Modified 1975 Triumph Bonneville, better than a modern retro ?
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- This 1975 Bonneville has had a number of mods that have turned it into a fantastic every day B road blaster
We get to take it out and see what it is like on the open road
For clarification the Dyno chart is a baseline run pre modifications.
Modifications
Gilardoni Nikasil alloy barrels
Megacycle 510-30 TT cams
Dynamically balanced, plasma nitrided crankshaft
Thunder Engineering Lightning billet conrods
32mm Mikuni VM carburettors with modified mounting
Upgraded timing side main bearing
Dual engine breathers
7 plate Clutch kit & alloy pressure plate
Pazon Smartfire ignition with rev limiter, Iridium spark plugs
T160 folding kickstart lever
3D motorcycles front fork dampers
Koni rear shock absorbers
Morgo plunger oil pump, billet rocker feed & external cartridge oil filter
Flowed inlet manifolds, P&M valves with lash caps and mushroom tappet adjusters
520 O ring chain conversion with raised gearing
Alloy front brake caliper, floating disc, 13mm stainless master cylinder
T140D front mudguard
Dunstall copy silencers repacked with Acousta-fil sound absorption material
Stainless fasteners, instrument brackets, exhaust roses, oil pressure release valve, pushrod tubes, spokes & rear rim
Sixties style sidepanels, rear light, alloy tool tray, rear brake stay
Lithium battery with modified mounting
Rubber mounted footrests & lead filled handlebar ends - Auta a dopravní prostředky
All these years later, nothing like the sound of a Bonney!
I have a 1973 Tiger 750 that is very similar.
I have owned since May 1977.
It has over 62,000 miles & still Runs good.
I have never split the crankcase so it has original engine bearings.
The inner transmission cover has never been removed, so internals of the transmission are all original.
When it had 30,000 miles I had the cylinders bored out .020
I made my own wiring harness in 1985, basically duplicated the original, but tried to make better.
I replaced the rectifier & diode with a new electronic unit.
I add a little 2 stroke (synthetic oil) to the gas & it keeps the carburetor from sticking.
I had the cylinder head redone many years ago
You should use a Viton o-ring on the exhaust tappet block, other o-rings will leak/fail due to the heat.
I rebuilt the clutch last winter & replaced the clutch hub assembly etc.
I have replaced the primary chain three times.
My bike has a single Amal carburetor with stock side covers & Tiger name plate.
I never had the stock paint job & right now it is reddish orange.
I have always had short mufflers.
I had to get the frame welded years ago because the oil tank was leaking - where the swingarm pivot penetrates through the tank.
This is a common problem with the frames.
I replaced the tachometer drive with an older style. The original style had a problem with the Welch plug coming out.
I do have nicer looking mirrors:
They are triangular in shape & stick out farther on both sides. The mirrors mount like originals on the brake cylinder & clutch handle bracket.
Anyway, that's my two cents.
Your opening scene is superb, the sound of the Bonnie is music.
I grew up on these bikes! Started with a 69 Trident in 1975, then a 73 650 Bonnie two years later, followed by a Commando 850, then a 750 Bonnie and later a 750 Tiger. In 2009 I was about to lash out the $15k (AUD) for a brand new Bonneville, when a mate came round to tell me he was trading his 1997 883 HD Sportster for a bigger bike. A soon as he told me the trade-in was $7k, it took about 10 seconds to decide to go with that for my first ever Harley. 15 years later and over 90,000 kilometres of touring all over Eastern OZ, and I still have it. I stripped it right down a few years ago everything including wheels came apart and with a set of Carillo barrels and pistons from Hammer Performance, it’s now a 1275cc. Standard heads give it a 1/4 inch squish band and 10.1/1 compression ratio, which with a 2-1 system and an S&S teardrop air box, puts out around 90 HP and double the troque of the original engine. It’s perfectly balanced and although it isn’t QUITE the same as the sound in this video, it is similar in that it is happiest at around 5k RPM and the sound is not far off either. At 67, I think this’ll be my last bike, but listening to this Bonnie revving its way through the gears is music to my ears! The modern Triumphs do NOT sound as good!
Long-time '76V owner here, love the blue/white look! The '76 has some notable changes, and not all for the better! The left foot shift can cause shifting problems, and the hastily designed rear disc brake come to mind. But with patience it all gets sorted out, and it's a terrific classic bike with plenty of parts availability, good brakes, turn signals, and reliability. A well tuned OIF 750 beats a modern Bonneville Thruxton in acceleration, i know that personally!
