1959 Triumph Bonneville on 2040-motos

1959 TRIUMPH T120R BONNEVILLE 650 - ORIGINAL FIRST YEAR MODEL!

INCLUDES SHIPPING TO YOUR DOOR (In the continental U.S., credit for international shipping)

UNRESTORED SURVIVOR, NUMBERS-MATCHING, ICONIC BRITBIKE

NO RESERVE - YOU BID, YOU WIN!

On offer is a rare example of a mostly original unrestored FIRST YEAR Triumph Bonneville "survivor". Only the original seat and tool box cover are missing, and the bike has known provenance from dispatch records. There are fewer and fewer unrestored original Bonnevilles left in the world, and the value on them has seen a steady increase over the past 50 years.

The Triumph Bonneville is named in tribute to the land speed record of over 214 MPH set by Big D Cycles on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The engine model used to set that record was a T110 Tiger 650 that was highly modified.

Almost all classic motorcycle historical lists feature the Bonneville near the top, due to it's wide fame and high recognition factor. It is arguably one of the best-known and most highly regarded motorcycles in the world, even today. Based on it's earliest ancestor, the 1932 Speed Twin, (very similar mechanically and visually), The 1959 Bonneville was an instant success. It continued virtually unchanged in mechanical layout and general style, up until the Meriden Factory closed in 1983, and continued in licensed production until 1988. After the resurrection of Triumph in 1984, and the first few years of "modular" construction models based on similar components with either 3 or 4 cylinders in 1991, Triumph re-introduced the Bonneville in 2001. The new Bonneville, while thoroughly modern, still retains the unmistakable styling of this original classic. Sales of the new models continue to increase as new generations learn about the iconic Bonneville.

Here is specific information about every aspect of this motorcycle, as far as can be determined without tearing the motorcycle down. Short of tearing the bike down, the following information is perhaps the most complete description of a bike for sale that you can or will find:

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION - All original as dispatched from the factory. Significant rust, none appears structural. All original fasteners seem to be in place, nothing appears to be damaged to the point that it could not be refurbished or restored. Shocks compress and swingarm moves freely; shocks likely lack rebound damping, but do not appear to have leaked. Forks resist compression, but have not been forced so unknown but definitely require rebuilding; no evidence of oil leakage. Steering neck rotates freely through the entire turning radius but will need re-packing. Centerstand and sidestand both present and functional, rusty. Frame appears to be straight but unknown if it was ever wrecked.

WHEELS, BRAKES & TIRES - All original except rear rim. Front rim had badly peeling chrome, possible structural rust. Rear rim is an alloy Borrani WM2-19, laced to standard bolt-up hub; I can provide an original Dunlop WM2-19 if the successful bidder wants it. Dispatch records indicate rear hub was QD style, unsure whether this is an errant dispatch record notation, or original QD rear wheel was replaced by a previous owner. All spokes appear sound, both hubs & rear brake plate have significant rust. Tires are totally shot. Front knave plate and brake plate are in relatively good condition. Brakes are assumed to be end-of-life, condition of brake drums is unknown.

ENGINE - Mostly original, but the head is a single-carb Tiger unit. Engine needs a total overhaul. Cases & covers do not appear to have any significant scratches, dings, or gouges. Cylinder fins are corroded, but not broken or chipped at all. Head is in good condition, no broken fins. Engine appears to have had typical oil weepage in several places, but nothing serious as would be obvious from excessive buildup. Engine does not turn over, I have squirted and poured some oil into the cylinders, but have not made a significant effort to free it up. I believe attempts to do so without dismantling the engine could cause more harm than good. Internal engine condition is unknown, but assumed to be needing total overhaul. Primary case is later style to accommodate alternator.

INTAKE & EXHAUST - Amal monoblock carb (cannot make out the stamping), needing overhaul. I will include a matched pair of good condition (but incorrect) monoblock carbs if the successful bidder wants them. Classic style air filter included, as pictured. Central mount float bowl is missing. Headers appear to be original, but are significantly rusty; mufflers appear to be aftermarket (longer) style, left muffler is seriously rotted at the tailpipe end.

IGNITION - Original Lucas K2FC "Red Label" magneto, assumed requiring total overhaul.

HAND & FOOT CONTROLS - All original parts, significantly rusted. Clutch lever missing, I can provide a "period correct" lever assembly if the successful bidder wants it. It will be similar in appearance and relative condition as the front brake lever. Grips are hard and mismatched, pedal rubbers all need replacing.

ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING - Electrical system appears to have an upgraded 12 volt charging system. Tail light lens missing, headlight assembly missing (trim ring in place, rusty). Ammeter smashed, rotary light switch and kill button missing from nacelle. Later style flip switch with broken lever installed, unknown as to function.

METERS - Original chronometric speedo smashed. I can provide a modern reproduction chrono speedo if the successful bidder wants it (pictured).

CABLES - Front brake cable in poor but working condition. Throttle cable broken. Clutch & speedo cables in place, unknown condition.

BODYWORK - Original gas tank in fair condition with significant surface rust and some scratches; unknown whether it has any leaks. All original gas tank trim, emblems, parcel grid and cap have significant rust, knee pads are hard and cracked. Oil tank in fair condition, significant surface rust, no leaks. Tool tray / battery box seriously rusted (structural) and missing side cover. Original headlight nacelle is in fair condition with all trim in place; significant rust and scratches on all parts. Fork and shock shrouds all in place, but with surface rust and some scratches. Original style fenders in fair condition, significant surface rust and scratches; rear fender grab rails in good condition but surface rusted (front fender may be a replacement, appears to be old primer). Front fender stay / loop is missing. Original seat is missing; I can provide a period replacement seat in very good condition (pictured) if the successful bidder wants it. Chain guard in fair condition, surface rust and some scratches. Tail light bracket has surface rust and scratches. No major dings or dents in any bodywork.

DOCUMENTATION - This bike is sold with Bill of Sale and original title in previous owner's name (I will provide contact info). I can provide legal registration and license plate for an additional fee at BUYER'S expense.

SHIPPING - Enclosed shipment to buyer's door in the Continental U.S. is included in the auction price. I will credit $500 of the final auction price toward international / overseas shipping. If crating is required, cost is responsibility of the buyer; I will disassemble and/or crate the bike FOR AN ADDITIONAL FEE.

BOTTOM LINE

As with every bike, project and part I’ve sold online in over 15 years (with 100% satisfaction), the above listing contains NO HYPE, NO FLUFF, AND NO BULL. Photos clearly show condition as described above, and include all details on the bike.

SOLD AS-IS, NON RUNNING. ALL SALES FINAL, NO RETURNS, NO REFUNDS.

Thanx for looking and bidding.