LOT 296

1978 Triumph 744cc T140V Bonneville Registration no. AVX 16S Frame no. T140V GX09447 Engine no. T140V GX09447

Sold for £3,450 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 296

1978 Triumph 744cc T140V Bonneville

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1978 Triumph 744cc T140V Bonneville
Registration no. AVX 16S
Frame no. T140V GX09447
Engine no. T140V GX09447

• Voted 'Machine of the Year' by readers of Motor Cycle News in 1979
• 21,098 miles
• For recommissioning

"The Bonneville's biggest plus must be its weight, or rather, the lack of it. At just 424lb with a gallon of fuel, it's a hundredweight lighter than several Oriental machines of similar capacity." – Bike magazine, January 1979.

The final phase of Triumph twin development began in 1972 with the first appearance of the newly-enlarged-to-750cc version of the Bonneville, the increase in bore size necessitating a new crankcase to accommodate the larger barrel. Other improvements included a new ten-stud cylinder head, triplex primary chain, stronger transmission and a disc front brake. A five-speed gearbox, introduced on the preceding 650 Bonneville, was standard equipment on the 750. Despite the age of the basic design and strong competition from Japanese and European manufacturers, the Bonnie remained for many years the UK's top-selling 750 and in 1979 was voted 'Machine of the Year' by readers of Motor Cycle News.

This T140V was purchased by the vendor from Vincent Motorcycles Ltd (Merseyside) in August 2012 for his son, though his son prefers to ride his modern Ducati. Presented in age-related condition, the Bonnie appears partially restored and it should be noted that the HPI report lists the previous colour as Bronze/Gold. The most recent MoT was issued on 30th July 2012 and records the odometer reading as 21,068 miles (currently 21,098 miles). The current V5C states four former keepers and the machine also comes with the 2012 purchase receipt and numerous expired MoTs and tax discs. A set of new Lucas indicators is included in the sale. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent and is therefore sold strictly as viewed.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Additional information

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