Triumphrat

mr noisy · 12-21-2009, 05:22 AM

Hi
I have just aquired a 'barnfind' '72 Bonnie & although it has all the appearance of a T120, the engine no. says T440V. Can anyone shed any light?
I dont have V5 so am in the process of getting reissued.
Cheers
Steve

Ming · 12-21-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr noisy

Hi
I have just aquired a 'barnfind' '72 Bonnie & although it has all the appearance of a T120, the engine no. says T440V. Can anyone shed any light?
I dont have V5 so am in the process of getting reissued.
Cheers
Steve

Hi Steve,are you sure the first "4" isn't a "1" making the engine a T140v,check the frame number,the bike could have had a 750 motor retro fitted.
regards,
Bill.

Red1959 · 12-21-2009, 08:09 PM

another graveyard shift punch screw-up

mr noisy · 12-22-2009, 04:31 AM

I think Ming may be right, - the numbers are not very clear. Logbook says 650cc though - is there any way of telling from the engine?
Steve

Ming · 12-22-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr noisy

I think Ming may be right, - the numbers are not very clear. Logbook says 650cc though - is there any way of telling from the engine?
Steve

Hi,as far as I know if the engine was a 650 ,the number should read something like this;two letters,for the year and month,followed by the serial number,******followed byT120R,or RV,"V" denotes five speed gearbox,these letters and numbers will be the same in the logbook,unless the engine has been changed at some point,if the engine has been miss stamped the format of the number you have would suggest it is a miss stamped 750, T440V,it would be more difficult to "accidently" stamp a T120R with this number,but there are lots of guy's on this forum,who know more about this subject than I do,maybe someone else can throw a little more light on it for you,I hope this helps you,
regards,
Bill.

mr noisy · 12-22-2009, 09:30 AM

OK ta
Will see what logbook says - not got it yet as previous owner lost.
Cheers
Steve

Webby · 12-22-2009, 01:15 PM

Hi there,
If your (nice) find is a 72, it should be a 650, Triumph did not start making the 750 till (I think) late 73. It is possible that it has had an engine transplant at some point with a later (750, 5 Speed) motor and box.
Have a look at the frame number on the head stock and see if they match.

Webby

GrandPaulZ · 12-22-2009, 02:24 PM

Never rule out unbelievable rarities.

The first 750s came out in 1970, the T120RT for AMA homologation. I've not heard any details on how many 750 homologation bikes were made in subsequent years before the official release of the T140.

....you never know...

RidingDonkeys · 12-22-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandPaulZ

Never rule out unbelievable rarities.

The first 750s came out in 1970, the T120RT for AMA homologation. I've not heard any details on how many 750 homologation bikes were made in subsequent years before the official release of the T140.

....you never know...

How cool would that be to pull the "rarity" out of a barn? Every man's dream.

mr noisy · 12-23-2009, 05:06 AM

Here's a pic - we'll see what we can find out. Is covered in dried grease, but still corrosion evident. Surprise! ;-) 1 owner from new. Reg no. DKA17K. Any info gratefully received.
Steve