Triumph entered the 1960s with its larger twin-cylinder machines recognisably similar to the first Speed Twin of 1938. Unitary construction of the engine and gearbox was already a feature of the 350cc and 500cc twins though, and this innovation duly appeared on the 650s in 1963. The café racer's favourite since its launch in 1959 thanks to its lusty acceleration and a top speed approaching 120mph, the Bonneville continued in this new form as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports roadster. Its engine, chassis and cycle parts were updated year by year, and by the decade's end the T120R Bonneville had arrived at what most enthusiasts agree is the model's ultimate incarnation. Today these late, pre-'oil-in-frame' Bonnevilles are becoming increasingly sought after by collectors on both sides of the Atlantic. Dating from the last year of production prior to the introduction of the successor oil-in-frame model, this T120 Bonneville was completely restored circa 2003 by the immediately preceding owner and has been professionally maintained since then by Ned Smiley. The machine has been ridden extensively by the current vendor, who advises us that it runs very sweetly. Presented in generally excellent condition, it is offered with sundry bills and expired MoTs, Swansea V5 registration document and current road fund licence/MoT.
Triumph entered the 1960s with its larger twin-cylinder machines recognisably similar to the first Speed Twin of 1938. Unitary construction of the engine and gearbox was already a feature of the 350cc and 500cc twins though, and this innovation duly appeared on the 650s in 1963. The café racer's favourite since its launch in 1959 thanks to its lusty acceleration and a top speed approaching 120mph, the Bonneville continued in this new form as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports roadster. Its engine, chassis and cycle parts were updated year by year, and by the decade's end the T120R Bonneville had arrived at what most enthusiasts agree is the model's ultimate incarnation. Today these late, pre-'oil-in-frame' Bonnevilles are becoming increasingly sought after by collectors on both sides of the Atlantic. Dating from the last year of production prior to the introduction of the successor oil-in-frame model, this T120 Bonneville was completely restored circa 2003 by the immediately preceding owner and has been professionally maintained since then by Ned Smiley. The machine has been ridden extensively by the current vendor, who advises us that it runs very sweetly. Presented in generally excellent condition, it is offered with sundry bills and expired MoTs, Swansea V5 registration document and current road fund licence/MoT.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