A buddy and I ordered a pair of new Triumph 750 Tigers in 1973. They were 5spd front disc brake models. Awesome motorcycles, that we immediately rode out to Edmonton from Birch Island BC, for the 73 Trans Am race. Back home via Calgary and the Rogers Pass. Very comfortable and excellent wheelie bikes. Still one of my favourite bikes that I’ve ever owned. That beautiful sound, brings back great memories!
Those on here who say the old Triumphs were rubbish compared to modern bikes, or even their Japanese contemporaries, are missing the point of owning a classic bike. You do it because it makes you feel good, even if it makes you swear sometimes. It's like family, you know it's not perfect, but you love it anyway, and I wouldn't trade mine for anything (the Triumph, that is).
Listen to panheads forever by David Allen Coe . I've got a sneaking suspicion you'll like it.
Well said!😁👍
You have summed it up superbly, could not have said it better myself
"even if it makes you swear sometimes". LOL.
That sometimes might be a time when it's not too convenient.
My dad only had UJMs in the 70s but many of his friends had Triumphs and they said the "bad" reputation they had in the US was largely dependent on which dealership sold the bike. Not many US mechanics really knew how to assemble the Triumphs properly once they arrived from the UK, and not every shop had put their best guy on assembly duty. So some of them had good fit and finish and some of them not so much. Don't know for sure myself if that's true, but it makes sense to me. I know my local shop says that's the case with Urals today.
Triumph Bonneville - the beloved soundtrack of my youth!
You can always tell the sound of a Bonnie
Had 650 Triumphs, and 750 Norton. My rephased XS 650, would smoke them both.
@@robertbobin5053 In a straight line obviously. Not on British B-roads and back lanes where the Bonnie was king throughout the 70s.
Hallo ik heb een Bonnie uit 76 pervekte motor grt from Holland
I had one back in the 80s. I wish I still had it. It was absolutely thee best handling and shifting back roads bike I have ever owned. Loved that bike...
ME to
I had a T140 Tiger many years ago, covered a lot of miles on it and it never gave me any problems. Also had a few T140 Bonnevilles, but always prefered the Tiger. My favourite Triumph was a T160 which I always regret selling - PYH488R where are you now?. I have a modern Triumph these days, but they just dont compare to the originals. Also had a T120 R - that was a real rocket ship and unburstable. Happy days......
PS, I had straight through down pipes, no balance tube, as this stops a smooth exhaust flow! Boyer ignition, & dinamicly balanced. The next job I would have done, if not stolen, was to fit the carbs you have. Just a lovely bike, thanks for your vid.
My uncle bought a new 650cc Bonneville in the mid to later sixties.I was only six or seven at the time and it was the first motorcycle I ever had a ride on. He bought it in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from Nicholson Cycle who were a fairly big British bike dealer. Cheers from Saskatchewan,Canada
Absolutely the best year for the T140V, Sadly my 1973 T140V was stolen. Why I loved that bike was it did everything I wanted, also the right-hand gear change was perfectly balanced with the clutch lever movement, as the brakes were. This was due to the cross movement from side to side. Also this design meant using both sides of your brain for any change of operation.
Perfect.
It reminds me a lot of my 1973 Tiger 750V, close to the same blue/cream color scheme. They really are a beautiful looking bike, the retro while paying tribute cannot ultimately compare. This bike sounds fanatastic.
I love it ❤ a serious amount of money spent on it over the years but what a fantastic result. I want one now.
Less than a minute in and what a great sound👍🏻
Less than 2 minutes in & I sub'd!
I love seeing all these vintage bikes and hearing your thoughts on them. Visually speaking I like the Triumphs of the late 50's up until 1970, after that the lines of the bikes changed a little. This one looks pretty damn nice though. Seems like he tried to match the vibe of a 69 or 70. I don't know what half those mods are, but this guy obviously knows what he's doing. I bet it's a joy to ride. : )
Hi Dave thanks for watching, Dave really does know what he is doing he is our resident "Artist with Spanners"
Cheers Mike
The 60s side panels are a great mod as seen here
Many thanks Mike, Dave and crew. Love the channel. 46 yrs on two wheels I have been lucky enough to have ridden some of these bikes. Workshop is a great idea. Keep safe.
My favorite Triumph was the 650C. Single carb. High pipes. Torque monster. Real fun in the dirt. I never owned one but had a friend who did.
