I was charmed back in 79 and bought my T140 that I still own. I too prefer it over other bikes I have ridden over the years. Does it have quirks, yes none that spoil the ride though. It is the ride I like , the handling, the power, the gas mileage and of course its looks. Do I use it for long distance touring, no. Though when I was younger I drove it all day long. Today for my long trips its on an 1100V-star that is like the new Triumphs quite heavy. Just not as much fun but softer all around. I just developed my first oil leak in the 79 and am debating when I'll feel like pulling the head and changing a push rod tube gasket or just carry a rag with me.
You've done well, those o-rings usually harden and start leaking long before that, along with the ones on the rocker spindles. I've had my 1978 T140V for 30 years and wouldn't swap it for anything, but I reckon about 10 years or so between taking the head off to sort out the seals, and a decoke at the same time.
Normally, I’d say the old skool bike over the latest model...but in this case, I’ll go with a Hinckley Triumph over a Meriden Triumph any day! When I started out riding ‘big bikes’, as a opposed to a Suzuki AS50 50cc, mates with mid 70’s Japanese bikes got to ride a lot more than mates on the old Brit twins! John Bloor Triumphs have Japanese quality control, and make great motorcycles...however, the old bonnevilles do have great ‘character’! I’d love a 1965 Honda CB 450 Black Bomber though! 😃🏍👍
Great commentary, as usual. My one addition would be that you can afford to prefer the T140 because you're not dependant on it to be 100% reliable for your everyday use and holidays. It's a very male thing to be involved in the bike to the extent that if you're doing a long journey then you have to put in some testoterone by ignoring the vibes and be expecting to to get the spanners out at any moment. I have an '05 T100 and an '86 K100 RT. I'd use either for a continental trip at the drop of a hat, but i wouldn't use a T140 outside of a 100 mille radius of home....believe me I've been through that and ownership of 3 VW campers. I love them to bits but wouldn't own either except for a cruise to the local cafe or rally.
You are right Chris. The T140 is not the best choice for sole means of transport. I am fortunate to own several bikes and can chose a more suitable ride for longer journeys. having said that, I recently did a trip round Scotland on the T140 on which I did 650 trouble free miles over a long weekend. However, your comment has given me an idea for another video - watch this space! ;-)
I ride a '59 Triumph Thunderbird around in north Thailand. I've almost done 60,000 miles on it. Wouldn't hesitate to jump on it tomorrow and ride 600 miles in 3 days on mountain roads. I often take it on week long camping trips. I don't own a modern road bike. Don't need one. Love my bike. Vibes are pleasant. Don't need ABS brakes, just about impossible to lock the wheels up in normal riding conditions. However, having said all that, it did take about 20 years of work to sort it, to be that reliable, after decades of questionable maintenance. I know it pretty well. We are best friends. Now 12V, uprated alternator, electronic regulator and ignition, plus LED headlamp bulb.
@@ianyonok At this moment I actually have a 2021 T120 AND a 1973 T140V in the garage and have yesterday placed the 2021 T120 up for sale, Its chalk and cheese when comparing the two bikes. I LOVE the modern styling and refinements, new right knee and left hip says the modern bike is best into the future, BUT my T140V just rides so well and feels much better on the road. My bike was totally restored with new parts by the chap who imported it back from the US last year and its almost a new bike really. I have had several T140E's up to now and this one is the best by far. Old fashioned, set in my ways, LOVE Triumph with a passion, I can actually do some servicing on the T140V and all that you can see is real bike and not fake panels. Thanks, Liam (Norwich)
I've got a few bikes but it's my t140 and pre unit I love the most. They're the ones I use when I can, it's been a pain in the ass, but its sorted now, it should be great with a bit of maintenance
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I was charmed back in 79 and bought my T140 that I still own. I too prefer it over other bikes I have ridden over the years. Does it have quirks, yes none that spoil the ride though. It is the ride I like , the handling, the power, the gas mileage and of course its looks. Do I use it for long distance touring, no. Though when I was younger I drove it all day long. Today for my long trips its on an 1100V-star that is like the new Triumphs quite heavy. Just not as much fun but softer all around.
