TR7T-Inspired – 1978 Triumph T140E Custom

In Custom, Dual-Sport, England by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This custom Triumph did not get any interest at the opening bid of $5,000.


In 1981, Triumph created a dual-sporter based on the TR7V Tiger in response to BMW’s R80GS. It was called the TR7T Tiger Trail, and it was never officially exported to the US because of emissions regulations. It was an interesting (and very yellow) concept and examples are very hard to find nowadays – depending on who you believe, only 180-200 examples were ever built. Sump Magazine has a profile on this rare machine, and in it thye note that there are a “lot of home-brewed Tiger Trails that are a better way to spend the extra money.” Maybe this example fits the bill?

This bike started as a numbers-matching 750cc Bonneville T140E (the E stands for “emissions compliant”). It’s now 50 pounds lighter and it’s set up as an enduro with 21″/18″ Excel rims, Magura levers, plastic fenders, RFY adjustable shocks, and the front end from a 1984 “Kawasaki KLD” – I assume the seller means KLR. THe speedo has been pulled off a Yamaha 360 so the mileage is inaccurate. The paint is new, but I wish the seller had painted the plastic fenders to match as well. While I’m complaining about cosmetics, I’d prefer to see the headlight replaced with a classic round bucket that’s got a wire mesh cover on it. Otherwise, it’s an interesting vintage dual sport that’s got enough power to cruise on the freeway when needed. What do you think?

Find this custom Triumph for sale in Paso Robles, California with an unmet opening bid of $5,000