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 carburettors 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 bike offered from the penultimate year of the truly classic Bonnevilles has been in the vendor’s Arizona collection for several years. It was beautifully restored from the ground-up in 2011 but repainted again in 2019 with meticulous care to match the original orange. Fresh from a re-commissioning, the bike is offered in excellent mechanical condition.
Engine no. T120RDU89728
Frame no. T120RDU89728
Location: Ventura, California
SOLD
Current bid: $5,000.00
Starting bid: $3,000.00
Auction item did not make it to reserve price
Auction item did not make it to reserve price
Auction item did not make it to reserve price
Auction item did not make it to reserve price