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Restored 1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R Flexes Numbers-Matching Powerplant

It’s truly bewildering to see a classic two-wheeler that’s aged this well. Yet, it is real, and its owner wants to tell it goodbye.
1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R 18 photos
Photo: alexlukeman / Bring A Trailer
1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R
The bike we’ll be looking at today is a numbers-matching 1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R that’s been subjected to an extensive overhaul. For starters, Bonnie’s single downtube skeleton and fuel tank were enveloped in a pristine layer of youthful paintwork, while its two-up saddle has been reupholstered using a mixture of black and white vinyl.

We find stainless-steel spokes and grippy K70 tires from Dunlop replacing the standard units in the footwear department. As you glance at the cockpit, you'll be greeted by new Smiths instrumentation, aftermarket levers, and a top-shelf steering damper. To keep things looking nice and tidy, T120R’s telescopic forks were fitted with new tubes under current ownership.

Furthermore, the machine’s twin-cylinder powerplant has been refurbished inside out, receiving an electronic ignition setup and a modern set of Premier 930 Concentric carbs from Amal. Last but not least, Bonneville’s constant-mesh gearbox was treated to new seals and bearings for good measure. Otherwise, Triumph’s ‘66 MY head-turner retains its stock configuration.

The predator’s steel framework hugs a four-stroke 649cc parallel-twin powerplant, with a respectable compression ratio of 8.5:1. At about 6,500 rpm, this bad boy will go about delivering 46 hp to a four-speed transmission, which spins the rear 18-inch hoop by means of a chain final drive. Ultimately, the end result is a top speed of 115 mph (185 kph), which is quite remarkable for a motorcycle that’s been produced back in the mid-sixties.

Right, let's skip the other technical details and get straight to the point. Suppose you're digging this creature as much as we are. In that case, you'll definitely want to visit the BaT (Bring A Trailer) website before Friday afternoon (October 8) because the 1966 Bonneville T120R is going on the block at no reserve! For the time being, you'd only need about six grand to surpass the current bid, which is placed at a modest $5,800.
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About the author: Silvian Secara
Silvian Secara profile photo

A bit of an artist himself, Silvian sees two- and four-wheeled machines as a form of art, especially restomods and custom rides. Oh, and if you come across a cafe racer article on our website, it’s most likely his doing.
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