Editing Triumph Bonneville T120
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[[Image:1964-Triumph-Bonneville-T120-Blue-1045-0.jpg|right|thumb|280px|1964 Triumph Bonneville T120 in Blue]] | [[Image:1964-Triumph-Bonneville-T120-Blue-1045-0.jpg|right|thumb|280px|1964 Triumph Bonneville T120 in Blue]] | ||
The '''Triumph Bonneville T120''' is a 650[[cc]], [[twin cylinder]], [[four stroke]], [[street motorcycle]] manufactured by [[Triumph]] from the 1960s through 1970s. | The '''Triumph Bonneville T120''' is a 650[[cc]], [[twin cylinder]], [[four stroke]], [[street motorcycle]] manufactured by [[Triumph]] from the 1960s through 1970s. | ||
The '''Triumph Bonneville T120''' was a [[Triumph Engineering]] [[motorcycle]] made from 1959 through 1975. It was the first model of the [[Triumph Bonneville|Bonneville]] series, which was continued by [[Triumph Motorcycles Ltd]]. The T120 was discontinued in | The '''Triumph Bonneville T120''' was a [[Triumph Engineering]] [[motorcycle]] made from 1959 through 1975. It was the first model of the [[Triumph Bonneville|Bonneville]] series, which was continued by [[Triumph Motorcycles Ltd]]. The T120 was discontinued in favour of the larger-engined [[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140]].<ref name="KempClassic">{{cite book|last=Kemp|first=Andrew|author2=De Cet |others=Mirco|title=Classic British Bikes|publisher=Bookmart Ltd|year=2004|isbn=978-1-86147-136-9}}</ref> It was brought back in 2016 with a host of updates.<ref name=update>{{cite web |url=http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/classics/bonneville/2016/bonneville-t120//|title=Bonneville T120| publisher=[[Triumph Motorcycles Ltd|Triumph]]|accessdate=10 December 2016}}</ref> There were a number of models between 1973 and 2016 including Harris, and the new Hinckley models | ||
==Development== | ==Development== | ||
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*T120V - 5-speed model available 1972. | *T120V - 5-speed model available 1972. | ||
*T120C – Competition model with high-level exhaust pipes. | *T120C – Competition model with high-level exhaust pipes. | ||
*T120TT – 1964 model of the T120C for the US East Coast. In 1968 [[Evel Knievel]] jumped the Caesar's Palace Casino fountains on a Bonneville T120TT, and was seriously injured breaking many bones after losing control on landing.<ref name="motorsports">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsports-network.com/triumph/2001/bonnevil.htm|title=Triumph's Bonneville Connection|accessdate=2009-02-22|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011173844/http://www.motorsports-network.com/triumph/2001/bonnevil.htm|archivedate=11 October 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | *T120TT – 1964 model of the T120C for the US East Coast. In 1968 [[Evel Knievel]] jumped the [[Caesars Palace|Caesar's Palace Casino]] fountains on a Bonneville T120TT, and was seriously injured breaking many bones after losing control on landing.<ref name="motorsports">{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsports-network.com/triumph/2001/bonnevil.htm|title=Triumph's Bonneville Connection|accessdate=2009-02-22|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011173844/http://www.motorsports-network.com/triumph/2001/bonnevil.htm|archivedate=11 October 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | ||
*T120RT – A special 750 cc model which had Routt 750cc cylinder kits installed in America by Triumph to permit them to be used in [[American Motorcycle Association]] production-based racing events. The kits were installed on new T120R models while still crated. To qualify, motorcycles had to be made and sold to the public in the same form as they would be raced. Triumph had to produce and sell at least 200 of them before they qualified, and although the exact number sold is not recorded they did meet the requirement. The T was stamped separately on the engine cases in America after the stock T120R when the modifications were made, the frames were not stamped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajfox.com/motorcycles/1971_Triumph_Bonneville_T120RV.htm|title=1971 Triumph 650cc Bonneville T120RV|accessdate=2009-02-22|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408092321/http://www.ajfox.com/motorcycles/1971_Triumph_Bonneville_T120RV.htm|archivedate=8 April 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | *T120RT – A special 750 cc model which had Routt 750cc cylinder kits installed in America by Triumph to permit them to be used in [[American Motorcycle Association]] production-based racing events. The kits were installed on new T120R models while still crated. To qualify, motorcycles had to be made and sold to the public in the same form as they would be raced. Triumph had to produce and sell at least 200 of them before they qualified, and although the exact number sold is not recorded they did meet the requirement. The T was stamped separately on the engine cases in America after the stock T120R when the modifications were made, the frames were not stamped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajfox.com/motorcycles/1971_Triumph_Bonneville_T120RV.htm|title=1971 Triumph 650cc Bonneville T120RV|accessdate=2009-02-22|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408092321/http://www.ajfox.com/motorcycles/1971_Triumph_Bonneville_T120RV.htm|archivedate=8 April 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | ||
