I’m from Detroit and I’ve owned 4 Harleys, but I have a big soft spot for Triumph. It was the first bike I ever got to ride on: My uncle had a Bonnie when he was in college in the early ‘70’s (and rode it in Michigan winters!) and he would take me for rides around the neighborhood on it. I’ve never had the pleasure of riding an old Triumph on my own, but I AM the proud owner of a ‘23 Thruxton RS.

As long as you can afford a more modern reliable bike to go alongside it, then they are great. I was born at the end of the British era so we ran Japanese and British together. The Japanese bikes didn’t handle well, but neither did they leak oil and very rarely broke down. The first time out with a guy on a later 750 Bonny and after a fill up, his bike refused to start-end of ride. My friend was smitten by British bikes and bought a BSA Starfire - it’s name belied it’s intent, one day it set itself alight and my friend promptly bought a Honda. Another friend had a Norton Commando - it started about half the time it was called on to move and the Isolastic mounts would fail during a ride to work, making riding really difficult as it shook itself all over the road. In isolation, they are a tonic, but owning one in the day was an exercise in patience and grit.

Ahhh superb! I've always wanted a bike from the year I was born, and as I had the big '50th' birthday 14 months ago in 2021, I finally ticked that box by buying a 1971 Bonneville T120R! Yes, it took SO long to get used to its little idiosyncrasies (gear shift on the right for a start, and also trying to get my kickstart technique right having not kick started a bike in over 30 years), but I love it - every ride is an event. It shares the garage with bikes as diverse as a Panigale S to a Bimota SB6R, but donning my open face helmet and 'vintage' jacket, just to indulge my Steve McQueen (beep!) fantasy, just never fails to put a stupid big grin on my face (just ALWAYS remember to turn the fuel taps OFF when not running...... ask me how I know! Haha!!). Cheers Chris, you totally nailed how it feels to ride these fantastic bikes!

Hit the nail on the head, Chris. Classic bikes are a fully immersive experience and very rewarding. With the starting procedures and monitoring the manual timing when riding, they are addictive. I inherited a 1959 Triton, 9 years ago, and ride it as much as my RSV`s.

A mate of mine has owned a couple of classic bikes and as much as he enjoyed owning them he said that it's a 50/50 split on fun and frustration, he said best two days of classic bike ownership is the the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

@caribman10

Жыл бұрын

You have to either be a full operator or a full owner. They aren't the same.

I had a friend that was the mechanic on the world record Triumph back then. It was a twin engine within a fiberglss shell out of Triumph of Detroit. Speed was 245 mph.

thanks for the videos it helps with my PMS ( parked motorcycle syndrome )

Just loved the review and your honest excitement.

As the owner of a modern Bonneville T120, this is definitely my favourite of your Dream Rides videos. That bike 😍😍😍

The 1966 bonneville is a beautiful bike ,she is better by a mile than a harley Davidson. That is how all bikes should be built ....and she was born the same year as me 😁.peace out ✌️

My father sold his Bonneville two weeks before I turned sixteen. I'm still weeping over that. I had high hopes.

That surely is a US spec bike repatriated. It looks fabulous! I believe is has 1970 Lever perches to allow those mirrors. So does my 68 Bonneville. The 68 through 70 twin leading shoe front brake drum is a massive improvement. Great review!

Always loved the look of the '67 Bonnie. I have one from 1970 and still enjoy it. For the real retro experience try a bike from the late '30s. My 1937 Ariel Red Hunter 500 handles and drives really well plus looks fantastic. .

Amazing bike. Jay Leno has a similar one and it’s arguably his favorite bike. A Royal Enfield Interceptor or Continental will provide a comparable experience with a new bike (with a warranty).

@user-gq9us6po1r

3 ай бұрын

🙂 No it won’t! I own an Interceptor and classic bikes... they are very different...

I would love to have on of these parked in my living room to look at every day. It is a piece of modern art.

So glad you have discovered the joys of "Old" bikes - great video !! . . . Try a 500 Daytona, try a "Featherbed" Norton !! . . .

I bought a brand new Bonneville in 1970. Best handling bike I ever rode! I wore it out in about 3 years. lol Miss it so much.

