Bike World Dream Rides | 1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R

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  • Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
  • We've been back to The Bike Specialists for another Dream Rides, this time it's the iconic 1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R, this will be a first for Chris.
    For BeMoto motorcycle insurance, head to bemoto.uk/moto...
    #triumph #Bonneville #dreamrides

КОМЕНТАРІ • 144

  • @ludwigvonbuzzthoven
    @ludwigvonbuzzthoven Рік тому +17

    I’m from Detroit and I’ve owned 4 Harleys, but I have a big soft spot for Triumph. It was the first bike I ever got to ride on: My uncle had a Bonnie when he was in college in the early ‘70’s (and rode it in Michigan winters!) and he would take me for rides around the neighborhood on it. I’ve never had the pleasure of riding an old Triumph on my own, but I AM the proud owner of a ‘23 Thruxton RS.

  • @andrewbull3537
    @andrewbull3537 Рік тому +2

    The 1966 bonneville is a beautiful bike ,she is better by a mile than a harley Davidson. That is how all bikes should be built ....and she was born the same year as me 😁.peace out ✌️

  • @nockianlifter661
    @nockianlifter661 Рік тому +5

    As long as you can afford a more modern reliable bike to go alongside it, then they are great. I was born at the end of the British era so we ran Japanese and British together. The Japanese bikes didn’t handle well, but neither did they leak oil and very rarely broke down. The first time out with a guy on a later 750 Bonny and after a fill up, his bike refused to start-end of ride. My friend was smitten by British bikes and bought a BSA Starfire - it’s name belied it’s intent, one day it set itself alight and my friend promptly bought a Honda. Another friend had a Norton Commando - it started about half the time it was called on to move and the Isolastic mounts would fail during a ride to work, making riding really difficult as it shook itself all over the road. In isolation, they are a tonic, but owning one in the day was an exercise in patience and grit.

  • @neilmcintosh1200
    @neilmcintosh1200 4 дні тому

    You were on perfect roads to showcase the talents of a Brit bike.This is what they were built for. Slow just a hint before attacking each bend on a level or rising throttle. It really helps if you can learn the road. Only thing more fun is having a go as an outfit passenger.

  • @GarryMcGovern
    @GarryMcGovern Рік тому +9

    Ahhh superb! I've always wanted a bike from the year I was born, and as I had the big '50th' birthday 14 months ago in 2021, I finally ticked that box by buying a 1971 Bonneville T120R! Yes, it took SO long to get used to its little idiosyncrasies (gear shift on the right for a start, and also trying to get my kickstart technique right having not kick started a bike in over 30 years), but I love it - every ride is an event. It shares the garage with bikes as diverse as a Panigale S to a Bimota SB6R, but donning my open face helmet and 'vintage' jacket, just to indulge my Steve McQueen (beep!) fantasy, just never fails to put a stupid big grin on my face (just ALWAYS remember to turn the fuel taps OFF when not running...... ask me how I know! Haha!!). Cheers Chris, you totally nailed how it feels to ride these fantastic bikes!

  • @FunAllDayLong4353
    @FunAllDayLong4353 Рік тому +1

    Riders back in the day used to rip around on Bonnies, BSAs and Nortons, not riding the torque, but actually going up and down the gears and revving them out. They rode them hard and tore them apart every 10,000 miles. Also original brakes were much better - modern linings are asbestos free and nothing like as good. But glad you enjoyed it.

  • @ww-bp9el
    @ww-bp9el Місяць тому

    Had a 120 R , great machine brothers, although an a Norton owner, miss that great little trupet!

  • @normal2842
    @normal2842 Рік тому +14

    Hit the nail on the head, Chris. Classic bikes are a fully immersive experience and very rewarding. With the starting procedures and monitoring the manual timing when riding, they are addictive. I inherited a 1959 Triton, 9 years ago, and ride it as much as my RSV`s.