I just developed my first oil leak in the 79 and am debating when I'll feel like pulling the head and changing a push rod tube gasket or just carry a rag with me.
You've done well, those o-rings usually harden and start leaking long before that, along with the ones on the rocker spindles. I've had my 1978 T140V for 30 years and wouldn't swap it for anything, but I reckon about 10 years or so between taking the head off to sort out the seals, and a decoke at the same time.
All t140's had 5 gears, I've a 73 model , it's got 5 gears. In fact the last of the 650's had 5 speeds too
Normally, I’d say the old skool bike over the latest model...but in this case, I’ll go with a Hinckley Triumph over a Meriden Triumph any day! When I started out riding ‘big bikes’, as a opposed to a Suzuki AS50 50cc, mates with mid 70’s Japanese bikes got to ride a lot more than mates on the old Brit twins! John Bloor Triumphs have Japanese quality control, and make great motorcycles...however, the old bonnevilles do have great ‘character’! I’d love a 1965 Honda CB 450 Black Bomber though! 😃🏍👍
The answer is neither. I’d take a ‘78 Meriden Tiger (TR7RV) - smoother, just as fast, easier to maintain and cheaper to buy.
Great commentary, as usual. My one addition would be that you can afford to prefer the T140 because you're not dependant on it to be 100% reliable for your everyday use and holidays. It's a very male thing to be involved in the bike to the extent that if you're doing a long journey then you have to put in some testoterone by ignoring the vibes and be expecting to to get the spanners out at any moment. I have an '05 T100 and an '86 K100 RT. I'd use either for a continental trip at the drop of a hat, but i wouldn't use a T140 outside of a 100 mille radius of home....believe me I've been through that and ownership of 3 VW campers. I love them to bits but wouldn't own either except for a cruise to the local cafe or rally.
You are right Chris. The T140 is not the best choice for sole means of transport. I am fortunate to own several bikes and can chose a more suitable ride for longer journeys. having said that, I recently did a trip round Scotland on the T140 on which I did 650 trouble free miles over a long weekend. However, your comment has given me an idea for another video - watch this space! ;-)
@@SongsFromTheSaddle Cool. If you need a hand give me a shout.
I ride a '59 Triumph Thunderbird around in north Thailand. I've almost done 60,000 miles on it. Wouldn't hesitate to jump on it tomorrow and ride 600 miles in 3 days on mountain roads. I often take it on week long camping trips. I don't own a modern road bike. Don't need one. Love my bike. Vibes are pleasant. Don't need ABS brakes, just about impossible to lock the wheels up in normal riding conditions. However, having said all that, it did take about 20 years of work to sort it, to be that reliable, after decades of questionable maintenance. I know it pretty well. We are best friends.
Now 12V, uprated alternator, electronic regulator and ignition, plus LED headlamp bulb.
@@ianyonok At this moment I actually have a 2021 T120 AND a 1973 T140V in the garage and have yesterday placed the 2021 T120 up for sale, Its chalk and cheese when comparing the two bikes. I LOVE the modern styling and refinements, new right knee and left hip says the modern bike is best into the future, BUT my T140V just rides so well and feels much better on the road. My bike was totally restored with new parts by the chap who imported it back from the US last year and its almost a new bike really. I have had several T140E's up to now and this one is the best by far. Old fashioned, set in my ways, LOVE Triumph with a passion, I can actually do some servicing on the T140V and all that you can see is real bike and not fake panels. Thanks, Liam (Norwich)
I've got a few bikes but it's my t140 and pre unit I love the most. They're the ones I use when I can, it's been a pain in the ass, but its sorted now, it should be great with a bit of maintenance
why not show the t140 if you're comparing?
See my separate video in which I give a detailed review of the T140. When I recorded this video I was riding the T120.
The classic is better