Last Summer I bought a 1970 BSA Thunderbolt as something different to my modern bike and what a laugh it is, handling is great, brakes ok and every time I stop people come over to talk about it, it's a different experience to modern riding and bloody good fun . BTW I'm 69 and had a '67 Bonneville back in the day.

@G100666

Жыл бұрын

Great choice Greg. I'm 5 years "younger" than you but, in the late 70s, bought a 1964 Thunderbolt as my daily ride. A lovely bike even though it had obviously had a hard life. Nevertheless, it started first kick most of the time and built up to a great top speed. Far less vibes than the Bonneville, a much tidier unit engine ( to my eyes) that didn't look like a pre unit that had simply been welded together. Just keep an eye on the oil pipes beneath the crankcase, I don't know if my bike was just badly put together but the jubilee clips weren't sufficient to keep the oil pipes on, ending with two (fairly easy) engine rebuilds. Have fun 🙂

@gregrsvr3947

Жыл бұрын

@@G100666 I've ridden hundreds of bikes over the years, my all time favourite was a 1978 Yamaha TZ250E that I raced, the worst bike would have to be a Harley I took out for a test ride, hated every minute , hideously expensive and showing corrosion at 2000miles.

Brilliant review Chris and delighted you had the opportunity to experience a bike of this era. I’ve been lucky to have owned many modern bikes but nothing in the world of rider modes, traction control and active suspension can compensate for the thrill I get from riding my 1976 Norton Commando around the back lanes of Kent. Pure nirvana!

Riding a vintage bike is a different experience. You have to be in tune with the bike more so than a modern motorcycle where you just start it and ride without much thought. I love my 1964 Triumph TR6. It's a blast to ride. At 363 pounds it's so light. As Jay Leno said about his 64 Bonnie,, "you just think about where you wanna go and the bike goes that direction." You get used to the right side shift very quickly.

I am about the same vintage as you and I have after a lifetime of Japanese machinery recently bought a 1952 Matchless G80.. But!.. Oh lord what fun it is!. Even quicker than I thought it might be too! I am completely in love with the thing..

In the words of Guy.. That's proper motorcycle. I've got a 71 BSA Thunder Bolt and was going to sell it to get me into a new Enfield but I can't bring myself to sell it

Funny how things have gone full circle. We all thought we wanted more of everything, but a basic old bike gives you loads of thrills. Would like better brakes and suspension though. Great video again 👍

I grew up in the '60s. The 2 bikes we all wanted were a Triumph Bonneville or a Harley XLCH Sportster. TheSportster was a little quicker in a straight line but the Bonneville handled way better. All these years later and after owning and riding many different brands and styles of bikes I would like to get me a '66 Bonneville, just like this one. Great bike.

Back in '78 I bought a '67 Bonneville for $400 I saved it from getting chopped. I rode it for 23 years and I miss it dearly. Great looks and a dependable motorcycle that handles great.

I have the Triumph T110 1969 tiger bathtub and BSA’s I think it’s loads of fun The roar is brilliant Great fun 😊😊 I’ve learnt I wasn’t born inn’1960 but Heh you learn Well done for sharing you’re enthusiasm The braking is fine once your used to it as you say planning don’t expect it to just stop ✋ Just take a littie screwdriver for adjusting the carb /plug spanner, couple plugs and a couple of spanners In a tool bag

A neighbor's Bonneville is guilty for lighting the fire for my life of motorcycling (my brother had a Harley Sprint, but, you know ...). Then both of my college roommates had 60s Tigers. I on the other hand had a Honda CB500-Four ... front disc brake, overhead cam, turn signals. I thought I was way ahead of them. But it's those Triumphs that I have feel nostalgia for, not my Honda. The sound, the vibrations, the light weight, are all positives. Now, the magneto power supply, the mysterious timing procedure and the 'mixed nuts' of bolt heads are not so positive, but I'd be willing to put up with that if I had money and space for more bikes. Thanks for diving into the classics!

so cool even Fonzy rode one

I never comment in any videos, but I had to do an exception with these. Man, i couldnt love more your reviews on classic and modern-classic bikes. Cool bikes, cool guy, cool roads! Couldnt ask for more! Keep it up! Ps: i want a zrx1200r so badly after seeing your video on it....

