Among about 20 very nice British bikes on display at the National Motorcycle Museum is a Triumph Bonneville T140 Silver Jubilee Limited Edition. These machines were built to commemorate the first 25 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign as the Queen of England. Originally the plan was to manufacture a total of 1,000 units for the home market to honor the Queen, but they sold so easily that the factory quickly produced another 1,000 bikes for the American market, then roughly another 400 for general export world-wide. The first 1000 had emblems which read “One of a Thousand”. But when manufacturing exceeded 1000, subsequent bikes were badged “Limited Edition”. The late 1970’s Triumph T140’s are among the most refined of the Bonneville line which began in 1959.
As can be seen, great attention was paid to finishes on the Silver Jubilee. Chrome plating was added to the engine side-cases, the tail light housing was chromed and chrome rims were painted and striped down their centers, a classic touch. Cast alloy wheels were optional. Body paint and badging were nicely designed. Upholstery included red piping. Each Silver Jubilee came with a certificate of authenticity. The bikes quickly became collectors items, some put on display and never ridden.
While staying with the proven and well-liked parallel twin design for over 15 years, by the mid-1970′s Triumph began to update and further improve the basic Bonneville.
Recall that the various Trident three-cylinder machines came on the market in 1969 and lasted until this machine was made in 1977. And by this time the Japanese Big Four had shown their might with constantly evolving Superbikes. Triumph was the sole remaining British motorcycle and would last into 1983, then go bankrupt. BSA was gone by the end of 1972, Norton by 1976. In steps the Bonneville engine reached 744ccs and the engine became rubber mounted. Yielding to US transportation law, the shifter was moved to the left by 1974. If you have the opportunity to ride a Bonneville from this era you will find it a great experience. The engine is smooth and torquey, the riding position traditional.
The year 2001 rebirth of the Bonneville by the newer Hinckley-based company brought us traditional Bonneville styling cues and 790 cc’s. Today’s Bonneville at 1200 cc’s is nearly twice the capacity of the 1959 at 650 cc’s, uses a 270 degree crankshaft and ride-by-wire fuel injection.
Helping you trace the evolution of motorcycle technology is part of what the National Motorcycle Museum is all about. When you visit you can study up close over 450 machines from around the globe.
Specifications for 1977 Silver Jubilee Limited Edition:
- Type: Overhead Valve, Transverse Parallel Twin
- Bore & Stroke: 76mm x 82mm
- Displacement: 744cc’s
- Compression Ratio: 8.6 : 1
- Ignition: Points, Coil, 12V Battery
- Lubrication: Oil-in-Frame Dry Sump / Pump
- Carburetor: Two Amal Concentrics, R930, 30mm
- Starting: Kick & Electric
- Horsepower: 49, rated
- Primary: Chain Driven
- Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
- Final Drive: Chain
- Transmission: 5-Speed, Left Foot Shift
- Frame: Double Cradle/Tubular Steel
- Suspension: Hydraulic Fork / Swingarm Rear
- Brakes: 10″ Disk Front / 10″ Disk Rear
- Wheelbase: 54.5 Inches
- Wheels / Tires: 3.25 x 19 / 4.00 x 18
- Weight: 387 Pounds, Dry
- Top Speed: 120 MPH
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I plan on visiting your museum before it gets too cold to ride. Love the Triumphs and have had 3 over the years. Wish I still had all sitting in my garage.
Electric start? I doubt it. My “79 doesn’t have electric start.
CORRECTION: The T140 did not get electric starting until 1980, so the Silver Jubilee was kick-start.
Thanks for catching that, Mike.
Mark
National Motorcycle Museum
I am glad to see the 1977 T-140V Silver Jubilee on display for everyone to see. I restored this particular Triumph as it is and will always be one of the prettiest Triumphs ever to come out of Meridian.
This particular T-140 was found in a guys basement with parts scattered all over the place. Took three years to bring it back with stories of where some of the various parts came from.
And yes this engine is a kick start with a five (5) forward speed transmission.
Thank you to the folks at the National Motorcycle Museum for taking this one of a kind Triumph and to show it to others!
Neither wonderful Motorcycles I have one of the original 1000 Silver Jubilee bikes. I bought it in 1981 when I was in high school. Still sits in my garage with a cover on it can I ride it a couple hundred miles a year
Does anyone know what this bike worth $$?
My father has a 1977 Queen’s silver jubilee that has been in storage since he purchased it and he prepped it at the Triumph dealer you worked at 0 miles never registered been in storage since 1977
I have a1977 Silver Jubilee (One of a Thousand) with 1167 miles. I acquired it 2006 not running, but looks beautiful. Would consider selling.
Hi Joseph,
Do you still have the triumph? How much were you thinking?
Thanks
My dad purchased one and it has under 500 miles on it. Will consider selling at a reasonable price.