Shiro, the founder and previous owner of Ritmo Sereno, is back with another impressive project. This time, he has transformed a 1976 Triumph Bonneville T140 into a stunning custom bike. Inspired by vintage desert sleds and Steve McQueen’s famous Triumph TR6 desert racer, this bike is a visual treat with a touch of McQueen charm.
The build was commissioned by a client who wanted a mix of desert sled styling and tarmac-friendly running gear. The client plans to participate in the Japanese racing series called Legend of Classic, and this T140 is his weapon of choice. But this is not just a show bike; it’s a genuine race bike built for speed.
Shiro didn’t have a complete motorcycle to work with, as the customer only provided the engine, frame, and swingarm. To get started, he turned to the experts at Gladstone for a powertrain overhaul. The parallel-twin engine received new cams, high-compression pistons, and Keihin CR carburetors with velocity stacks. Gladstone also revised the head, and power is now delivered to the rear wheel through a five-speed gearbox and a belt final drive.
Shiro himself meticulously crafted a custom titanium exhaust system for the bike. It features a drilled heat shield to prevent excessive heat near the rider’s leg. The chassis received billet aluminum triple clamps and a bespoke steering stem to accommodate a set of forks sourced from a classic Yamaha. These forks were upgraded with modern internals. Premium aftermarket shocks handle the rear suspension duties, and 18-inch Excel hoops laced to repurposed Yamaha wheel hubs complete the unsprung sector.
For optimal performance, the T140 is equipped with Avon Roadrider tires at the front and an AM18 Super Venom at the rear. Stopping power is crucial for a race bike, so twin AP Racing brake calipers were installed up front, along with a single Brembo module at the rear. Both ends feature drilled Sunstar rotors.
This Triumph Bonneville T140 custom build by Shiro is a true masterpiece. With its vintage desert sled-inspired design and race-ready performance, it’s sure to turn heads on and off the track.
Brembo, a renowned supplier, provided a pair of top-quality master cylinders for the project. These were connected using youthful hoses, creating a seamless system. The rearsets and linkages on the Bonnie were custom-made in-house, giving the bike a unique touch. Taking inspiration from Steve McQueen’s TR6, the bodywork on the bike is a standout feature. The Triumph gas tank, a reproduction, takes center stage, proudly displaying the brand. A handmade solo seat, crafted on an aluminum base and upholstered by Razzle Dazzle, adds to the bike’s custom look. Number boards and a high-mounted fender complete the rear of the bike, while a simple mudguard and flat number plate with #955 TR6 vibes adorn the front. The cockpit has also undergone significant changes. The instrument cluster now features a standalone lap timer, a digital temperature display from Daytona, and an analog tachometer from Stack. A low-profile handlebar with minimal controls completes the cockpit area. To add the finishing touches, 46Works installed a Setrab oil cooler with Kinokuni fittings and a bespoke oil catch can. Drops Design Works took care of the paint job, opting for a sleek gloss-black finish on the fuel tank, rims, and frame. Certain aluminum bodywork components were left unpainted to create contrast, while the engine covers and titanium exhaust pipes maintain their original finish.
