Description
1965 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.
Overall, a very honest and increasingly collectible mid-1960s Bonneville that combines originality, usability and strong provenance — ideal for riding, shows, or as a long-term classic investment. Viewing is welcome and encouraged. A matching-numbers 1965 T120C, (post 1966) known as 'TT' Bonneville with real presence and provenance. It was repatriated back to the UK in 2016 from the US West Coast, now registered in the UK with a dating certificate and is as usable as it is a living room icon.
The bike has been fully serviced with rebuilt forks and has a customised 3/ 4 ‘Torpedo’ seat which gives the bike a more balanced sportier look. The seat modification is fully reversible should a more original look be required. The T120C led the way in the competition field in the US, proving itself a leading contender for the two wheel motor sports market.
This 1960's top of the range 650 competition Triumph sounds, rides and feels exactly as it should, readily rideable with a good spread of power that allows it to be docile or aggressive depending on how you ride. This bike is always admired wherever it goes and was featured in Classic Bike magazine, in an article on Desert Sleds in 2021 (see photos) Drop me a line if you want to see a video of the bike turning over.
