LOT 312

1968 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville Registration no. RUE 438F Frame no. T120R DU72156 Engine no. T120R DU72156

Sold for £5,750 inc. premium

Lot 312

1968 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|22 April 2023, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1968 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville
Registration no. RUE 438F
Frame no. T120R DU72156
Engine no. T120R DU72156

As the 1960s dawned, Triumph's larger twins remained recognisably similar to the first Speed Twin of 1938. Unit 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 cafe 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, 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 1970 precipitated the collapse of the entire BSA-Triumph Group.

First registered in the UK in 1990 (almost certainly imported from the USA), this apparently original Bonneville has been checked over by the vendor mechanically but left untouched cosmetically. It should be noted that there appears to be a possible slight re-stamping of the engine number's last two digits. The machine is offered with an old-style V5C document and HPI check. Recommissioning advised.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Additional information

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