Description
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We try hard to provide our own detailed listings here at Iconic Motorbike Auctions, but every once in a while a seller tells the story better than we ever could. We’ll leave it to the current owner to share his experience with this Bonneville:
“The 1970 Triumph Bonneville T120 was the high water mark in Triumph 650 development, and the year that most enthusiasts consider the best Triumph Bonneville ever built. Powered by the proven 650cc parallel twin, it was paired with a right-side-shift four-speed gearbox. The last hurrah before the change to the oil-in-frame models, this machine represents British motorbike history at its finest.”
“In 1970, Triumph tweaked the Bonnie with an extensively modified gearbox, improved mainshaft bearings, aluminum-bronze shift forks with rollers, oil-filled ignition coils, and other running gear improvements. It was one of the best handling and fastest machines on the road, soon to be cast aside, of course, by the wave of Japanese super bikes. But 50 years on, the old Bonnie has a stately, classic presence that few other bikes can equal.”
“This particular machine was fully restored approximately 12 years ago. All numbers match. The paint is the correct Astral Red over Silver Sheen, with Gold coach lining, and was done by the master Don Hutchinson. The bike lived in Palm Beach, Florida and was cared for by Brit Bike specialist Wes Scott.”
“With its electronic ignition, the bike is a one or two kick starter from cold, following the carb tickle procedure known by all BritBike owners. The Bonnie has been ridden approximately 50 miles per year since restoration, and the ODO shows 859 miles. It idles, accelerates, and runs wonderfully. It is fast, handles great, shifts and stops well (grading on the drum brake curve). It is a dream to ride on a backroad.”
“This bike can be drained and put on display, or it can be added to your collection as a stunning vintage weekend rider. You can win a show while riding to and from it. As classic British motorcycles go, this is just about as good as it gets. It is one of the best T120Rs in the US.”
This example is VIN: JD58036, Engine #: JD58036. The seller acquired the bike 11 years ago from a private party in South Florida.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 400 miles. The odometer shows 859 miles, which represents the distance recorded since the restoration was completed. Accordingly, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller’s description: “It has been in the current owner’s climate controlled garage in New Jersey for the last decade, during which time it has been maintained impeccably. It recently went through a mild tuning and freshening in preparation for the sale, with the carbs cleaned and rebuilt, new petcocks and fuel lines fitted, new air cleaner elements installed, oil changed, brakes and chain adjusted, switches cleaned, new fork gaiters, and a few other minor bits and bobs. As a 53 year young British motorcycle, there are no warrantees implied, and the new owner should be prepared to care for and fettle this bit of rolling history as the prior caretakers have.”
Modifications:
Bransden electronic ignition.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Gold Seal K70 tires.
The sale includes one ignition key and one fork lock key.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller reports that there are no cosmetic blemishes of note.
Currently located in Sea Girt, New Jersey, this Triumph is offered on a clean New Jersey title.
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