Triumphrat

JohnA · 12-24-2012, 07:47 PM

Talking about american gallons, what does a US T140 tank actually hold, in imperial gallons? I've read everythig between 2 and 2.5 gallons. It makes quite a difference when touring, eg: 100 miles safe range or 125 miles, and that extra 25 miles can mean a great deal sometimes.

BTW, I used to get around 50mpg out of my '76 T140 when it was bog standard and slow, and over 60mpg after removing the silencers, fitting 32mm carbs and blending-in the inlet stubs, removing the air filters (NOT that I'm recommending the latter these days - rebores every 10,000 miles? No thanks!) and increasing the main jet sizes from 190 to 260. It might have been capable of drinking a lot more fuel but the improved efficiency measnt I had to use a lot less throttle to go the same speeds. God knows why Triumph didn't seem to realise this! And if people say it was all due to ever tightening emmissions and noise laws, how did Ducati get away with it?

gatornapper · 12-25-2012, 02:06 AM

T140? What's that? T120 and T150 I know.......

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnA

Talking about american gallons, what does a US T140 tank actually hold, in imperial gallons? I've read everythig between 2 and 2.5 gallons. It makes quite a difference when touring, eg: 100 miles safe range or 125 miles, and that extra 25 miles can mean a great deal sometimes.

BTW, I used to get around 50mpg out of my '76 T140 when it was bog standard and slow, and over 60mpg after removing the silencers, fitting 32mm carbs and blending-in the inlet stubs, removing the air filters (NOT that I'm recommending the latter these days - rebores every 10,000 miles? No thanks!) and increasing the main jet sizes from 190 to 260. It might have been capable of drinking a lot more fuel but the improved efficiency measnt I had to use a lot less throttle to go the same speeds. God knows why Triumph didn't seem to realise this! And if people say it was all due to ever tightening emmissions and noise laws, how did Ducati get away with it?

Rathlindri · 12-26-2012, 05:54 AM

T140 is a 750 bonnie Gator

gatornapper · 12-26-2012, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rathlindri

T140 is a 750 bonnie Gator

I knew that Rathlindri! I thought my tongue was pushing my cheek so far out I thought that everyone would certainly notice!

The reason I wrote that is that I don't think a T140 was ever mentioned before in this thread.

Oh, yes, maybe I mentioned a T140 once - I remember looking at a '77 T140 because I would love to experience both the lower seat and 750 Bonneville engine.....

DAVE M · 12-27-2012, 06:00 AM

the T140 USA Tank holds 2.8 US gallons which is 2.3 UK ones

I have never figured out if the T140D US tank is the standard US one, or is smaller. Triumph seemed to have mixed the standards up and I'm never sure if they're talking UK/US gallons. Best that I can assume is that the UK tank is listed in Imperial, USA in US gallons

Snakeoil · 12-27-2012, 10:27 AM

Looking at the 76-77 T140V parts book, it shows the following

3.6 US gal for both T140V and TR7V as standard

Alternative tanks are 4 Imp gallons for both models.

In 72 Parts book it shows 3 gall (no type of gallon listed) as standard with 4-3/4 gal (no type) listed as "available"

In the same 72 parts book on the classicbike site, the part numbers for the tank have been written over manually. The sizes are the same but the numbers have changed. If you are really curious, you might look up all the various numbers and go to the Brit Ony e-catalogue and see what they list as the size for each one.

I have to admit, I'm hard pressed to believe my 76 tank is 3.6 US gal.

regards,
Rob

JohnA · 12-27-2012, 02:57 PM

It is very confusing (for me anyway), the reason being this US/Imperial liquid measurement unit difference. I have no clear idea what the conversion between US & Imperial units is. I have a vague feeling that fluid ounces are the same but the US pint has 16 of them (like a pound in weight) but here we have 20???

Metric makes a lot more sense!

coloradobob · 12-27-2012, 03:03 PM

I measured 4 rusty tanks. L to R: T120 OIF--2 3/4 US gal, '71 TR6 optional-- 4 US gal, T120 pre OIF-- 3 US gal, bottom: UK-- 4 1/2 US gal. The listed capacities as shown in the 72 owners manual are incorrect @ 3 1/2 and 4 3/4 US gal. I believe the slimline tank is 2 1/2 gal as listed in my 1973 T140 (TR7) owners manual. The optional 4 gal tank has no bottom brace, go figure? I am having threaded inserts added by my welder. This should prevent stress cracks that are common to the OIF slimline tank when the brace is left off. I like the "made in England" tanks from British Cycle Supply, but am not convinced they hold 3.6 US gallons. More like a little over 3. I measured allowing room for expansion or the cap breather spits at me and messes up my paint. http://www.britcycle.com/Products/TR7T140Tank.htm Bob

coloradobob · 12-27-2012, 04:53 PM

Gator: I ride in mostly 4th and 5th gear in light traffic with few stops and most rides are over 60 miles. I really do believe that my VM34 Mikuni (single) improves mileage by 10% or so. It took a lot of carburetion runs, but the 5 needle notches over the 3 on an Amal improve performance in everyday riding. I haven't touch the settings in 7 years. Amal has improved throttle slide wear on their new carbs and I have one on my latest '73 TR7. I have a 105 needle jet on it but it's too cold (10*F) to ride. I'm curious how the knobbies do on snow. I also think modern tires roll easier. It's too bad they suck off-pavement. I replaced my points because they were shot. The springs were old and the screw slots were trash and their threads were stripped. I got Tri-Spark because of the advance curve and don't trust worn springs http://www.ebay.com/itm/54415642-TRI...-/121014780348 and weights. I feel that I need rock steady timing to deal with todays gas. All the discussion of points vs EI is about reliability of the ignition. I want reliability for the entire engine. With the Mikuni, I run 5 miles with the richener on (downhill in any direction from my house) and believe it helps to not run lean. The TR6 doesn't like it anyway and spits at me. You know what the Bonne is telling you when you ride it. I get very similar gas mileage to Ed's 74 850 Commando with a single Mikuni. Happy New Year. Bob

gatornapper · 12-27-2012, 05:10 PM

Bob -

All makes sense. Trispark in both my Bonnie and Trident are at the top of my "TTTD" (Trumpy Things To Do) list in early spring.

And frankly, the 38ish mpg I get on the Bonnie isn't enough to fret about because she's so much fun to ride, I really don't care about the small extra cost of the fuel.

Speaking of fuel, see my next post...

GN

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradobob

Gator: I ride in mostly 4th and 5th gear in light traffic with few stops and most rides are over 60 miles. I really do believe that my VM34 Mikuni (single) improves mileage by 10% or so. It took a lot of carburetion runs, but the 5 needle notches over the 3 on an Amal improve performance in everyday riding. I haven't touch the settings in 7 years. Amal has improved throttle slide wear on their new carbs and I have one on my latest '73 TR7. I have a 105 needle jet on it but it's too cold (10*F) to ride. I'm curious how the knobbies do on snow. I also think modern tires roll easier. It's too bad they suck off-pavement. I replaced my points because they were shot. The springs were old and the screw slots were trash and their threads were stripped. I got Tri-Spark because of the advance curve and don't trust worn springs and weights. I feel that I need rock steady timing to deal with todays gas. All the discussion of points vs EI is about reliability of the ignition. I want reliability for the entire engine. With the Mikuni, I run 5 miles with the richener on (downhill in any direction from my house) and believe it helps to not run lean. The TR6 doesn't like it anyway and spits at me. You know what the Bonne is telling you when you ride it. I get very similar gas mileage to Ed's 74 850 Commando with a single Mikuni. Happy New Year. Bob