Cool bikes and well presented 👍
Get to see these bikes being Ridden and even modified not stored away
Thanks so much for posting been riding many years don't even remember but started off 1968 triumph Bonneville stainless steel fenders painted gas tank love the bike
Very welcome!
I had the 1978 T140E UK spec, export bars and Norton pea-shooters. That was in the early 1990's, now have a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
I’ve got an Interceptor too fitted Commando style silencers so it sounds more like a 60s twin. Great bikes for the price. How do you think it compares to the old twins like the Meriden Triumphs?
I used to own one very similar, over 30 years ago; till some bar-steward stole it. It was dynamically balanced.
AT a place called Basset-down near Swindon. Floating rollers both sides, using shims to 6thu end play.
It was a 1973 model fitted with Boyer ignition. 8.5 to 1 compression and went really well. Also right hand gear shift
which is better, as your hand and foot movements are across the centre of balance, as is the breaking.
Nice bike, look after it.
In the mid-eighties I had a 79 Bonneville special. I put a lot of miles on that bike it was absolutely Bulletproof.
Best of all!
I had a T140D from 2010 to 2015. Only sold due to house move. Awesome bike.
Had a 78 was a great Bike , but I got a T120 2020 what a difference lol no comparison
Trying to find one now!
Best sounding bike of the collection so far ,as Mike pointed out probably the best for ragging around welsh roads .Well thought out mods Dave ,I look forward to the workshop videos .love the blue/silver colour scheme more than the original tank.i remember the 250 desmo well ,pushed it around Cardiff quite often it gave us quite a workout.The dedication was most touching "paddy " was an amazing character who told the best stories ,think of him often.
I wore a hole through my boot kick starting a 250 Desmo in 12 miles of travel . It would not tick over whatever I did , but wow the handling and engine pick up were amazing . I gave my mate's girlfriend her bike back wiling though .... she ended up with my Bonnie later on .
I've got a 73 T140v,I love it my friend who's built and ridden Bonnie's for 45 odd years reckons the pinnacle year was 78....
I have a 78 triumph t140 was given to me by my step father so glad I've held on to it
I used to have a 76 T140V. 100mph easy. Even 2 up.
We had 2 of them growing up
I could barely kick it over
Every spring we would just flood the carbs and kick it over and it would roar to life every time.
Loved it !
I'm really not sure why I love watching these ride videos so much, but I do. Thanks for letting me tag along again.
You are more than welcome, believe me I love making them and getting the chance to ride these magnificent bikes
lovely bike, love that sound from the exhaust.
So Beautiful! That engine sound can’t be beat! Thanks for Sharing. Just Subscribed!
I loved my T140 . I changed to the slimmer tank , due to a split nearest to the headstock , and put larger , non-standard , but Triumph , badges on the new red and black twin gold striped tank . Then I put Usa handlebars , the old rubbers that I replaced acted like pendulums ! And then I put Commando reverse cones on . One very pretty bike , in my opinion anyway ! But despite all the cleaning and beeing about with timing and carb tuning ( I had , still have , a mercury manometer ) I could never get it running to my satisfaction . Merlin motorcycles offered me a deal with an SF2 Laverda that I jumped at . Eventually , after failed fettling , Andy had the engine apart and it was found that the cylinders were not bored parallel .
Like I said , I loved the Bonney . It seemed light and agile , the stainless single front brake was a nightmare in the wet mind and it made a lovely sound . A grown up 250 really ! Loved it and now I have seen your video , maybe when the dosh arrives I wont chase a new RE or Guzzi . Thankyou .
Liked, subscribed, and shared.
Great T140 restomod, kudos to the owner's taste.
Much better looking with the retro style side-covers. I have these on my resurrected 1982 American export T140. This was missing a lot of parts when I got it. Tri-Spark ignition was a game changer and it is a joy to ride as well as being reliable. I like the T160 kick start.
The T140 is a pretty good daily rider if maintained well but they suffer a bit in the summer here in Western Australia. I pick my riding weather and can always fall back on my Sprint GT or Honda 1300 Super-Four.
A story for you, My friend Mark bought one in Highschool, still has it and I am 64, Bought from Floyd Young the best West coast English bike man, My Ol Dad Always bought from Floyd, had his rebuild work done there too, if you ever get to see sales records to Talent Oregon Floyds name will be there, I remember my Dad carrying me at 3 yrs old into Floyds shop.
