1965 Triumph Bonneville

Offers above $25,000 considered

The Triumph Bonneville T120 was one of the first of the Bonneville family of bikes. The first generation of Bonneville came out in the late 50s and was produced until the mid 80’s. A 2nd generation of Bonneville was then in production for a few years and then stopped until the third generation was first released in 2001, and has continued up until today.

The T120s were first produced in 1959, until they were discontinued in the early ’70s, Triumph being more in favour of focusing on their 750cc model.

The Bonneville T120 was Edward Turner’s last production design at Triumph (in retirement Turner designed the Triumph Bandit/BSA Fury which did not pass the prototype stage before BSA went under. The new motorcycle was conceived and developed so quickly that it was not included in the 1959 Triumph catalogue. With a 649 cc (39.6 in3) parallel-twin (two-cylinder) engine, the T120 was based on the Triumph Tiger T110 and was fitted with the Tiger’s optional twin 1 3/16 in Amal Monobloc carburettors as standard, along with that model’s high-performance inlet camshaft. Launched in 1959 by Triumph as “The Best Motorcycle in the World”, the Bonneville T120 was aimed mainly at the lucrative US market where enthusiasts were demanding extra performance.

Initially produced with a pre-unit construction engine which enabled the bike to achieve 115 mph (185 km/h) without further modification, the power tended to induce high-speed wobbles from the single downtube frame, so in 1963, a stiffer and more compact unit construction model was introduced, with additional bracing at the steering head and swinging arm. The steering angle was altered and improved forks were fitted a couple of years later, which, together with the increased stiffness enabled overall performance to match that of the Bonneville’s rivals.

The 1965 Triumph Bonneville T120 650 was again more or less a carry-over from 1964, which itself was a carry-over from 1963. Changes were minor and evolutionary in nature, aimed at refinement, improving reliability, performance and ease of production. Model designations were also carryovers: T120R was the road machine with downpipes; the T120C was the off-road/street scrambler.

Purchased from Alan Skosguard Auction April 2022

Complete restore by Gavin Venter @ Adrenalyn, Completed 2023

Looks as new, restored to 1965 factory condition

New Smiths Speedo, Repainted Tank and Guard, New Carbs, Pipes, Rims, Spokes and Wheels, New Michelin Tyres fitted

Rated in Adrenalyn’s Top 5 Motorcycles

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, Parallel Twin, OHV

Induction:

2 x Amal 1 – 1/6″ carburetors

Dry Weight:

165 kg

Displacement:

649cc

Power:

46 hp @ 6500 rpm

Starter:

Kick

Transmission:

6-speed, manual

Frame:

Single front downtube, second bracing member running under tank

Colour:

Black / Red

Dimensions:

Length: 2020 mm / 85.5 in
Width: 720 mm / 28.5 in
Wheelbase: 1403 mm / 55.2 in
Seat Height: 775 mm / 30.5 in
Ground Clearance: 127 mm / 5.0 in

Wheels:

Front: 3.25 x 19
Rear: 4.00 x 18

Suspension:

Front: Telescopic forks, hydraulic damping
Rear: Swingarm, twin Girling dampers

Brakes:

Front: 8″ SLS drum
Rear: 7″ SLS drum

Fuel Capacity:

13.6 L

Top Speed:

174 kph

Do you have any questions or are interested in this bike? Get in touch!