Looks like an original Special to me, except for the exhaust modifications.
Going price for a 1979 Triumph Bonneville "Special"?
- Thread starter Freebooter
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Looks like an original Special to me, except for the exhaust modifications.
Further review of the Nelson book I mentioned revealed the followimg:
US alternatives:
Dark blue gas tank with silver scallop; black with silver scallop; candy apple red with black scallop; no panel lines.
3.6 US gallon gas tank
Lucas electronic ignition
High rise handlebars
Side panels were in dark blue or black and did not have the gold lines, but a "special" badge only.
No rubber fork gaiters on US models
US alternatives:
Dark blue gas tank with silver scallop; black with silver scallop; candy apple red with black scallop; no panel lines.
3.6 US gallon gas tank
Lucas electronic ignition
High rise handlebars
Side panels were in dark blue or black and did not have the gold lines, but a "special" badge only.
No rubber fork gaiters on US models
The front fenders are different too. GP's has a shorter chrome fender with no fender "stay" on the bottom rear.
I don' think this one has the 2 into 1 header pipes either. The headers are shaped differently and there looks to be a connector on Gp's that is underneath and near the front that is missing on Freebooter's.
Although not original, I don't care much for 2 into 1 pipes on Bonnevilles......they just don't look as classic to me (nor do megaphone shaped mufflers).
I don' think this one has the 2 into 1 header pipes either. The headers are shaped differently and there looks to be a connector on Gp's that is underneath and near the front that is missing on Freebooter's.
Although not original, I don't care much for 2 into 1 pipes on Bonnevilles......they just don't look as classic to me (nor do megaphone shaped mufflers).
Hmmmmmmmmmm....
You sure that's relating to the "D" model Special for 1979? I wonder if those alternates were introduced in 1980?
I'm with you on the two-into-one exhaust systems on classic bikes 
They just don't look right - although some bikes came from the factory fitted that way.
They just don't look right - although some bikes came from the factory fitted that way.
I'm just relaying what's in the J.R. Nelson "Bonnie" book, "The Development History of the Triumph Bonneville 2nd Edition."
In the same book for 1980 the specs are almost identical except for paint colors.
Electric start came on an "E" model for 1980.
I don't care for the two into one exhausts on the classics either.
Same here.
I didn't even notice it when I ran across that ad. I was just surfing looking at older Triumphs for sale and realized it was a 79 and thought of this thread.
Posting with Tapatalk for iPhone.
Freebooter
Well-Known Member
Hey GrandPaul,
No, it is not a two into one header, but standard Triumph pipes and mufflers.
FB
No, it is not a two into one header, but standard Triumph pipes and mufflers.
FB
Nige W
Member
The "D" Special only came in Black with Gold lining. There were US (peanut tank and 2-into-1 exhaust) and UK (breadbin tank and 2-into-2 exhaust) models. They were, like the Jubilee, supposed to be limited edition but again, like the Jubilee, more were made to satisfy demand. Chrome mudguards - short front with no additional stays - and caliper-above-disc rear brake setup (standard T140V still had caliper below rear disc). Lucas Rita ignition as standard and, of course, Lester mag wheels - not the later Morris items which were eventually available on any Bonnie model. Special side-panel badges, stepped seat with square quilted design and aforementioned paint-scheme completed the differences to a standard T140V. My own bike was only the 6th Special off the line (based on frame and engine number) but morphed into a flat-track refugee many years ago (so damn good job it wasn't the 1ST one!).
Freebooter
Well-Known Member
Well naturally. I was all set to throw some cash his way but I am in the middle of making a deal with Bank of America to save my house. If it works out, I can move back into it (I got mad two years ago and walked out of it, been sitting empty all this time). But sooner or later, I will try to get that bike. I would love to have a new Triumph America! I just wish they would go to a drive shaft. Less maintenence!
Nige W
Member
Don't hand any money over until you've read this...
Hi Freebooter - just gone back over the photos you put up of this bike... All is not as it seems. The bike is incorrect in a number of ways - the wrong paint has already been mentioned. However, it's not just the paint, the whole tank, including badges, is just standard T140V. It also has the wrong fork legs (there should be no lugs for a bottom-mount mudguard stay) and the wrong front mudguard (should be short with no stays). Most glaring of all though... wrong carbs, these should be MkIIs. Consequently it also has the wrong cylinder head for a Special (and, incidentally, for ANY '78 onward US-spec Bonnie. Remember the Special didn't appear before '79 model year) . Add to this the wrong points (trigger) cover and it would suggest the engine is from an earlier machine altogether (pre '78). Have you checked the engine number? This should match the frame exactly and be clearly stamped T140Dxxxxxx on the crankcase. Even if it's stamped as a T140D then there's still plenty wrong with it!
My advice - bearing in mind that the only things that are genuinely "Special" about it are the wheels, frame, rear caliper carrier and the side-panel badges - is to view it with suspicion. Certainly these points should dramatically alter its asking price! If I were you, I'd look elsewhere for a nice, standard T140V or E and leave this one in the shop. The vendor either doesn't know what he's selling, or does, and is hoping you won't notice.
