Hooniverse Two-Wheel Tuesday – Which of these Three Triumphs would make you feel Triumphant?
This is one of my very rare Two-Wheel Tuesday postings, because I really have no desire to ever own another Motorcycle again. A little history of why: Back in 1981 I bought a used Yamaha XS 750 SE, a special version of the Yamaha 750CC Triple that was for sale here in the country since 1976. It wasn’t really a popular bike, and the one I had was a 1978 version, with a three into two exhaust system, better carburetors, and the SE model had the teardrop tank with chopper style handlebars. I installed what I refer to as a sissy bar in the back (so that a passenger can comfortably rest on their back) and a clear air shield on the front of the bike. I had the bike for one summer, with next to trouble in either riding the bike, or any mechanical issues. The next spring (this was 1982) I was cut-off in traffic (I don’t remember the car at all) hit a patch of sand on the pavement, and experienced my first “Road Rash” encounter. That bike was so heavy, that a passer-by had to help me get the damn thing up off the pavement. I made up my mind right then and there to get rid of the bike. I really don’t miss it because every time I rode that thing I really never enjoyed it. Actually, I feel the same way about golf today… I do it, but I hate it.
Anyway, that is the reason why I couldn’t care less about bikes, but I had an idea to do this post when I was doing my weekend postings, and yes these Triumphs are for sale at Kevco Classic Car Sales in Sioux Falls. So, it must be time to do another showdown, with three classic Triumphs. Which one will make you feel Triumphant?
This is a 1976 Triumph Bonneville T140. The dealer doesn’t describe the bike in any detail, so allow me to present a history on this years Bonneville. According to all things Wikipedia:
The early 650 cc capacity production T120 Bonneville, often known as the ‘duplex frame’ model,[2] was replaced in the early 1970s by the T140 Bonneville, the same basic machine but with a 750 cc engine. Refined from the later ‘oil in frame’ version of the T120, the first few T140s, designated T140V, featured a larger-capacity engine of 724 cc, a five-speed gearbox and indicators, but still retaining drum brakes and kick-start. Shortly after, the engine was further bored out to 744 cc and front disc brakes were fitted (using single discs until 1982). In 1975, along with engine modifications, the gearchange lever was moved from right to left to comply with new regulations mandated for the American market and a rear disc brake fitted. Several T140 models followed featuring various modifications and refinements including electric starting from 1980 until production ceased with the closure of the Meriden works in 1983.
As you can see, this 1976 model has disc brakes, front and rear, and is finished in a beautiful red and white colour scheme. You have to call for mileage, but the price is there for all to see at $6,850. That my friends is an awful lot of money for a rather pedestrian Triumph Bonneville, no matter how good it looks. Here is an equally nice Bonneville for almost half this price. So, this may be a retorical question, but here goes: Is this the Triumph that will make you feel Triumphant? See the dealer listing here.
This is a 1973 Triumph Trident, and I did not know this before this posting, but it was a badge engineered bike marketed by both BSA, and Triumph. Again, according to all things Wikipedia:
The BSA Rocket 3 / Triumph Trident were introduced in the summer of 1968, and were the first modern-era mass-produced multi-cylinder production motorcycles. Motorcycle Mechanics magazine exclaimed, “What a fantastic machine!”, but only four weeks later the much more sophisticated Honda’s CB750K was introduced. All the three-cylinder engines, and the Rocket 3 motorcycles, were produced at BSA’s Small Heath site, but final assembly of the Triumph Trident model was carried out at Meriden in Coventry. The major differences were the engine and frame: By virtue of their better riding position Triumphs sold better in the US despite BSA’s Daytona racing successes of the early 70s. However sales did not meet expectations, and for the 1971 model year a fifth gear was added, creating the models BSA A75RV and Triumph T150V. BSA was having financial difficulties, and only some 205 five-speed Rocket3s were built before production of the BSA variant ceased. Production of the 5-speed Triumph T150V (with a front disk brake replacing the original drum) continued until 1974.
So we have a next to last year Triumph Trident, and the dealership is rather mum on everything: Mileage, Price, Condition, and such. For comparison purposes, this 1973 Triumph Trident sold for $3,301, so take that under consideration before you go out and inquire about this one. A Trident is a rare bike, and would choosing one make you feel Triumphant? See the listing here.
Our last Triumph isn’t a bike at all, but a 1975 Triumph TR-7. This is where I channel Sheldon Cooper and shout “Bazinga!” According to the dealer:
Rare 1975 Triumph TR7 2 Dr. Coupe in a freshened factory “French Blue” finish with black interior. Numbers matching 2.0 liter, 8 valve, 4 cylinder engine with 4-speed manual transmission. This rare and collectible car has very low and original mileage of 59,216 miles. A “fair weather” driven car, it has survived the test of time well. Still very solid through out and runs and drives excellent. Stored for many years in a “climate controlled” warehouse along with other British collectibles. It was factory equipped with factory A/C, rear window defroster, pop up headlights, am/fm cassette, newer radial tires, and comes with a front end “bra cover”.
A front bra cover… Remember those? Anyway, this is a wreched British Car that is destined to be at least a Special Interest Automobile, if not an actual collectible in a few years time. Asking price for this four wheeled Triumph is $9,850, which also seems like a lot of money for the vehicle you get. It is probably the nicest TR-7 on the planet, so is this the Triumph that makes you feel Triumphant? See the listing here.
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That TR7 is revolting.
Yes please! And I've never, ever seen one with A/C. Just how impressed would my terrible car fetishising mates be by that!!!11!!
