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. [poll id=”100″]