  • @duke927
    @duke927 2 місяці тому

    Beautiful Bikes. Sounded and had ample power and was a great looking bike. Of course kick start only. I bought a 1971 Triumph Trophy in 1971 from a Navy Exchange Catalogue near the end of my tour in Vietnam. I didn’t know the different models and the Trophy was geared lower than the Bonneville and had the pipes on the side like the Scrambler. Twice the clutch plates unassembled in the transfer case. Found out it was a half moon shaped key that held them together kept shearing. The welded structures on the frame that held the fuel tank also broke. I was able to fix that with a radiator hose clamp. Also the chromed choke lever on the handlebars as I recalled was not detented and I was always unsure which position the choke was in. I sold it to finance a cross country trip after I got out of the army. Near the end I was contemplating putting a Bounneville counter shaft sprocket in the bike so it would cruise a little better. Thanks for the memory:)

  • @ripkej77
    @ripkej77 Рік тому +1

    thanks for the videos it helps with my PMS ( parked motorcycle syndrome )

  • @brucemartin974
    @brucemartin974 Рік тому +3

    Always loved the look of the '67 Bonnie. I have one from 1970 and still enjoy it. For the real retro experience try a bike from the late '30s. My 1937 Ariel Red Hunter 500 handles and drives really well plus looks fantastic. .

  • @diggeronenineone7254
    @diggeronenineone7254 Рік тому +2

    A mate of mine has owned a couple of classic bikes and as much as he enjoyed owning them he said that it's a 50/50 split on fun and frustration, he said best two days of classic bike ownership is the the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

    • @caribman10
      @caribman10 Рік тому

      You have to either be a full operator or a full owner. They aren't the same.

  • @PeGeCo66
    @PeGeCo66 Рік тому +1

    As the owner of a modern Bonneville T120, this is definitely my favourite of your Dream Rides videos. That bike 😍😍😍

  • @mzuribikes2499
    @mzuribikes2499 Рік тому

    My father sold his Bonneville two weeks before I turned sixteen. I'm still weeping over that. I had high hopes.

  • @scratchvideo8859
    @scratchvideo8859 3 місяці тому

    Just loved the review and your honest excitement.

  • @nickrider5220
    @nickrider5220 Рік тому +2

    Funny how things have gone full circle. We all thought we wanted more of everything, but a basic old bike gives you loads of thrills. Would like better brakes and suspension though. Great video again 👍

  • @gregrsvr3947
    @gregrsvr3947 Рік тому +2

    Last Summer I bought a 1970 BSA Thunderbolt as something different to my modern bike and what a laugh it is, handling is great, brakes ok and every time I stop people come over to talk about it, it's a different experience to modern riding and bloody good fun . BTW I'm 69 and had a '67 Bonneville back in the day.

    • @G100666
      @G100666 Рік тому +2

      Great choice Greg. I'm 5 years "younger" than you but, in the late 70s, bought a 1964 Thunderbolt as my daily ride. A lovely bike even though it had obviously had a hard life. Nevertheless, it started first kick most of the time and built up to a great top speed. Far less vibes than the Bonneville, a much tidier unit engine ( to my eyes) that didn't look like a pre unit that had simply been welded together.
      Just keep an eye on the oil pipes beneath the crankcase, I don't know if my bike was just badly put together but the jubilee clips weren't sufficient to keep the oil pipes on, ending with two (fairly easy) engine rebuilds.
      Have fun 🙂

    • @gregrsvr3947
      @gregrsvr3947 Рік тому

      @@G100666 I've ridden hundreds of bikes over the years, my all time favourite was a 1978 Yamaha TZ250E that I raced, the worst bike would have to be a Harley I took out for a test ride, hated every minute , hideously expensive and showing corrosion at 2000miles.

  • @paguerro1696
    @paguerro1696 8 місяців тому

    I would love to have on of these parked in my living room to look at every day. It is a piece of modern art.

  • @kentkelly5301
    @kentkelly5301 Рік тому

    I bought a brand new Bonneville in 1970. Best handling bike I ever rode! I wore it out in about 3 years. lol Miss it so much.

  • @gavinthomas5999
    @gavinthomas5999 Рік тому +8

    Brilliant review Chris and delighted you had the opportunity to experience a bike of this era. I’ve been lucky to have owned many modern bikes but nothing in the world of rider modes, traction control and active suspension can compensate for the thrill I get from riding my 1976 Norton Commando around the back lanes of Kent. Pure nirvana!

  • @madrat5176
    @madrat5176 Рік тому +5

    Amazing bike. Jay Leno has a similar one and it’s arguably his favorite bike. A Royal Enfield Interceptor or Continental will provide a comparable experience with a new bike (with a warranty).