You can keep the TR7, I never really liked them although I have no problem whatsoever with any other Triumph automobile. Nice cars. I'd just plain love to have either of these bikes, though. Especially the triple, I've always been fascinated by them. I actually prefer, slightly, the goofy styling of the BSA with the raygun exhausts, just for the funk factor.
<img src="http://classic-motorbikes.net/images/gallery/bsa-rocket-3.jpg">
I'll take the TR-7 as I need four wheels under me. I've been a passenger on different motorcycles three times and was dumped all three times. Ouch.
I'm very sad to hear that. I've been riding with passengers for over a dozen years, and have never, ever dumped a passenger.
For those who might consider riding as a passenger, make sure the driver has been riding for at least three years, can actually handle their motorcycle (ask them to do a figure 8 at low speed), and unless you're an experienced passenger, and can ride decently with a passenger without dumping them, geeze louise.
I would rather have a modern Bonnie that is slightly used for that price.
What is Hooniverse going to do when Wikipedia goes dark tomorrow?
I don't know, but best day for a Mystery Car EVER!
I am going to just download Wikipedia tonight.
You don't need it all, just the stuff on automobiles.
My first motorcycle ride, age 7, was on the back of Triumph Bonneville 750. It was fast, and slightly terrifying. Therefore, I choose the T140, if only for the sentimental/traumatic memories.
I'll take the TR-7 and then try to figure out how to stuff a SAAB 9000 Aero engine in it.
The SAAB H engine is based off the SAAB B engine, which is based off the Triumph Slant-4. How hard could it be?
Well, they were able to shove that GM/Rover V-8 into it. and considering that the transaxle doesn't also have to share the engine bay, it might be pretty easy. Maybe a little artistry with engine mounts and routing controls.
Pssst…Jim! I didn't know you were in the Yamaha Triple brotherhood! I still have a 1979 XS750SF (essentially the same as your bike) and a 1980 XS850SG (still pretty much the same bike, but 826cc rather than 747cc due to a bigger bore). Sorry your triple ownership was a bummer, man!
I have to go with the Trident because, well, because triples.
I also had a 1978 XS 750. My two most vivid memories would be a) trying to follow a circular painted line at 10 Kph during my test, and wobbling all over the place due to the engine being all upfront and b) being pitched over the handlebars in traffic after hitting some sand. But unlike Jim, I kept riding another eight years, until the progeny popped up. I did love that bike, though. Very smooth.
If I had to choose it would definitely be the TR7! Although I wish it had the plaid seats.
Give me the TR-7. Even the colour is alright.
In my mind, it's always looked like a Saab design by the way.
That's cause they share a similar shape and size although the Sonett III looks better in my mind.
This one's even the same colour.
<img src="http://saab-saturn.tk/images/Saab_Sonett_Iii_1970/Saab_Sonett_Iii_1970_3.jpg">
It's like the offspring of a Sonett III and a 914.
Except with world renowned British reliability.
Similar, but Sonetts are not much bigger than Spitfires, so they're noticeably smaller than the TR7.
I'll take the TR-7 as well. It will make an awesome ramp when I use it to jump the Trident! By the way, you guys saw the Saab museum sale right?
http://bringatrailer.com/2012/01/16/breaking-stor…
I'm going to stay away from the bikes and comment on the golf comparison. I would feel the same way as you do Jim, but I treat it as a drinking activity. My one hard and fast rule is that I will not play with people who take it seriously and/or only want to talk about golf while they play.
If riding a motorcycle could also be treated as a drinking activity (in the real world by sane people) then maybe I would look into that too.
4>2, so the TR7 is twice as good as any of the bikes. I'm sure that isn't the nicest TR7 on the planet, either. But a decent, cleaned up driver. Probably one of the higher mileage examples, though. But vastly overpriced, so thanks. I'll just keep holding out for the prefect TR8 convertible.
If wishes were fishes I'd channel Neptune and get me that Trident. IRW, the TR7 would make a nice wet and cold weather counterpart to the topless Alfa. Then I'd be sure to draw the pity of my few friends who don't already look on my vehicular preferences and shake their heads.
I'm a sucker for Triumphs, both 2 and 4 wheeled, but the TR-7 is utter s**t. Technically, the two bikes are, too, but at least they look good.
I bought a non running Trident, got it running, rode it down the block and back, and immediately sold it. I hated it. Triumphs are supposed to handle, and this thing was just a big awkward lump. I replaced it with a T120 that I still have. If these things are fetching this kind of cash maybe I should clean it up and make it less of a rat.
Nah. I like it that way.
I know I'm one of the rare bike guys around here. Especially being a bike guy living in the northeast US but I am also a noted TR7 lover. First that isn't the nicest TR7 on the planet. There was one for sale about six months ago that had a full restoration. It was far better then even the factory could have done. This one still has some rust on the nuts. For almost $10,000 I expect a 100 point TR7. Heck for 10 grand I expect a near 100 point TR8.
As someone living in his deep 30's now I hit my teenage prime during the height of the wedge. So the TR7 appeals to me in a very odd way. It's represents everything I loved about cars in the 80s. Being in a family with a Triumph and two Jags in the late 80s and early 90s didnt help. I know there warts and also what they do well and I still want one.
I will restore a TR7 with my son. Of course this is the same son whose been going on road trips with me on my Victory. It's just as he gets older I wouldn't feel so weird with him in the passenger seat of a TR7 as I would on the back of the Victory
I'll take "TR7" for $10k, Jim. Sure it may be overpriced, but as a child of the 80s, it is still the shape of things to come.
Just saw one go by a couple of days ago, too!