Triumphrat

03-09-2005

Looking to purchase my first bike. I found a 77 bonneville t140 in ***** good condition. It would be a weekend/country road toy for me. Dont know how it will ride? If I am in for a world of mechanical problems and expenses. I dont know how many cc's. Kick start, electric? I am very new to the whole motorcycle world but I know I love the old Triumphs. Help please.

Sideshowrob

dorkingbonny · 03-09-2005

It will be 750cc, twin cylinder, five speed, with kick start and disc brakes fron t and rear. A good machine with the Classic Bonneville name but with modern features. Spares are still plentiful and not expensive.

I live in UK and am restoring a 1976 version - the bike I always wanted when they were first around.

03-09-2005

Thanks dorkingbonny, Seller is asking $5500.00 CAD. for it. Do you think this is a reasonable price for a good condition ride?

Sideshow

dorkingbonny · 03-09-2005

You'll certainly enjoy riding it - great classic looks. But as far as prices are concerned, I can't comment as they are different here in UK. I am sure someone in N.America can advise on whether its good value.

03-09-2005

SSRob: Prior to buying the bike, find a local British bike mechanic with a good reputation and get that bike over to him for an evaluation on its condition. Offer to pay him for his time,...he'll be able to tell you if it needs at lot of work or not. you can spend a ton of money getting a bike's engine and mechanics rebuilt (Don't ask me how I know! ) the purchase price you currently talking about would be OK for a bike that is trouble free and without need of any repairs. One cannot tell just from the cosmetic appearance what shape the internal stuff is in. Unfortuantely you cannot rely on the seller's statement to the effect that the bike is in perfect condition or whatever.

shortys · 03-09-2005

You have a good source of support&info right there in Wolfville, NS
www.britcycle.com

Cuppa500 · 03-11-2005

Quote:

Seller is asking $5500.00 CAD. for it. Do you think this is a reasonable price for a good condition ride?

I don't know Canadian prices, but if the bike is in "***** good condition" as you say, then it would be a reasonable price here in Oz. Not a 'pinch yourself to see if you're dreaming bargain' but still much lower than the prices being asked for 100% original 'kept in cotton wool' bikes.
regards
Cuppa

Cuppa500 · 03-11-2005

Quote:

Seller is asking $5500.00 CAD. for it. Do you think this is a reasonable price for a good condition ride?

I don't know Canadian prices, but if the bike is in "***** good condition" as you say, then it would be a reasonable price here in Oz. Not a 'pinch yourself to see if you're dreaming bargain' but still much lower than the prices being asked for 100% original 'kept in cotton wool' bikes.
regards
Cuppa

DAGAD · 03-11-2005

Hi Guys, English prices for good '77 T140 would be £2300 to £3000.
bikes needing work obviously less money, but good advice from jsstriumph YOU CAN SPEND A FORTUNE!!
Good provenance is knowing who has built / serviced the bike and do they have a reputation, GOOD or BAD.
The good guys are known, so too are the bad for that matter but then you can decide. Roy

DAGAD · 03-11-2005

Hi Guys, English prices for good '77 T140 would be £2300 to £3000.
bikes needing work obviously less money, but good advice from jsstriumph YOU CAN SPEND A FORTUNE!!
Good provenance is knowing who has built / serviced the bike and do they have a reputation, GOOD or BAD.
The good guys are known, so too are the bad for that matter but then you can decide. Roy