Early Triumph 650 Bonneville for sale
SELLER SAYS: It would be hard to find a better example of this classic 1960 duplex frame Bonneville. I came across this bike in 2017 with only 19,000 what I believe to be genuine miles on the clock. It had been in storage for a number of years while all the time being kept licensed with its existing old plates (UU089). The bike was completely dismantled and completely rebuilt to factory, no expense spared. The wiring harness was replaced, the magneto overhauled, every nut and bolt replaced with originals. Paintwork is impeccable including gold painted lines applied by brush and chrome parts re done. The only modification to the bike is that it has been converted to 12 volt. The bike has now 28,800 miles on the clock mostly done on weekend club runs but only ever ridden in dry weather. It does not haemorrhage oil, will start with one kick at any time and is just a delight to ride. My age and health define the only reasons that I am offering to part with this fine example of a classic. 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.
