Triumphrat

skaterpope · 11-10-2009, 11:53 AM

I thought I can share the pictures with you of my latest purchase, which I've picked up last weekend near Liverpool/UK. It's a 1967 T120 UK model, absolutley unrestored (with exception of a new seat cover and new exhaust chrome). The bike has it's full history from date of purchase untill today shown in a folder. It has a very nice patina and I decided to leave the bike like it is. I just will change the tires as the one which are mounted are from 1982.

But the best thing is, that the bike's first registration is exactly at the same day when I was born which for me makes this bike from now on really unsaleable

It has already a nice spot in my showroom ...

I'm still looking for a 1967 T120 or T120R project so I can complete my original plan to build a cool custom. I'm open for any kind of offers ...

GrandPaulZ · 11-10-2009, 02:12 PM

Welcome!

That is a VERY nice bike, but the paint is not the original color 1967 Aubergine (Eggplant Purple) or scheme.

Early '67 Bonnies had monobloc carbs, grey top seat, and Gold secondary color on the tank.

Late '67 Bonnies had concentric carbs, all black seat, and Alaskan White as the tank secondary color.

I also noticed your front brake is a '68 spec unit.

I should note, my '67 is a "late" spec bike, but has the gray-top seat and monobloc carbs, plus (God forbid) I have a '70 spec grab rail on it! "All original" is only RELATIVELY important if the bike is being claimed to be so...

skaterpope · 11-10-2009, 02:58 PM

You are absolutley correct, the paint is not original, but the bike was painted in this color right after the first owner purchased it in July 1967. This states an invoice from end of July. Seems the first owner was not happy with the color the 1967 bikes were delivered with

My 1967 T120 is also upgraded with a 68 front brake. This states an invoice from March 1968 from a Triumph dealer in London.

You are also correct with the carbs. The last owner changed the worn out monoblocks into concentric carbs just a few month ago.

Otherwise I can't find any "incorrect" parts on this bike.

I actually bought this bike to turn it in to a bobber/chopper. Well, that was my original plan which I've immediatley changed when I saw the bike in real while I picked it up. Before I just saw the bikes on photos at eBay ...

The bike wasn't claimed as an original T120. The description at eBay just said it is an unrestored genuine T120. So I don't expect the bike in such good condition.

BTW, the bike still has it's correct European handle bar mounted, but I already ordered the US spec handlebar as the European version is by far much to narrow which in my opinion is really negative for a good handling

GrandPaulZ · 11-10-2009, 03:56 PM

I'm afraid I may have sounded overly critical, it's just that "absolutley unrestored (with exception of a new seat cover and new exhaust chrome)" is a bit farther off than what you have (although quite a nice bike as it is).

I agree that it would be a shame to turn it into a chopper or bobber, unless you do not permanently alter the frame, and modify only to the extent that you can revert to original as you desire.

czycat · 11-11-2009, 01:42 PM

May not be "completely" original, but you can't blame the original owner for wanting a different color. Not to mention better brakes! Beautiful bike - I would definitely advocate riding her over chopping her - Enjoy!

skaterpope · 11-12-2009, 02:43 AM

Today I've decided to paint the bike in it's original color!

Otherwise that gay red-metalic would driven me crazy when ever I would look at the bike ... So could you tell me the correct paint code of that purple and white color? Thank you very much in advance ...

GrandPaulZ · 11-12-2009, 08:38 AM

http://www.triumphrat.net/vintage-te...r-sources.html

Hutchinson got my paint JUST RIGHT.

RidingDonkeys · 11-12-2009, 11:03 PM

Absolutely gorgeous bike! You'll definitely enjoy that one during the Heidelberg summer. Just came back from 5 years in Landstuhl and spent a lot of time in Heidelberg. Oh to be single and on that beautiful bike in Heidelberg!