1967 Triumph Bonneville

T120TT DU45854

Clear

1967 Triumph TT Special Engine Number: T120TT DU45854 Frame Number: T120TT DU45854 In the 1950s and 1960s, Triumph's 650 twins were barred from AMA Class C racing, which limited overhead valve engines to 500cc. The regulations kept the big twins off the dirt ovals. There was another form of dirt competition known as TT racing – the name was derived from the British Tourist Trophy races. American TTs were held on dirt courses, but they had to have a motocross-like jump. Some courses were simple ovals with a jump, while others had left and right turns like a road course. In this form of racing, the 650 Triumphs were allowed, and they dominated. From 1963 through 1967, Triumph built a series of TT Specials for sale only in the American market. These were rare examples of a ready-to-race motorcycle, available to the public. Based on the Bonneville, non-essentials were stripped away and the engine was tuned for an extra two horsepower. The offered bike is from 1965 production and has all the signature items of that model, including the down swept, tucked in pipes – swapped for the previous year's high, longer pipes – so called "TT" pipes -narrow tank, aluminum fenders and no lighting system. This original and authentic, numbers matching TT Special was fully restored from the ground up by a classic motorcycle specialist for his own collection in 2008-2009. The engine was rebuilt from the sludge traps up, using all genuine TT parts, including 11:1 compression ratio internals, all new main and big end bearings, seals, valves, etc. The original and correct Amal 389/95 carbs have been rebuilt to TT specs. The gearbox was gone through and a new clutch installed. A Boyer electronic ignition replaced the points for added reliability. Correct 1¾" TT headers have barely seen exhaust. This detailed and refinished engine was then installed in to the unmolested, straight and crack-free original powder coated frame. The correct, original slimline, Caswell coated tank, with exquisite and correct paint in the classic Aubergine over White colour scheme, was added with fully restored oil tank and side panel with correct decals. Refurbished cycle parts were then fitted, including freshly chromed, original Dunlop rims laced with Buchanan stainless spokes, and correct Dunlop tires. Rebuilt front end with internal dampers, new rear shocks, restored brakes, etc. And the bike retains the correct fold-up foot pegs, grips, kill button, etc. The bike is currently equipped with a standard electrical & charging system, easily adapted with the accompanying parts to turn it in to the ultimate street Triumph, including a Bates-style 5-inch headlight, two wire stators and matching rotor, Tympanium regulator, sealed battery, Boyer ignition, 12 volt coils and a hidden ignition switch. Included separately is the original, complete, Energy Transfer system (see photo). The result is a bike that runs perfectly. Very sparingly used and fresh from service, the bike starts easily with a noticeable difference in that 11:1 compression in the kickstarter. The engine is bright and responsive, the gears shift easily through a good clutch. Brakes and suspension work perfectly. The engine/frame number were run through the Vintage Motorcycle Club, of Staffs, UK, the holders of the factory records, who confirmed that this bike was shipped to Tri Corp on the East Coast of the US and is a genuine TT Special. This is a magnificent example of the final year for the TT Special and considering the rarity of these TTs and the number of chopped up and lost to time examples, these represent a fantastic investment, as illustrated in the recent results at auctions in Las Vegas, where they were selling for $24k+, making this bike a great opportunity to own a rare and correct example with the usability of potential street legality.