1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start!

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Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Hey Mike,

Just got back from a weekend away. That is truely a fantastic find. They do not come more original than that and in such pristine condition. Nice score! Eager to know how it runs.

Sea Dog
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Sea Dog said:
Hey Mike,

Just got back from a weekend away. That is truely a fantastic find. They do not come more original than that and in such pristine condition. Nice score! Eager to know how it runs.

Sea Dog
Click to expand...


Hi SD



I’m pretty happy with it, for sure. Thanks for all the othernice comments and I’ll answer in order:



· Not for sale even for double it’s cost, it’s a keeper.



· Not sure what the problem with the front brakesis yet, long travel and spongy, also stickingslightly. I’m no mechanic, but I reckonit the M/C, hoses or calipers …





Got it running ( after doing the usual checks of course) theoil was clean ( as in just out the can) all the fuel had been drained out ofthe tank for shipping so few litres of BP Ultima was added and after a fewkicks the signs of life were heard. I’d charged the battery up so I could usethe starter, after the 2nd bust it started but a was bit lumpy.After freeing the clutch (yes mine sticks too) we went for a little blast up theroad. Your were correct SD, the difference in pull to the standard T140 wasclearly noticeable even in this slightly rough state of tune, the same could besaid for the vibration but I reckon some was coming from the rough (ish)running.



Not had much time this weekend to tinker etc. so only got tothe rough running issue this morning. I had noticed that there was this hissingsound after the bike had been runningfor a bit? a hunch took me to the fuel cap and after some dismantlingit looked like the breather holes were blocked, and they were. Once cleaned andreassembled I started the bike and once it had warmed up after a few mins, I turnedthe choke/cold start off and it idled pretty well. No time to take out for arun so I migh IMG_0031.jpgt be a bit premature in thinking this has solved al the roughrunning problems.



I’m a bit time poor just now so progress will beIMG_0057.jpg slow, andso might be the updates. I’ve changed the headlamp, need to sort out the front brakes,a pair of tyres ( although the originaIMG_0064.jpgl ones are not even cracked I don’t thinkthe grip might be what it should be) I’ll get the compliance and roadworthydone then of to QuIMG_0034.jpgeensland Transport. I’mstill in the discovey stage with the bike and I’m sure there will be many other little jobs that come up as IMG_0032.jpgfixothers. I will be taking your offer and tapping in on your TSS experience SD if you don’t mind.



Some more pics added showing the good and not so good bits.

IMG_0048.jpg
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Sorry, the pics and the words seem to have got mixed up a bit. Hope it all still makes sence.
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Yes, it does. A very nice fine and great pics. I know you are happy and proud. I surely would be. TUP
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Wow!!! :y13:

That is really in great shape!

The wiring under the seat is actually intact and looks almost new. Even the battery strap hasn't rotted away.

I don't even grasp how the grab bar could get misaligned.....it only bolts to the rear fender and shock bolts??? I'm not sure if the TSS grab bar is the same as a T140V, but on the T140V, it bolts to the INSIDE of the shock mounts instead of the outside.

Did they find the keys yet?
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Hey Mike,

My grabrail is off set as well ! Must be blind. Never noticed it before. If I pay attention, I am happy to assist in any way I can.

OffsetGrabrail.jpg


SD :y22:
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Found the keys, but listen to this. I also have a 1982 T140 ES , so i tried the key in the TSS, it worked! ok so the these keys and locks were never the best but on comparing the numbers on the keys, both had the same number!!!! what is the chances of that...

Checked the rack on my 1981 ES too, it was aligned OK.... looks like Triumph had a batch of racks with a mounting bracket welded a little off centre and the fact the SD's TSS has the same problem suports my therory:y13:

These bikes were built towards the end of Triumph life, it's not a suprise build quality was down and there was no money to make other racks... sad but probably true:y8:

Joking aside, and I'm not getting all deep here or anything, but if Triumph had survived 1983, my TSS would not be a rare model, there would have been loads of them and all the little "Build quality" problems it has would have been fixed under waranty?

I'm not sure if i will fix up everything on the bike (the brakes i will) this bike and it faults in a way tells the story or at least a part of Triumphs rise and fall.

Also we would have less to talk about on the forum:y2:

Sea Dog, before you get the spanners out to adjust the rack, there not enough play in the rack bracket and or rear guard(fender) holes to get it in line, unless you want to get the file out?

Hey SD, is that the new mufflers you found on the bike in the rack pic? very shiney...
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Mike, I agree with you. The "flaws" are part of the character and the history of Triumph.

That is some coincidence about the keys. Thinking about it. I am sure Triumph did not have that many variations of locks. I remember the key for my 1966 Trophy worked with a friend's 1965 Bonneville.
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Sound like it was the norm back then to only have a few variation of keys. I know with Ford they only had about three different keys BGRIN
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

My dad's 1960 Pontiac key worked in my best friends 1958 Impala - much to his dismay. :y2:
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

mikechev said:
Found the keys, but listen to this. I also have a 1982 T140 ES , so i tried the key in the TSS, it worked! ok so the these keys and locks were never the best but on comparing the numbers on the keys, both had the same number!!!! what is the chances of that...

Checked the rack on my 1981 ES too, it was aligned OK.... looks like Triumph had a batch of racks with a mounting bracket welded a little off centre and the fact the SD's TSS has the same problem suports my therory:y13:

These bikes were built towards the end of Triumph life, it's not a suprise build quality was down and there was no money to make other racks... sad but probably true:y8:

Joking aside, and I'm not getting all deep here or anything, but if Triumph had survived 1983, my TSS would not be a rare model, there would have been loads of them and all the little "Build quality" problems it has would have been fixed under waranty?

I'm not sure if i will fix up everything on the bike (the brakes i will) this bike and it faults in a way tells the story or at least a part of Triumphs rise and fall.

Also we would have less to talk about on the forum:y2:

Sea Dog, before you get the spanners out to adjust the rack, there not enough play in the rack bracket and or rear guard(fender) holes to get it in line, unless you want to get the file out?

Hey SD, is that the new mufflers you found on the bike in the rack pic? very shiney...
Click to expand...


Mike,

Going to leave my rack as is. Adds to the authentisity. Those are the new mufflers. Like new. I agree with you Mike, the dodgy build quality near the end showed up in my bike. I found an amount of sand in the top hat OIF strainer when I got mine which was caused by the sand cast cases not being cleaned properly at the factory. The strainer did its job and nothing got through, however it certainly gives an indication of the morale in the factory at the time. The money must have been very tight. Got no work today.....I feel a ride coming on ! :y45:
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

You just had to throw that bit in about going for a ride:y8:

While it's killing not to be working on with getting the bike ready for the road, i'm taking note from your experience and making sure the oil is flowing how it should be.

The rack stays as is, i agree.

Off to order some gaskets now, will update as things progress...

Mike
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

Oooops ! Sorry Mike. But I just can't resist getting out on it whenever possible. The little Street Triple R is screaming out "pick me, pick me". I am really enjoying the relaxed way the TSS does its business.

TSSSTR1.jpg


If I need a little time living on the edge in the twisties, then it's the Street Triple. A very precise jewel that takes me places that no other road bike can. Damn it's good !!
 
Re: 1983 Triumph T140W 750 TSS; 8 valves & electric start! - GrandPaul

"I am really enjoying the relaxed way the TSS does its business."

Those are my feelings exactly when I'm out on a lightly traveled secondary road on either my BSA 441 or Triumph 500.
Relaxed, and just having fun; not in a hurry; nowhere in particular to go; just enjoying the fresh air, the smell of the ocean and the song from the pipes.
 

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