F124 1968 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120R Triumph introduced the Bonneville at the 1958 Earls Court Show, brought about quickly from inception to production, but still missing from the 1959 Triumph brochure. The idea was simple: a stylish, quick, fast, enjoyable motorcycle that catered to those with the means to afford something like it. In short, it was a halo bike, and people loved it. The Bonneville name was chosen to reflect the record-breaking, Triumph-powered streamliner of Johnny Allen at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. A stunning bike visually, the earliest versions were finished in two-tone Tangerine and Pearl Gray, but as time rolled on, the color palette evolved, much like the motorcycle itself. In short time, the bike was absolutely legendary, and more submodels were introduced. The Bonneville built on the T110 with refined heads, twin carburetors, a stronger crank assembly and more. The bottom line was a test bike that found 128 MPH with Percy Tait at MIRA, a figure higher than any production model could match, but it proved Triumph could scare the competition and offer a spanking-looking package in the process. As the 1950s clicked over into the 1960s, the Bonneville NO RESERVE gained a healthy reputation; Triumph improved it diligently as time went on, and most agree that, for all bikes, the late 1960s represent a kind of golden era of biking, when companies were still building fun, throaty, open machines of a sometimes-unpredictable nature, which was part of their charm. As such, the 1967-1970 Bonnevilles are largely regarded as some of the best, most desirable Triumphs ever built. The double-damped forks were improved, the 12-volt electrical system was enhanced, and styling continued to deliver a serious dream factor. Of them, the T120R was always the top of the line, and this one was restored by Don Harrell of Visalia, California, and bought by the seller in 2008. Complete with a matching factory frame and engine, T120RDU72051 for both, the bike is powered by the twin-cylinder 650cc engine and 4-speed transmission. The bike has seen just test miles since the restoration, with the odometer showing 26 miles, and the Bonneville is finished in the unique color of Burnt Orange with a silver stripe and black and silver detailing. It’s a true stunner that’s itching to get out and roll. THE BOB & DOLVA MITCHELL COLLECTION
