Bought one new in Sept 1969, TUM66H. For the first five months of ownership it was nothing but trouble. It went back to Meridan for extensive refurbishment, rebuilt engine, new wheels,new petrol tank,new handle bars and various other bits and pieces. When I got it back it was a peech of a bike and I did 20000 miles over the next two years,sold it early 1972. According to the DVLA it's still out there somewhere.
Nice example. I bought the same model in August 1969. Nothing but trouble. Silencer hangers fracturing. Horns falling off. Clutch push rod somehow shortening itself. Carbs constantly requiring balancing. Primary chain knackered after 6,000 miles and at 8,000 a piston decided to disintegrate. However, in between, it went like stink!!
I had a mechanic in the mid-70's that worked and owned damn near everything. He had been a Harley mechanic that converted to British bikes. He had Ariels, AJSs, Royal Enfields, BSA's, Matchless and, of course, Triumphs. He claimed the '69 Tiger 650 cc was the best bike they ever made.
Beautiful bike better looking than a 60s Norton or a A65 Beeza, as far as your opinion on build quality they were no different to any other British bike of that era and a damn sight more reliable.
Nice summary, and a lovely example but disagree with a few points you made. Actual build quality and design was no worse (or better) than their competitors, Yes they focussed on reducing weight which translates as some pretty minimal construction in places, but it works great by the standards of the day? Your example of the sidepanel has been bodged at some point and not actually standard, they fit fine without the cutaway? Also I find the early discs are better than that TLS drum (which is good I admit), it's the subsequent conical drum that was worse. I don't think there's anything "bloated" about the OIF models, they weigh hardly any more and are only slightly larger physically, and they DO handle better if not as pretty, but then what is? A contemporary, pre-Commando Norton looks Edwardian by comparison. I agree on current ridiculous UK prices (especially from UK "investment" dealers) for any Brit twin, more reasonable still in the US. Check out my '68 Bonnie, OIF Bonnie and a few others at the Lemon Drizzle Gang ua-cam.com/video/FV_WIHQ6cyw/v-deo.html
good road bike. light and simple, good performance for the time. hazy memories may have inflated their value. i suspect a bmw r69s was a better bike in most respects, but pricey enough to frighten off inexperienced riders, like me. still, i had one of these, every biker should have a bonney in their history.
Bought one in February 69. different paint scheme and I paid extra for stainless fenders. Total cost $1374.69 Canadian. By the speedo it would do 112 mph. Now riding a Thruxton and do not miss Amal carburetors.
I love Triumph Bonnevilles, especially that year range he is talking about, but he has a point about some of their odd poor quality details, the one l laugh about is how sometimes they would have one foot peg ahead of the other!
Paul, the Bonneville did do well over 100MPH, heard at the time it did 115mph. So your comment of 90 MPH is a silly remark. The power required to go from 90 to 115MPH is a massive leap. I had the BSA 1965 Lighting and it did over105MPH and was about the same power, but heavier with a bigger tank, and only a single carburetor. before that I had a Honda S90 cc, and that did 60MPH, so you needed a bike with 7 times bigger engine capacity to get twice the speed.
I own the bike that re-made this famous.. a 2003 W650 ! and while the Triumphs of my youth (70's) were fun , they were Not up to my riding-expectations in longevity or maintenance-cost plus 'down-time' . I have very fond memories of all my British-Bikes and my 70's Italian-Bikes ( which I could Never Afford now ! 51-bikes to-date ) but I also remember their faults . In my 'Dotage' I ride a 73' TX650 Cafe , 81' TR1 Vincent-copy and the W650 . I ride to their limits whenever 'It takes-Me' and only ever have to do Normal-maintenance . Dave NZ
Love your Bonnie....always wanted to ride an early one.....I own a 2020 watercooled Bonnie.....to me it looks like a bike should look. I live in hope that one day I will get to ride a 60s air cooled Bonnie. Anybody with one like to try a water cooled one and I try your 60s aircool. Nick in Cheshire UK.
