Some pondering thoughts (well it’s Christmas innit)...

Fast Eddie

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When I were a lad I had Triumphs and thrashed them mercilessly in order to show my Japanese mounted mates that Brit bikes could still cut it! And generally, I succeeded... but at a price.

Naturally, this resulted in all the vibration and reliability issues so often associated with Brit bikes ‘back in the day’. Eventually I capitulated and had a string of GSXRs etc.

Then, I recently bought a very nicely restored T140 and, as it’s had a full rebuild, and cos I’m older (and wiser ??) am riding it, shall we say, differently.

And it’s interesting. Below 85mph / 5000rpm ish I’m really surprised at how smooth it is.

Also, between 2000 and 5000 rpm it really pulls nicely. Contrary to popular opinion, it definitely pulls stronger at these revs than my ‘68 T120.

With Commando style peashooters fitted it sounds bloody lovely. It’s very light. The handling is basically impossible to fault at these speeds. It starts first or second kick. And, of course, it looks bloody gorgeous.

All in all, it’s really made me realise that the humble old T140 is a seriously underated classic. With its modern electrics and indicators (though I removed mine), amazingly plentiful spares supply, etc, it really is, in many ways, the ideal classic bike.

And compared to its rivals; Commandos, Tridents, pre OIF Triumphs, etc. They’re a bloody bargain!

Well, they’re my thoughts at least...
 
Rough Edge has a '79 T140. Even before he worked on it I was impressed with how much smoother it is compared to mu '76 Bitsa. Love the light flickable feeling it has.
 
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