Lot 116: 1970 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville

Triumph entered the 1960s with its larger twin-cylinder machines recognizably similar to the first Speed Twin of 1938. Unitary construction of the engine and gearbox was already a feature of the 350cc and 500cc twins though, and this innovation duly appeared on the 650s in 1963. The caf� racer�s favorite since its launch in 1959 thanks to its lusty acceleration and a top speed approaching 120mph, the Bonneville continued in this new form as Triumph�s top-of-the-range sports roadster. Its engine, chassis and cycle parts were updated year by year, and by the decade�s end the T120R Bonneville had arrived at what most enthusiasts agree is the model�s ultimate incarnation. Today these late, pre-�oil-in-frame� Bonnevilles are becoming increasingly sought after by collectors on both sides of the Atlantic.

Dating from the last year of production prior to the introduction of the successor oil-in-frame model, this unit-construction T120R has been fitted with a 750cc �big bore� kit, a route to increased power that Triumph themselves would go down with the T140 in 1972. Mike acquired this Bonnie at last year�s Legend of the Motorcycle auction. When Mike bought the bike, it had already been restored from �ground up� in 2005, with the work was carried out by a shop in Paris, CA. The previous owner acquired to bike in 2006 and showed it at the 2007 San Francisco Rod, Custom & Motorcycle Show where it was an award winner. The odometer displays a total of 17,583 miles, only 95 of these having been �clocked� during the past two years. Offered with Certificate of Title.

Without reserve