Fantastic, Bud and my wife Debbie Evans were buddies because of their racing backgrounds, and he allowed her to ride and drive some of his personal machines. One of Debbie's favorite stories was one day they were both working on CHIPS the TV show at Indian Dunes, which had an airstrip. A yellow Bi-Plane came in and landed, it was Steve McQueen, who had come to see Bud filming. Steve sat down and had lunch with Bud and Debbie, she says it was one of the highlights of her life.

I think if Triumph has done a Scrambler Bud Ekins version, that would be more suitable.

@motobob

4 жыл бұрын

That's a good point TO. Street Scrambler would have worked well

@gregekins2376

4 жыл бұрын

Scrambler version is a great idea and yes, more suitable. Getting the weight down was always a scrambles, HnH and ISDT priority. These Bonneville's are classic for what they are, great classic style. Hats off to cousins Susie & Donna for working this out with Triumph.

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

I thought the same, and I think it would have been more appropriate for sure. But, at least, they did a great job on the bikes all the same.

@servantofgod5642

4 жыл бұрын

So did not Yu mate Steve Mcquere dump triumph for Husky ? Coz they were lighter? And more competitive ? Just because most drove triumphs in the olden days of these geriatric paddock scram prams doesn't make them special when remade with only badges and names original . If someone buys the Sopwith Camel biplane tiger moth name and glues fabric labels to a modern jet adding fake propellors , it doesn't make 90 year old flyers cum in their pants .

Beauty and perfection. Considering all this legends accomplishments as desert racer, stunt man, business owner entrepreneur ect it is fitting to have him first recognized with Triumps flagship model. Very classy! Much applause to all that made this possible.

I have been A triumph nut case since I was 16 I am now 74.5 years old and I still am, I have gone through just about every Triumph model, but the Bonneville is the only one I never owned, this T120 is one of the best bikes I have seen for A long time (if only I was A few years younger I would buy one in an instant)

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

Sounds to me like you ought to get one, it might be your last chance to get a Bonneville, and it would be a shame to let it go by. You could always sell it in ten years when you might really be to old. Jut saying'....

@jimwortham8634

4 жыл бұрын

Hey you if you in decent shape 74 no big deal

Well well well, that’s gonna stir up some nostalgia - the old logo is back 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

I think they ought to use it on their "nostalgic" bikes.

@BlackbeardBikes

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah why not keep that heritage alive 😊

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackbeardBikes : I like it on their retro bikes, but I prefer the new logo on less retro machines like the Street Twin and the Speed twin, and their more modern machines.

@BlackbeardBikes

4 жыл бұрын

Well.... That will stir up the old "that's not a real Triumph" crew 😊

I love my T120 and think these two specials look really smart.

Love the red over white combination, Triumph strikes again 😞

Love the look of both bikes - the T100 and T120 really do look terrific, but I would have thought a Scrambler version would have been more befitting for a legend such as Bud Ekins. Having said that - Triumph will sell plenty of these worldwide.

@gerrykingstone984

4 ай бұрын

I was 76 the year before last, and bought a Bud 120, I need to know what it would be like to own one, and not just wonder about it in a few more years, go for it.

Lovely bikes. Who doesn't love a Bonnie?

@johnbellamy6449

4 жыл бұрын

very nice ,own a street scrambler 18 plate but really like these,especially the t100 as 900 cc is enough for me.

Very cool, Bud Ekins was also once owner of the mysterious one-of-a-kind Traub motorcycle.

Very nice indeed although as said below a Scrambler version to go with these would have been great too!!!!!!

Love the T120 version 👌👌 great! So that's now another bike I want aswell at the speed twin 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

The Speed Twin is sick, and I hope to get one in future if I can scrape together a few more fun tickets. It's my favourite, and it's also exactly what I think makes for a perfect real world street bike. The main problem is that Triumph has made so many bikes that I would love to own! Cheers!

It would be nice in the Green and cream with gold pin. love the T120.

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

That would be beautiful. On the T-100 and T-120 both I would like to see more chrome and polished alloy, and less black, too.

Nice homage. Beautiful paint scheme

Keep up with your reviews really interesting love the triumph 👍

Great idea I hope there are some buyers old enough to know who Bud Akins was.. Great History that I learned aobut in recent years thanks to yoootooob

Great video and history lesson :) . I love the paint job. I would like to have that on my Speed Twin. This side of winning the lottery, having a huge double garage, I unfortunately will not be able to justify another modern classic Triumph ...Sigh !

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

I can relate!