Beautiful machine, with great modifications, I'd love to own it. Well done Dave!
The best sounding Bonnie I’ve heard. Wonderful exhaust note and none of the infamous piston slap, such as I had on my ‘78 T140 V.
Lovely sound and great work with the mods. Thanks for the presentation.
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching
12:39 that is a beautiful sound I have like a beautiful singing voice this bike Haas! I love it. I remember being ready to get out of high school and sitting on one of these with this Tiger tank 12:03 that the blue on this one does something that dazzles me.
Brilliant video ,just what we need in mid winter
Very very nice- Thank you for sharing. I have a 78 T140V that I have owned since 1986. Its 100% stock, (barring a boyer ignition that has performed flawlessly for over 30 years), - and I have to confess that all the impressive mods that he has done to this one feel to me a little like thousands spent "gilding the lily" a bit. I ride mine almost every weekend on some of the twistiest mountain roads that CA can provide and it performs just as it should - and just as seen and felt in this video.
And like he said, (while I have a number of terrific classics too, all of which are "worth more" than the T140V), its the last of all my bikes that I would part with. It is eminently practical, very user friendly, and very fun to ride with one, or two, passengers. Say what you want about the OIF bikes, they are much more reliable machines than the 60's bikes and every bit as satisfying on the road.
Again thanks for sharing-
Thanks for watching
Yes, it's a great looking and sounding machine. I've got a 78 T140V, UK model, which I've owned since 1993. It looks standard (apart from the Norton peashooter silencers), but has a few unseen, practical mods, such as the upgraded main bearings, Boyer ignition, 3-phase alternator, paper oil filter conversion, screw-in exhaust port stubs, halogen headlight and 13mm front master cylinder. All of these are for reliability and rideability, rather than performance, and have not changed the character of the bike, which I love.
Joining the party - my '78 T140V, slightly modified - is a gem to ride over the two-lane blacktop roads in SoCal's high desert. Especially thru the Joshua Tree National Park. Too bad we can't share pics!
Oh, British Bikes had the Run of the Motorbikes back then. Beautifut handling and Responsiveness! Cheers, and went over there in '95 an '97. Lovely
Sounds beautiful. I've never owned a Bonnie, but did own two Tiger 750 single carb bikes and a heavily modified Trophy Trail 500. One of them was excellent, the other not so much. I would love to own a classic but have decided to go for a newer technology parallel twin with fuel injection, after road testing one. Still I miss my Trophy Trail the most.
I had a Trophy Trail 500 i bought new in March of '74.
Just came across your very refreshing YT Channel. Loved the videography, drive by's and Welsh scenery. Lovely Bonnie! Sounds gorgeous! Really enjoyed your commentary voice too :) Subscribed first view! Graeme, NZ
Hey, love the bike, brings back many memories of our days running a bike repair shop in the late 1970's. We had some rip roaring times. Stay well mate!
Beautiful bike, I still have a T140ES owned almost from new which has been a joy to own and have had earlier Bonnies including a ' 62 pre-unit which also was lovely.Dave has done a beautiful job with obviously very worthwhile mods and it looks so handsome in an understated way with the earlier side panels.Bet its wonderful to ride, shame they weren't like this from new !.
Love the sound of a Triumph twin at full song! Love the video. Definitely subscribing :)
Sounds awesome and great roads
Interesting stuff. Had a '75 T140V which was right foot shift. I now have a '71 OIF Lightning and a '93 VFR750. The former is badly engineered out of excellent materials and the latter excellently engineered out of crap. Had an R80/7 which had the best of both worlds but not very quick or sporty. At the end of the day it's how it makes you feel. Enjoy!
I have a 76V that I’ve owned since 2013, rebuilt the engine with three piece roller TS bearing, Hyde half race cams, LP Williams 7 plate clutch, new Premier Amals and had the head done with +1mm G&S valves and K-lined guides. Looking forward to video on the mods done to this bike, looks and sounds great. I’m preferring riding it to my modern bike.
You sir, are to be envied and admired.
I had one of these in 1975 a T140v American version same as in film, I still suffer from white finger, vibration was horrendous, they literally shook themselves to bits. My favourite Triumph which I had for 10 years was a T160, wish I'd kept it, I'm sorry but there were no tears shed for the T140. Judging by the amount of mods it is no longer a true Bonneville is it?, but I approve this is how it should have been. Notice you have a lithium battery, I gave up on these after 2 bad winters which killed them dead, even on a lithium maintenance charger, Yuasa for me every time, never had one last less than 8 years.
