Triumphrat

Teddy Spaghetty

Hey, been lurking on the forum for a little while. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Ted, i live in Decatur GA. I've had vintage scooters (Vespa and Lambretta) for a while and i've finally taken the plunge into vintage motorcycles. I own a 1972 Bonneville T120R. Love the bike, i like scooter's, but i love this motorcycle. It's been really good to me.
As this is my first motorcycle i'll have problems here and there, i'll try to search out the answer before i ask. Which brings me to my first problem. I rode home today from work (19 miles) with no problems. I was planning on a post work ride and i found that the bike wouldn't turn on. When i would jiggle the key the headlight would turn on and off, but i can't get the bike to stay on. This bike is pretty stock, but i know the ignition cylinder is not. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Oh yeah, here's a unflattering photo

KADUTZ

my thought is you have a bad switch. hot wire the bike and see if it starts.

pookybear

Welcome Ted,

Nice looking ride you have there. Anyway, if you are lucky maybe
a loose wire on the back of the switch, however, the switch
maybe the problem. If you have to get a new switch, a bit of
advise. Spend the money required to get the correct unit, not
one of the pattern pieces that are cheap replacements.

Pookybear

1972triumphbonn

Hi I just bought a 72 t120r bonneville today. it is gold and white. original paint. Does anyone know what color options they came in in 72? I saw some blue ones online and liked the look better. Wood it reduce that vale of the bike ti paint it none original color? thanks

Teddy Spaghetty

i know my paint isn't original. But if i recall correctly this came out in a similar gold and black as well as gold and white. I found some print ads on ebay from 1972 in with gold and white. FYI, i put a new ignition on, problem solved.

1972triumphbonn

Hey great. I havnt got mine running yet bought it at an estate sale. will try monday. Any starting advice? Thanks for paint info I still might change mine to blue.

1972triumphbonn

Hey IF YOU GET TIME COULD U MEASURE THE WIDTH OF THE WHIT STRIPE ON THE FRONT OF YOUR FENDER? MINE IS BAD CHROME I THINK I AM GOING TO PAINT IT. STRIP LOOKS BETTER I THINK. THANKS

Caulky

Welcome to the forum Ted.
Try spraying some switch cleaner in the ignition switch, and anywhere else that`s appropriate.

Webby

Welcome to the forum Ted and 1972triumphbonn

Nice bike Ted, I think it looks better than the original!

The original color for 72 was gold and white (71 was gold and black)
The blue and white option was for the single carb Trophy (I think) If you have a look in the members 650 OIF photos you will see some very nice original versions of both. As for the width of the stripe on the front fender, I am not sure what is original but I painted mine with a 1" wide stripe and I think it looks close. (also very easy to do with 1" making tape )

I hope this helps

Webby