History

The Triumph Bonneville T120 was the first model in the Bonneville series, produced from 1959 to 1975 and named after the company’s Land Speed Record run at the Salt Flats in 1956. The T120 was the last design penned by Edward Turner and was based on the Triumph Tiger 110 of the mid-to-late 1950s with a 649 cc parallel-twin engine, as well as the Tiger’s twin Amal Monobloc carburetors and high-performance inlet camshaft. This powertrain combination made 46 hp and 37.8 lb-ft of torque through a 4-speed or 5-speed gearbox. Its relatively high top speed of 108 mph made it a perfect bike to market in the United States, with Triumph calling it “The Best Motorcycle in the World” upon its release in 1959.

1967 proved to be the T120’s most successful year stateside, with around 28,000 units sold. The following year, it received a more reliable ignition system, further enhancing its reputation as a quick, well-handling bike. The T120 was such a dominant example in Triumph’s lineup that it prompted a 2001 launch of a new version, which is still in production today.

This Motorcycle

This particular example, Chassis # GC22322, is a 1969 T120R model, meaning it was produced specifically for export to the U.S. It sports a two-tone orange-and-chrome fuel tank with the Triumph logo proudly adorning the side. While the early history of this motorcycle has been lost to time, we know it was restored by Don Harrell’s British Motorcycle Works of Visalia, CA in 2010. Don Harrell was an important figure in the British motorcycle scene, known for setting the standard for quality restorations. At a cost of over $10,000, this T120R received everything it needed to bring the riding experience as close to factory-new as possible, including a new wiring loom, fenders, decals, carburetors, exhaust headers, mufflers, handlebars, and everything in between. Everything that needed to be chrome was rechromed, the bike was powder-coated, and even the tachometer was rebuilt to factory specifications. A comprehensive accounting of the work completed can be found in the “View Documents” section above. 

Following the restoration and delivery to its current owner by fall of 2010, this T120R was shown and placed Best in Class as the 2010 Radnor Hunt Concours D’Elegance. 

As it sits, this is a meticulously restored example of an iconic British Motorcycle from one of the all time great motorcycle manufacturers of our time. This is a chance to own, ride or show a refreshed piece of history with only 20 miles on the odometer since completion. A wise addition to any collection, office or living room. Included in the sale are restoration receipts as well as marque specific literature. 

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