Post-World War II, Triumph’s larger twins remained recognizably similar to the first Speed Twin of 1938. But as the 1960s dawned, unitary construction of engine and gearbox, already a feature of the 350 and 500 twins, was applied to the 650s, launching in the 1963 model year. The café racer’s favourite since its launch, 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. Adjustments to frame design and general specifications over the years, included standardized 12-volt electrics, shuttle-valve fork internals, independently adjustable ignition points, Amal Concentric carburetors and a long overdue twin-leading-shoe front brake. The Bonnie continued essentially unchanged, before the launch of the ‘oil-in-frame’ models in 1970.
The matching-numbers 1970 T120R 650cc Bonneville offered here comes from a Southern California collection. In original condition, the bike was just checked for basic mechanical condition, including compression, and then recommissioned to ready it for sale and is proven to start very easily from cold and to run well as can be seen in the video below.
Chassis no. T120R DU53492
Engine no. T120R DU53492
Location: Ventura, California
SOLD
