Triumph Bonneville T140V: The Rise and Fall

The Triumph Bonneville, a name synonymous with British motorcycling heritage, has a story far more complex and dramatic than its iconic status might suggest. While many fondly remember the original T120 models, the later T140V iteration faced a turbulent journey, ultimately leading to its discontinuation. Understanding why Triumph stopped making the Bonneville T140V requires delving into a period of industrial strife, evolving market demands, and the company's own internal struggles.

The Bonneville's Evolution and Early Challenges

The Bonneville's roots trace back to the introduction of the 650cc T120 in 1959. It quickly established itself as a performance benchmark, embodying the spirit of motorcycling for a generation. However, by the early 1970s, the landscape of motorcycling was undergoing a seismic shift. The Japanese manufacturers – Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha – were at the forefront of innovation, introducing technologically advanced machines that rapidly outpaced their European counterparts. Triumph, despite its rich history and the enduring appeal of the Bonneville name, found itself struggling to keep pace.

The T140V, an updated version of the Bonneville, was introduced with a larger 744cc engine and a much-needed five-speed gearbox, replacing the older four-speed unit. This was a response to the market's demand for improved performance and refinement. However, this evolution came at a critical juncture for Triumph. The company was burdened by a variety of factors, including an entrenched belief in its own superiority which, ironically, led to outdated products. In contrast, the Japanese manufacturers were innovating year on year, making the Bonneville, which had changed little in 13 years of production, seem increasingly anachronistic.

The Meriden Strike and its Impact

The year 1973 marked a pivotal moment for Triumph and the Bonneville. Triumph announced the closure of its Meriden plant, the very heart of Bonneville production. This decision triggered an 18-month strike by the workforce, a period during which all Bonneville production ground to a halt. This industrial action, while born out of a fight for survival and employment, had profound consequences for the model's continuity and Triumph's ability to compete. The strike effectively stalled any potential for timely updates and market responsiveness.

The Meriden Cooperative: A Second Chance

In a remarkable twist of fate, the strike didn't spell the absolute end for Triumph or the Bonneville. In the spring of 1975, the striking workers, with government support and loans, formed the Meriden Motorcycle Cooperative. This new entity breathed new life into the Triumph brand and, crucially, renewed production of the T140V Bonneville. This was a chance for the iconic twin to get a new lease on life.

Unlike its former stewards, the Meriden Cooperative recognised the imperative to not only preserve the Bonneville's heritage but also to improve it. They focused on its inherent strengths: simplicity, agility, and light weight, while also addressing its historical weaknesses. A significant improvement was the effort to tame the notorious oil leaks that had plagued British twins for years. The T140V underwent continuous development under the Cooperative's stewardship.

Key Improvements in the T140V under the Cooperative

The period under the Meriden Cooperative saw several important upgrades to the T140V, aiming to make it more competitive:

• 1976: Introduction of front and rear disc brakes for improved stopping power, and left-hand shift to comply with US regulations.
• 1978: Much-improved Amal MkII carburetors were fitted, offering better fuel delivery and performance.
• 1979: All Bonnies were equipped with electronic ignition, enhancing reliability and simplifying maintenance.

These updates were designed to modernise the Bonneville and make it a more appealing proposition in a market increasingly dominated by Japanese technology. Contemporary testers often lauded the revived Bonneville's excellent handling, attributing it to its low weight and low centre of gravity. Comments like “It sometimes feels like the Bonneville turns if you just think about turning” and “This is a motorcycle whose pegs your grandmother could drag” highlight its agile nature.

Market Reception and Eventual Decline

Despite these improvements and the positive feedback from some quarters, the market unfortunately failed to respond to the “new” Triumph with the enthusiasm that was desperately needed. The Cooperative, at its peak in 1976, produced around 350 bikes per week, with the majority destined for the lucrative US market. However, by 1980, the Cooperative had overextended its financial lines, exceeding its credit by a significant margin.

The fundamental issue remained: while the Bonneville offered a charming, analogue riding experience, a welcome antidote to the increasingly complex Japanese machines, it was ultimately out of step with a market driven by technological advancement. The inherent charm and simplicity that appealed to some were not enough to overcome the perceived lack of cutting-edge innovation for the broader buying public.

In 1983, the Meriden Cooperative finally called it quits. The financial pressures became insurmountable, and the Bonneville's second chance at life was over. This marked a significant, albeit not final, chapter in the Bonneville's storied history.

The Legacy of the T140V

It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Bonneville that, even after the demise of the Meriden Cooperative, the nameplate would eventually be revived. Less than twenty years later, John Bloor's revitalised Triumph Motorcycles introduced an all-new 850cc Bonneville, igniting a retro revolution that continues to this day. This new Bonneville proved that there was a market for classic styling combined with modern engineering.

Today, the Triumph T140V Bonneville is considered a great rideable classic. It offers a more accessible entry point into classic British motorcycling compared to its earlier counterparts. Finding a good T140V is relatively straightforward, and they are generally priced affordably. Good running examples can often be found starting in the mid-$2,000 range, with pristine examples commanding a bit more.

Alternatives to the Triumph T140V Bonneville

For those considering a classic parallel twin from the same era, a few notable alternatives stand out:

Yamaha XS650

The Yamaha XS650, produced from 1970 to 1983, is often seen as the classic British twin done better by the Japanese. Praised for its simplicity and affordability, it addressed many of the shortcomings of its English predecessors, such as oil leaks and electrical issues. While not handling quite as sharply as the Triumph, the XS650 offers that classic British twin look with Yamaha's renowned reliability. Its extensive production run ensures parts availability and reasonable resale values. Many have been customised, but a stock model often represents the best value.

Specifications:

BMW R75 /6

The BMW R75 /6, produced between 1974 and 1977, represented a significant step forward for BMW. While known for quality, their bikes were perceived as somewhat stodgy. The R75 /5, and its improved successor the /6, revitalised BMW's market presence. Though not a powerhouse in terms of acceleration, it was an exceptional touring machine, capable of comfortable, sustained high-speed riding. The /6 models featured a front disc brake, differentiating them from earlier /5 models, and are generally considered the best for everyday riding. With high production numbers and BMW's legendary reliability, finding a solid R75 /6 is relatively easy.

Specifications:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did Triumph stop making the original Bonneville T140V?
A1: The T140V production ceased due to a combination of factors, including the financial difficulties of the Meriden Cooperative, market shifts favouring Japanese technology, and ultimately, the Cooperative's inability to sustain operations beyond 1983.

Q2: What were the main improvements made to the T140V by the Meriden Cooperative?
A2: Key improvements included the introduction of front and rear disc brakes, left-hand shift, improved Amal MkII carburetors, and electronic ignition, alongside efforts to reduce oil leaks.

Q3: Is the Triumph T140V Bonneville a good investment today?
A3: The T140V is considered a rideable classic and a good entry into classic British bikes. While not typically seen as a high-return investment, they offer significant enjoyment and are generally fairly priced for good examples.

Q4: How did the Japanese motorcycles of the 1970s compare to the Bonneville T140V?
A4: Japanese motorcycles of the era, such as those from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki, were generally more technologically advanced, reliable, and often outperformed the T140V in terms of innovation and refinement. However, the Bonneville offered a more visceral, analogue riding experience that appealed to many.

Q5: Where was the Triumph Bonneville T140V made?
A5: The T140V was manufactured at the Triumph Meriden factory in the West Midlands, England.

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