    • @SteveH-q9y
      @SteveH-q9y 6 місяців тому

      🙂 No it won’t! I own an Interceptor and classic bikes... they are very different...

  • @jamesgregory2962
    @jamesgregory2962 11 місяців тому +1

    That surely is a US spec bike repatriated. It looks fabulous! I believe is has 1970 Lever perches to allow those mirrors. So does my 68 Bonneville. The 68 through 70 twin leading shoe front brake drum is a massive improvement. Great review!

  • @leslieaustin151
    @leslieaustin151 11 місяців тому +1

    Good review, nice bike. BUT those bars! They’re USA pattern. Back in the day… my day at least, and in the UK, the bars would much more likely have been Ace bars or clip-ons. And surely for a 60s ‘Umph the mudguards would have been painted, and have that lovely Triumph stripe-work along their length? Don’t get me wrong, I like the bare alloy guards but don’t remember them as original.. Nice to hear the Triumph snarl though. Thank you. Les

  • @daveco1270
    @daveco1270 Рік тому

    Riding a vintage bike is a different experience. You have to be in tune with the bike more so than a modern motorcycle where you just start it and ride without much thought. I love my 1964 Triumph TR6. It's a blast to ride. At 363 pounds it's so light. As Jay Leno said about his 64 Bonnie,, "you just think about where you wanna go and the bike goes that direction." You get used to the right side shift very quickly.

  • @fearsomename4517
    @fearsomename4517 Рік тому

    Back in '78 I bought a '67 Bonneville for $400 I saved it from getting chopped. I rode it for 23 years and I miss it dearly. Great looks and a dependable motorcycle that handles great.

  • @stevemiller1203
    @stevemiller1203 Рік тому

    I grew up in the '60s. The 2 bikes we all wanted were a Triumph Bonneville or a Harley XLCH Sportster. TheSportster was a little quicker in a straight line but the Bonneville handled way better. All these years later and after owning and riding many different brands and styles of bikes I would like to get me a '66 Bonneville, just like this one. Great bike.

  • @MadChalet
    @MadChalet Рік тому

    A neighbor's Bonneville is guilty for lighting the fire for my life of motorcycling (my brother had a Harley Sprint, but, you know ...). Then both of my college roommates had 60s Tigers. I on the other hand had a Honda CB500-Four ... front disc brake, overhead cam, turn signals. I thought I was way ahead of them.
    But it's those Triumphs that I have feel nostalgia for, not my Honda. The sound, the vibrations, the light weight, are all positives. Now, the magneto power supply, the mysterious timing procedure and the 'mixed nuts' of bolt heads are not so positive, but I'd be willing to put up with that if I had money and space for more bikes. Thanks for diving into the classics!

  • @shadowred1980
    @shadowred1980 Рік тому +4

    More classic's please. I'm guessing for many people, seeing your reviews of them would be the first exposure they have.

  • @landedzentry
    @landedzentry Рік тому +2

    Naaa - I'm 65. I'll still take an RD350 every time. A little bit faster if I recall, 6 speed (you need them!), lighter, pedals the right way round and an addictive power band at the top of the revs. Also 20mpg when thrashed lol with a trail of blue 2 stroke oil haze. YUM.

  • @stevenwatsham5973
    @stevenwatsham5973 8 місяців тому +2

    I am about the same vintage as you and I have after a lifetime of Japanese machinery recently bought a 1952 Matchless G80..
    But!.. Oh lord what fun it is!. Even quicker than I thought it might be too!
    I am completely in love with the thing..

  • @joseluismontero2839
    @joseluismontero2839 Рік тому +3

    I never comment in any videos, but I had to do an exception with these. Man, i couldnt love more your reviews on classic and modern-classic bikes. Cool bikes, cool guy, cool roads! Couldnt ask for more! Keep it up! Ps: i want a zrx1200r so badly after seeing your video on it....

  • @1990-t1j
    @1990-t1j Рік тому +1

    Stunning bike.

  • @NickTubeless
    @NickTubeless Рік тому

    Great stuff, beautiful bike & what you were saying about involvement is what it's all about. It's like the bike is alive & part of you, you're a team. Look after it & it looks after you.