Naaa - I'm 65. I'll still take an RD350 every time. A little bit faster if I recall, 6 speed (you need them!), lighter, pedals the right way round and an addictive power band at the top of the revs. Also 20mpg when thrashed lol with a trail of blue 2 stroke oil haze. YUM.

More classic's please. I'm guessing for many people, seeing your reviews of them would be the first exposure they have.

HD is the American response to Norton & Triumph. Don’t forget Dylan, electric folk & a Triumph t shirt. The main problem I had with my built very fast Norton was Lucas electrics. Same thing with a Mk II 3.8 Jag & a buddy’s Bugeye Sprite.

The Ducati 750GT from the early 70s also had a right foot shifter.

Great stuff, beautiful bike & what you were saying about involvement is what it's all about. It's like the bike is alive & part of you, you're a team. Look after it & it looks after you.

James’ face when you said ‘time of the month’ at the start was priceless 😂😂😂

Oh that you could have ridden the 68 TT Special I had back then😊.. Same color scheme white w/red stripes.

Riders back in the day used to rip around on Bonnies, BSAs and Nortons, not riding the torque, but actually going up and down the gears and revving them out. They rode them hard and tore them apart every 10,000 miles. Also original brakes were much better - modern linings are asbestos free and nothing like as good. But glad you enjoyed it.

I really enjoy your channel. You are doing motorcycles and riders a great service. Old Triumph sports cars are equally enjoyable. Cheers.

Beautiful bike

As 2013 t100 owner, I loved every bit of it. Thanks again, Chris. Seems like the shitty brakes are a heritage thing, lol

My father left me his BSA gold flash,Owning a British bike is akin to they experience of playing vinyl records. The whole process is just so involving. Ps love this channel.

THAT Road Is MUCH BETTER .Than NOW 😔g

Lucky enough to have a '72 T100R Daytona in my garage, that I bought 30 years ago. After initially putting rings in it and fixing the wiring, I haven't had to touch it. Runs like a top and sounds like a MOTORCYCLE 🙂

@seniorrider9337

Жыл бұрын

My first bike was a 66 Bonnie, used and abused but a jewel to me, and cheap. After about 4 months, it was badly in need of professional help so off to South Bay Motorcycles in National City, Calif to see about a rebuild on the engine. I learned to ride on that old Bonnie. After the mechanic explaining all it needed, I wandered into the showroom to look at new bikes. I could almost buy a new smaller size Triumph for what a rebuilt engine would cost. There sat this beautiful 72 Dayton 500. I was soon riding it home! Loved that bike and it's superb handling. That was the start of many bikes over the years. I had several British right hand shift and left brake bikes at the same time that I had Japanese bikes. Funny, it never caused me any issues. You just always knew when you were on a British bike. Take care of your Daytona, wish I still had mine.

@joeblow5037

Жыл бұрын

@@seniorrider9337 Thanks! Yea, in '77 I was Marine Air and had just finished the First cruise of the Nimitz (7 month Med) I flew home to OKC from SC and bought a brand new '75 T160 750cc triple Trident. Drove that sucker back to SC....and in my last 2 years up and down the Eastern Seaboard. very few problems But I wore that puppy out. I went looking for a Commando, or Bonneville, Lightning years later. Ran across the Daytona at my local Kawasaki shop. It needed rescued 🖐

@seniorrider9337

Жыл бұрын

@@joeblow5037 Thanks for your service, sir. I was Navy, 20 years. Then 23 more in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. I also had a 75 T160V. Loved the sound those bikes made!! Back then I was getting into RD 350 Yamahas and by 1978 my cafe RD was a 130 MPH screamer and handled like it was on rails. I was 30 years old and I am lucky to be here today. By 1980, I was cafe racered out and got a 1981 Yamaha Virago 750. More laid back, but with super-bike bars and Dunlop Elites, it was no slouch in the canyons. I now ride a 97 1100 Virago, yep, with super-bike bars and Michelin Commander 3's. I try to keep my rides sane, but those traffic circles get me scraping pegs. LOL!! Enjoy your rides and be safe. BY the way, I have done a lot of work on the Nimitz, more on submarine steering and diving systems.

