Auto123: Unveiling the 1968 Triumph Motorcycle: A Journey of Discovery

Unveiled at the 1968 Earls Court Show in London, the Triumph Bonneville T120 was an instant hit. With its distinctive parallel-twin engine, the Bonneville T120 quickly became a favorite among both riders and collectors. The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a classic British motorcycle that is still highly sought-after today.

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 was a significant improvement over the previous generation of Bonnevilles. The new T120 featured a more powerful engine, a stronger frame, and a more comfortable suspension. These improvements made the T120 a more capable and versatile motorcycle that could be used for both commuting and touring.

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 was also a stylish motorcycle. The T120's classic lines and beautiful paintwork made it a head-turner wherever it went. The T120 was also available in a variety of colors, so riders could choose the perfect bike to match their personality.

1968 Triumph Bonneville T120

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a classic British motorcycle that is still highly sought-after today. Here are eight key aspects that make the T120 so special:

Engine: The T120's 650cc parallel-twin engine is a masterpiece of engineering. It is powerful, reliable, and has a beautiful sound.
Frame: The T120's frame is made of lightweight steel and is very strong. This makes the T120 a very stable and agile motorcycle.
Suspension: The T120's suspension is well-tuned and provides a comfortable ride. This makes the T120 a great choice for both commuting and touring.
Brakes: The T120's brakes are powerful and provide excellent stopping power. This makes the T120 a very safe motorcycle.
Styling: The T120 is a beautiful motorcycle. Its classic lines and beautiful paintwork make it a head-turner wherever it goes.
Color options: The T120 was available in a variety of colors, so riders could choose the perfect bike to match their personality.
Popularity: The T120 was a very popular motorcycle in its day, and it remains popular today. This is due to its combination of performance, style, and reliability.
Collectibility: The T120 is a highly collectible motorcycle. This is due to its rarity, its historical significance, and its beautiful design.

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a truly special motorcycle. It is a classic example of British engineering and design, and it is still a popular choice for riders today. Whether you are a collector or a rider, the T120 is a motorcycle that you will cherish for years to come.

Engine

The engine is the heart of any motorcycle, and the T120's 650cc parallel-twin engine is a masterpiece of engineering. It is powerful, reliable, and has a beautiful sound. The T120's engine is based on the Triumph Bonneville engine that was first introduced in 1959. However, the T120's engine has been extensively revised and improved, and it is now one of the best motorcycle engines in the world.

The T120's engine is powerful, producing 49 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. This gives the T120 plenty of power for both commuting and touring. The engine is also very reliable, and it is known for its long service life. The T120's engine has a beautiful sound, which is often described as a "throaty roar." This sound is due to the engine's unique firing order and its twin exhaust pipes.

The T120's engine is a key component of the motorcycle's overall performance and character. It is a powerful, reliable, and beautiful engine that makes the T120 a truly special motorcycle.

Frame

The frame of a motorcycle is a critical component, as it provides the structure and support for the rest of the motorcycle. The T120's frame is made of lightweight steel, which makes it both strong and lightweight. This gives the T120 excellent handling and stability, making it a pleasure to ride.

The T120's frame is also very strong, which is important for a motorcycle that is intended to be used for both commuting and touring. The frame can withstand the rigors of everyday use, as well as the occasional off-road excursion. This makes the T120 a very versatile motorcycle that can be used for a variety of purposes.

The T120's frame is a key component of the motorcycle's overall performance and character. It is a strong, lightweight, and agile frame that makes the T120 a pleasure to ride.

Here are some real-life examples of how the T120's frame contributes to its performance:

The T120's frame is very stable, which makes it easy to control at high speeds.
The T120's frame is very agile, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
The T120's frame is very strong, which makes it able to withstand the rigors of everyday use.

Understanding the connection between the T120's frame and its performance is important for anyone who is considering purchasing this motorcycle. The frame is a key component of the T120's overall performance and character, and it is one of the things that makes this motorcycle so special.

Suspension

The suspension of a motorcycle is a critical component, as it affects the motorcycle's handling, stability, and comfort. The T120's suspension is well-tuned and provides a comfortable ride, which makes it a great choice for both commuting and touring.

The T120's suspension is designed to absorb bumps and vibrations from the road, which makes for a more comfortable ride. This is especially important for long-distance touring, as it can help to reduce fatigue and discomfort. The T120's suspension is also well-tuned for handling, which makes the motorcycle more stable and easier to control, even on rough roads.