Not really a jibe, like you (possibly) I’ve owned lots of Fords. Fast, fun and cheap they definitely were, but high quality? I see the later Meriden bikes in a similar light, the quality is pathetic compared to, say, a Velocette, but they’re fun to ride. The main issue is the prices, they’re too high for what they offer. Just my opinion of course. Cheers
Something not right about that 69. Its got a 68 front brake, the tank is the wrong colour scheme , should have windtone horns, decal on side panel is 68 and finally it was defiantly no Ford!
I think it important not to be blinded to a bike’s shortcomings with a misguided devotion to the brand or model. The Bonneville is a great bike to ride, but it’s not without it’s faults, mostly a consequence of being a mass-produced product built to a keen price. It’ll probably annoy you even more to learn that I’ve actually got THREE Triumphs! You’ll just have to suck it up, buttercup 😉
![1969 Triumph T120 Bonneville [visit 14 of 31]](/img/n.gif)
I’m picking up my restored 69 today most excited I’ve been in my life !
@@alexanderhikel2350 oh wow! Enjoy.
Bought one new in Sept 1969, TUM66H. For the first five months of ownership it was nothing but trouble. It went back to Meridan for extensive refurbishment, rebuilt engine, new wheels,new petrol tank,new handle bars and various other bits and pieces. When I got it back it was a peech of a bike and I did 20000 miles over the next two years,sold it early 1972. According to the DVLA it's still out there somewhere.
excellent bike and excellent sound sir
You said it, son: Only a Triumph will do!!!
The front brake is from the 1968 model.
Nice example. I bought the same model in August 1969. Nothing but trouble. Silencer hangers fracturing. Horns falling off. Clutch push rod somehow shortening itself. Carbs constantly requiring balancing. Primary chain knackered after 6,000 miles and at 8,000 a piston decided to disintegrate. However, in between, it went like stink!!
Similar to my experience of owning a new Bonnie.
Norton was much worse.
Starts great, gave mine a run yesterday not often I get it 1st kick.
I know this is a two year old video, so I hope you still see the comments - lovely vid mate. Even lovelier bike.
I had a mechanic in the mid-70's that worked and owned damn near everything. He had been a Harley mechanic that converted to British bikes. He had Ariels, AJSs, Royal Enfields, BSA's, Matchless and, of course, Triumphs. He claimed the '69 Tiger 650 cc was the best bike they ever made.
Going by the front brake cable routing its a 68 model mate not a 69.
Cheers
Rog
Wonderfull bike! Also I have to say that the older taillight and mufflers suit it better than what is factory.
Beautiful bike better looking than a 60s Norton or a A65 Beeza, as far as your opinion on build quality they were no different to any other British bike of that era and a damn sight more reliable.
Just pushed a 68 out of a actual farm barn, where it had sat since 1980, even in the sad shape its in, its still a very cool motorcycle,
Nice summary, and a lovely example but disagree with a few points you made.
Actual build quality and design was no worse (or better) than their competitors, Yes they focussed on reducing weight which translates as some pretty minimal construction in places, but it works great by the standards of the day? Your example of the sidepanel has been bodged at some point and not actually standard, they fit fine without the cutaway?
Also I find the early discs are better than that TLS drum (which is good I admit), it's the subsequent conical drum that was worse. I don't think there's anything "bloated" about the OIF models, they weigh hardly any more and are only slightly larger physically, and they DO handle better if not as pretty, but then what is? A contemporary, pre-Commando Norton looks Edwardian by comparison.
I agree on current ridiculous UK prices (especially from UK "investment" dealers) for any Brit twin, more reasonable still in the US.
Check out my '68 Bonnie, OIF Bonnie and a few others at the Lemon Drizzle Gang ua-cam.com/video/FV_WIHQ6cyw/v-deo.html
The late 60's Bonnevilles were at their best; coolest looking and best performance. Later models 750 cc were de-tuned and vibrated more.
The " classic" for ever...
Beautiful Bonneville, Paul.
good road bike. light and simple, good performance for the time. hazy memories may have inflated their value. i suspect a bmw r69s was a better bike in most respects, but pricey enough to frighten off inexperienced riders, like me. still, i had one of these, every biker should have a bonney in their history.