  • @-old-school-motorcyclesltd
    @-old-school-motorcyclesltd Рік тому +1

    I have the Triumph T110 1969 tiger bathtub and BSA’s
    I think it’s loads of fun
    The roar is brilliant
    Great fun 😊😊
    I’ve learnt I wasn’t born inn’1960 but
    Heh you learn
    Well done for sharing you’re enthusiasm
    The braking is fine once your used to it as you say planning don’t expect it to just stop ✋
    Just take a littie screwdriver for adjusting the carb /plug spanner, couple plugs and a couple of spanners
    In a tool bag

  • @joeblow5037
    @joeblow5037 Рік тому +1

    Lucky enough to have a '72 T100R Daytona in my garage, that I bought 30 years ago.
    After initially putting rings in it and fixing the wiring, I haven't had to touch it.
    Runs like a top and sounds like a MOTORCYCLE 🙂

    • @seniorrider9337
      @seniorrider9337 Рік тому +1

      My first bike was a 66 Bonnie, used and abused but a jewel to me, and cheap. After about 4 months, it was badly in need of professional help so off to South Bay Motorcycles in National City, Calif to see about a rebuild on the engine. I learned to ride on that old Bonnie. After the mechanic explaining all it needed, I wandered into the showroom to look at new bikes. I could almost buy a new smaller size Triumph for what a rebuilt engine would cost. There sat this beautiful 72 Dayton 500. I was soon riding it home! Loved that bike and it's superb handling. That was the start of many bikes over the years. I had several British right hand shift and left brake bikes at the same time that I had Japanese bikes. Funny, it never caused me any issues. You just always knew when you were on a British bike. Take care of your Daytona, wish I still had mine.

    • @joeblow5037
      @joeblow5037 Рік тому +1

      @@seniorrider9337 Thanks!
      Yea, in '77 I was Marine Air and had just finished the First cruise of the Nimitz (7 month Med)
      I flew home to OKC from SC and bought a brand new '75 T160 750cc triple Trident. Drove that sucker back to SC....and in my last 2 years up and down the Eastern Seaboard. very few problems
      But I wore that puppy out.
      I went looking for a Commando, or Bonneville, Lightning years later.
      Ran across the Daytona at my local Kawasaki shop. It needed rescued 🖐

    • @seniorrider9337
      @seniorrider9337 Рік тому +1

      @@joeblow5037 Thanks for your service, sir. I was Navy, 20 years. Then 23 more in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. I also had a 75 T160V. Loved the sound those bikes made!! Back then I was getting into RD 350 Yamahas and by 1978 my cafe RD was a 130 MPH screamer and handled like it was on rails. I was 30 years old and I am lucky to be here today. By 1980, I was cafe racered out and got a 1981 Yamaha Virago 750. More laid back, but with super-bike bars and Dunlop Elites, it was no slouch in the canyons. I now ride a 97 1100 Virago, yep, with super-bike bars and Michelin Commander 3's. I try to keep my rides sane, but those traffic circles get me scraping pegs. LOL!! Enjoy your rides and be safe. BY the way, I have done a lot of work on the Nimitz, more on submarine steering and diving systems.

    • @joeblow5037
      @joeblow5037 Рік тому +1

      @@seniorrider9337 small world, my friend 🙂
      Thank you for your service.
      I'm down to that Daytona, and an '18 black on black KLR-650 with a LeoVince pipe that I bought new.
      I've still got the Trident and an '84 XR-250R that I used to race cross country when I was younger....both need a bit of work
      The Kawi has been a pleasant surprise. I'm six four 230, and it fits me well.
      I look like a giant on the T100R 😎
      I don't care...haha
      ride safe, my friend

  • @nickashton5242
    @nickashton5242 Рік тому

    had a 67 trophy for awhile long ago ,loved it

  • @iain777uk
    @iain777uk Рік тому

    My father left me his BSA gold flash,Owning a British bike is akin to they experience of playing vinyl records. The whole process is just so involving.
    Ps love this channel.

  • @davehogye576
    @davehogye576 Рік тому

    I really enjoy your channel. You are doing motorcycles and riders a great service. Old Triumph sports cars are equally enjoyable. Cheers.