Here are some real-life examples of how the T120's suspension contributes to its performance:

The T120's suspension is very comfortable, which makes it a great choice for long-distance touring.
The T120's suspension is well-tuned for handling, which makes the motorcycle more stable and easier to control, even on rough roads.
The T120's suspension is adjustable, which allows riders to fine-tune the motorcycle's handling and comfort to their own preferences.

Understanding the connection between the T120's suspension and its performance is important for anyone who is considering purchasing this motorcycle. The suspension is a key component of the T120's overall performance and character, and it is one of the things that makes this motorcycle so special.

Brakes

The brakes of a motorcycle are a critical safety feature, and the T120's brakes are some of the best in the business. The T120's brakes are powerful and provide excellent stopping power, which makes the T120 a very safe motorcycle. This is especially important for a motorcycle that is intended to be used for both commuting and touring, as it can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

Stopping Power: The T120's brakes have excellent stopping power, which is due to a number of factors, including the large brake discs and the high-quality brake pads. This means that the T120 can stop quickly and safely, even in situations.
Control: The T120's brakes are very controllable, which is important for precise braking. This makes the T120 easy to ride, even for beginner riders.
Reliability: The T120's brakes are very reliable, which is important for a motorcycle that is intended to be used for long-distance touring. This means that riders can be confident that the T120's brakes will work properly, even in the most demanding conditions.

The T120's brakes are a key component of the motorcycle's overall safety. They are powerful, controllable, and reliable, which makes the T120 a very safe motorcycle to ride.

Styling

The styling of the 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is one of the things that makes it so special. The T120 has classic lines that are reminiscent of the British motorcycles of the 1950s and 1960s. The T120 also has beautiful paintwork that is available in a variety of colors. This combination of classic styling and beautiful paintwork makes the T120 a head-turner wherever it goes.

The styling of the T120 is not just about aesthetics. The classic lines of the T120 also contribute to its performance. The T120's low stance and streamlined shape help to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The T120's comfortable seat and upright riding position also make it a pleasure to ride, even on long journeys.

The styling of the 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a key part of its overall appeal. The T120's classic lines and beautiful paintwork make it a head-turner wherever it goes. The T120's styling also contributes to its performance and comfort. This combination of style and performance makes the T120 a truly special motorcycle.

Color options

The wide range of color options available for the 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 was a key factor in its popularity. Riders could choose from a variety of colors, including black, blue, red, green, and silver. This allowed riders to choose the perfect bike to match their personality and style.

The color options also had a practical significance. The different colors were available in different finishes, which affected the bike's durability and appearance. For example, the black finish was more durable than the other finishes, but it was also more prone to fading. The silver finish was less durable than the black finish, but it was also more resistant to fading.

Understanding the connection between the color options and the 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is important for several reasons. First, it helps to explain the bike's popularity. The wide range of color options allowed riders to choose the perfect bike to match their personality and style. Second, it helps to explain the bike's durability and appearance. The different colors were available in different finishes, which affected the bike's durability and appearance.

Popularity

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 was a very popular motorcycle in its day, and it remains popular today. This is due to the T120's combination of performance, style, and reliability.

Performance: The T120's 650cc parallel-twin engine is powerful and reliable, making it a great choice for both commuting and touring. The T120's suspension and brakes are also well-tuned, providing a comfortable and safe ride.
Style: The T120's classic lines and beautiful paintwork make it a head-turner wherever it goes. The T120 is available in a variety of colors, so riders can choose the perfect bike to match their personality and style.
Reliability: The T120 is a very reliable motorcycle, and it is known for its long service life. This makes the T120 a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle that they can depend on.

The T120's popularity is due to its combination of performance, style, and reliability. The T120 is a great choice for both commuting and touring, and it is a motorcycle that riders can be proud to own.

Collectibility

In the world of classic motorcycles, the 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 stands out as a highly collectible machine. This is due to a combination of factors, including its rarity, its historical significance, and its beautiful design.

