The Triumph Bonneville was one of the best selling 750cc British bikes produced. Unfortunately, Triumph went under in 1983 so the T140 represented the last of these great motorcycles. This particular one is special because it is a limited edition Silver Jubilee model which was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II taking the throne. It is also very original and has just been serviced so it can be enjoyed immediately. Bidding starts at $4,000 here on eBay.
As stated on the side of the bike, only 1,000 of these were produced for the American market. Blue and red stripes made it easy to distinguish the Jubilee edition from the crowd, but it also had a few other less noticeable touches.
The blue and red trimmed seat was also unique to this model.
As was some of the extra chrome trim. These special features do not necessarily make this Bonneville any better, but it does add to its collectibility. Any bike named after the Bonneville Salt Flats is okay in our book. This one might not set any land speed records, but we wouldn’t mind having it in our garage for weekend blasts up the back roads.
A friend just listed his 1979 Triumph Bonneville for sale – his first bike – said they are great bikes and run well. http://maine.craigslist.org/mcy/3682416244.html
Triumph really turned out a good product around then. Good performance and they managed to get the vibration under control. The difference between a ’69 and a ’77 Bonneville was noticeable to say the least. Plus it didn’t mark its spot on the floor nearly as large as in the good ‘ol days.
You’ve got to love a country where a performance bike is built and sold to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of The Queen (!)
I wish I had the skill to ride a bike like this. I’d buy one of these Bonneville 750s in a heartbeat. Hard to beat the performance per dollar equation, or the commemorative value for that matter.
But the first and only time I rode a bike—my Sister’s (yes, we come from a gearhead family) I nearly hit a telephone pole, and it was only a Honda 350. I have kept to 4 wheels ever since, altho I would not be adverse to 3 wheels, maybe an old Moggie.
Mr. Dolphin – Before you write it off completely – consider taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified RiderCourse – in most areas you can take a two-day course and leave with your motorcycle License, not just a permit. That would also be required, in most areas, for a three-wheeler.
Joey, My next door neighbor had a garage full of bikes, mostly Moto Guzzis, so his wife decided to take a bike safety course and he & I went along to watch. I was going to do the course but then retirement and a move across the continent intervened, so…..maybe someday.
~ on first glance i thought you meant MC Queen.
how about a new Can-Am??
I have not ridden a Can-Am – people say they like them – my only comment is that they have not yet been out long enough for prices to come down.
Thanks for the plug, Jesse. It’s a great bike. Plus, here on Barn Finds, you get to see the super secret pictures (well, they did go out on FB) from my cell phone inside my shop! Muhahahah!
Chip
Loves a good find
Thanks Chip. Looks like a great bike! Good luck with the sale and please let us know if a BF reader gets it.
If a BF reader hits the Buy it Now, I’ll throw in a “TRUST ME” shirt in that person’s size. http://www.aerostich.com/trust-me-t-shirt.html
It’s one of my favourites!
Chip
~ cool shirt, need to fill my pre-pre-christmas cart.
I have owned 2 of these. I restrored the 1st one, and purchased my second on the weekend of 911 still in the shipping crate. Only has 8 hundred miles on it now. They came with dunlop red stripe tires from the factory that look very cool. I need a set if any one ever sees any .I took my bike to rpm cylce when i purchased it to install stainless spokes and they threw my tires away so they say. I was a little on the p o ‘d side for a long time .
Anyone know what the tube running down the left side of the rear fender is for?
Oil Breather line I believe. Nice Bike. Good Luck with the sale.
I bought one of these from the original owner in 1990. 4000 miles or so. I rode it on occassion for a few years and put in garage storage. Probably has less than 8000 now. Much cleaner than the one for sale here. Interested to see what this will bring as I would love to see mine go to a new owner…………………………………….
Bidding ended at $6,201.99. Well bought.