Triumphrat

cvilou · 08-19-2007

Hi,

Can anybody tell about this bike?

It looks correct. Just one problem one muffler has to be changed, the seller says.

Price shold be 5 300 $

Thanks for advice.

Christian (France)

bonnietiler · 08-19-2007

Well, it looks OK, 1977 Silver Jubilee, original plan was to produce just 1000 machines...but they sold so well they made another 1000, then finally 200 more, so a grand total of 2200 Silver Jubilee machines.
It was the first Triumph bike to have the Girling Gas shock fitted (these should be fitted upside down) But came with points rather than Lucas electronic ignition. Also was originally fitted with Dunlop "Red Arrow" tyres. Often the chrome plating on the side cases can come adrift. A mint unregistered Silver Jub would fetch around £10,000. an A1 used one (low miler) but in perfect original condition worth maybe half that. Most good used UK jubilee machines seem to sell for around £3250-£4000tops.
Cheers
BonnieT UK

GrandPaulZ · 08-19-2007

If 'tiler is correct, then the pricetag is VERY good considering the exchange rate.

By the way, that bike is one of the Euro versions with the "breadbox" gas tank, thus it is one of just over 1,000.
If it runs well, buy it.

GrandPaulZ · 08-20-2007

Cvilou -

By the way, you might make a lower offer first...

kludge · 08-20-2007

Note that the paint trim on the center of the rims comes off quite easily and IIRC they are then quite prone to rust.

The mufflers are the same as the T140V and E models so they should be easy to come by and not cost too much.

BTW, I don't know which shocks should have been fitted to the bike, but the ones in the photo are NOT the inverted gas units. I kinda remember the gas struts being fitted in '78 or '79, but not earlier.

KADUTZ · 08-21-2007

before I go any further I own a Jubilee (although it was purchased as and still is a basket case)

the jubliee while a 1977 model and produced in the '77 model year is really to '78 specifications with a bunch of gingerbread. the jubliee and '78 share drop side seat, similiar air box beauty covers, gas girling shocks wiring loom and all bits including the 410 headlamp bulb, and reflector. Also the jubilee is in the '78 parts book not the '77.

the above is fact the following is my opinion

I think the jubilee model is the best lookin T140 produced. All the silver and chrome. blue seat cover with red piping and fancy rims. A production show bike for a lucky 1000 of the masses.

I also think it was the best marketing plan (scam) ever pulled off on the British bike rider. it was produced just as 1million pounds was invested for the production of 2000 cycles to cure a cash flow problem. lets see 1000 home models 1000 US models (and 400 or so extras for general export ) based on the Queens Jubilee. make something limited and people gotta hve it. Does anyone have prodution figures for 77 non jubliee T140's and the same for 78 T140's

my opinion is that if you want something rare find a '78 T140 (or TR7V) in the condition of the jubliee you found, that will be rare. Jubies are in crates and climate controlled environs all over the world.
I will also bet you get the 78 for 30% less than the jubliee

GrandPaulZ · 08-21-2007

Kadutz: That entire post sounds perfectly logical.

I have seen a few '78 models go by. I had one and traded it for my 2000 Legend. The '78 I had had been hot-rodded, it had Megacycle cams and a Dunstall 2-into-1-into-2 Power Pipe with Decibel silencers.

I used to have all kinds of fun with it locking up the rear wheel due to the fact that the previous woner had installed a too-wide rear tire on it, which rubbed the rear brake actuator body, which caused heat and expansion, which caused the rear brake to lock up pretty much the instant you touched the pedal.

The thing was wild once i got that fixed; it hauled the male.

htown16 · 08-21-2007

Kadutz,
Curious why you would consider the 78 rare. Is it because of change to parellel port head and Mark II's mid run. Late 78 T140E's was only model with points and later version head and carb. Have heard later model head is more efficient and runs cooler. Factory recommended a switch to N5 instead of N3 plugs because of this.
Htown

KADUTZ · 08-22-2007

htown16
the 78 early or late is not a rare bike as Triumphs go. I used that as an example since the jubie and '78 are in the same parts book. what is uncommon is to find a STOCK unmolested 78(or 77,76)T140 or TR7. you want somthing REALLY rare get a 75 T140 in the condition of the pictured jubilee. when was the last time you saw a STOCK Triumph for sale? as I said previously there are STOCK jubilees in crates and controlled enviornments all over the world.

as far as the early 78 vs the late 78.
I dont know if the new head is more efficent and runs cooler. production change came to US bikes with those made on/after jan 1,1978 and was caused by EPA regulations. AMAL concentrics would not pass had to go to the mark II version to get thru pollution tests. yes late 78's had points,
mark II carbs and POSITIVE GROUND electrical system and a polished taillight housing.(early ones were satin black pebble finish) Also some late '78's came with Vegila gauges. Pointless ignition(and 6volt coils) came in 79 with NEGATIVE GROUND bikes.

The change from N-3 to N-5 plugs was because the carb jetting was so F'd
up do to the FEDS the N-3's would foul out. properly jetted(off road) you use N-3 plugs.

One of these days I'll figure out if I want to put my Mark 1 1/2's on my T140D or T140E. I suppose first I should get the rearsets on the T140V or maybe......I just dont want to rush into things but maybe.................

crooky · 08-24-2007

Make sure frame and engine numbers match and there is a " J " stamped after both numbers.

If no "J" its a mockup.