Early Triumph 650 Bonneville for sale
SELLER SAYS: No expense spared restoration of a classic 1960 Triumph duplex frame Bonneville that would be hard to be upstaged on its authenticity and workmanship. It is not something that has been thrown together from a pile of old parts put together, rather a classic low-mileage (28,980 mile) bike restored to its original condition. The frame and engine numbers are matching. The bike is registered on a club concessional license and is just a delight to ride. The paint colors are factory correct for the year and model, the paintwork is impeccable, the gold lining is hand painted (not tape). My age and health are the reasons I am offering this classic for sale, at only $25,000. Shannons Insurance have this bike insured for $40,201. Contact Greg on 0414 918 449 (Kalamunda, Perth WA).
EDITOR TERLICK SAYS: Triumph twins were such a huge success through the 1960s that, by the end of the decade, 50% of motorbikes over 500cc sold in America were Triumphs. Amazing stuff – especially given the fact that America is home to Harley-Davidson, and H-D even then had massive loyalty value. The Bonneville was Triumph’s top model, and it was adored. Named to commemorate John Allen’s Triumph-engined speedliner that achieved 214mph at America’s Bonneville salt flats in 1956, the first of the Bonnies was unashamedly a performance bike. No, it wouldn’t do 214mph, but it was credited with an extraordinary top speed of 115mph, thanks to its 650cc engine, twin carbs and high performance cam. (Triumph sales in the USA were undoubtedly helped along by Marlon Brando and James Dean, Hollywood bad boys who preferred Triumphs to Harleys.) Many Triumph boffins will tell you the Bonneville peaked early, with the first generation (1958-1962) being the pick of the bunch. This bike of Greg’s falls into that category, instantly making it a collector’s delight. But the cream on the cake is the mileage. I doubt there are many duplex frame Bonnevilles in the world with less than 30,000 miles on the clock, and even fewer that are in functional, licensable, ridable condition. A rare opportunity indeed, to own a superb example of one of history’s most loved bikes.
