1963 Triumph Bonneville

T120DU 4985

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UPDATE - No Reserve! There’s a lot of shiny bikes out there, this isn’t one of them. There’s nothing on it that’s perfect, but it’s not a rat bike either. It was once a 70’s era chopper with king and queen seat, koffin tank and square headlight. It was recently brought back to life about one year ago by rebuilding the carbs, adjusting the clutch and setting the timing. It runs good, and actually stops because it has a front disc break. This is set-up to be a true rider – it has turn signals, kill switch, horn, bright headlight and speedo. I just tickle the carbs, kick it once or twice and it fires right up. The paint isn’t professional - it’s what you should expect from a homebuilt bobber from the 1970s. The engine isn’t polished. The frame isn’t powder coated. The tank isn’t perfect. This bike is off to a good start, but my interests have shifted towards more stock British twins. So, I’m hoping to recoup some costs and move onto another British bike. If I can’t recoup enough, I’ll probably reassemble it starting with a new frame. Title Information Its titled as a 63 Triumph Bonneville in the State of Iowa (clean title, not a salvage, rebuilt or special construction title) – it’s titled by the engine. 1963 was the first year of the unit construction. Non-matching numbers. The frame does not match; it’s been lowered and stretched. Construction I had a professional welder inspect frame modifications and he reported that they are solid, quality welds. But the frame design choices are questionable. The frame is an undersized and heavily modified Triumph 500 frame that doesn’t handle demands of the larger 650 engine at higher speeds. It's light and fast and a lot of fun to ride. It’s a period garage-built frame and probably should be replaced with a new, quality factory fabricated hardtail. (They run about $800 for a brand new one.) I also have another 650 Bonneville frame with a bolt-on hardtail, which I will include with the sale if wanted, but the spare frame needs work too. Engine and RideIt starts easily and I ride it regularly – couple of times per week. It has been converted to standard negative ground, so electronics are easy to figure out. Miles are unknown. It’s comfortable to ride at in-town speeds, but getting up over 45 mph, the buzz through the handlebars becomes unbearable after about fifteen minutes. The excessive vibration is likely a result of the garage-built frame modifications. It tracks fine, but it’s buzzy. The front end is from a Honda and with the disc brake you can stop in modern traffic. The saddle bags are from a Harley and are easily removed. Looks much better without the bags, but sometimes a guy needs pick-up a six pack or two. ExtrasAn aftermarket, reproduction Smith speedometer. Triumph tank badges, extra 650 frame, but it needs work. (Frame is worth about $400) Payment and Pick-upI'm located in Davenport, IA. I can work with you or a shipping service. I have used UShip before personally and had good experience. Cash or Payment through PayPal. Title is in hand so that makes things simple.