The Pick of the Day is a 1969 Triumph Bonneville listed by a Wisconsin dealership on ClassicCars.com.
Of all the 1960s British motorcycles, to me, the Bonneville is the icon of the era. It has racing pedigree and was featured in films and TV shows. In many ways, it is the quintessential classic British motorcycle – so much so that the new Triumph company released a modern version of the “Bonnie” in 2001. I have owned a great number of British motorcycles over the years and the ones that always delivered on my expectations of what a British motorcycle is all about were Bonnevilles. They are fast enough to be fun to ride and are light and easy to handle, especially when compared to new motorcycles. They also sound amazing with an exhaust note like a World War I fighter plane.
The Bonneville name dates back to 1956, when John Allen set a world speed record of 214.40 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats while riding a Triumph-powered streamliner.
In recognition of Allen’s efforts, Triumph introduced the Bonneville, naming the model after his successful outing at the salt flats in 1958. The Bonneville was based on the T110 Tiger, which had a 650cc pre-unit parallel twin engine that is said to have been designed by Triumph’s chief designer Edward Turner.
The new model was an immediate success with enthusiasts and would become one of the most iconic motorcycles ever created. By the 1960s, it would own 50 percent of the large-capacity motorcycle market.
The final classic Bonneville models were built in 1969 and 1970, with most collectors preferring the 1969 bike. Our Pick of the Day is one of these motorcycles, a 1969 Triumph T120R Bonneville offered for sale in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
This example is finished in its correct color scheme of Olympic Flame over Silver with Gold striping. It is said to have been completely restored six years ago by Wes Scott Cycle in Florida. The selling dealer states that this T120R was done to the highest standards of quality, with stunning paint work and flawless chrome; mechanically, it is one of the nicest-running and -riding Bonnevilles they have ever been on.
After the full restoration, the bike was shaken down for 100 miles to work out the final bugs. The selling dealer states that this Bonneville is 100 percent ready to ride. They call it the perfect bike for a museum.
These 1969 Bonnevilles are likely to always be popular and are as usable today as when they were new. In addition, the 1969 Triumph Bonneville is likely the best-supported classic motorcycle in the world in terms of both parts and service. Although the selling dealer mentioned putting it in a museum, I personally would put it in my garage and ride it weekly.
The asking price of $13,900 is right for a restored example. I can tell you from personal experience that there is no way you could restore one for this little money.
Click here to view the listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.
Source: www.classiccars.com