Very nice bike and the exhaust note
Is perfect!!
Just found the channel, lovely sound from that Bonnie, had a few of them back in the early 80's, thinking about another one before the prices go silly. Keep up the good work lads
Welcome aboard!
Gorgeous bike 👌 mate
Great guys, keep em coming!
Bloody magic mate, exaust note reminds me of my younger years on a Triton. That's mate. 🇬🇧😎👍
Beautiful bike, lovely sound
In 1982 I stupidly traded my 1969 BSA Rocket 3 for a covered sidecar for my Honda CB900C! Your channel has brought back memories, mostly positive, thank you!
Thanks for watching - Glad to hear we are bringing back positive memories, we were mates as teenagers and these bikes recreate those times now we are old blokes.
I really enjoy the countryside you are taking us for a ride in, the Triumph sounds great, I love the way they handle, I wish it were me instead of you. Thanks for sharing this.
fantastic mods....lots ive 'thought' of, but never get round to doing....you have made the effort....i 'know' you'l benifit from....happy riding....
This bike sounds so sweet!
Brilliant bike, excellent commentary! BRAVO ZULU! Great ideas for a couple of mods to my '78 T140V.
Real good vid ! I´ve been riding my youth dream bike for 23yrs a -69 USspec just mildly mod with better ignition a Trispark unit and some more mods like 3ph alternator Morgo oilpump etc. I do think that the old 2LS front ancor very good when heated up slightly , it looks the part as well... Keep up the good work lads!
Such a beautiful sound it makes...
What a beautiful bonnie 👍
Ah lovely, great vid mate! I have a ‘72 Daytona and a ‘04 Bonneville, the difference is night and day with respect to modernity. I’d love an oil in frame Bonneville as well…
Morning from PNW keep up the good work,👍🏍️🗻🏔️
Morning! thanks for watching
With smoother camera work that would be a great intro to a movie, and stunning scenery in the land of lemon drizzle. 👍👍 Love the Bonneville! but am pretty happy with my 650 Interceptor. If you have no regrets, you haven't lived long enough. 😆
Thanks for watching - we are testing an Interceptor in the next couple of weeks
The RE650 is a great bike. Designed by British technicians. You couldn't do it better.
I had a 06 Thruxton Bonneville.. The last of the carburetor versions..
I hated the bloody thing and was glad to see the back of it!!..
The older Bonnies were much better..
Another great video
Thanks for sharing
Lovely Triumph
Thanks for watching
Great sounding bike as all British bikes are, my 1968 T100T Daytona has some modern upgrades, and it makes it more of a pleasure to ride + more reliable. Cheers great video. ⚙️🔩🔧👍
Great video and beautiful Bonnie.
Glad you enjoyed it
Love these videos
Great video guys,I had a 1975 t140v in cherokee red,right hand gear change,all the best
Thanks for watching 👍
Listening to the sound of that 650....I was 18 again for just a few minutes.....Good Video, Thanks
That’s a fantastic looking and sounding bike
I have loved/hated my Brit-bikes in the past. In NZ the only real Win is cheap reg. If you thrash a 75 Bonnie to Auckland and back (from Manawatu) the consequent engine-work could cost up to 5k. There seems to be a lot of myth out there about owning an old Brit. They are what they are , I would happily thrash my 75 xs650, over my (old) 79 Bonnie , knowing that the engine wont crap itself. If you ride quietly around town, with the odd 'burst' , the Bonnie is a great ride. David NZ
unreal Bike sir , Used too Have one 72 T140 , always Wanted another one as a keeper , hopefull one Day
Looks and sounds fab! 👍🏻
Enjoying your videos very much, beautifully filmed and edited. Love seeing and hearing these classic bikes in the English countryside. Would love to see you guys do a video on a classic Kawasaki Z900. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Just negotiated a Z1000 from 76 to film
A fantastic bike with love to have one
I have a 71.
Love that old bike.
Yup, yup, that’s the sound I fell in love with as a young pup. Happily I’m still addicted and I have two beautiful twins to keep the throbbing happening. 😎
Bought a '76 new and it had a lot of annoying glitches, but I loved it anyway. This bike is amazing though. Love what he's done to it. Just found your channel and subbed.
Nice video, lovely bike. Subscribed. Cheers.
Always liked riding a British or Italian bike. Had a Norton, 2 Triumph's, a Ducati and 2 Guzzi's in the 70s/80's. Also agree about the Evo 1200 Sportster, great bike.
