T140 Revisited

[nighthog]

In 1981 I bought a new T140ES, but when my job and associated income ran out a couple of years later, I had to sell it to pay off the debt. I've always been a bit disgruntled by that and quietly hankered after another, so when this one presented itself I simply had to buy it. A bit like Jim and his BSA! That itch needed scratching ...



It's been in a shed, covered in sawdust (?!) for 10 years, and didn't run for an unknown number of years before that. All the important bits are there and I guess any missing bits should be fairly straightforward to find. And when it's finished, it'll make for a very different riding experience to my XS. As indeed did the SR.

My next problem is one of space:



So, the SR500 is up for sale. If any UK dudes fancy it then please get in touch - it's a good one that I've improved and used regularly. I'll miss it, but I simply don't have room for four bikes

So, the journey begins - I think it will be quite a long one! Should be (expensive) fun though
Cliff

 

[Jim]

Yeah, bikes from our past can have a powerful pull. Totally unreasonable, but powerful nonetheless. I'll enjoy following this one.
I'm assuming this will be a resto/mod build, Cliff?

 

[Mailman]

Yes please, keep us updated with your progress on this one! I’ve always loved Bonnevilles, I had a ‘76 T140. I sold it much too soon!

 

[nighthog]

resto/mod build

Yes, I'm not wedded to originality, but I am to usability. It'll be mostly original with sensible upgrades where necessary. Like the brakes!
Not sure mine will ever be as shiny as Bob's one, but I'll try!

And yes, I'll post progress, when it happens. I started on it today but got defeated by the cold after a couple of hours. Roll on Spring!

 

[Jim]

Not sure mine will ever be as shiny as Bob's one, but I'll try!

Says the bloke with the XS calendar girl...
We've seen what you can do, Cliff. I'm sure it will be every bit as nice as Bob's.

 

[jetmechmarty]

What year model is the latest acquisition. The front brake says it’s not another 1981.

 

[nighthog]

What year model is the latest acquisition

1980. According to the official log book (V5 for us Brits) it was first registered on 28th May 1980. According to the speedo, it's covered 42,000 miles since then so that sludge trap must be well and truly full!

 

[jetmechmarty]

1980. According to the official log book (V5 for us Brits) it was first registered on 28th May 1980. According to the speedo, it's covered 42,000 miles since then so that sludge trap must be well and truly full!

I like it and I like it a lot.

 

[motormike]

Toss the Yankee handlebars... get a better seat.... return to its proper British attire... Add electronic spark...proper exhaust... A case of elbow grease...... and you already related that the cost of bringing this old Brit back to service will be.... doesn't matter.. we've all been there done that... and I hope to be doing it a few more things before my /check out time..... I like the thought of leaving with the same bank balance I came into this world with....

 

[Jan_P]

1980. According to the official log book (V5 for us Brits) it was first registered on 28th May 1980. According to the speedo, it's covered 42,000 miles since then so that sludge trap must be well and truly full!

Yes interesting Not many seen here from mid 70 ies everyone bought Japanese .
Looks OK but inside can be worn at that mileage Requiring a big effort lets hope for the best. Can have been rebuilt once already.

 

[Adamc]

In 1981 I bought a new T140ES, but when my job and associated income ran out a couple of years later, I had to sell it to pay off the debt. I've always been a bit disgruntled by that and quietly hankered after another, so when this one presented itself I simply had to buy it. A bit like Jim and his BSA! That itch needed scratching ...

View attachment 344067View attachment 344068View attachment 344069

It's been in a shed, covered in sawdust (?!) for 10 years, and didn't run for an unknown number of years before that. All the important bits are there and I guess any missing bits should be fairly straightforward to find. And when it's finished, it'll make for a very different riding experience to my XS. As indeed did the SR.

My next problem is one of space:

View attachment 344070

So, the SR500 is up for sale. If any UK dudes fancy it then please get in touch - it's a good one that I've improved and used regularly. I'll miss it, but I simply don't have room for four bikes

So, the journey begins - I think it will be quite a long one! Should be (expensive) fun though
Cliff

I feel your space pain.......... Same problem for me.

 

[Raymond]

Echoing above comments, will be watching with interest. Hope that seat gets the binning it deserves . . . okay, that's harsh, some folks like stepped.

I would love to give a home to your SR500. Like yourself, emotional pull to a bike owned long ago - college kid with drag tuned SR:

https://www.xs650.com/threads/bikes-you-miss.64798/post-864702

But also like yourself, short of space - look below - in my case four is garage full and five would be silly. Much would be solved if somebody would buy the RE Interceptor . . .

 

[nighthog]

I feel your space pain

Loads of room in there, Adam!

 

[Adamc]

Loads of room in there, Adam!

Yep, but I've yet to incorporate 4 x bicycles and a hardtop for Mrs C's MX5 (Miata).
Like @Raymond I too would love to own your SR.... But funds / space (& Mrs C) would prevent that want.
Any Piccies of the SR?

 

[nighthog]

Any Piccies of the SR?

Yes, and I'll post something in the Classified section. Gimme a minute ....... Here you go: https://www.xs650.com/threads/uk-1980-sr500.67828/

 

[JJames]

Says the bloke with the XS calendar girl...
We've seen what you can do, Cliff. I'm sure it will be every bit as nice as Bob's.

Sweet calendar girl at that!

 

[nighthog]

Thank you, I appreciate the compliments but my efforts pale into insignificance compared to those of some of our members. My XS has been breathed on a bit since the clendar pics, and now looks a little different. Here's a pic:



The T140 won't get quite thesame treatment, it'll stay a softly-tuned pleasure bike but I'm already looking into alternative exhaust cams! And hey, maybe a little work on the head .... oh dear ...