Classic Bonnevilles; From '67 - '70 - GrandPaul

[CarlS]

1967 - 1970 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120R 650

MANUFACTURED AT MERIDEN, WARWICKSHIRE, ENGLAND

BASED ON A 1938 DESIGN BY EDWARD TURNER (TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN)

650CC, OVERHEAD VALVE, FOUR-STROKE, VERTICAL TWIN, DRY SUMP

9:1 COMPRESSION, 47 HP, 120MPH TOP SPEED (APPROX)

4-SPEED RIGHT-SIDE SHIFT, DUPLEX (PRIMARY), SIMPLEX (FINAL) DRIVE S

12 VOLT POSITIVE GROUND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, WT.- 375 LBS.

NAMED FOR MOTORCYCLE LAND SPEED RECORD SET BY TRIUMPH
IN 1956 AT BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, UTAH - 214.400 MPH (AMA)
BUILDER – J.H.â€STORMY†MANGHAM, FT.WORTH, TX
RIDER – JOHNNY ALLEN (TEXAS SHORT TRACK CHAMPION)
TUNER – JACK WILSON, BIG D TRIUMPH, DALLAS, TX.

Compression & HP figures varied very little over this span; '67 had a single-leading shoe front brake, all later models had double-leading shoe.

There is very little argument against these being some of the very finest classic bikes of all time, and certainly THE finest of thier era. The beautiful, trim lines of the engine, tank and entire cycle are timeless.

While very conservative by today's standards, the Bonnevilles of this era were at the top of thier game and were the bike to beat on the track and on the street. Even when compared to some modern bikes, the silky-smooth handling of the Bonnevilles of this era is still above par at posted speed limits in the twisty bits. They deliver a true feeling of oneness of the rider with the machine.

A well-cared-for Bonneville is relatively easy to start, and can run all day if ridden at a modest pace; efficiency is quite satisfactory at between 40 - 45 MPG.

 

[CarlS]

Replies to this topic:


Some great photos on this web site

Photos

DaveM


No joke, nice pix. I've seen that site before. - GrandPaul

Even when compared to some modern bikes, the silky-smooth handling of the Bonnevilles of this era is still above par at posted speed limits in the twisty bits. They deliver a true feeling of oneness of the rider with the machine.

Agreed. I remember in the mid '60's, Triumph advertised "Nothing handles like a Triumph" and Triumph was spot on. I have never felt the same degree of oneness with a bike as I did with my 65 Bonnie and 66 TR6.

Thanks for the photo link, Dave.

GP, I noticed in the photo of the '68 TR6R, the fenders are painted incorrectly. I have seen this on two other 68 Trophys - including one at the Wood Auction.
CarlS


It's probably a personal preference thing to add more field color to the bike painting them tank color (Blue) with the Silver stripe.
GrandPaul

Agreed. I remember in the mid '60's, Triumph advertised "Nothing handles like a Triumph" and Triumph was spot on. I have never felt the same degree of oneness with a bike as I did with my 65 Bonnie and 66 TR6.

I think this was one of the things that I always missed after owning a Bonnie in the 70’s. I could just never find another bike that had that feeling like it was glued to the road, up until now that is. I can remember the one trip we did some rather tight passes and we were a group of us all on Jap bike except for my Bonnie. The group had laughed on previous occasions at my bike. Any way I took lead into the pass and it was only when I got out the other side I noticed there was no one behind me. Anyway I lit up a smoke and was nearly finished it when I saw the first bike appear. I must admit I was getting a bit worried thinking one of my buddies had come off someplace. So they pull up next to me look at me strangely and ask if I have a death wish going through the pass at the speed I did. Now for me I can still remember I was just riding not really pushing the bike and felt quite safe all the way through. It was then that I knew I had an exceptional bike. Funny thing was they never made fun of my Bonnie again I had there respect and so did the bike.
DaveM

It's probably a personal preference thing to add more field color to the bike painting them tank color (Blue) with the Silver stripe.

I think you are right, GP. MY '66 TR6 had white fenders with a Pacific blue stripe (that Pacific blue was a pretty color!). I strongly considered having the fenders painted blue with a white stripe. However, I was broke in those days and trying to pay off my TR6!

Dave, most of the guys I rode with had Triumphs or BSA's. A few had Hondas and Yamahas. We usually left those guys way behind in the twisties. I must confess that I rode a little harder in those days than I do now.
CarlS


The blue smoke Yammies of the 60s were slow, but the R5 and RDs can keep up with bikes twice thier size in the twisty stuff!
GrandPaul

 

[CarlS]

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