  • @dantton1987
    @dantton1987 Рік тому

    As 2013 t100 owner, I loved every bit of it. Thanks again, Chris. Seems like the shitty brakes are a heritage thing, lol

  • @michaelvaristo989
    @michaelvaristo989 9 місяців тому

    I had a friend that was the mechanic on the world record Triumph back then. It was a twin engine within a fiberglss shell out of Triumph of Detroit. Speed was 245 mph.

  • @keithwaller4545
    @keithwaller4545 Рік тому

    Brilliant again, just bought a T150v trident absolutely love it, as Sunday Cotswolds ride out with my wife.

  • @mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454

    HD is the American response to Norton & Triumph.
    Don’t forget Dylan, electric folk & a Triumph t shirt.
    The main problem I had with my built very fast Norton was Lucas electrics. Same thing with a Mk II 3.8 Jag & a buddy’s Bugeye Sprite.

  • @machinehead9334
    @machinehead9334 Рік тому +2

    Great video Chris, but surely it’s pronounced “Bonn-e-ville” isn’t it? Every time you said “Bonnville” it was like someone was rasping my ears with a cheese grater! Any one else or is it just me? 😮😂

  • @FingersRides
    @FingersRides Рік тому

    James’ face when you said ‘time of the month’ at the start was priceless 😂😂😂

  • @nicksavich7970
    @nicksavich7970 Рік тому

    I love hearing your perspective on different motorcycles. On this take, a lot of what you say rings true. To me, the brakes on the old classics are frustratingly bad, but otherwise old Triumphs are as much fun as anything.
    I am holding onto my 07 T100. To me, that is the sweet spot. Good brakes without needing a retromod to feel safe. Still carbureted and air/oil cooled. Sometimes, I think I should go out and scoop up as many as I can find. Basic motorcycles are becoming rare.

  • @bartmotorcycle
    @bartmotorcycle Рік тому +1

    Man they don't get much better than a 60s Triumph

  • @cpuuk
    @cpuuk Рік тому +2

    British Bikes were so good, if you don't believe me go to the national Motorcycle Museum by the NEC. There you will find hundreds of examples of the best of the best, and under almost everyone one of them an oil drip tray (I kid not). We went Japanese for a reason ;-)

    • @goldilocks913
      @goldilocks913 Рік тому

      Yes there was nearly as much metal involved in the trays as the bikes! Still such gorgeous bikes though

  • @guywolff
    @guywolff Рік тому

    Just don't get the Lucas electrics wet .. I had a 1967 Bonnie in Pembrookshire in 1970 .I had a surprise with a village having a ford instead of a bridge on a very wet November morning in Glamorgamshire .It was 2 hours getting the bike to start . I loved the frame .In a way in felt like bamboo (but in a good way ) .It flexed in the turns but you held a good line with it .I liked the duel carbs but today I thing I would go for the simpler single carb .and less compression .Later on I went over to BMWs ..If you get to try a R69s with the Earles forks you wont every want to ride anything else every again :) All the best from New England

  • @geoffreycarson2311
    @geoffreycarson2311 6 місяців тому

    THAT Road Is MUCH BETTER .Than NOW 😔g

  • @PhilSavageHDCCHUCC
    @PhilSavageHDCCHUCC Рік тому +2

    Having come from classic cars (68 MG B GT), I can totally relate to what you're saying about the differences, nuances and involvement compared to modern machinery. So rewarding driving a 60s car, I think you've inspired me to go out and try some 60s bikes!

  • @davidgill2592
    @davidgill2592 Рік тому

    I had a 1967 (UK model), I must agree, the front brake was pretty much for decoration only (I substituted it for a later 2LS version). My bike handled superbly, even to be able to powerslide it on bends, but fitting TT100's put paid to that.
    That seemed a very sedate ride, as the power doesn't come in until the rev counter hits 5000 and then with a big wallop!

  • @meshplates
    @meshplates Рік тому

    The Ducati 750GT from the early 70s also had a right foot shifter.

  • @AidanH1
    @AidanH1 Рік тому

    Had a 1973 T100P (ex police version of T100R Daytona) back in the 1980s. Great bike, light, fast, full of character but needed TLC. If well maintained they would run well.
    In the last few years I had a Hinckley Thruxton 900. Great bike, fast, but heavy. Traded it for a Street Triple 675, great bike, light, fast, full of character reminds me of the old T100P.
    BTW I had the standard TLS front brake on the T100P and when set up correctly, was as good as a twin disk on a modern bike.

