Triumphrat

grime99 · 06-18-2008

Hi Guys,
Forgive me for my newness, I'll try to make up for pure sincere enthusiasm.

I'm currently looking at a 78' bonnie and would love for key things to look for when I go back for a second peak.

I know cars more than bikes, but the same holds true when buying a classic there are things to look for with certain manufactures, models, years etc.

Also what would I be looking at in terms of value for a pretty clean garage kept bike, not showroom, but not pitted or too rusty (surface stuff)

many thanks in advanced, this place is a great resource.

McQueen · 06-18-2008

You wouldn't happen to be Grime the tattooist?

Anyway, a clean '78 in good nick should fetch $3500-$4500.

The basics of "does it start, run, smoke, make horrible noises, shift smoothly" come to mind.

Matching frame/engine numbers are nice, but not required if it runs well and you're not a collector. Pump the forks up and down. Do they stick? Make clunking noises? Check the clutch. Does it pull easily? With it pulled to the grip, operate the kicker. Do the clutch plates free up with a kick or two? Does it start in one or two kicks from cold? (I always put a hand on the motor to see if the PO had been running it before I showed up.)

I'm sure more knowledgeable folks will show up with better info. That's what I can think of right now.

T140s are great bikes fully capable of competing in modern traffic and being reliable daily riders.