*T120RV - The 5-speed is generally considered to have been available—and was advertised as such—starting in 1972 with the T120V. However, a small pre-production run of 5-speeds were made in June 1971 only, and sold as '71 models. They were externally identical to their '71 T120R 4-speed counterparts, and did not carry any "V" decals such as the 1972 5-speeds displayed on their side panels. They were factory (not dealer) modified T120R models, so their engines/frames/and titles are designated T120RV,with the V being stamped separately when the transmissions were installed. These early factory Triumph 5-speeds are not to be confused with the Quaife 5-speeds that were listed as stocked for sale by Triumph dealers in 1970 to qualify for AMA purposes (the parts "had to be available from Triumph"). The first and final T120RV ratios in 1971 were the same as the 4-speed model, making it a matter of closer ratios, unlike later 5-speeds. These 5-Speeds were not advertised, were not available as an option, and could not be ordered—as the few manufactured were simply distributed individually to selected Triumph dealers and sold by word of mouth. | *T120RV - The 5-speed is generally considered to have been available—and was advertised as such—starting in 1972 with the T120V. However, a small pre-production run of 5-speeds were made in June 1971 only, and sold as '71 models. They were externally identical to their '71 T120R 4-speed counterparts, and did not carry any "V" decals such as the 1972 5-speeds displayed on their side panels. They were factory (not dealer) modified T120R models, so their engines/frames/and titles are designated T120RV,with the V being stamped separately when the transmissions were installed. These early factory Triumph 5-speeds are not to be confused with the Quaife 5-speeds that were listed as stocked for sale by Triumph dealers in 1970 to qualify for AMA purposes (the parts "had to be available from Triumph"). The first and final T120RV ratios in 1971 were the same as the 4-speed model, making it a matter of closer ratios, unlike later 5-speeds. These 5-Speeds were not advertised, were not available as an option, and could not be ordered—as the few manufactured were simply distributed individually to selected Triumph dealers and sold by word of mouth. | ||
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==Racing success== | ==Racing success== | ||
The first race the Triumph Bonneville partook in was the 1959 Thruxton 500. Entered by Triumph Dealers with bikes supplied from the factory. In this first race they finished 2nd (behind a BMW) and 4th heralding the beginning of a successful era of Triumph motorcycle racing. | The first race the Triumph Bonneville partook in was the 1959 Thruxton 500. Entered by Triumph Dealers with bikes supplied from the factory. In this first race they finished 2nd (behind a BMW) and 4th heralding the beginning of a successful era of Triumph motorcycle racing. | ||
The T120 won the Production [[Isle of Man TT]] in [[1967 Isle of Man TT|1967]] and [[1969 Isle of Man TT|1969]]. The re-introduction of the Production TT had just taken place in 1967 when [[John Hartle]] took first place on his Bonneville. Two years later in [[1969 Isle of Man TT|1969]], Triumph set a new landmark in TT history when [[Malcolm Uphill]] averaged {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} around the Mountain Course on a Bonneville.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/Events.aspx?meet_code=TT69%20%20&era=3 | title=TT FactZone Meetings 1951-1970: TT 1969 | publisher=iomtt.com | accessdate=2016-06-23}}</ref> Uphill’s achievement was the first time that a production motorcycle had ever passed the three-figure mark from a standing start.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.webbikeworld.com/valmoto/060303.htm | title=Triumph's Return to Isle of Man | publisher=webbikeworld.com | accessdate=2015-12-20 }}</ref> Following Uphill's record the [[Dunlop Rubber|Dunlop]] K81 | The T120 won the Production [[Isle of Man TT]] in [[1967 Isle of Man TT|1967]] and [[1969 Isle of Man TT|1969]]. The re-introduction of the Production TT had just taken place in 1967 when [[John Hartle]] took first place on his Bonneville. Two years later in [[1969 Isle of Man TT|1969]], Triumph set a new landmark in TT history when [[Malcolm Uphill]] averaged {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} around the Mountain Course on a Bonneville.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/Events.aspx?meet_code=TT69%20%20&era=3 | title=TT FactZone Meetings 1951-1970: TT 1969 | publisher=iomtt.com | accessdate=2016-06-23}}</ref> Uphill’s achievement was the first time that a production motorcycle had ever passed the three-figure mark from a standing start.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.webbikeworld.com/valmoto/060303.htm | title=Triumph's Return to Isle of Man | publisher=webbikeworld.com | accessdate=2015-12-20 }}</ref> Following Uphill's record the [[Dunlop Rubber|Dunlop]] K81 tyres he was using were renamed 'TT100's.<ref name="TT Magic">{{cite book|last=McDiarmid|first=Mac|title=The Magic of the TT|publisher=Haynes Publishing|isbn=978-1-84425-431-6|year=2007}}</ref> | ||