  • @750triton
    @750triton Рік тому

    They're more more meticulously put together and maintained these days, if those involved know what they're doing. There are still great looking bikes, that keep the old legends alive, unreliable, leaky etc, so don't be dazzled by paint and chrome alone. There are some which are oily rag clean and do thousands of miles reliably and don't leak. Some leak but apart from being unsightly the bike is still reliable.

  • @leighdee2084
    @leighdee2084 Рік тому

    My dream bike

  • @Buslife57
    @Buslife57 Рік тому

    In the words of Guy.. That's proper motorcycle. I've got a 71 BSA Thunder Bolt and was going to sell it to get me into a new Enfield but I can't bring myself to sell it

  • @randolphstephenson
    @randolphstephenson 9 місяців тому

    Oh that you could have ridden the 68 TT Special I had back then😊.. Same color scheme white w/red stripes.

  • @gnmurray5955
    @gnmurray5955 Рік тому +1

    Very nostalgic, great review. If you get a chance, ride the Honda CBX1000 six, the earlier model. I think you will be impressed..I had one for a couple of years and it was such an experience to ride.

    • @joeblow5037
      @joeblow5037 Рік тому

      I had a '79 for 10 glorious years
      The one bike I regret selling

  • @MOTOUK1
    @MOTOUK1 Рік тому +1

    Loved this Chris, Having just bought a new Bonneville T120 i just love the engagement classic bikes give, the feel, the great ride even if your not going silly speeds and just out to the cafe for a slow ride through the country side. Would so love to own this 120R to just park it next to my current 2022 T120 Black. Great video awesome. Modern Day Classic bikes are so in at the moment and will be good sellers in 2023

    • @tomme2314
      @tomme2314 Рік тому +1

      Congratulations on your new bike! Awesome machine.. I’m sure though that your 2022 model will require a lot less engagement than a 66 :D

    • @MOTOUK1
      @MOTOUK1 Рік тому +1

      @@tomme2314 thanks 🙏 yes more reliable too I expect. Lovely bike

    • @michaelhayward7572
      @michaelhayward7572 Рік тому +2

      Chalk and cheese.
      Night and day.
      Apples and oranges.
      Hinkley and Meriden.
      Cannot be compared.
      2 completely different motorcycles.
      The only thing in common is the vague styling similarities.
      And the name on the tank.
      And even then the logos are different.
      One could be a YamaSuKawaHon with your eyes closed...smooth and modern.
      The other is a real Triumph.
      Raw with soul and character and black broken fingernails required to keep it running sweet.

    • @MOTOUK1
      @MOTOUK1 Рік тому

      @@michaelhayward7572 Never said they were the same at all, just that i like classics, OMG 🤣

    • @michaelhayward7572
      @michaelhayward7572 Рік тому +1

      @@MOTOUK1 a 2022 T120 aint a classic is it.
      Its a retro naked with classic styling.

  • @lovingmylifeasIage6741
    @lovingmylifeasIage6741 Рік тому +2

    I just got finished rebuilding my 71 T120R. Such an easy motor to rebuild. Yes you have to know these bikes and become one with them. That's what makes the experience so much more satisfying. My 71 motor is in a 65 frame with a bolt on hard tail. My video shows what it looks like. Check it out.

  • @shingerz
    @shingerz Рік тому

    Cracking video im contemplating hmmm get rid of two have one 🤔

  • @Poorlybobsdad
    @Poorlybobsdad Рік тому

    Well that's a surprise. My view of old British iron is that they don't, stop, go or handle. My idea of a classic is a TZR 250 but maybe I should give the older stuff a look, it does look like fun. 👍

    • @GarryMcGovern
      @GarryMcGovern Рік тому

      Oh they 'go' and 'handle' brilliantly....... but no........ they still don't stop!! 🤣

  • @NaziHampster
    @NaziHampster Рік тому

    Got one (66) same as. No garage queen, thrash it about whenever I get the chance. Very involving, very life affirming in a way modern bikes just cant replicate. Buy a workshop manual and a bunch of age specific tools and you can repair stuff pretty easily. You do have to keep on top of maintenance so you don't get stranded on the side of the road (hasn't happened yet in 10 years of ownership). Wouldn't own one as my only bike though. Have Daytona 955i and XR600 supermoto for other duties. Buy it :)

  • @Sunnbobb
    @Sunnbobb Рік тому

    You have my permission to make an offer on it. Conversely check out the huge haul of bikes recently acquired by Hitchcock Motorcycles and restore one from the ground up. Great video!

