Triumph launched its T120 motorcycle in 1959. Triumph bikes were a hit across the pond and becoming more popular here in the US. So Triumph introduced the T120R—the R is for "roadster"—aimed squarely at the US market.
More than 60 years have passed, but it's not too late to get into the action. A highly customized 1968 Triumph T120R was recently available on eBay.
This bike is considered a bobber. It has the late '60s short chopper style, with a two-inch under (two inches shorter than the stock height), a shaved Harley-Davidson narrow front end with new springs, and chrome fork tubes.
The Triumph motorcycle also sports a 21-inch Harley-Davidson spoke front rim and an 18" Triumph rear wheel in back. Chrome drag pipes flow toward the rear from both sides, unifying the custom chopper look.
Dripping in Brass
The frame has a bolt-on hardtail, a popular customization for these bikes. In addition, the frame was powder coated, and the tins have a new black and gold metal flake paint job laid on its Wassel-style tank, round oil tank, and ducktail fender.
This machine is dripping with brass accessories: the handlebar risers, clamps, and levers. More brass is used on the kicker pedal, engine bolts, and tail light framing. These features tie the visual appeal together into a cohesive, striking design.
The Best Years
The first T120 models got power from a pre-unit engine with a single downtube frame. By 1968, the T120s gained a more reliable ignition system.
The 650cc models continued to be manufactured until 1973 when they ceased production. The later years of the T120s—from 1968 to 1970—have the best reputation. Upgrades in that era includ double-damped forks, twin leading shoe brakes, and twin carburetors.
The Bonneville name was revived in 2016 for a machine with a larger engine but bearing the styling similar to the best vintage models.
The 1968 T120R for sale on eBay is a 650cc machine, with about 46 HP coming from a parallel four-stroke twin engine. These overhead valve engines have a bore and stroke of 71.0 x 82.0 mm. The T120R has a four-speed gearbox with chain final drive - opens in new window or tab..
The listed top speed of these bikes is about 115 miles per hour. The weight on a stock T120R is 363.8 pounds, with a seat height of 30.5 inches.
The seller notes that the Triumph has a Boyer power box, which allows you not to use a battery, but the lights (all LED) are not currently working, and the bike may require a new stator. Nonetheless, the seller says the bike starts on the first kick, runs, rides, and idles perfectly.
This 1968 Triumph T120R was located in New Baltimore, Mich. It listed with a Buy-It-Now price of $8,999.
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