Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Triumph Bonneville T140
81/100 Overall
72 On the road90 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Triumph Bonneville T140 vs Kawasaki Z750 Twin
Triumph Bonneville T140 scores 81/100 overall against Kawasaki Z750 Twin on 76/100. On the road: 72–72. As classics: 90–80. Overall result: Triumph Bonneville T140.
Photo: Unknown creator · CC BY-SA 3.0
Kawasaki Z750 Twin
76/100 Overall
72 On the road80 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Triumph T140 | Kawasaki Z750 Twin | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Triumph T140 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 8 | Kawasaki Z750 Twin |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 7 | Triumph T140 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 8 | Triumph T140 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 7 | Triumph T140 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 9 | Triumph T140 |
Choose the Triumph T140 if…
you want classic Bonneville character with 750cc torque, disc brakes and more everyday usability than earlier versions.
Choose the Kawasaki Z750 Twin if…
you want an unusual big Japanese twin with strong torque, rarity and a very different feel from the four-cylinder Z models.
Background
History
Triumph T140
The Triumph Bonneville T140 was produced from 1973–1983 and used a 744cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Kawasaki Z750 Twin
The Kawasaki Z750 Twin was produced from 1976–1983 and used a 745cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Triumph T140
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 744cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, historic importance.
Kawasaki Z750 Twin
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 745cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, reliability.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Triumph T140
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Triumph Bonneville T140. Its library score for character is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Kawasaki Z750 Twin
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki Z750 Twin. Its library score for character is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Triumph T140
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Kawasaki Z750 Twin
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Triumph T140
Rivals to the Kawasaki Z750 Twin
Final result
The verdict
On the road the motorcycles finish level. Triumph Bonneville T140 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Triumph Bonneville T140 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.