Triumph Bonnevilles. 1972 Meriden T140 or 2001 Hinckley T100?

Question

Which would you go for? The origional iconic bike that defined an era of cafe racers in the late '60s and early '70s. The sort of bikes owned by the "rockers" in Quadrophenia. Lots of character that came with oil leaks and breakdowns, but also prestige and pride of ownership. Or the "modern classic" retro? Comes with all the reliability and ruggedness of a modern motorcycle, but somehow (despite the fact it looks very similar) lacks the character and rider/machine bond the origional created?
So Origional or modern replica?
At least both are British designed and built!

Answer 1

I certainly wouldn't want a Meriden T140, so of the two I'd have to plump for the 2001 Hinckley T100......even though I haven't seen or ridden one. It has to be better than the T140, just HAS to be. ( I think the pre unit construction Bonnies were the best, late 50's/early 60's)......... :-)

Answer 2

Standard Oil in frame T 140 from 1972 is poor, brakes do not work, especially the dicss in the wet, seat is too high if you are under 6 foot, performance is worse than T 120 (650cc) and dramatically inferior to Norton Commando up to 50 mph. The TR7 detuned single carb version was as quick as the T140 from contemporary road tests
The Unit 650, T120 was the rockers bike, the 4 speed seperate oil tank bikes with the full width front Hub, less vibration more go than T 140 thats why they are more valuable, The 5 speed has stupid gear ratios, 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th are close with a big jump to 5th yet 1st and top are the same as the 4 speed bizarre.
If it would stay together for a whole week at a time I would say buy a Commando and embarass everything under 900 cc away from the lights, (and a lot of over 900cc) but mine needed 2 hours maintainance for every hour ridden.
Reckon its the newer one for you, at least the factory is still open so you can get genuine bits.

Answer 3

Well, the Meriden T140 isn't an original either! The Meriden Co-op bikes were pretty dire, lashed together in a period of adversity and bought for all the wrong nostalgic reasons. I'd get the new and reliable T100.

Answer 4

I own both vintage and modern motorcycles. There's something unique about pulling up to a group of riders on a vintage bike. Even die hard H-D enthusiasts come over and shoot the bull with you. Riding a vintage bike makes you appreciate modern machinery so much more on long rides.

If you're just cruising around town, go for the Bonnie. Just make sure to brush up on Amal carb tuning and Lucas Electrics troubleshooting.

Answer 5

I vote for the older Bonnie. I've got a '71 Bonnie & despite the bizzare electrics & Amal carbs, this is the sweetest handling bike I've ever owned. I've been riding street bikes for over 40yrs & own 1 Trumpet, 3 Harleys & an old 441Victor BSA. The Bonnie can be a bear to start at times, but I've got a great right leg thanks to her & my 55 Panhead. You're right about the old ones havin' their own personalities. She'can be a pure bit*h or the sweet girl of your dreams, something you usually don't find with the new iron.

Answer 6

i love the seem of the unfashionable Triumphs also. My problem should be no matter if I had a broking close to via. i ought to also be hesitant to purchase one except I knew someone first hand that had owned one. of direction Triumph has been round for years yet I have not in any respect met each person that owns a Triumph. I agree that there are too many Sportsters on the marketplace, yet i do not see many Nightsters on the line so resale should be more effective on it. Take everybody's opinion right here with a grain of salt. many human beings right here ought to allow you to comprehend to purchase a cardboard container truly than a Harley basically out of their dislike for the form.

Answer 7

I had a late 60's T120 Bonnie in the early 80's. Always wanted one, it was a pig! It looked the part but hardly ever went. You wanna go for the newer one, and splash some cash on bolt-on goodies- at least you can ride it, whereas the old one will forever be in bits in the garage!!

Answer 8

i owned a t140 bonneville special 1979 loved it.used to race a 750 bonneville flat track back in the early 70's

Answer 9

The older Bonnie certainly has the character, but i like to ride my bikes and it's no use if you spend hours beside the motorway repairing it every time you go out... so purely for reliability i would buy the new "copy"..

Answer 10

go for a new bonneville,im on my second after i made the mistake of selling the first one.there,s some good forum's on the new bonneville you will find all you need on there.