LOT 289

1968 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville Registration no. WSU 324F Frame no. T120R DU85136 (see text) Engine no. T120R DU85136

Sold for £6,900 inc. premium

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Lot 289

1968 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1968 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville
Registration no. WSU 324F
Frame no. T120R DU85136 (see text)
Engine no. T120R DU85136

As the 1960s dawned, unitary construction of engine and gearbox was already a feature of Triumph's 350 and 500 twins, 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, while 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 Umberslade Hall-designed '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 oil-in-frame range, this restored example was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband from Union Road Moto-Velo of Crediton on 25th April 2018 (sales receipt on file). The Bonnie was last used in 2018 and has been stored since then; recommissioning will be required before further use, while cleaning and polishing should reward the new owner with a very tidy machine. Accompanying paperwork consists of sundry bills and old/current V5C documents. We recommend that prospective bidders pay close attention to the frame number on this machine and satisfy themselves as to the originality of the stamping.

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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