lived there ever since. Even my own Wedding in 78 I got wed in uniform. So please don't make me do it. Joe.
Iceman Thanks so much. I saw it and couldn't resist. Apparently only eight though miles and seem to be supported by DVLA checks. Joe.
Really really nice looking bike Joe. An absolute gorgeous time machine. I love the matching paint. Polish, ride and enjoy it.
Congratulations on your new acquisition, Joe! You are an incorrigible bike collector. And though that may sound like it's said disparagingly, coming from me it's a compliment. I thought I bought and sold and traded a lot of bikes! Steve says, "Bikes come and bikes go". I think this bike is terrific and I hope you love it. Just the thing to provide a bit of salve to your soul, my friend. Please share more photos with us as you have them. I'd especially like to see the bike without the fairing. And, again, congrats on the new ride!
Store it safely -- lose that fairing and you lose the bike's identity AND originality ... and those are things that will heavily affect its intrinsic and market values. It was built as an Exec. at the factory and it should (IMO) always stay as an Exec. But, at the end of the day, it's your bike and your choice. Enjoy it, whatever you do.
Beautiful, but should have bought the R100S If you could find one not cafe racered with a fudge coloured seat.