Gorgeous bike! When you think what some classic cars command then 10k isn't to bad. Hopefully it will be a investment anyway?
Lovely looking bike.👍
Thanks for doing this. When I was in high school I knew someone who had a 69 Bonneville I never got to ride it.
Bought one in February 69. different paint scheme and I paid extra for stainless fenders. Total cost $1374.69 Canadian. By the speedo it would do 112 mph. Now riding a Thruxton and do not miss Amal carburetors.
Which Thruxton? Velocette Thruxton has an Amal GP carb and Thruxton Bonneville a pair of Amal Monoblocs.
68 model not 69.
Front brake.
I love Triumph Bonnevilles, especially that year range he is talking about, but he has a point about some of their odd poor quality details, the one l laugh about is how sometimes they would have one foot peg ahead of the other!
Spectacular bike ❤
Paul, the Bonneville did do well over 100MPH, heard at the time it did 115mph. So your comment of 90 MPH is a silly remark. The power required to go from 90 to 115MPH is a massive leap. I had the BSA 1965 Lighting and it did over105MPH and was about the same power, but heavier with a bigger tank, and only a single carburetor. before that I had a Honda S90 cc, and that did 60MPH, so you needed a bike with 7 times bigger engine capacity to get twice the speed.
I own the bike that re-made this famous.. a 2003 W650 ! and while the Triumphs of my youth (70's) were fun , they were Not up to my riding-expectations in longevity or maintenance-cost plus 'down-time' . I have very fond memories of all my British-Bikes and my 70's Italian-Bikes ( which I could Never Afford now ! 51-bikes to-date ) but I also remember their faults . In my 'Dotage' I ride a 73' TX650 Cafe , 81' TR1 Vincent-copy and the W650 . I ride to their limits whenever 'It takes-Me' and only ever have to do Normal-maintenance . Dave NZ
Love the Life you Live!
Good video, thank you
Love your Bonnie....always wanted to ride an early one.....I own a 2020 watercooled Bonnie.....to me it looks like a bike should look.
I live in hope that one day I will get to ride a 60s air cooled Bonnie.
Anybody with one like to try a water cooled one and I try your 60s aircool.
Nick in Cheshire UK.
I understood you totally when you said they were “the Ford of motorcycles “ 😂
I still like my “bloated” 1979 T140EXB with Rita ignition, dual disc brakes and 5 speed better. But yeah, the 650’s are sweet too!
Lovely honest re[port
Beautiful
I've always thought the BSA's were better bikes. Not as pretty but built more reliably. Just my opinion. I have owned both.
She's saying COME ON ENGLAND 🏴
So where are the indicators?
Attached to the end of my arms!
Can't believe the Ford jibe.
Not really a jibe, like you (possibly) I’ve owned lots of Fords. Fast, fun and cheap they definitely were, but high quality? I see the later Meriden bikes in a similar light, the quality is pathetic compared to, say, a Velocette, but they’re fun to ride. The main issue is the prices, they’re too high for what they offer. Just my opinion of course. Cheers
Much prefer the American version of this bike, with it's shorter front fender, narrow tank. Much prettier.
Norton look nice but triumph over a Norton all day long
Triumph engine better than Norton as a 650 but Norton better as a 750.
Something not right about that 69. Its got a 68 front brake, the tank is the wrong colour scheme , should have windtone horns, decal on side panel is 68 and finally it was defiantly no Ford!
Hi Martin
The wind tones weigh about 15lbs and are exceedingly rare now. But yes, it’s definitely like a two wheeled Ford, sorry an’ all🤣
Some people should not be allowed to have a Triumph...You are one of them. Always find something to whinge about, and you're wrong
I think it important not to be blinded to a bike’s shortcomings with a misguided devotion to the brand or model. The Bonneville is a great bike to ride, but it’s not without it’s faults, mostly a consequence of being a mass-produced product built to a keen price. It’ll probably annoy you even more to learn that I’ve actually got THREE Triumphs! You’ll just have to suck it up, buttercup 😉