I like the T100 model, nice color scheme. Nice details with the Bud Ekins logo. Love the Classic lines! I’m liking that more and more bikes go to the classic designs again instead of just modern retros..

I love both the T-100 and the T-120, The only problem with either bike is that single Nissin front brake on the T-100 version. I can't understand why Triumph hasn't remedied that by now. Triumph keeps upping their game and I would own probably two-thirds of their models if I had the loot. It's astounding how beautifully turned out their bikes are while also being good handling and performing machines. I really liked the Diamond and Ace editions, but these new ones are more charming, and, of course, I would love to have either one. Good job once again with the presentation and story about Eakins and McQueen. I was on the edges of that era in SoCal back in the day, and I remember it all. Malcom Smith used to work on my bike in Riverside Ca. back in the sixties when I bought my first bike at K&N Motorcycles where he worked. All of those guys were very down to earth, very approachable and very nice people. I met Mcqueen in Sun Valley Idaho in the mid-seventies by happenstance, and we talked for a few minutes about bikes, SoCal desert riding, and, of course, his exploits. He was a very nice guy, and probably the coolest guy I ever had the good fortune to meet. Anyway, thanks for the vid. Cheers from the GWN!

I’m watching this in 2022 because I found a gently used T120 Bud Ekins. The color scheme and painted logo both look great to me.

The bikes look good. And have a very cool story. 🤙

I've been a Triumph man since I was a teenager. Want one of the 1200cc models.

@jimwortham8634

4 жыл бұрын

Had mini mini bikes in my life but Triumph in my soul

I met Bud Ekins a few times in the San Fernando Valley at his shop, , at the time I met him it was just an industrial type Warehouse full of his stuff. I was kind of close with Chad McQueen and his friend Lance and From this had a real opportunity to sit down with bud. I’m very motivated to get the Bud Ekins T120 It’s the Shores here in the United States. I think I’d be more comfortable on something a little more high performance but this thing is a real throwback

I pick ip my slightly used 300 miles T100 Bud Ekins today, fit and finish is great it looks just beautiful. Can't wait.

The T120 is a beautiful bike but seriously needs the aluminum frame and weight saving of the Speed Twin

Gorgeous bike. Love the paintjob

why cant they do a 750 bonnie with a 4 valve head 270 degree crank air& oil cooled making 70 horse pôwer and made in england?

Beautiful beautiful thanks for this review, 😄👍🏼

Better late than never. Great story, I prefer the mostly red tank 👍🏻

Beautiful.. Off to pay a deposit tomorrow

I think that's a nice commemorative set of bikes to honor Elkins. They'll definitely be a collectable.

Kinda feel it should have been a scrambler though. I know they just did the 1200 but maybe a lighter more nimble version of that with those ascetics.

Nice video, good research as well.

I was looking at one of these yesterday at a dealership. and when I sat on the bike my fist thought was I would like to take the sticker off the tank lol. I'm just not into stickers. but I liked the turn signals.

tks 4d gr8 video as usual. do u know where d footage of ride at d curvy seaside town was shot? it looks like a super riding spot.

If it's on the showroom floor I'll buy it...

It strikes me that the bikes Ekins rode don’t have the cheap pinch-weld tanks Triumph stamps out now; am I correct? The T120 Scrambler offers the “seamless” tank, why don’t these deserve a similar treatment?

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

It used to drive me nuts, but I have become used to the seam. But, I agree that it would be a big improvement even if it added a couple of hundred bucks (appx. 100 English pounds or so) to the price.

They look awesome. However, why didn't Triumph use the new 2019 engine from the Street Twin / Scrambler in the T100? Are they using fancy paint and stickers to shift old engines?

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

I agree. That front brake on the T-100 is a weak spot, too.

@beetleything1864

4 жыл бұрын

yep - the 2019 T100 has a new cam and gets 10BHP more - should have that in this bike - Blows my mind that a 900cc engine doesn't get more power ! I think the y hold it back to sell more T120's !!

@beetleything1864

4 жыл бұрын

@@rickducharme7429 the 2019 street scrambler and twin get 4 piston Brembo - why they didn't do it on these ??

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

@@beetleything1864 I didn't even notice! Alternatively, I noticed and then forgot. Either way I'm afraid I am not a very good source for you. Having said that, they didn't improve the suspension or upgrade the cam either. I don't know why, but it seems short-sighted, and is likely to cost them sales imo. I would include failing to put the 4 piston Brembos on the T-100s with the other failures to upgrade as poor decision bc everyone knows the bikes are badly under-braked (borderline dangerously so). Still, I do like the Bud Eakins T-100 very much from a cosmetic standpoint. I was tempted to go for it mainly for that reason, but then thought better of it. Just not enough performance for the money.

