1961 Triumph 649cc Bonneville T120R

Triumph's pre-unit Bonneville must be one of the most glamorous, eye-catching, and iconic of all motorcycles. From the rider's perspective it became even more desirable with the introduction of the duplex frame for the 1960 machines. The new frame's steering head angle was steeper, and its wheelbase shorter, than the previous single downtube frame. To improve the Bonnie's handling still further, for 1961 the steering head angle was steepened again, from 67 to 65 degrees. The factory switched to unit construction for the 650 engines in 1963.

Originally shipped to the USA, this Bonneville was repatriated and restored by Triumph specialists Barnfields Classics, from whom the vendor purchased it in December 2007. It has covered only the 316 miles displayed on the odometer in the 18 years of the current ownership. The vendor tells us that this is a reflection of his ownership of a number of different motorcycles, and his ability to ride only one of them at a time. The Bonnie is being sold with regret, only because of his advancing years. Two replacement hips and one replacement knee are making riding more difficult than it once was.

We thank the VMCC, who hold Triumph factory despatch records, for confirming that the frame and engine numbers indicate that it was despatched as a 1961 Model T120R with the following details:

Despatched 1.12.60
Supplied to Triumph USA
Engine built 28th November 1960
Assembly date 29.11.60
Gearbox No: 122955

Documents supplied include old and current V5Cs, an old MoT, the old Michigan certificate of title, purchase invoice from 2007, and various receipts for servicing, work, and parts during the current ownership. Items worth mentioning are a magneto restoration in 2010, removal of the old petseal from the petrol tank and the application of a replacement lining in 2021, and professional cleaning of the carburettors in 2024 (unfortunately the invoice for this last work has been mislaid). The newly cleaned carbs and tank have only recently been re-fitted, and because time ran out before the bike was collected for this sale, the engine has not been started since they were re-installed. The new owner will therefore need to check both tank and carbs for leaks etc. and it should also be assumed that the carbs will require setting up and balancing. The Bonnie was last started in 2024 with a different petrol tank fitted, but it hasn't been ridden for a while because of the original tank's issues. Some recommissioning will be required, and it should respond very well to some detailing. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen. Key not required.
Key not required