In 1962 Tony Godfrey and John Holder rode T120 Bonnevilles to victory in the [[Thruxton 500|Thruxton 500 mile endurance race]], and an article in ''[[The Motor Cycle]]'' entitled "Thruxton Triumph by Bonneville" led to the development of the Triumph T120R 'Thruxton', which was hand-built by a team of Triumph technicians using specially picked components and precision-machined cylinder heads and crankcases. Peak power was increased and each 'Thruxton' engine was bench tested to deliver around {{convert|53|bhp|kW|abbr=on}} at 6,800 rpm with a safe rev ceiling of 7,200 rpm. Only around 55 of the Thruxton T120Rs were built in 1964/5 to meet homologation requirements for production racing,<ref name="vintagemann">{{cite web |title=Vintage Mann Magazine |url=https://www.jurbyfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/201509.pdf |accessdate=22 June 2018 |page=22 |date=September 2015}}</ref><ref name="motorcycleclassics">{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Robert |title=Origins of the Triumph Thruxton 900 - Classic British Motorcycles - Motorcycle Classics |url=https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-british-motorcycles/origins-triumph-thruxton-900 |website=Motorcycle Classics |accessdate=22 June 2018 |language=en |date=December 2005}}</ref> and surviving examples are rare.<ref name="Thruxton">{{cite web|url=http://www.bikepoint.com.au/portal/tabID__5760/ArticleID__119386/DesktopDefault.aspx|title=Triumph Thruxton|accessdate=2009-02-22}}</ref> About 100 more machines were subsequently manufactured and supplied to selected dealers and riders.<ref name="vintagemann" /> Further examples were also built by dealers, with the factory's approval, from factory supplied parts.<ref name="motorcycleclassics" /> | In 1962 Tony Godfrey and John Holder rode T120 Bonnevilles to victory in the [[Thruxton 500|Thruxton 500 mile endurance race]], and an article in ''[[The Motor Cycle]]'' entitled "Thruxton Triumph by Bonneville" led to the development of the Triumph T120R 'Thruxton', which was hand-built by a team of Triumph technicians using specially picked components and precision-machined cylinder heads and crankcases. Peak power was increased and each 'Thruxton' engine was bench tested to deliver around {{convert|53|bhp|kW|abbr=on}} at 6,800 rpm with a safe rev ceiling of 7,200 rpm. Only around 55 of the Thruxton T120Rs were built in 1964/5 to meet homologation requirements for production racing,<ref name="vintagemann">{{cite web |title=Vintage Mann Magazine |url=https://www.jurbyfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/201509.pdf |accessdate=22 June 2018 |page=22 |date=September 2015}}</ref><ref name="motorcycleclassics">{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Robert |title=Origins of the Triumph Thruxton 900 - Classic British Motorcycles - Motorcycle Classics |url=https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-british-motorcycles/origins-triumph-thruxton-900 |website=Motorcycle Classics |accessdate=22 June 2018 |language=en |date=December 2005}}</ref> and surviving examples are rare.<ref name="Thruxton">{{cite web|url=http://www.bikepoint.com.au/portal/tabID__5760/ArticleID__119386/DesktopDefault.aspx|title=Triumph Thruxton|accessdate=2009-02-22}}</ref> About 100 more machines were subsequently manufactured and supplied to selected dealers and riders.<ref name="vintagemann" /> Further examples were also built by dealers, with the factory's approval, from factory supplied parts.<ref name="motorcycleclassics" /> | ||
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Image:1966-Triumph-Bonneville-T120R-White-3770-4.jpg|left|thumb|1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R in White | Image:1966-Triumph-Bonneville-T120R-White-3770-4.jpg|left|thumb|1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R in White | ||
Image:1966-Triumph-Bonneville-T120R-White-3770-5.jpg|left|thumb|1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R in White | Image:1966-Triumph-Bonneville-T120R-White-3770-5.jpg|left|thumb|1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R in White | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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==1971 T120R== | ==1971 T120R== | ||
[[Image:1971-Triumph-T120R-Blue-4814-0.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph T120R in Blue]] | |||
Image:1971-Triumph-T120R-Blue-4814-0.jpg|1971 Triumph T120R in Blue | [[Image:1971-Triumph-T120R-Blue-4814-1.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph T120R in Blue]] | ||
Image:1971-Triumph-T120R-Blue-4814-1.jpg|1971 Triumph T120R in Blue | [[Image:1971-Triumph-T120R-Blue-4814-2.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph T120R in Blue]] | ||
Image:1971-Triumph-T120R-Blue-4814-2.jpg|1971 Triumph T120R in Blue | [[Image:1971-Triumph-T120R-Blue-4814-3.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph T120R in Blue]] | ||
Image:1971-Triumph-T120R-Blue-4814-3.jpg|1971 Triumph T120R in Blue | <br style="clear: left"/> | ||
</ | |||
==1972 T120V== | ==1972 T120V== | ||
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<br style="clear: left"/> | <br style="clear: left"/> | ||
{{Triumph}} | {{Triumph}} | ||
[[Category:Triumph motorcycles|Bonneville T120]] | [[Category:Triumph motorcycles|Bonneville T120]] | ||
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[[Category:Twin cylinder 4-stroke motorcycles]] | [[Category:Twin cylinder 4-stroke motorcycles]] | ||
[[Category:4-stroke motorcycles]] | [[Category:4-stroke motorcycles]] | ||