It followed me home dear, honest...

I went to the Bonneville 60th celebration recently in Uttoxeter. It was a bit of a damp squib to be honest, but I did see this very nicely restored T140.

I’ve always had a soft spot for late T140s and their derivatives, and the closer I looked at this the better it got. About as close to ‘as new’ as you can get.

Long story short; it’ll be in my shed very soon! It needs Norton Commando style peashooters fitting of course (already on their way) but other than that I’m hoping not to do too much else to it. Looking forward to some enjoyable miles!

Looks nice.
John in Texas

Fast Eddie said:

I went to the Bonneville 60th celebration recently in Uttoxeter. It was a bit of a damp squib to be honest, but I did see this very nicely restored T140.

I’ve always had a soft spot for late T140s and their derivatives, and the closer I looked at this the better it got. About as close to ‘as new’ as you can get.

Long story short; it’ll be in my shed very soon! It needs Norton Commando style peashooters fitting of course (already on their way) but other than that I’m hoping not to do too much else to it. Looking forward to some enjoyable miles!
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That's a great looking bike Nigel, well done. I love mine, it is such a reliable bike I never seem to have to do anything to it . I built it twelve years ago, chassis and motor and it still refuses to leak any oil whatsoever.
I have a brand new T140E luggage rack for that if you are interested.
cheers
sam

Thanks Sam.

Indeed, so long as they’re not thrashed within an inch of their lives all the time (like mine used to be when I was young and (even more) stupid) the are nice reliable bikes. So I’m hoping this one will be too!

My Dad has taken custody of the ‘68 cos his Hinckley Bonnie just got to be too heavy for him. So that freed up some space in the shed!

I was thinking about a luggage rack type grab rail actually. Whilst I like the satin black front end (done up as per the later models) I’m not yet sure about the satin black grab rail and rear light.

I’ll ponder it and let you know mate.

It just needs some 60's style side panels, a bigger front disc and smaller indicators, then you can leave it alone !
sam (Oh I forgot ---------- a proper oil filter)

Fast Eddie said:

So that freed up some space in the shed!
.

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Still no space for that Humpty Dumpty that you lust after!

trident sam said:

It just needs some 60's style side panels, a bigger front disc and smaller indicators, then you can leave it alone !
sam (Oh I forgot ---------- a proper oil filter)

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Was pondering the Hyde front disc, is that what you use?

And a ‘Charlies’ style paper element for the OIF base plate.

Indicators, I’m not sure yet. In all likelihood I’ll probably take ‘em off.

Will probably fit a Tri Spark ign and coils too.

Eljahara said:

Still no space for that Humpty Dumpty that you lust after!

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A frayed knot!

The T140 has consumed it. Also made the bag of monies a little lighter...

Very nice indeed.

Fast Eddie said:

Was pondering the Hyde front disc, is that what you use?

And a ‘Charlies’ style paper element for the OIF base plate.

Indicators, I’m not sure yet. In all likelihood I’ll probably take ‘em off.

Will probably fit a Tri Spark ign and coils too.

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I'm using a copy of the Hyde 12" disc that my mate was having made but due to health reasons he can't do it any more. I've run a Hyde 12" disc on a Trident though and they are a great improvement on standard.
Have also used a Charlies type oil filter until Martyn (Matchless on this site) rigged up a Suzuki Cappucino spin on filter that resides behind the 60's style side panel.
sam

What are the pads to use these day Sam?

I was using EBC HH pads last time I had a Lockheed caliper and thought they were great. Are they choice of the knowledgable?

Despite being rather pessimistic previously, I’m quite intrigued by the Lockheed racing caliper replicas that are on the market at present, have you any experience with these?

I don't like the HH pads as they tore up a stainless disc I had.
I use EBC greenstuff pads (intended for the original Mini as it the same caliper to all intents) part no.
DP 2128 an ebay number is 141759576923. obviously when you buy a set you get 4, not 2 like from a bike dealer.
I was using one of them calipers on the front of my Mk 3 Commando, until I turned the forks round and went with a Brembo 4 pot.
The Lockheed replica is a good caliper though and much lighter than the iron triumph one.
I have the lightly used one here with pads and ss brakeline if you want to cross my palm with £100.
sam

Hi Nigel,
You're worse than me for buying bikes on spec! I've recently imported a '79 T14E and a '73 T150 from California.
I agree with the comments on the late Meriden twins, though i cursed my '75 T140V I've owned and modified for about 30 years, by telling a mate the other day how it was the most reliable bike I owned. Sure enough it broke down last week for the first time in decades with a failed alternator I suspect!

