1977 Triumph Bonneville T140V - by Randy's Cycle Service & Restoration @ rcycle.com

[parrotbasher]

I always put the Mk11/2 tops on the Mk1s when I do away with the choke (air control valve or whatever Triumph called it). Ticklers only, both sides and they should always start first time. Mk11/2s had the plunger type fuel enrichment system and that worked ok - but not as well as the tickler.

The stands on the OIF frame bikes are a weak point and I would advise taking the bike off the stand before using the kickstart. All the US imports I work on have busted frames / missing stand lugs

[RandysCycleService]

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[MrFelim]

I was weaned on Brit bikes and have restored many. My first ever was an Ariel leader and everyone cut an access hole in the side covers on factory fresh machines to access the tickler because the bike would not start on choke only. I had an A10 that seemed to run fine with no sign of being over rich that would start every time without choke or tickler. Basically no two Brit bikes are alike and the choke system apparently irrelevant. But what great bikes!

[RandysCycleService]

@MrFelim: Agreed, no 2 vintage Brit bikes are the same. Our experience is 99% of the Brit unit twins of the 1960's and 70s seem to always need tickler & choke.

[MrFelim]

Very nice bike, don't often see these with the original mufflers. They hardly ever have a choke fitted because they never worked and there never was an idle control on MK1 Amals. Just flood the carbs and go.

[RandysCycleService]

@MrFelim:

That's the reason everybody took them off, was because they either: a) didn't know how to use them properly. b) had a bike that was so badly out of tune like worn out carbs c) were trying to start a bike the wrong way and thought it should idle on its own cold. d) thought "if it don't work, it needs to be removed."

I think we need to make a video demonstrating the fact that they do work and what they do.

[PeterDad60]

@RandysCycleService One more reason for choke removal on T140V is when racing sometimes the choke would vibrate itself into "on". No harm done. Still after enough episodes I removed my choke. My T140V starts first kick everytime. If not it means I was not paying attention. If no start by 3rd kick it means the head gasket is leaking. That only happens if you miss a shift at redline. Maintained my bike myself and we beat every bike on the road for 10 years. She is parked 10 feet away.

[rwanzer1]

Randy -Good looking bike! I was wondering if you could share the actual brand and colors used on the tank? Thanks...

[RandysCycleService]

@rwanzer1: Please visit our Technical Help line service page to talk to Randy about this:

rcycle.com/TechHelp.html for details

[hiodr]

beautiful bonnie. excellent restoration.