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The Triumph Bonneville is one of the most iconic motorcycles of all time. Many motorcycles introduced in the 62 years since the introduction of the Bonneville can trace their lineage back to its classic styling. With a modern line up of retrostyled bikes, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd pays homage to the original Bonneville through continued use of the now legendary name. One significant location to earn a racing legacy was the Bonneville Salt Flats Race Track in Utah, where Johnny Allen set a series of world speed records for fastest motorcycle in a 650cc Triumph powered, torpedo-shaped body on 2 wheels he called his “Texas Ceegar.” With the new record set by Allen in 1956, Triumph was able to proclaim themselves as the builder of the “World’s fastest motorcycle.” Riding on the reputation the American name “Bonneville” evoked, now prominently in association with Triumph, the motor company introduced their new version of the Tiger 110 model aimed at the growing American market.
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LD- TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE
Presented By: Throttle Company
Introduced to the USA in 1959, the Triumph Bonneville was sold in only one color scheme, a two-tone treatment of Tangerine and Pearl Gray. A singular color offering for model years is a practical way to identify which year or model you might have. It had the same basic engine as previously offered in the Triumph Tiger 110 with two Amal “monobloc'' carburetors standard and other performance upgrades. The “120” name was used because the motorcycle has a claimed top speed of 120miles per hour (some controversy exists over this, but it was still very fast for 1959!) Originally configured with a separate transmission and engine (preunit, 1959-1962), the unit construction years are generally considered the most desirable (unit 1963-1970). After 1970, Triumph made major changes, the biggest of which was using the frame as the oil tank (oil in frame 1971-1983). Year after year, changes were made and sales grew. Things like a sturdier chassis, separate gearbox and better rider
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