Triumph T120 Bonneville
An interesting and unique example of Meriden’s early oil-in-frame 650cc Bonnie, matching numbers, first registered 4th April 1973. This machine is offered with a good documented history including old V5 and new V5C registration documents, a collection of old Tax Discs and MOT certificates and more importantly invoices from; amongst others; Dresda Autos Ltd which detail a service history quite unlike your average T120. In 1995 The Cylinder Head Shop did lead-free valve seats installed with power guides and stem seals. A year later it had a top-end rebuild and then in December 1999 Dresda Autos invoiced over £2,800 for a list of work which includes the following… (to be updated). Dresda Autos invoiced for new cush-drive and air filters in 2000, two wheel rebuilds were done by Triumph Main Agents in Leytonstone (invoice undated) and so on. Complete with manual, handbook and parts list and just recommissioned by Classic Bike Workshop with an invoice for almost £1,500 (it has a new clutch and many other new parts fitted), it may be scruffy but it has credentials!
As far as ownership history is concerned the bike was bought at Sotheby’s auction in 1993 for £860, the title-holder noted as Hendon Motorcycles, there are eight former keepers noted on the V5C and it looks like one long-term owner had most of the work done. V5 and V5C and invoices confirm some but not all of the previous owners. It rides well now. The fuel tank has just been cleaned inside and deserves a better paint job on the outside. An unusual an rather nice machine which will always have a story to tell and still has room for improvement. Priced accordingly.