[KADUTZ]

Interesting machine... believe you have a 78 BITSA there.

Looked at the engine D/S picture. I am reading the number is 03317. If that's correct it should have a December engine build with a complete VIN XX03317. That machine was recorded as being a T140V. I can't read the T140 stamped area that well but, to me, looks to be stamped T140V with a S or 5 stamped over the 0. I'm going to assume that the frame carries the same number as the engine.

The head is either from a T140D or E. Note the exhaust pipes not push-in. If the exhaust ports are threaded it's from a "D", 81/82 "E", or someone had a 78-80 "E" threaded. Of course it could have the slide in plugs we used to sell. I would be interested in knowing as there weren't that many 81/82 heads floating around. Also wondering about the pipes. The airbox assembly is correct for the head.

Rear fender and lift handle appear to be 79 up "E". Tank badges are the unpainted style introduced in 79 model year. Seat is 73-77 style.

Ignition switch, gauges, front end, wheel, switch gear, rider footpeg rubber all look to be 78 style.

Best of luck to you on your project.

K

 

[KADUTZ]

@Missouri Bob

Re your pm again apologies for misreading your VIN. From the information you supplied you do have a 78 T140E.

The pictures show a 1979 model year lift handle. From memory these will not attach to a 78 rear fender without "adjustments" to the attachment holes.

I'm still wondering about the header pipes. They appear to be correctly shaped for a 750 OIF frame but without a crossover.

If your machine still has the headlight on diode anything you could post regarding connections would be appreciated. There have been many questions on multiple Forums over the years on that.

Have a great day

K

 

[KADUTZ]

Looks like someone has been making things better. Both at the lift handle and the headlamp.

Don't believe your lighting switch is even connected. Looking at the picture there is a blue white wire going into a four plug connector. Behind there what appears to be a rectangular bit(maybe in a bit or shrink) in front of a greyish connector. What is the rectangular bit?

If you are not sure what the diode looks like Google Lucas 83225 diode.

K

 

[KADUTZ]

Diode? Not in the headlamp area. If you mean the Zener Diode then it was mounted in a finned heatsink under the headlight and easily accessible and visible till around 1976/7 [somebody will correct me on this], after this it was mounted on the alloy for the air intake box, a single unit till around 1980's then a 3 pack after this.
Yours will be mounted on the airbox alloy.

I believe there was a requirement passed in the US that required motorcycle headlights on with the ignition on effective vechile build date 1/01/78. By coincidence that was the same date for increased emission requirements for vehicles built on or after 1/01/78. In the US the T140V and TR7 models were no longer in compliance. Therefore the T140E (E=emissions) was developed with the new head, MKII carbs, revised crankcase ventilation etc.

The EPA approval for this model was, only received in December 1977. Once the approval was received Triumph needed to acquire the necessary parts to assemble the new model. Without the T140E no new machines built after 01/01/78 could be sold in the States. The first T140E was BX04570 this also would have been the first machine fitted with the lights on diode assembly and a different lighting switch.

This part would have only been on 1978 Model Year T140E model. It is shown in the 1978 T140E parts book supplement #TMA-9. Should you be interested it's on many online sites. An example is at www.classicbike.biz it is shown at the end of the 1978 parts book. Unfortunately I have never seen a wiring diagram showing the assembly installed. I assume getting the updated wiring diagram into the owner and workshop manuals was an oversight. All 1978 models used the same wiring harness.

I hope this clarifies the diode question.

K

 

[KADUTZ]

Something else to look for at swap meets....

K

 

[KADUTZ]

Nice tip! Will any of those sites look up older Triumph SNs?

I Sincerely doubt it... Anything particular you're looking for.

K

 

[KADUTZ]

Not that it really matters the dipstick, T140E, was in the cap at the frame fill point. I was always taught as long as you can see the oil in the frame you were ok.

K

 

[KADUTZ]

Those are not stock. Early "E" heads used push in pipes. Triumph T140D heads and later were threaded for spigot use. (I would have to check for extra date). If you purchase pipes they should be for say a 1982 model.

K

 

[KADUTZ]

I'm no wiring genius but I believe your ignition would always be hot or on..


K

 

[KADUTZ]

Those are nice. But before I buy pipes (and mufflers), I'll need gaskets and seals.

Buy it all from Dave and save on the freight.👍 He'll treat you right and he's a forum member so you also get a discount.

As a side note if pre-71 650 pipes are used on 650 OIF models they will foul on the TS pillion foot peg. They can be adjusted with a little creativity. Used to run into the problem when people wanted a pipe set without a crossover.

K