@joeblow5037

Жыл бұрын

@@seniorrider9337 small world, my friend 🙂 Thank you for your service. I'm down to that Daytona, and an '18 black on black KLR-650 with a LeoVince pipe that I bought new. I've still got the Trident and an '84 XR-250R that I used to race cross country when I was younger....both need a bit of work The Kawi has been a pleasant surprise. I'm six four 230, and it fits me well. I look like a giant on the T100R 😎 I don't care...haha ride safe, my friend

Man they don't get much better than a 60s Triumph

Good review, nice bike. BUT those bars! They’re USA pattern. Back in the day… my day at least, and in the UK, the bars would much more likely have been Ace bars or clip-ons. And surely for a 60s ‘Umph the mudguards would have been painted, and have that lovely Triumph stripe-work along their length? Don’t get me wrong, I like the bare alloy guards but don’t remember them as original.. Nice to hear the Triumph snarl though. Thank you. Les

had a 67 trophy for awhile long ago ,loved it

British Bikes were so good, if you don't believe me go to the national Motorcycle Museum by the NEC. There you will find hundreds of examples of the best of the best, and under almost everyone one of them an oil drip tray (I kid not). We went Japanese for a reason ;-)

@goldilocks913

Жыл бұрын

Yes there was nearly as much metal involved in the trays as the bikes! Still such gorgeous bikes though

Stunning bike.

Brilliant again, just bought a T150v trident absolutely love it, as Sunday Cotswolds ride out with my wife.

@joeblow5037

Жыл бұрын

T160 owner here ✋

I love hearing your perspective on different motorcycles. On this take, a lot of what you say rings true. To me, the brakes on the old classics are frustratingly bad, but otherwise old Triumphs are as much fun as anything. I am holding onto my 07 T100. To me, that is the sweet spot. Good brakes without needing a retromod to feel safe. Still carbureted and air/oil cooled. Sometimes, I think I should go out and scoop up as many as I can find. Basic motorcycles are becoming rare.

Just don't get the Lucas electrics wet .. I had a 1967 Bonnie in Pembrookshire in 1970 .I had a surprise with a village having a ford instead of a bridge on a very wet November morning in Glamorgamshire .It was 2 hours getting the bike to start . I loved the frame .In a way in felt like bamboo (but in a good way ) .It flexed in the turns but you held a good line with it .I liked the duel carbs but today I thing I would go for the simpler single carb .and less compression .Later on I went over to BMWs ..If you get to try a R69s with the Earles forks you wont every want to ride anything else every again :) All the best from New England

I just got finished rebuilding my 71 T120R. Such an easy motor to rebuild. Yes you have to know these bikes and become one with them. That's what makes the experience so much more satisfying. My 71 motor is in a 65 frame with a bolt on hard tail. My video shows what it looks like. Check it out.

They're more more meticulously put together and maintained these days, if those involved know what they're doing. There are still great looking bikes, that keep the old legends alive, unreliable, leaky etc, so don't be dazzled by paint and chrome alone. There are some which are oily rag clean and do thousands of miles reliably and don't leak. Some leak but apart from being unsightly the bike is still reliable.

I had a 1967 (UK model), I must agree, the front brake was pretty much for decoration only (I substituted it for a later 2LS version). My bike handled superbly, even to be able to powerslide it on bends, but fitting TT100's put paid to that. That seemed a very sedate ride, as the power doesn't come in until the rev counter hits 5000 and then with a big wallop!

Great video Chris, but surely it’s pronounced “Bonn-e-ville” isn’t it? Every time you said “Bonnville” it was like someone was rasping my ears with a cheese grater! Any one else or is it just me? 😮😂

Cracking video im contemplating hmmm get rid of two have one 🤔

Had a 1973 T100P (ex police version of T100R Daytona) back in the 1980s. Great bike, light, fast, full of character but needed TLC. If well maintained they would run well. In the last few years I had a Hinckley Thruxton 900. Great bike, fast, but heavy. Traded it for a Street Triple 675, great bike, light, fast, full of character reminds me of the old T100P. BTW I had the standard TLS front brake on the T100P and when set up correctly, was as good as a twin disk on a modern bike.

My dream bike

Having come from classic cars (68 MG B GT), I can totally relate to what you're saying about the differences, nuances and involvement compared to modern machinery. So rewarding driving a 60s car, I think you've inspired me to go out and try some 60s bikes!

Great video!

