Monday, March 1, 2021
Become a Patron for MCNews!
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
MCNews
  • NEWSLatest
  • REVIEWS
  • LATEST BIKES
  • RACING
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • MEDIA
    • GALLERY
  • MORE
    • POPULAR ARTICLES
    • MCNEWS COMMENTS
    • MAIN FORUM
    • CONTACT US
    • ABOUT US
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
MCNews

The 1959 Triumph T120 forged the Bonneville legend

Some call it 'the most significant motorcycle of all time'

Motorcycle News by Motorcycle News
February 20, 2021
in Features, Triumph News
A A
Home Motorcycle News Triumph News
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare

1959 Triumph Bonneville T120

When the Bonneville T120 was launched in 1959 it changed the motorcycle world, not just because of its stunning looks, but also because it redefined what performance and motorcycling was all about.

On the back of Johnny Allen's speed runs at Bonneville, Triumph's management decided to call the new model 'Bonneville'
On the back of Johnny Allen’s speed runs at Bonneville, Triumph’s management decided to call the new model ‘Bonneville’

The combination of its twin-cylinder and twin-carburetor performance, its step change in handling and a new and unique blend of British design with 50’s Americana made the T120 a global success, where it went on to play a huge part in the explosion of 1960’s teenage biking culture in the UK, and across the world.

The 649 cc parallel twin made 46 horsepower at 6700 rpm, 51 Nm at 5500 rpm
The 649 cc parallel twin made 46 horsepower at 6700 rpm, 51 Nm at 5500 rpm

This legendary Triumph was famously named after the 1956 motorcycle land speed record breaking ‘Texas Cee-Gar’ streamliner Triumph, which smashed the world record hitting 214.4 mph at the home of speed, the Bonneville salt flats in the USA, piloted by Texan racing legend Johnny Allen.

A pair of Amal monobloc carburettors fed the 360-degree parallel twin that had a bore of 71mm and stroke of 82 mm
A pair of Amal monobloc carburettors fed the 360-degree parallel twin that had a bore of 71mm and stroke of 82 mm

With a performance advantage, due to its parallel-twin Triumph engine in a unique new twin-carb set-up, and lightweight Triumph chassis, this original Bonneville T120 became the starting point for many of the modern classic motorcycle styles available today, where riders in the 60’s modified the T120 to create the first Bonnie café racers, custom roadsters, cruisers, bobbers and desert sled scramblers.

A Lucas K2F magneto provided the spark
A Lucas K2F magneto provided the spark – Vibration played havoc with the electrics

Each of those custom bike styles went on to become iconic motorcycles in their own right, which continue today – all from that original 59 Bonneville DNA.

Top speed didn’t quite manage to live up to its 120 moniker, with 115 mph the top speed achieved by most

These original customs become the bike of choice for famous motorcyclists across multiple generations, who used the Bonneville to race, ride and personalise including American movie legend Steve McQueen.

Wet clutch, four-speed gearbox and chain final drive - Dry weight was 183 kg
Wet clutch, four-speed gearbox and chain final drive – Dry weight was 183 kg
Brakes were drum all round, eigh-inch up front and seven-inch rear. They didn't work very well..
Brakes were drum all round, eigh-inch up front and seven-inch rear. They didn’t work very well..
Seat height was 770 mm and ground clearance 127 mm
Seat height was 770 mm and ground clearance 127 mm
A pair of Girling shock suspended the 183 kg T120
A pair of Girling shock suspended the 183 kg T120
Wheelbase was 1400 mm
Wheelbase was 1400 mm
A cyclops headlight housing mounted the instruments
A cyclops headlight housing mounted the instruments
The original T120 cut a very slim profile
The original T120 cut a very slim profile
The seat is nice and wide
The seat is nice and wide

In the modern era at Triumph’s R&D center in Hinckley the Bonneville evolution has continued since its re-introduction into the line-up in 2001, with a focus on maintaining that original essence and iconic signature design features, from the timeless silhouette to their signature British twin torque rich performance and sound, married to truly modern capability and a ride to match its legendary looks.

Triumph T Bud Ekins Special
Bud Ekins Bonneville T120 Special Edition released in 2020

It is a recipe that has worked with more than 367,000 new generation Bonnevilles being sold around the world since their 2001 reintroduction.

Triumph T120 Bonneville - Trevor Hedge
Trev having some fun on the 2016 Triumph T120 Bonneville

 

Previous Post

Max Whale clinches Factory KTM American Flat Track ride

Next Post

AMA SX Round 8 was a brutal encounter | Video Highlights | Report | Results | Points

Motorcycle News

Motorcycle News

Related Articles

Defending ASBK champ getting down to work at Winton

Defending ASBK champ getting down to work at Winton

March 1, 2021
Broc Pearson aiming high for 2021 Australian 600cc Supersport Championship

Broc Pearson in fighting form for ASBK Supersport season

March 1, 2021
Tasmanian GS Adventure with Petra and Jamie | Part Four

Tasmanian GS Adventure with Petra and Jamie | Part Four

March 1, 2021
2020 Yamaha AG125

Yamaha AG125 recalled for potential fuel cock issue

February 27, 2021
Images from Wakefield Park ASBK finale | Gallery D

ASBK Supersport Champ Tom Toparis out for season 2021

February 26, 2021
2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Review

2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Review

February 26, 2021
Load More
Next Post
AMA SX Round 8 was a brutal encounter | Video Highlights | Report | Results | Points

AMA SX Round 8 was a brutal encounter | Video Highlights | Report | Results | Points

Join Petra Hennig in Part One of her Motorcycle Adventure to Tasmania

Tasmanian GS Adventure | Part One

“I can’t not pretend to arrive after one year without bike, and be the same Marc”

