Though pre-war British motorcycles were magnificent machines, motorcyclists of the time tended to be pigeon-holed into one of two categories: either they couldn’t afford a car, or else they were a bit eccentric. Post-war, however, motorcycles acquired a fresh image, very much influenced by America, which was representative of youth, liberation and rebellion. Simultaneously, an emerging interest in customization resulted in thousands of special bikes which were unique, creative and highly individual.

The new style shot to prominence in 1953, when Marlon Brando turned peaceful small-town California upside-down on his customized Triumph Speed Twin bobber in the hugely influential film The Wild One. Thereafter, more and more young Americans started customizing bikes and buying Schott Perfecto jackets in emulation of Brando and, over time, the look started to evolve.

By the 1960s, more and more bikes were being built for show. Chrome was polished until it was almost brighter than the sun itself, tropical metalflake colours beguiled the eye, and everything from airbrushing and pinstriping to shiny sissy bars turned motorcycles in rolling works of art.

Early attempts to emulate this style in Britain followed the widespread success of Peter Fonda’s 1969 film Easy Rider, but without a detailed knowledge of bobber and chopper-building or the access to parts, most efforts were somewhat crude. However, a small core of British enthusiasts continued researching and developing the look and since the millennium the traditional custom bobber has become increasingly popular, and numerous bikes have appeared which wouldn’t have looked amiss in California in the ’60s and ’70s.

This is one such bike. What started life as an ordinary Triumph T120 has, in recent years, been turned into a beautiful period-correct custom with numerous special parts. Since being built, it has not been widely exhibited, so will certainly turn heads when it appears at chopper shows. Benefitting from extensive mechanical restoration, too, it promises lots of happy riding for a long time to come.

As seen, this Triumph appears in the very best condition and wouldn’t look out of place at one of the American national custom bike shows of the 1970s. Its present condition is all the result of a detailed restoration performed by the vendor, an experience restorer, since last summer. He has finished many bikes to an exacting concours standard, but this Triumph represents something a little different.

Instead of adhering to strict factory-correctness, in restoring this bike as a bobber, he has allowed his imagination to wander, while closely following the period style. The bike you now see before you sports a brand-new fuel tank, a brand-new bobbed rear mudguard, brand-new handlebars and headlight, and a recent coat of custom paint in deep ebony with golden pinstripes.

It all shines beautifully, from front to rear. The chrome is superb and the wheels are immaculate and the custom seat is still very much like new.

We’ve mentioned that the vendor likes to restore his bikes to a concours standard, but they’re not just for show; he builds them to the highest mechanical standard, too, so we have full confidence that this Triumph should be a thrilling and dependable road bike for many years to come.

Where this particular bike is concerned, the vendor did not rebuild the engine himself as it has already been rebuilt in 2019 by Steve Piper Motorcycles, for a total cost of £1619. Since then, the bike has been ridden just about enough for the running-in to be complete, but no more than that. Indeed, a look at MoT records show that the Triumph has barely been on the road at all for the past 20 years. In April 2006, its mileage stood at 49 miles, which rose to 704 miles in 2007. It then spent many years out of use, having covered only 959 miles by March 2017. At the time of the engine rebuild, it had covered 1156 miles, since when it has been used a little more enthusiastically so that the mileage now stands at 1837.

In light of its freshness, the vendor hasn’t had to do much apart from polish the engine to make it cosmetically attractive, although he has fitted electronic ignition, new switchgear, a new voltage regulator and much more besides.

We believe that all systems are working well and that the bike is ready for the road, although without a current MoT certificate we do, of course, advise that bidders inspect it to their satisfaction before venturing onto the road. The vendor tell us, “The bike starts first or second kick, runs very well and sounds great,” and we’re fully inclined to believe it is so.

The earliest bobbers were just about lightness, stripping back the bike and shedding weight for improved performance, but before too long they were being built for show as well. This beautiful T120 is very much a show bike, but it’s eminently suitable for the road, too. Fresh from an extensive restoration by a skilled and capable restorer, with an eye for period-correctness, it’s everything a traditional custom bike should be.

As the Triumph has barely, if ever, been seen publicly since it was built it would be a very welcome exhibit at Britain’s major chopper events such as the Trip Out and the 101 Run, then you can choose where you want to go with it. Keep it shiny for shows, or let it develop an oily patina – whichever course you choose, you’re sure to have lots of fun.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.