1967 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE

1967 Triumph Bonneville. Graced by one of the most evocative model designations in the history of motorcycling, the Triumph Bonneville owes its existence to record-breaking successes achieved on the eponymous Utah salt flats in 1958, when a Tiger 110 set a new 650cc production machine record of over 147mph. Absolutely Original! 1967 Triumph Bonneville with the exception of new carbeurators. Engine Number: T120R DU50005 Frame Number: T120R DU50005 Graced by one of the most evocative model designations in the history of motorcycling, the Triumph Bonneville owes its existence to record-breaking successes achieved on the eponymous Utah salt flats in 1958, when a Tiger 110 set a new 650cc production machine record of over 147mph. Launched at the Motor Cycle Show in September 1958, the production Bonneville remained recognizably similar to the first Speed Twin of 1938 for the next few years, as did Triumph’s other large-capacity twins. Unitary construction of engine and gearbox was already a feature of the 350 and 500 twins though, and that innovation duly appeared on the 650s in 1963. The café racers’ favourite since its introduction, thanks to lusty acceleration and a top speed approaching 120mph, the Bonneville continued in this new form as Triumph’s top-of-the-range sportster. This superbly original, untouched and unmolested T120 Bonneville dates from the highly desirable and very collectable 1967, by which time the handling problems associated with earlier versions had been sorted and 12-volt electrics standardized. A California black license plate proves that this matching numbers example has resided in this state from new. The completely untouched, original paint on the tank in the quintessential colour scheme for the model year of Aubergine over White is faded with the most glorious patina, and there is still has a trace of the Speed Record Holder and Made In England Decals once were adjacent to the tank cap. The inside of the tank is excellent. Side panel and oil tank are also in original, though faded, black paint. The finish on the frame, also perfectly original, is pretty good. Original stainless fenders are both very nice, no dents. The seat sports the original spec cover, and although discoloured, has no tears. The bike runs on original and very clean Dunlop Rims, the rear laced with stainless spokes. They are shod with good Dunlop K70 400-18 at the rear and 350-19 up front. The original gauges work, but are not very precise. The odometer reads 40,000 miles, though actual mileage is unknown. Fork action is good as is the Swing Arm. All other cycle parts are in excellent condition and seem to be original to the bike. Mechanically, the bike is excellent condition. Tickle the carbs, kick through slowly 2-3 times, then kick her to start first time. I have no paperwork regarding any engine work, but it certainly doesn’t need it. The engine is responsive and powerful, running through later Concentric Carburetors for better power delivery and reliability. I would there was at least a top-end rebuild sometime in the recent past. Also, to increase the reliability the bike was fitted with an electronic condition. The bike shifts perfectly through all gears with a great clutch. With new linings, the brakes are excellent, the front pulling up like a modern machine. Lucas head and tail lights are working as is the horn. The only damage on the bike is that at one time it threw a drive chain resulting in some case damage, a common problem on Triumph Unit Twins. An easy repair when the engine is apart for overhaul, the hole caused by the damage has no effect to the running of the bike, it is simply in an area over the drive chain, the damage has had a temporary fix of epoxy. All chrome on the bike shines brightly. The exhaust pipes have a little corrosion on the downtubes, but the mufflers are excellent and provide a splendid, throaty exhaust note. The bike has original hardware throughout. Having ridden the bike quite a few miles, it rides far better than an original 47 year old machine should. This is a fantastic and rare find. A mechanically excellent Triumph Bonneville from one of the pinnacle years of the marque’s success in the most superbly original condition, oozing style and patina. The Preservation Class of Concours D’Elegance events is the most rapidly growing segment, being the hardest kind of bike or car to find. Here is a shoe-in to any show. And one that can be ridden there!! https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24509/lot/108/ 1967 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville Frame no. T120RDU61062 Engine no. T120RDU61062 • We recommend the closest inspection • One of the finest examples available anywhere • Superbly detailed throughout • Masterly attention to detail Graced by one of the most evocative model designations in the history of motorcycling, the Triumph Bonneville owes its existence to record-breaking successes achieved on the eponymous Utah salt flats in 1958, when a Tiger 110 set a new 650cc production machine record of over 147mph. Launched at the Motor Cycle Show in September 1958, the production Bonneville remained recognizably similar to the first Speed Twin of 1938 for the next few years, as did Triumph’s other large-capacity twins. Unitary construction of engine and gearbox was already a feature of the 350 and 500 twins though, and that innovation duly appeared on the 650s in 1963. The café racers’ favorite since its introduction, thanks to lusty acceleration and a top speed approaching 120mph, the Bonneville continued in this new form as Triumph’s top-of-the-range sportster. This particular T120R Bonneville dates from 1967, by which time the handling problems associated with earlier versions had been sorted and 12-volt electrics standardized. There’s little argument that a late-1960s Triumph Bonneville is one of the best-looking British motorcycles ever made, with just-right proportions and a jaunty, let’s-go-riding attitude. More than that, by then the Bonneville had become a cultural icon in America. Writer Peter Egan may have put it best in a tribute to his 1967 Bonnie published in Cycle World magazine in 1980. ‘It provoked a bad case of “XKE Syndrome” – impossible to park and walk away from without looking back over your shoulder”, he said, referring to Jaguar’s sultry E-Type. The history file with this beautiful Bonneville contains a UK VMCC Certificate of Origin based on the Triumph factory records and the restoration build sheet. It was built on April 11, 1967 and shipped to TriCor in Baltimore, Maryland – Triumph’s east coast distributor – on April 15. It lacks nothing. The bike was dismantled and then restored and re-built to as close to factory specification as possible but with a few sensible, modern upgrades so that the bike can be ridden successfully today – such as Tri-Spark electronic ignition. The bike sparkles, enough to win a Junior First Award at the 2017 Antique Motorcycle Club of America Dixon National Motorcycle Show. Footnotes As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold ‘as is/where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Saleroom notices The frame number is T120 DU61062 ** good pictures*** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TriumphBonnevilleT120 In 1967 Triumph posted its most successful year in the United States with an estimated 28,000 T120s sold,.[9] In 1968 the T120 gained a new and more reliable ignition system.