Description
This motorcycle is Lot 30 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online June Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between June 6th through June 16th, with lots closing from midday June 16th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th June 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 30
1969 Triumph 650cc Bonneville T120
Registration no. RRJ 808H
Frame no. CC 14501 T120
Engine no. CC 14501 T120
As the 1960s dawned, unitary construction of engine and gearbox was already a feature of Triumph's 350 and 500 twins, and that innovation duly appeared on the 650s in 1963. The café racer's favourite since its launch, thanks to lusty acceleration and a top speed approaching 120mph, the Bonneville continued in this new form as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports roadster, arriving at what aficionados consider its ultimate specification with the launch of the 1968 model. By this time the frame had been sorted and 12-volt electrics standardised, while welcome improvements included shuttle-valve fork internals; independently adjustable ignition points; Amal Concentric carburettors; and a long overdue twin-leading-shoe front brake. For the next couple of seasons the Bonnie continued essentially unchanged, before the disastrous launch of the Umberslade Hall-designed 'oil-in-frame' models in November 1970 precipitated the collapse of the entire BSA-Triumph Group.
Belonging to the last Bonneville generation built before BSA-Triumph switched to the oil-in-frame range, this example displays a total of 45, 533 miles on the odometer and is offered for recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration. Sold strictly as viewed, the machine comes with a V5C Registration Certificate, an old V5, and some expired MoTs (the engine turns over). One key present. History unknown.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