Thanks for watching
Generally I don’t like Triumph 650 or 750 twins after 1970, but this 1975 T140 looks wonderful. The ‘ bitsa’ nature of it obviously makes it all the more desirable. Well done Mike, great video. I’m seventy and have had bikes my whole life, currently a Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 103 that I’ve had for seven years and a Ducati SD900 Darmah that I’ve owned for forty three years.that going through its fourth nut and bolt rebuild at the moment. With summer approaching I’m looking forward to some riding of about 700 km a day. We have massive distances here in Australia.
we have even massiver distances here in Canada mate!
you've gotta love that sound
Interesting video , Well done Dave, and agree with all the mods & no belt, (carbs ?).These are the best of Practical British Classics imho when sorted. Tnx gentlemen.
yet another brilliant bike, thanks
I bought a 1976 Bonny just over a year ago, a near basket case. I wanted to have it up and redgo'd
before summer (Australia) I it might be mid to late summer before that happens. I am so happily envious of you.Great sound
Not as envious as we are of you as we slide into winter (I was 25 years in Aus) - cheers Mike
I was going to buy one but all the magazine road tests all had little problems so I bought my CX-500. I have 1965 Triumph TR6 for 40 years. Rode it every day. First kick bike with a Fairbanks Morse magneto. Great bike.
Own 2 Triumphs & have never had a bad day on either of them. 07 Daytona, & 09 Scrambler. Will be building an oldie soon, Triumphs here in the states are really coming on & nothing beats what you do yourself when your riding one!!!
I believe the factory 1979 was the best Bonnevilles ever produced. I've seen many that were leak free, electrically straight, the best carbs, the best build quality. These bikes are highly underrated and very reasonable because the many seek to own the 59-69 and the most desirable.
Why do you suppose that people think that these years are the most desirable?
@@derekcollins1972 their association with the king of cool Steve McQueen, the 60s styling, less vibes than the 750 when build correctly, they are also lighter than later bikes with fewer build problems when new than the 70s bikes which suffered from the issues as the BSA/Triumph group collapsed.
Just my opinion
@@nigeh5326 Thanks for your opinion. I still have my 68 Bonnie that I bought many years ago for $1200. I remember kicking myself afterwards when I could have bought a pair for $600. One ran and the other didn't. Lol,times have changed from being worthless to many to crazy priced today. Fads happen i guess. It's great to have lots of parts nowadays available.
I had a brand new 79 that was a real lemon. A great bike when running though. Appalling quality control issues on mine. I own a 68Trophy 500 now that is superior in terms of reliability, build quality. Go figure hey?
I remember that sound from a long time ago, now at 73 my wife has decided i have to stop riding, Such is life and such are the good memories of the bonnie. Sisaket Thailand.
At least you have great weather, thanks for watching
That's the one for me, even over the 68 Bonny. Lovely bike.
love the sound would like to ride one
Jay Leno said his '64 bonneville handled so well it was like he just had to think of where he wanted the bike to go and it responded. That described perfectly what I liked best about my '68.....Yes, it had all the annoyances that riders complain about but that feeling of it being an extention of myself was amazing. I'm told the frame change in '71 changed that.
I would have really liked a lot of what's on this '75....great video
I had my 68 Bonnie for years. Still love it.
I don't think the OIF bikes take away any of what you described, a lot of which comes from the weight (or lack of it) distribution and the skinny tyres which roll so easily into the corners. This bike definitely handles better than my '68, which is pretty decent anyway!
@@waveydavey750 To be honest I've never driven an oif bike. I just remember the complaining when the '71s came out. I did drive some hondas, a yamaha 650 and a '70 bsa 500, and they all felt like a bit of a wrestling match in the corners. The bsa was brand new and after getting off my bike the first thing he said was " I'll trade you strait across"
Thanks for your observations. Leno also gives some facts as to why triumphs bought in the uk often handled better than the ones exported.......interesting
I hear you on the selling of a bike. Owned a 1973 T120...was a proper shed find, fixed it up. rode it and sold it a couple of years later. Still to this day super sorry about that.
A guy I worked with bought a 77 jubilee special it was very reliable. Never let him down. Used every day for work and long weekend runs.. Sounded better than a nightengale.
I had a Norton Commando 750 in a featherbed frame (from a Norton Dominator). Great bike to ride, developed a main bearing problem.
Great bike, enjoy!