1965 Triumph Bonneville T120C /TT

RETURNED FROM AMERICA 2016

965 Triumph Bonneville T120C/ TT 650cc parallel twin. A genuine and very usable classic British motorcycle from the peak 60’s Bonneville era, presented as a ready-to-ride example rather than a concourse show bike. This is a matching numbers bike, UK registered and supplied with a dating certificate, giving strong provenance and authenticity — something increasingly important when purchasing mid-1960s classic bikes. 

The bike starts easily and you just know this is an awesome piece of history from its strong distinctive un-restricted sound. It puts out approximately 45bhp which is standard for competition 650 Bonneville’s and has a dry weight of 170Kg. It offers an immediate hit of adrenaline when pulling off. It is raw and you feel connected to say the least. "Rewarding riding experience" is an understatement, it is so much more, it is completely atmospheric. ..... It's a Triumph after all. 

Presented in 'T120C' trim, it has a purposeful and sporting appearance that reflects the Bonneville’s racing heritage both in desert racing and flat track racing in the States. It retains the Bonneville iconic twin-carb layout, classic lines and unmistakable presence that make this individual model so desirable today. Mechanically, the bike has benefited from recent maintenance including: Front fork rebuild and full service inspection. It is a solid and usable example: Starts and idles well with classic Bonneville characteristics. Gearbox selects as it should, brakes and clutch operate correctly. Ignition is ET and functions without battery requirement and as expected for a motorcycle of this era.

Condition is honest and in keeping with its age. This is not an over-restored machine and shows appropriate patina, which many enthusiasts actively prefer. Cosmetics are presentable and tidy overall, with age-related marks consistent with a 60-year-old motorcycle. The chrome, paint and cycle parts show well with clean original cadmium plated nuts and bolts and the bike retains the charm and authenticity that is often lost in heavily restored examples. 

The bike is ready to ride and enjoy, while still leaving scope for sympathetic improvement depending on the new owner’s preferences. As with any 1960s motorcycle, routine ongoing maintenance and fettling should be expected as part of classic ownership.

Documentation: UK Registered, matching numbers, dating certificate included.

For a full walk-around, go to this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/hqR6zx-V54o

Featured in Classic Bike June 2021

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BIKE TECHNICAL DETAILS:

  • Matching frame and engine numbers.

  • Engine fully serviced with oils and plugs together with ignition timing check

  • Front end rebuild with new seals

  • Seat unit is a ‘shortened’ standard torpedo seat, customized to fit to 1.5 people as opposed to 10 people. This makes the proportions considerably more stylish and light-weight looking.

  • The bike is fitted with a Pirelli Garacross 18 x 4.00 on the back and Dunlop Trials Universal 19 x 3.25 on the front. 

  • Genuine Dunlop rims

  • The exhaust system is straight through and may require baffling to tone down it's volume.

  • Gearbox is a 4 speed box with a 19 tooth gearbox sprocket. The rear wheel sprocket is a 47 tooth sprocket.

  • Front and rear guards are aluminium ‘Razor’ edged.

  • Tank is a 65 tank with ocean blue paint

  • ET Ignition still installed

Purchase Enquires