On the brakes, I personally wouldn't bother with a Hyde 12" conversion. I'm sure they work ok but look (as do a lot of Mr Hydes offerings imho, the bracketry on his products always look like it was made in a shed?) pretty naff? I have a Grimeca alloy Lockheed rep (no longer available but other generic ones are or Sam's) and a Hyde 10" floating disc. This is standard size but weighs 1lb less. Along with the 3-4lb (I forget) weight saving with the alloy caliper it's a LOT less unsprung weight.

I have some bikes with truly fabulous brakes - my ex-racing Harley XR1200 has effectively Honda SP2 Nissin brakes and my Laverda Jota has a Ducati 996 brembo set up, but the admittedly very light T140 (around 40lb lighter than your standard one) is pretty much up there, only the front tyre adhesion and softer suspension stop it equalling those two I suspect? The floating disc also gives great front end feel, it was the only classic bike I liked using in central London when I lived there as the others were frightening in cut and thrust traffic due to lack of power or feel or both! (The Laverda was just too uncomfortable!)

Paul Fotheringham at Shropshire Classics also does them - he's about 5 miles from me and a good bloke to deal with.

https://normanhyde.co.uk/4-hole-floating-disc-10-inch.html

https://triumphbonneville.com/store/page27.html

I use HH pads and they seem fine .

Just my 2p s worth!

All the best

Dave

Hi Dave,

I’ve already ordered the Hyde kit, I’m getting my mate to skim off the ugly cast in Hyde logo. Also, my front end is all stain black, so I’ll paint the bracket too. All in all, I’m thinking it should look a lot better!

The bike has a Wassel EI system.

I’m not familiar with these and am a bit of a Tri Spark fan so will probably swap it.

If anyone wants a VERY low mileage Wassell EI system, let me know.

Hi Nigel,
Yeah it's mostly where "Hyde" is cast in that lends a "homespun" look imho!
How much for the Wassell? I need to do more tests on a supposedly faulty Pazon fitted to the new T140E but could be interested? Ping me a message if you want?
Dave

I know the feeling...



That one sure was a hotrod, Dunstall Power Pipe 2-into 1- into 2

Nice bike Nigel.
Surprised no-one has mentioned a 13mm mastercylinder yet. I've got one on my outfit and even with standard disc and caliper it great. Had 13" Norvil disc and alu Lockheed on before I fitted the sidecar, that was a 2 finger job.
Andover used to have 13mm masters as they're the same as Mk3 rear, but it looks like they're out of stock. LP Williams are also out of stock.
Dan

Finally picked up the Bonnie t’other day. Whilst I was there, I guy walks in who’s having his Triumph engine rebuilt by the vendor... a certain Jamie Whittam! He was one of my racing hero’s back in the 80s and 90s!

Anyway, I’ve now done the basics, fitted some peashooters (they look and sound just perfect on these bikes IMHO), removed mirrors and indicators, and a bit more faffing around.

Am very pleased with it so far, hopefully I can get some miles on it before the roads get salted!

On the 79 T140 D I bought last July.....Dechroming the front disc, Ferodo street pads and most importantly, a 13 MM master cylinder made a very noticeable improvement over stock...I used a Mangura type master cylinder and clutch lever/perch and a a handlebar switch from a 2013 Triumph...The clutch action also improved but not everyone wants to change from the stock look..
I disassembled the front end for repairs and noticed the left fork tube is slightly bent.. Several Brits told me that this happens over the years from aggressive front braking ?????
Anyways, I'm adapting the 41mm front fork assembly from a 95 Honda 750 interceptor to the Triumph. The Honda yokes have identical offset and the fork width is within 1/8 inch of the Triumph...The stock headlight mounting ears, fender and Lockheed caliper and front wheel are retained...I have done this before, it requires a some modifications to the Honda parts..