  • @edwardm9227
    @edwardm9227 Рік тому

    I bought my Meriden Bonneville when I was 21 in 1984, I toured Europe every summer till my daughter was born. I still have it and ride it regularly ! It is still great fun to ride, (out of town!) ✊

  • @kevinpollard1550
    @kevinpollard1550 Рік тому

    Beautiful bike

  • @pandrop490
    @pandrop490 Рік тому

    The most beautiful motorcycle ever made , loved watching this video

  • @duncanorr5926
    @duncanorr5926 Рік тому +1

    Watching amazing videos like this always makes me wonder if stuff like new panigales and gs' will ever be able to reach this classic status. Will they even be allowed to run? Will their electronics work?

  • @flatcapcaferacer
    @flatcapcaferacer Рік тому +1

    In1969 I started on Kawasaki two strokes and my friends all road Japanese bikes too, not because the British bikes were rubbish but because of price and availability. When I saw them on the road I thought they were beautiful and sounded great. The British bikes in the late 1960s and early 1970s definitely handled better.
    As I remembered it the British companies were a bit to overconfident, their management and distribution was poor and the worker strikes that was rubbish not the bikes.
    Since 1996 I've owned a dozen of the new Triumphs but have yet to own one the old ones...maybe I'll find the right one.

  • @steveball2307
    @steveball2307 Рік тому

    Remember Malcolm Uphill won the 1969 production TT on one at 99.99 mph average and the first ever production lap at over 100 - hence Dunlop's TT100 tyre.. Of course their era was coming to an end, Triumph's parallel twin line had started pre WW2 but it just showed what could be done on them.

  • @tomostinato2918
    @tomostinato2918 Рік тому

    The '62 (red and silver) and '65 (blue and silver) look even better.

  • @GaryJohnWalker1
    @GaryJohnWalker1 Рік тому

    I'm of the generation that mostly thought British bikes were crap, old big twins, yuk. And while I appreciated what was happening at Meriden to keep making the things despite NVT''s plans, through the 70s I never even considered getting a Bonnie or Tiger. But yes, this looks lovely.

  • @kramnam4716
    @kramnam4716 Рік тому

    Great review 👌👏👏💚

  • @richardkingsbury4274
    @richardkingsbury4274 Рік тому

    If you enjoyed riding this you should try a 750 Norton commando. Similar experience, but faster smoother and just better quality machine

  • @jammaster7614
    @jammaster7614 2 місяці тому +1

    The sound a 360° crank makes cannot be replicated by anything else. Some of the new bikes sound nice but nothing like these.

  • @stuwhite1969
    @stuwhite1969 Рік тому

    Great video!

  • @oops1952
    @oops1952 Рік тому +1

    Try a '68!!! Front brake is excellent. No steering damper....no need

  • @raywite6665
    @raywite6665 Рік тому

    We rode these bikes because they handled, you can work on them yourself, the engines lasted about 1/3-1/2 as long as the Japanese bikes but they were British, Horton, Royal Enfield, Matchless, BSA.

  • @bobcohoon9615
    @bobcohoon9615 Рік тому

    Those early drum brakes had a leading shoe and trailing shoe and had to be assembled right, and drum diameter had to be within spec , I think, to work well

  • @springcorgi
    @springcorgi Рік тому

    Great review! Can you be tempted into a another Triumph review? 2002 Daytona 955i See pic

  • @ChumiStu
    @ChumiStu Рік тому +1

    When are the T-shirts available to buy?
    Also, I’m going to be so upset if you’re not on a bmw f900 this season. Rumour has is you used to race 😮

    • @BikeWorldTVshow
      @BikeWorldTVshow  Рік тому +1

      Really close, we might take orders directly for now if you're interested? Race discussions are being had 😉

  • @rr7468
    @rr7468 10 місяців тому

    The shifting was on the rigth side on that time 🙂

  • @phil6506
    @phil6506 Рік тому

    sounds like the front brake linings may have gone hard, they do stop when in good condition and you can obtain softer linings for them.the bike you rode is not factory standard but not far off from what I can tell.

