Triumphrat

09-18-2006

I just picked up my first bonneville, a '79 T140D. All in all its in pretty good shape, but it does need some TLC. I like that there is alot of technical knowledge on this forum. So, here are my questions (as stupid as they may seem)

1. The bike stalls going from neutral to 1st. At first I thought the clutch wasn't disengaging at all, but if I go up to second then drop down into first everything is fine. I figure its a simple cable adjustment but I wanted some input before I started adjusting.

2. Should there be any play in the pushrod for the rear master cylinder? I wouldn't think that there would be, but again I just wanted to ask before wrenching.

It seems like the people on this site are cool, so I hope I don't bore you with mundane questions.

Geoff · 09-18-2006

sounds as if your clutch will not disengage completely.
could be adjustment, but if adjustment is at the end, then clutch is worn.
there has to be a small amount of play in a brake system, when the fluid gets hot under use, it will expand, if there is no play the brake will come on when its hot
G
PS- there is a separate forum for the older bikes where you might get more advice.

bgaz · 09-18-2006

The clutch likely needs attention, they can wear the basket, they tend to stick and drag if everything is not right, and they don't do well when they sit for a long time.

The rear master cylinders rust up big time, do yourself a favor and get a stainless replacement.

The speedo drives fail often, the bearing mounts in the rear wheel can get loose, you can use locktite stud and bearing mount to fix that.

The key switches also tend to wear out.

I wonder if you have my old T140D, I rode one around the US (9000 miles) once, with no problems except a flat front tire.

It had about 40,000 miles on it when I sold it, and the above were the only problems I ever had with it, despite the serious abuse.

Brett

Nang · 09-25-2006

Hey Bmore,

You need to free the clutch plates before starting the bike. When the bike cools down after a ride the clutch plates tend to stick together so when starting the bike and then engaging first gear the bike stalls coz the clutch isn't actually engaged despite the lever being pulled in. Before starting the bike you need to pull in the clutch lever and kick the bike over until the kick starter swings freely. Once the clutch plates are free you're good to start the bike, pull in the clutch lever and engage first gear with no clunk and stall.

Note that the stall issue should only occur when the bike is cold and should happen whether you select first or second gear but only for the first gear selection after starting a cold engine. If it occurs at other times your clutch basket may be overly worn as suggested by others.

Nang