How to restore a Triumph Bonneville T140

By Mark Paxton

Published by Veloce 160 pages Paperback ISBN: 978-1-787111-49-3 Price: £45 UK, $70 US Available from Rennicks (02) 9695 7055 www.renniks.com

Much of this very detailed book covers the author’s restoration of a 1979 T140 and deals with the fundamentals common to any restoration, as well as the quirks of this particular machine. The 750cc version of the venerable 650 Bonneville twin was produced in twin carburettor form from both the US and UK/European markets, as in single-carb form as the Tiger from 1973 to 1983. There should not be too many questions left unanswered for the restorer of a T140 after reading this book, with more than 900 colour illustrations. Unhappily, this model was produced during the shortlived administration of NVT (Norton Villiers Triumph) and quality was not what it once was. Restoration therefore includes some remedial work to correct inherent faults, all of which the author deals with in detail. The electrics, for instance, come in for thorough scrutiny, including modern replacement items for the troublesome originals. The author’s finished restoration is certainly a headturner, and would be a far more reliable and functional machine than the original.