    • @phil6506
      @phil6506 Рік тому

      @t3legram.me. say what?

  • @averagebiker
    @averagebiker Рік тому

    "You know it's ran out of oil when it stops leaking"!

  • @TheSaintrover
    @TheSaintrover 9 місяців тому

    My Bonnie has L hand shift , Oil in Frame is not inferior , if you want the true amazing development of that T120R then slide into the 70s onto a T140 V or E . Disc brakes ! More Torque on the 750 ! Unbelievable you can get them for 4000 quid !

  • @TheReverb1
    @TheReverb1 Рік тому +1

    Is not about "be so special" etc the guy is saying; but was that those were the best bikes in the 60s; with a few more models by other British brands. Nothing about Italy; Japan other Euro Countries and of course, if you compare an sporty bike like this with a tractor like HD...well; of course would be a blockbuster. HD are fine to make a chopper; but just that.
    I have 3 Triumph as transportation and a Husqvarna

  • @garethholden301
    @garethholden301 Рік тому +1

    Looks like there are injuns in them there hills😮

  • @darrenmcphillips4706
    @darrenmcphillips4706 Рік тому +1

    Make an offer on it cool as fuck 66 bonny faster enough and way cool 😎 love it

  • @andrewhoward7523
    @andrewhoward7523 Рік тому

    Another Great video mate 👍
    Quick question are you guys selling them bikeworld tshirts (bikes are awesome ones) ???

  • @grahamovenden9007
    @grahamovenden9007 4 місяці тому

    When you truly understand the word " fettle ", means you will get it .
    The US spec bike you were riding is not the top spec bike that Triumph made .
    the Home and general market spec bikes were the one .
    Here in NZ we got lower bars , which by moving the rider central mass lower and slightly further forward weighted / balanced the bike much better ( like a modern sport bike ).
    The longer pipes on the home market spec bikes , gave you a stronger top end .
    The ignition timing is adjusted separately for each cylinder and because points wear , they require maintenance ( fettling ).
    The carbs require balancing and adjusting . But just to add to it a little more there's more available with jetting and adjusting to optimize for altitude and season ( fettling ).
    Talk to the classic race boys about the brakes , soft linings and machining the linings to fit the drum , ( again fettling ).
    " fettling " is not something you can pay to have done but rather something that " you " learn as a part of the journey .
    A true joy that is sadly almost lost .

  • @brianharbour9314
    @brianharbour9314 Рік тому

    A Compromise, I have the Kawasaki w650 it's a fake Bonneville sounds the same goes really well but has modern tweaks ie disc front Brake, electric start i love it half the price of a classic Bonnie ! To own the real thing would be great though !

  • @turbobock
    @turbobock Рік тому

    How does it compare to the modern Bonnevilles?

  • @caribman10
    @caribman10 Рік тому

    Three things: first, the standard tires were awful, and they were among the best available.Avons were a little bit better - not much though. Second, the standard brake linings were just as bad, but there were better ones available (JoMo). Third, if this bike had a rubber/isolated head steady the handlebar vibration would have been lessened by at least half. Great bike for the era, though.

  • @aidan6557
    @aidan6557 Рік тому

    Where was this filmed

  • @cfvgd
    @cfvgd Рік тому

    They made the brits ride 500 vs 750 back in the day when they came to America for racing.

  • @drink4711
    @drink4711 Рік тому +1

    Steve McBEEEP :D

  • @danielhoppley2961
    @danielhoppley2961 Рік тому

    🥰🥰🥰💖💗

  • @geoffreycarson2311
    @geoffreycarson2311 6 місяців тому +1

    MINES A 56 TROPHYBIRD S.Scrambler 😁AS you Call them !!!Pre-UNIT 650cc. & WAIST level One Each Side Exhursts !!!And Wide Bars 😁HALF Drum 8inch Brake The DOGS StraitThrough Pipes !!!LOUD 😁😁😁😁😀a Limey g

  • @anndale6555
    @anndale6555 8 місяців тому

    and elvis in the film stay away joe 1969.😅