Hi Freebooter - just gone back over the photos you put up of this bike... All is not as it seems. The bike is incorrect in a number of ways - the wrong paint has already been mentioned. However, it's not just the paint, the whole tank, including badges, is just standard T140V. It also has the wrong fork legs (there should be no lugs for a bottom-mount mudguard stay) and the wrong front mudguard (should be short with no stays). Most glaring of all though... wrong carbs, these should be MkIIs. Consequently it also has the wrong cylinder head for a Special (and, incidentally, for ANY '78 onward US-spec Bonnie. Remember the Special didn't appear before '79 model year) . Add to this the wrong points (trigger) cover and it would suggest the engine is from an earlier machine altogether (pre '78). Have you checked the engine number? This should match the frame exactly and be clearly stamped T140Dxxxxxx on the crankcase. Even if it's stamped as a T140D then there's still plenty wrong with it!
My advice - bearing in mind that the only things that are genuinely "Special" about it are the wheels, frame, rear caliper carrier and the side-panel badges - is to view it with suspicion. Certainly these points should dramatically alter its asking price! If I were you, I'd look elsewhere for a nice, standard T140V or E and leave this one in the shop. The vendor either doesn't know what he's selling, or does, and is hoping you won't notice.
Good post and advice, Nige.
Freebooter
Well-Known Member
Hey Nige,
It is funny you mentioned this stuff. Because I remember at one point feelign the heads seemed small or something, like perhaps a 650 instead of a 750. But as far as SN goes, on both the frrame and engine it has the same number. On the engine it is just like this:
"T140D
BA19200"
On frame it is all one line: "T140DBA19200".
It is funny you mentioned this stuff. Because I remember at one point feelign the heads seemed small or something, like perhaps a 650 instead of a 750. But as far as SN goes, on both the frrame and engine it has the same number. On the engine it is just like this:
"T140D
BA19200"
On frame it is all one line: "T140DBA19200".
Freebooter
Well-Known Member
Hey Nige,
Btw, I have abt decided against it anyway. I want a bike for everyday riding, go on trips, etc, to the Rockies if I want (I live in Alabama). And besides, I am 6' 1" and weigh 315lbs. I might look like Shrek on a minie bike on an older small frame type like that. I would rather wait and get me a modern "America" or even one of the new Sport Touring types. Be a while before I can afford any of those though! But, it is always a nice feeling to plan and dream. And thanks for your advice.
Freebooter
Btw, I have abt decided against it anyway. I want a bike for everyday riding, go on trips, etc, to the Rockies if I want (I live in Alabama). And besides, I am 6' 1" and weigh 315lbs. I might look like Shrek on a minie bike on an older small frame type like that. I would rather wait and get me a modern "America" or even one of the new Sport Touring types. Be a while before I can afford any of those though! But, it is always a nice feeling to plan and dream. And thanks for your advice.
Freebooter
I think you've made a wise decision. If this was your only bike you might find it wanting in todays environment.
If you plan to travel long distances at high speeds you really need a modern machine.
I have two old bikes and I love them, but I also have modern machines for touring.
The old bikes are for Sunday club rides and bike nights. That said, I've done overnight rides on back roads of up to 350 miles return without any problems, but I would hesitate to take one on a long tour which would involve many hundreds of miles and high speed highways.
If you plan to travel long distances at high speeds you really need a modern machine.
I have two old bikes and I love them, but I also have modern machines for touring.
The old bikes are for Sunday club rides and bike nights. That said, I've done overnight rides on back roads of up to 350 miles return without any problems, but I would hesitate to take one on a long tour which would involve many hundreds of miles and high speed highways.
Nige W
Member
Yeah - this particular bike best avoided. Any T140 is going to be a fickle beast anyway, and not ideal for everyday use, long trips etc (some people will be disagreeing with me now). If you want an everyday all rounder - and if it has to be a Triumph twin - I'd suggest the standard Bonneville model over the Speedmaster or America models. Why? Handling and comfort to start with.
Just my opinion as I've ridden both roadster and cruiser types as well as the Thruxton. Out of the lot I'd say Thruxton, but with flat bars, close second the standard roadster.
If it doesn't need to be a Triumph, I'd offer up Suzuki SV650 or Honda Hornet as great do-it-all middleweights to consider.
Just my opinion as I've ridden both roadster and cruiser types as well as the Thruxton. Out of the lot I'd say Thruxton, but with flat bars, close second the standard roadster.
If it doesn't need to be a Triumph, I'd offer up Suzuki SV650 or Honda Hornet as great do-it-all middleweights to consider.
I have a friend who has a '79 Special and rides it all over Texas, NOT at a moderate pace! Mine is rock-solid to go wherever I want, but I choose not to use it for long miles. They do vibrate a lot (relatively) for long rides.
Freebooter
Well-Known Member
Thanks y'all!
Freebooter
Well-Known Member
Hello all,
Been a while since I posted on this thread. I just wanted to tell y'all the guy has come down from $6,000.00 down to $5,000.00. I am planning on buying it at the end of this month. I cleaned it up and it is so sweet!
FB
Been a while since I posted on this thread. I just wanted to tell y'all the guy has come down from $6,000.00 down to $5,000.00. I am planning on buying it at the end of this month. I cleaned it up and it is so sweet!
FB
