1979 Triumph 750cc T140E Bonneville

The late 1960s saw a revolution in motorcycling. Up to then, the British owned the European market for fast, fine handling machines, but then Honda brought the CB750 ‘Four’ to market and the Superbike was born. Other Japanese manufacturers followed suit, leaving Norton, BSA and Triumph scrambling for competitive product. The final phase of development of Triumph’s vertical twin commenced in 1972 with the first appearance of the new 750cc version of the Bonneville. Other improvements included a new ten-stud cylinder head, triplex primary chain, stronger transmission, and a disc front brake, while a five-speed gearbox, introduced on the preceding 650 Bonneville, was standard equipment on the 750.

Following the Meriden factory debacle, Triumph continued with the Bonneville as its main model, ringing the changes to produce a succession of special and celebratory editions, while significant technological developments included the adoption of electronic ignition and the introduction of models with electric starting and an 8-valve head. It was, of course, too little too late and the company folded in the early 1980s.

The motorbike offered

This 1979 Triumph 750cc T140E Bonneville comes to us from a discerning collector and enthusiastic tinkerer from Southern California. In generally very good running condition, the bike presents well with the patina of a well-kept machine. He has agreed to service the bike just prior to delivery to ensure a great riding and ownership experience. These later Meriden factory models are becoming increasingly rare and collectible.