Post Sale Update: This T140V sold for $5,501 after 27 bids on eBay in Altadena, California.
If you’re looking for a Bonneville to ride, the second generation (T140) can be very appealing as they’re typically cheaper than the T120 and they have some quality upgrades: 100 more cubic centimeters of displacement, a front disc brake, and an additional gear in the transmission. This was Triumph’s way of combating the onslaught of advancements from Japan – but it turns out that Triumph was arguably a bigger obstacle to their own success than Honda, Suzuki, et al. In ’73, Triumph was only able to survive (as Norton-Villiers-Triumph) because of a government loan, but at the end of the year workers at the Meriden factory held a sit-in to protest the announced closure of their plant.
The sit-in obviously got in the way of production numbers, and even once it had been squared away the ’74 bikes still had a couple of quality control issues. The 49 horsepower twin was good for a top speed of approximately 110 miles per hour, and the curb weight was about 420 pounds. Major changes for 1974 included a bigger gas tank (up to 3.6 gallons) and a new paint option of Cherokee Red and Cold White with Gold pinstripes. For more on the 140V, check out this Buyer’s Guide from Sump Publishing.
This example (VIN: T140VNJ59561) has 9,206 miles on the odometer and it’s recently been taken out of storage and brought back to life with a carb clean, new battery, and new fluids. Per the seller it starts easy, runs great, does not smoke, and does not leak oil. While there’s some flaking of paint on the cylinder and a small dent on the top of the tank, the cosmetics are generally in good shape and they seem reasonable for a 44 year old motorcycle in original condition. The tires will need to be replaced but otherwise this seems ready to enjoy as a runner.
Find this 140V for sale in Altadena, California with bidding up to $4,263 and the reserve not yet met