Rarity: The T120 was produced for only two years, from 1968 to 1970. This makes it a relatively rare motorcycle, especially in good condition. The rarity of the T120 is one of the main factors that contributes to its collectibility.
Historical significance: The T120 is a significant motorcycle in the history of Triumph Motorcycles. It was the first Triumph motorcycle to be equipped with a 650cc parallel-twin engine, and it was one of the most popular motorcycles of its era. The T120's historical significance is another factor that contributes to its collectibility.
Beautiful design: The T120 is a beautiful motorcycle. Its classic lines and beautiful paintwork make it a head-turner wherever it goes. The T120's beautiful design is another factor that contributes to its collectibility.

The combination of rarity, historical significance, and beautiful design makes the 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 a highly collectible motorcycle. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for a T120 in good condition, and the value of these motorcycles is only expected to increase in the years to come.

FAQs about the 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a classic British motorcycle that is still highly sought-after today. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the T120:

Question 1: What is the T120's engine size?

The T120 has a 650cc parallel-twin engine.

Question 2: What is the T120's horsepower?

The T120 produces 49 horsepower at 6,500 rpm.

Question 3: What is the T120's top speed?

The T120's top speed is approximately 115 mph.

Question 4: What is the T120's fuel capacity?

The T120 has a fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons.

Question 5: What is the T120's weight?

The T120 weighs 450 pounds dry.

Question 6: What are the T120's dimensions?

The T120's dimensions are 84 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 45 inches high.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120. For more information, please consult a reliable source or visit a Triumph dealership.

Key Takeaways:

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a classic British motorcycle that is still highly sought-after today.
The T120 has a 650cc parallel-twin engine that produces 49 horsepower at 6,500 rpm.
The T120 has a top speed of approximately 115 mph and a fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons.
The T120 weighs 450 pounds dry and has dimensions of 84 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 45 inches high.

Transition to the next article section:

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a beautiful and iconic motorcycle. It is a true classic that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Tips for Maintaining a 1968 Triumph Motorcycle

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a classic British motorcycle that requires regular maintenance to keep it running in top condition. Here are some tips to help you maintain your T120:

Tip 1: Change the oil and filter regularly. The oil and filter should be changed every 3,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. This will help to keep the engine clean and running smoothly.

Tip 2: Clean the air filter regularly. The air filter should be cleaned every 1,000 miles or more often if you ride in dusty conditions. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can lead to performance problems.

Tip 3: Check the tire pressure regularly. The tire pressure should be checked every month or before each ride. Underinflated tires can lead to poor handling and decreased fuel economy.

Tip 4: Lubricate the chain regularly. The chain should be lubricated every 500 miles or more often if you ride in wet or dusty conditions. A dry chain can wear out prematurely and can also cause damage to the sprockets.

Tip 5: Inspect the brakes regularly. The brakes should be inspected every 1,000 miles or more often if you ride in heavy traffic or in wet or muddy conditions. Worn brake pads can lead to decreased braking performance and can also damage the brake rotors.

Tip 6: Check the electrical system regularly. The electrical system should be checked every 1,000 miles or more often if you ride in wet or dusty conditions. Loose wires or faulty components can lead to electrical problems, which can leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Tip 7: Store the motorcycle properly. When you are not riding your T120, it is important to store it properly to protect it from the elements and from theft. The motorcycle should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area, and it should be covered with a motorcycle cover.

Tip 8: Have the motorcycle serviced by a qualified mechanic regularly. Even if you are able to perform basic maintenance on your T120, it is important to have the motorcycle serviced by a qualified mechanic regularly. A mechanic can perform more complex maintenance tasks and can help to identify and fix any problems before they become serious.

Following these tips will help you to keep your 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 running in top condition for many years to come.

Key Takeaways:

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping a 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 running in top condition.
Some basic maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil and filter and cleaning the air filter, can be performed by the owner.
More complex maintenance tasks, such as inspecting the brakes and the electrical system, should be performed by a qualified mechanic.
Storing the motorcycle properly when it is not in use will help to protect it from the elements and from theft.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a beautiful and iconic motorcycle. With proper maintenance, it can provide years of riding pleasure.

Conclusion

The 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a classic British motorcycle that is still highly sought-after today. It is a beautiful and iconic motorcycle that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. The T120 is also a very capable motorcycle, with a powerful engine and excellent handling. It is a great choice for both commuting and touring.

If you have been thinking about buying a classic motorcycle, the 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 is definitely worth considering. It is a beautiful, reliable, and fun-to-ride motorcycle that is sure to bring you many years of enjoyment.