Got one (66) same as. No garage queen, thrash it about whenever I get the chance. Very involving, very life affirming in a way modern bikes just cant replicate. Buy a workshop manual and a bunch of age specific tools and you can repair stuff pretty easily. You do have to keep on top of maintenance so you don't get stranded on the side of the road (hasn't happened yet in 10 years of ownership). Wouldn't own one as my only bike though. Have Daytona 955i and XR600 supermoto for other duties. Buy it :)

We rode these bikes because they handled, you can work on them yourself, the engines lasted about 1/3-1/2 as long as the Japanese bikes but they were British, Horton, Royal Enfield, Matchless, BSA.

Great review 👌👏👏💚

You have my permission to make an offer on it. Conversely check out the huge haul of bikes recently acquired by Hitchcock Motorcycles and restore one from the ground up. Great video!

Very nostalgic, great review. If you get a chance, ride the Honda CBX1000 six, the earlier model. I think you will be impressed..I had one for a couple of years and it was such an experience to ride.

@joeblow5037

Жыл бұрын

I had a '79 for 10 glorious years The one bike I regret selling

Loved this Chris, Having just bought a new Bonneville T120 i just love the engagement classic bikes give, the feel, the great ride even if your not going silly speeds and just out to the cafe for a slow ride through the country side. Would so love to own this 120R to just park it next to my current 2022 T120 Black. Great video awesome. Modern Day Classic bikes are so in at the moment and will be good sellers in 2023

@tomme2314

Жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your new bike! Awesome machine.. I’m sure though that your 2022 model will require a lot less engagement than a 66 :D

@MOTOUK1

Жыл бұрын

@@tomme2314 thanks 🙏 yes more reliable too I expect. Lovely bike

@michaelhayward7572

Жыл бұрын

Chalk and cheese. Night and day. Apples and oranges. Hinkley and Meriden. Cannot be compared. 2 completely different motorcycles. The only thing in common is the vague styling similarities. And the name on the tank. And even then the logos are different. One could be a YamaSuKawaHon with your eyes closed...smooth and modern. The other is a real Triumph. Raw with soul and character and black broken fingernails required to keep it running sweet.

@MOTOUK1

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelhayward7572 Never said they were the same at all, just that i like classics, OMG 🤣

@michaelhayward7572

Жыл бұрын

@@MOTOUK1 a 2022 T120 aint a classic is it. Its a retro naked with classic styling.

Well that's a surprise. My view of old British iron is that they don't, stop, go or handle. My idea of a classic is a TZR 250 but maybe I should give the older stuff a look, it does look like fun. 👍

@GarryMcGovern

Жыл бұрын

Oh they 'go' and 'handle' brilliantly....... but no........ they still don't stop!! 🤣

Remember Malcolm Uphill won the 1969 production TT on one at 99.99 mph average and the first ever production lap at over 100 - hence Dunlop's TT100 tyre.. Of course their era was coming to an end, Triumph's parallel twin line had started pre WW2 but it just showed what could be done on them.

The shifting was on the rigth side on that time 🙂

The most beautiful motorcycle ever made , loved watching this video

I'm of the generation that mostly thought British bikes were crap, old big twins, yuk. And while I appreciated what was happening at Meriden to keep making the things despite NVT''s plans, through the 70s I never even considered getting a Bonnie or Tiger. But yes, this looks lovely.

Watching amazing videos like this always makes me wonder if stuff like new panigales and gs' will ever be able to reach this classic status. Will they even be allowed to run? Will their electronics work?

In1969 I started on Kawasaki two strokes and my friends all road Japanese bikes too, not because the British bikes were rubbish but because of price and availability. When I saw them on the road I thought they were beautiful and sounded great. The British bikes in the late 1960s and early 1970s definitely handled better. As I remembered it the British companies were a bit to overconfident, their management and distribution was poor and the worker strikes that was rubbish not the bikes. Since 1996 I've owned a dozen of the new Triumphs but have yet to own one the old ones...maybe I'll find the right one.

The '62 (red and silver) and '65 (blue and silver) look even better.