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

@@beetleything1864 Just went back to my original comment. I did notice about the brakes. Naturally, I would have: I was seriously considering purchasing one at the time.

I have a 2018 T120 and I love it. Not sure what the premium is for the Bud Ekins model is, but it is one gorgeous bike to be sure. I agree with the comment on using an aluminum frame. It is a bit heavy compared to my other Triumph, a 2009 T100, and would benefit from 30 or 40 lbs. lighter. That said, I have zero issues with the handling - it could just be improved a bit, but so can anything. If you want a sport bike, buy one. If you like the traditional styling and upright riding position, and appreciate the triple discs with ABS, FI, Traction Control, heated grips, etc. this could be the bike for you. My only gripe is the limited (and shrinking) number of dealers near me. But since I'm past warranty and do my own work anyway, so be it. I bought the Dealer Tool device so I can access ECU data on my computer via the OBD II connector so I can do any of the regular maintenance the dealer might ordinarily perform. All in all, despite some of the teething problems Triumph has had with the120 range, the only one that concerns me is the shifter pivot plate. But I found a spare on eBay for under $15 and a video on KZread that looks like a 3 hour job, so no worries. I would not hesitate for an instant to recommend this bike to a friend. In fact I did, and he loves his too.

Are they crazy trying to sell the old twin 900 engine with this very expensive collector edition Bonneville rather than the 65 hp 2019 engine?

@billycaspersghost7528

4 жыл бұрын

the 65 bhp engine is on the street twin, the T100 Bonneville ,that this is a version of, has the 54bhp engine, Presumably it also has the 25kg extra weight ,the non cartridge forks and the shit front brake. I have to admit a sneaking regard for Triumphs aability to charge a higher price for a heavier ,less powerful, less well equipped bike just with the addition of a few stickers and a paint job that costs them no more than any other. Who`s crazy? Triumph or the deluded hipster types who fall for this shit.

I like the T120 spec., which is felt like more riding options and horse power. One question, can the height of front suspension be lifted by 2 inches higher than the standard spec.? What could be resulted mechanical issues from the 2'' height? Thx.

Great video nice colour scheme stay safe 🇬🇧👍🏻

Being a HUGE Steve McQueen fan I bought The Great Escape limited edition Triumph & oh boy I’d love this in the shed beside it! Just looks classic & classy😎👍🏻 How many are being produced? Do you know allocation numbers, say for Australia????

@algesbrek5695

4 жыл бұрын

Yes the 2019, 64 hp....better than 54 hp

Pretty spiffy indeed!

Great video as always. Not such a great move by Triumph, though.

Love the red and white color

The T214 2015 model is the best limited edition triumph as done

I am waiting for a new T120 Bonneville, whenever they are available. I would have this edition if I could only get my hands on one? Great bikes.

Should have painted the Bonneville with the same color and paint scheme as the 1970 Bonneville!

Best color way I’ve seen

That logo is the most classic from Meriden Triumph's glory days. It is the best. I don't understand why it has not been used on the new classics. I much prefer the classic chrome screwed on emblem. This logo would work great in theat format.

thoughts on its appreciation value as a collector's item? would love people's input as I am deciding between this and thruxton. thanks y'all!

@motobob

4 жыл бұрын

Maybe if you barely ever rode it and kept it pristine for a good number of years. Personally I’d go for the thruxton or speed twin for the sportier ride

Just looked at the t100 version of this bike in a showroom...it was incredibly difficult to say not today

La t100 più bella di sempre!!!! 💓

Perfect😊❤

Esto es del 2019🤘

looks like a really nice special edition. wonder what cost will be.

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

Here in Canada they are a bargain. They are only C$500 more than a standard T-100 (C$11,350 v C$1,850) without a two tone paint job, which is what you would pay for the two- tone paint job to begin with. (These things will be gone before they even get here at that price. Maybe they made a mistake on the website, and gave us the American price by accident, but that was the price.)

The bud elkins should suit modern riders as he hardly wore any protective gear.

A Super Bike.😊😊 Gr. Reyn. 😊

Far too many "special editions" and it's starting to appear that Triumph are milking this cow rapidly before the "retro" scene disappears, and is superseded by the fabulous new range of hyper-nakeds!? (and I own a lovely cranberry/silver T120), I personally think the tank looks great but plonking a 'sticker' on the tank & mudguard and calling it 'special' just doesn't cut it. If it's the same price as the standard bike then it's an easy decision for someone that doesn't ride one already and Triumph only need to remove the tank and grips off the standard models and throw a few stickers at it and they've got some winter sales!! 👍

@UncleRobsGarage

4 жыл бұрын

Um? Ok.