"I can't not pretend to arrive after one year without bike, and be the same Marc"

SOCIALS

  • 20.1k Fans
  • 6.6k Followers
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Fausto Gresini passes away after long battle with COVID

Fausto Gresini passes away after long battle with COVID

February 23, 2021
H-D Pan America looks a surprisingly competitive adventure-tourer

H-D Pan America looks a surprisingly competitive adventure-tourer

February 23, 2021
Images from Wakefield Park ASBK finale | Gallery D

ASBK Supersport Champ Tom Toparis out for season 2021

February 26, 2021
Jack and Remy hit Catalunya along with other MotoGP riders for shakedown

Jack and Remy hit Catalunya along with other MotoGP riders for shakedown

February 25, 2021
Join Petra Hennig in Part One of her Motorcycle Adventure to Tasmania

Tasmanian GS Adventure | Part One

February 22, 2021
H-D Pan America looks a surprisingly competitive adventure-tourer

H-D Pan America looks a surprisingly competitive adventure-tourer

“I can’t not pretend to arrive after one year without bike, and be the same Marc”

“I can’t not pretend to arrive after one year without bike, and be the same Marc”

Fausto Gresini passes away after long battle with COVID

Fausto Gresini passes away after long battle with COVID

2021 North Brisbane Speedway Masters - Nick Morris and Cooper Riordon

2021 North Brisbane Speedway Masters wrap & gallery

2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Review

2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Review

Defending ASBK champ getting down to work at Winton

Defending ASBK champ getting down to work at Winton

March 1, 2021
Broc Pearson aiming high for 2021 Australian 600cc Supersport Championship

Broc Pearson in fighting form for ASBK Supersport season

March 1, 2021
Tasmanian GS Adventure with Petra and Jamie | Part Four

Tasmanian GS Adventure with Petra and Jamie | Part Four

March 1, 2021
2020 Yamaha AG125

Yamaha AG125 recalled for potential fuel cock issue

February 27, 2021
Images from Wakefield Park ASBK finale | Gallery D

ASBK Supersport Champ Tom Toparis out for season 2021

February 26, 2021

SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS

INCASE YOU MISSED

  • All
  • Bike Reviews
  • Motorcycle Racing
  • Latest Bikes
  • Features
  • Motorcycle Gallery
  • Touring
Max Whale clinches Factory KTM American Flat Track ride

Max Whale clinches Factory KTM American Flat Track ride

February 20, 2021
ARRC Sepang Test SBK Parkes

Broc Parkes retires from racing to take on testing role

February 19, 2021
Lap records tumble in Supersport race one at Wakefield Park

Motorsports TV renew ASBK Supersport sponsorship

February 15, 2021

GET LATEST NEWS IN YOUR INBOX

Motorcycle News, Sport and Reviews

MCNEWS.COM.AU is a specialist on-line resource that provides motorcycle news for motorcyclists. MCNews covers all areas of interest for the motorcycling public including news, reviews and comprehensive racing coverage.

Support MCNews

© 2021 MCNews

No Result
View All Result
  • NEWS
    • ALL NEWS
    • ALL NEWS CONDENSED
    • BMW News
    • Honda News
    • Husqvarna News
    • KTM News
    • Suzuki News
    • Yamaha News
    • Triumph News
    • Ducati News
    • Moto Guzzi News
    • Royal Enfield News
    • Kawasaki News
    • Aprilia News
    • Harley News
    • Indian News
    • MV Agusta News
    • Benelli News
    • Gas Gas News
    • BETA News
    • Norton News
    • Victory News
    • EBR News
    • E-Bike News
    • Scooter News
    • LAMS News
    • ATV / SSV News
  • REVIEWS
    • All Bike Reviews
    • LAMS Reviews
    • KTM Reviews
    • Honda Reviews
    • Yamaha Reviews
    • Triumph Reviews
    • BMW Reviews
    • Suzuki Reviews
    • Ducati Reviews
    • Kawasaki Reviews
    • Husqvarna Reviews
    • Aprilia Reviews
    • Benelli Reviews
    • BETA Reviews
    • CFMoto Reviews
    • E-Bike Reviews
    • EBR Reviews
    • Gas Gas Reviews
    • Harley Reviews
    • Indian Reviews
    • Kymco Reviews
    • Moto Guzzi Reviews
    • MV Agusta Reviews
    • Norton Reviews
    • Royal Enfield Reviews
    • Scooter Reviews
    • Sherco Reviews
    • Victory Reviews
  • LATEST BIKES
    • ALL LATEST BIKES NEWS
    • BMW
    • Honda
    • Husqvarna
    • KTM
    • Suzuki
    • Yamaha
    • Triumph
    • Ducati
    • Moto Guzzi
    • Royal Enfield
    • Kawasaki
    • Aprilia
    • Harley
    • Indian
    • MV Agusta
    • Benelli
    • Gas Gas
    • BETA
    • Norton
    • Victory
    • E-Bike
    • Scooters
    • LAMS
  • RACING
    • ALL RACING
    • ROAD
      • MotoGP
      • WSBK
      • ASBK
      • BSB
      • Real Road / TT
      • Historic Road Racing
      • Japan / Asian Road Racing
      • Endurance Road Racing
      • American Road Racing
      • NZ Road Racing
      • Supermoto
    • DIRT
      • Supercross
      • AMA MX
      • Australian MX
      • MXGP
      • Enduro / Rally
      • Dirt / Flat Track
      • Speedway
  • FEATURES
  • TOURING
  • GALLERY
  • LATEST COMMENTS
  • POPULAR ARTICLES
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT US
  • COMMUNITY FORUM

© 2021 MCNews