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LOT 221

1969 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville Registration no. not registered Frame no. GC2204 T120R Engine no. GC2204 T120R

Sold for £6,325 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 221

1969 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville
Registration no. not registered Frame no. GC2204 T120R Engine no. GC2204 T120R

1969 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. GC2204 T120R
Engine no. GC2204 T120R

As the 1960s dawned, Triumph's larger twin-cylinder models remained recognisably similar to the first Speed Twin of 1938. 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 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 sports roadster, arriving at what aficionados consider its ultimate specification with the launch of the 1968 model. By this time the frame had been sorted and 12-volt electrics standardised, but welcome improvements included shuttle-valve fork internals, independently adjustable ignition points, Amal Concentric carburettors, and a long overdue twin-leading-shoe front brake. For the next couple of seasons the Bonnie continued essentially unchanged, before the disastrous launch of the 'oil-in-frame' models in November 1970 precipitated the collapse of the entire BSA-Triumph Group.

Belonging to the last Bonneville generation built before BSA-Triumph switched to the Umberslade Hall-designed oil-in-frame range, this example is a nicely presented older restoration. There are no documents with this Lot.

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 GC22204 T120R. The engine number is GC22204 T120R.

Additional information

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