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

@@UncleRobsGarage : Yeah, I don't get it. I like what they're doing with these special editions. To each his own, however.

@UncleRobsGarage

4 жыл бұрын

I have 7 motorcycles I think? And at this point in life I'm not excited about getting anymore.

Nice paint job, but I think they should be a bit more creative with their special editions. It would have been nice to see this with, maybe, slightly knobbly tyres, slightly better suspension and a number board headlight?

Not for me, the tank badge doesn't look straight. Prefer the Speed Twin and cast wheels with tubeless tyres.

Given the choice I think I would prefer a non Bud Ekins Bonnie. I doubt most people would have heard of him....and if I bought one I'd be thinking how much money does he get? To me it's not worth paying extra just to have his name on the bike.

Hey Guys, Please vote for me I cannot decide...nearly going to be mad... T120 1.Bud Ekins 2. Black Edition 3.Ace

@motobob

3 жыл бұрын

Where are you based? Ace hasn’t sold that well here in the UK so you should be able to negotiate a good price with a dealer... and it’s got some nice extras vs the black

All well and good but where is the Speed Twin R ??

@motobob

4 жыл бұрын

🤷‍♂️

@BlackbeardBikes

4 жыл бұрын

Sanford Ponder Speed Twin TFC?

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

@@BlackbeardBikes : That will be an awesome model (among so many others in their line-up, IMO).

@BlackbeardBikes

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah The Speed Twin has a lot of 21st C prestige

Ekins would be sad to not see the bike made in his name not being the long travel suspension scrambler 1200xe like what he would have pick from the show room to make the best racer in his style.

Wait a minute, 54hp ? Your kidding. Overhead cams, fuel injection and electronic ignition, what's the sense. I think my '70 Tr6 with 11:1 pistons, exhaust and carb mods made that. My Norton's made way over that.

Oh no it's another parts bins special. I'd have thought that with all that Bud Edkins did for Triumph's USA sales they could have come up with something a little more 'special'. , I've always been a BIG fan of the 60's & 70's style badge. It's nice to see it make a return but this particular badge looks like a sticker Triumph have sourced from e-bay and the bendy paint scheme does it no favours either 🤦🏼‍♂️ Given that Ekins was a desert racer maybe the donor bike would have been better being a Street Scrambler or Scrambler XC that way they would still be covering both 900 & 1200cc basis. Something with a nice enamel old school badge and something not so blingy. It's a no from me !

I don't see the point. Is there anyone around who rode back then who could be bothered paying extra for what essentially the speed twin and street twin??

Nice bike but its a shame its not made in England where it should be made.

The curved paint line is a fail. Horizontal would have worked better.

@burtvhulberthyhbn7583

4 жыл бұрын

As in the Baker paint on Royal Enfield's Interceptor. Much better look.

@rickducharme7429

4 жыл бұрын

@@burtvhulberthyhbn7583 : That is a nice look. It also has a greater proportional disparity in the two colours' area one to the other, and I think that helps, too. Still, I like what they have done.

I seriously hate hinckley marketing , do you seriously think Bud Ekins would have anything to do with this , he was an avid vintage bike enthusiast

Triumph makes THE best looking bikes on the planet, too bad their electrical equipment sucks on them.

Nice video. But re the bikes, poor marketing bullsh*t... Sad

Not a fan of the paint job on the tanks. Something doesn't look right to me. Triumph has some really cool paint jobs on their 50's and 60's bikes. I'd rather see them use some of those old color schemes than this one. (I'm not familiar with Bud Ekin's motorcycles. I'm guessing his was painted like one of these bikes.) I think I like the tanks better with badges.

Beautiful bikes but I'm not paying a dime for so-called collectors edition a of any kind of product. It NEVER means a damn thing monetarily speaking

@KakuiKujira

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, but soooo pretty....

Love it but SADLY, Guess what

@JojoCrazyCat

4 жыл бұрын

Cost

@KakuiKujira

4 жыл бұрын

Your little fly arms cannot reach the handlebars?

Meh. Love the idea, but it seems like a marketing project that won't mean anything in time. About the review: Why do Triumph reviewers continue to spout the Triumph line of "dry weight"? It's meaningless because you can't ride a bike dry. If you don't count the weight of my legs, I'm pretty svelte.

Pathetic attempt by Triumph to capitalize on a name/HYPE and not a better motorcycle.