1972 Triumph T120R Bonneville Registration Number: XHP 3K F...

Estimate

£5,800 - £6,300

1972 Triumph T120R Bonneville

Registration Number: XHP 3K
Frame Number: DE18739
Engine Number: DE187392T 120R

- In current ownership since 1979

The now legendary Triumph Bonneville was released in 1959, taking its name from the achievements of Texan Triumph racer Johnny Allen on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The Bonneville was the last production design of the celebrated Edward Turner, who had been instrumental in creating all of Triumph’s raciest post-Vintage bikes, the Speed Twin, Thunderbird and Tiger 110.

The original T120 Bonneville was developed in such a short space of time that it didn’t actually make it into Triumph’s 1959 catalogue, but it didn’t give the impression of being rushed. Its big, thumping 650cc twin assisted it quickly towards the ton, so it became an instant favourite with Ton-Up Boys. It wasn’t just rebellious teenagers who tried to squeeze as much speed out of it as possible, though. The Bonneville was developed for serious competition, and was perhaps most famously ridden by Steve McQueen in the 1964 International Six Days Trial.

The most significant update in the T120’s life came in 1963 when it changed from pre-unit to unit construction, i.e. the engine and gearbox were incorporated into a single housing whereas previously they had been separate. The purpose of this was to make the bike more stiffly-built and eliminate high-speed wobble, thereby enabling better performance to be extracted from it. The Bonneville’s production ran from 1959 all the way through to 1983 with the later T140 incarnation, at which point production ceased with the closure of the Meriden works.

Purchased by our vendor in 1979, this very genuine Bonneville has been cherished over a period of several decades. In that time the engine has been rebuilt with new barrel and pistons, valves and guides, and a Morgo oil pump. Burlen Amal carburettors and Burlen Mk1 floats and needles are fitted. A 7-plate clutch is fitted, new alternator and rotor, solid state regulator, Pazon electronic ignition, wiring loom and LED lamps (with negative earth). A new odometer has been fitted, and a replacement seat.

Very nicely finished in a gold/black livery, this is a stylish example which has clearly been loved over the last 45 years, and is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.