If you enjoyed riding this you should try a 750 Norton commando. Similar experience, but faster smoother and just better quality machine

Those early drum brakes had a leading shoe and trailing shoe and had to be assembled right, and drum diameter had to be within spec , I think, to work well

I agree 100%

Great review! Can you be tempted into a another Triumph review? 2002 Daytona 955i See pic

Try a '68!!! Front brake is excellent. No steering damper....no need

My Bonnie has L hand shift , Oil in Frame is not inferior , if you want the true amazing development of that T120R then slide into the 70s onto a T140 V or E . Disc brakes ! More Torque on the 750 ! Unbelievable you can get them for 4000 quid !

When are the T-shirts available to buy? Also, I’m going to be so upset if you’re not on a bmw f900 this season. Rumour has is you used to race 😮

@BikeWorldTVshow

Жыл бұрын

Really close, we might take orders directly for now if you're interested? Race discussions are being had 😉

"You know it's ran out of oil when it stops leaking"!

Is not about "be so special" etc the guy is saying; but was that those were the best bikes in the 60s; with a few more models by other British brands. Nothing about Italy; Japan other Euro Countries and of course, if you compare an sporty bike like this with a tractor like HD...well; of course would be a blockbuster. HD are fine to make a chopper; but just that. I have 3 Triumph as transportation and a Husqvarna

sounds like the front brake linings may have gone hard, they do stop when in good condition and you can obtain softer linings for them.the bike you rode is not factory standard but not far off from what I can tell.

@phil6506

Жыл бұрын

@t3legram.me. say what?

A Compromise, I have the Kawasaki w650 it's a fake Bonneville sounds the same goes really well but has modern tweaks ie disc front Brake, electric start i love it half the price of a classic Bonnie ! To own the real thing would be great though !

Looks like there are injuns in them there hills😮

🥰🥰🥰💖💗

How does it compare to the modern Bonnevilles?

Another Great video mate 👍 Quick question are you guys selling them bikeworld tshirts (bikes are awesome ones) ???

@BikeWorldTVshow

Жыл бұрын

Hi Andrew, yep, they’ll be coming very soon.

@andrewhoward7523

Жыл бұрын

@@BikeWorldTVshow ahhh nice 1👌👍

Where was this filmed

Steve McBEEEP :D

They made the brits ride 500 vs 750 back in the day when they came to America for racing.

and elvis in the film stay away joe 1969.😅

Three things: first, the standard tires were awful, and they were among the best available.Avons were a little bit better - not much though. Second, the standard brake linings were just as bad, but there were better ones available (JoMo). Third, if this bike had a rubber/isolated head steady the handlebar vibration would have been lessened by at least half. Great bike for the era, though.

Make an offer on it cool as fuck 66 bonny faster enough and way cool 😎 love it

When you truly understand the word " fettle ", means you will get it . The US spec bike you were riding is not the top spec bike that Triumph made . the Home and general market spec bikes were the one . Here in NZ we got lower bars , which by moving the rider central mass lower and slightly further forward weighted / balanced the bike much better ( like a modern sport bike ). The longer pipes on the home market spec bikes , gave you a stronger top end . The ignition timing is adjusted separately for each cylinder and because points wear , they require maintenance ( fettling ). The carbs require balancing and adjusting . But just to add to it a little more there's more available with jetting and adjusting to optimize for altitude and season ( fettling ). Talk to the classic race boys about the brakes , soft linings and machining the linings to fit the drum , ( again fettling ). " fettling " is not something you can pay to have done but rather something that " you " learn as a part of the journey . A true joy that is sadly almost lost .

Great bike, but I wouldn't want to own it!

Triumph slick shift gearbox,

MINES A 56 TROPHYBIRD S.Scrambler 😁AS you Call them !!!Pre-UNIT 650cc. & WAIST level One Each Side Exhursts !!!And Wide Bars 😁HALF Drum 8inch Brake The DOGS StraitThrough Pipes !!!LOUD 😁😁😁😁😀a Limey g

I'll ride anything that spells out "catch some wind." But, Harleys been with me now since 06 permanently. I had a 78 750 trident and tried to give to a dude but he insisted on buying it. Felt bad enough I gave him my GF to make me feel fair bout it. After a month he brought er BACK and tried to give me the trident to take er back. Sorry brother, me and Harleys moved on. Felt bad, but he's a grown ass man right. OK then, yo all caught up. Stay SAFE YALL! Later🤗.