1,557 miles from new, 1977 Triumph 744cc Bonneville Silver Jubilee T140J

• Only1,557 miles from new
• Restored with some improvements
• Featured in Classic Bike magazine
• Limited Edition with original certificate

As so many modern motorcycles are now made in 'Limited Editions', it is hard to imagine that the term was virtually unheard of in 1977 when the Triumph Silver Jubilee Bonneville was announced as such, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's ascension to the throne. One thousand were made for the UK, with the same for the USA, plus some for other countries. The history of WLH 478S is an intriguing one. The last owner, Darren Vickers, had purchased it in March 2001 from the Isle of Man, where it had been stored, unused, with 12 miles on the odometer. He decided to carry out a 'nut and bolt' restoration of the machine, in spite of its lack of use thereto. The engine and gearbox unit was entrusted to Robert Lydiatt Motorcycles of Ashton-under-Lyne to carry out a complete strip and rebuild, during which, as expected, the mechanical parts were as new, and all that was required was to renew the gaskets, and oil seals as a precaution, together with cleaning and polishing as necessary. The brake cylinders were replaced with stainless steel units, progressive fork springs and a Boyer Bransden electronic ignition system were fitted, and the frame and swinging arm repainted, along with all the cycle parts, exactly as original. Many of the chrome parts were re-chromed.

As the owner preferred the style of the US version of this model, he acquired and fitted a USA-spec petrol tank, saddle, and higher handlebars to complete the machine. After completion, the previous owner used the bike for limited mileage, and it appeared in a three-bike test by Mick Duckworth in Classic Bike in June 2002 (copy on file). In 2003 the Jubilee was sold to the present owner with a mileage of 1,506. During the present ownership, the bike has been used most years, albeit only briefly, and has been cleaned and started at regular intervals, and the battery replaced. In 2014 it was serviced, re-commissioned, and MoT'd by Saddleworth Classic Motorcycles, when the mileage reading was 1,537. Mileage at the time of photography was 1,557. On consignment it was seen to start readily, and the vendor advises that the machine is ready for use with a new owner subject only to brief safety checks.

The history of the restoration and the machine, including UK and USA sales brochures, is related in a presentation folder with photographs and history, and accompanying documents comprise the original Certificate of Ownership with the name of the first owner, Mr C. V. Smart, together with a blank USA Certificate of Ownership. Also present are an old-type V5C, some expired MoT certificates, the aforementioned Classic Bike magazine and history folder.
Offered with key