Members' Bikes

Member: Don N

This is my 1966 Triumph Bonneville TT Special. Stamped T120C, Not TT. It was assembled on 9 October 1965. Per order number 8485. It was dispatched on 14th of October 1965 to JoMo invoice number FMJ74.

I bought this bike from a man named Kelly Moss from San Jose California. Kelly is now well into his 80s. He is a well-known wheelsmith that set up many British flat track bikes for the pros back in the day.

The bike did see some amateur flat track racing in its early years, and then it was used as a dirt bike and to bang around, and most likely a desert sled of some sorts. You can see the worn paint on the tank rubbed off from someone’s leathers.

I bought the bike in early February 2019. It was really a mess and just loosely bolted, tie wired, and duct-taped together.

I had the engine completely rebuilt by Britech New England/Jaye Strait. I set it up with nine to one compression for obvious reasons. But the motor was kept mainly stock except for some venting modifications that Jay has perfected.

I decided to do a complete resurrection on this machine and not a restoration. It still has the original beat up paint on the frame. And from what I understand, the bike was painted orange as a slap in the face to the Harley dudes. I was able to acquire all original used hardware for the bike from Jaye Strait. I didn’t want new old stock or new hardware. Original was used to stay with the theme.

I recently acquired an original paint tank for the bike that I hope to mount soon.

Member: Ron A

This is my 1968 Triumph TR6C high pipe model. Bought in Schenectady, NY. Front end was damaged when someone in a car hit the PO leaving a bar. I bought the bike and replaced the front end. This is my most enjoyable Triumph to ride. Has the Triumph Old Skool sound and low end torque. A blast to ride. Single carb makes it less finicky than the Bonneville dual carb models.

Member: Simon W

"Ricky" was found on a work trip to California and a chance meeting with its former owner who was hosting a cookout.  He was so impressed by my enthusiasm for the bike that I was asked if I'd like to go on a ride with the owner the next day, which of course I did.  A follow up chance meeting with the former owner happened a year later and my wife and I were invited back to the former owner's house. The foundation of a deal was done, I got the bike in February 2024, and have resisted the urge to rename it "Valentino" as it arrived on Valentines day.

Member: Ron A

This is my 1974 Triumph Bonneville T120. Strike bike. Some 988 or so were made and some released in 1974 and the remaining in 1975. I have both US specs and UK specs tanks that I switch on/off ...just because. Purchased from a chap in Averill Park NY.

Member: Simon W

Poor old Lucy, once the most ridden and now exiled to the back of the garage with an incontinence issue, to be resolved this year.  Purchased in 2017 from a guy who was asking too much for it, the only things that remain original on the bike are the rear mudguard, swing arm, engine cases and crank.  Everything else has been replaced with new or good used parts.

After pointing the hacked and poorly repaired frame out to the former owner on first inspection, I offered $750 for the thing.  3 days later I got a call from him asking if my offer was still there, $750 changed hands and the bike was duly delivered to my garage where she's undergone 2 rebuilds and is about to experience a 3rd which will be a freshen up.  Named after our cat Lucy, now longer with us unfortunately.  Lucy spent many hours in the garage listening to me swear as I worked on the bike and cursed all of the former owners for their lack of mechanic skills.

Member: John Les

I purchased this new when I was in college in Pittsfield, MA still “in the crate” in 1981.  The T140D was made specifically for the US market and had several features introduced for the first time such as electronic ignition, alloy wheels, exhaust header and Amal MK3 carbs.  

I rode this bike for 25 years putting on 36k miles.  It was incredibly reliable and always started on the first kick, even cold, thanks to the electronic ignition.  The timing never changed the entire life of the bike.  It survived several minor crashes, none of them my fault.  I always repaired it with Triumph replacement parts to keep it stock.  In 2000 I had an artist paint a wolf on top of the gas tank and put my initials on the side cover.  

In 2004 when the bike was 25 years old I did a complete restoration that took 2 years to complete.  The engine was rebuilt by renowned vintage racing mechanic John Rancitelli.  The bottom end was built to full race specs while the top end was kept at stock compression and cams.   The engine is “bulletproof” and cost more than what I paid for the bike!  Interesting tidbit: the first year of the 750 had matching cams that made too much horsepower for the crank bearings and caused engine failures.  Triumph detuned the exhaust cam the following year to reduce the horsepower.  I had the matching cams installed in this engine since the modern bearings can handle the stress.  I did all the other restoration work and assembly.  The frame, swingarm and any other painted metal was sandblasted and powder coated and a new wiring harness installed.  

The restoration was completed in Spring of 2006.  It won first place in the first three bike shows that I entered including BritJam.  I don’t ride it much anymore since I have a couple of modern Triumphs.  I prefer to keep it clean, put it in shows occasionally and bring it to the JAMPOT Rallye every year.  A few years ago a collector offered $10k for it and I promptly turned it down.  She’s my baby and she’s staying in the family when I go!

Member: Ashley H

Member: Bob R

Bought pre owned (1 previous) in NH. I enjoy this bike very much. I sold my beloved Daytona 955 to purchase this as it was time to move on. After 17k miles it’s been a solid machine.

Member: John Les

“Free-Bird” was purchased new in 2014.  The 1700 cc engine is the largest parallel-twin production engine ever made.  It came with a touring seat, removable windshield, removable passenger backrest and off-road pipes.  My longest trip with it was to the 75th Sturgis bike rally.  It’s the perfect cruiser with 82k miles on it so far.  This is the only bike I owned that has never been down on the ground for any reason, and I plan to keep it that way!

Member: Allan G

After a 25 year gap of not having a bike, I sat on a Thunderbird at the dealer, and it was instant magic. I did some quick research on what were the inherent problems on the Triumph Thunderbird, and there really aren't any, it's a perfect bike. I smile every time I ride this bike, she's just "the bollocks".

Member: Jack K

Here is my 2014 Trophy loaded up on the Natchez Trace. Great touring bike (with or without the Mrs.) more than sporty enough for me, and not horrible around town.

The second photo was taken on the east bank of the Mississippi, south of New Orleans.

Been as far north as New Brunswick and as far south as New Orleans (twice).

It is a nightmare to work on, but nothing is perfect!

Member: Ron A

To make life simple I also have a 2016 Triumph Thruxton 1200R. Added the fairing and kept the original bars. A bit higher and more comfortable for longer rides. No modifications. Purchased in Syracuse NY from a dealership now no longer selling the Triumph line.

Member: Brad B

Here are a couple pictures from the Western Reserve of the Connecticut Land Company (AKA Ohio).

Cleveland is surrounded by a wonderful chain of parks called The Emerald Necklace. These pictures are of my 2016 Scrambler 900 near the northern end of the Rocky River Parkway, where the Rocky River meets Lake Erie.

Member: Ken R

My 2017 Street Cup, bought during COVID (what else was there to do but troll the waters of FB Marketplace for bikes?) I put the back fender back on and changed out the indicators, new Conti Road Attack IIIs but otherwise it's as I bought it. 

The LED fender eliminator is now on my SRX6 project (waste not, want not).  The Termignoni 2:1 is music, and the oversized Brembo single disc up front actually makes it stop!  Still my favorite Triumph even after buying and selling a super fun Street Triple 675. The twin snarl just can’t be beat. Plus the yellow scheme reminds me of my RZ350, which I still lament selling (almost every day) 35 or so years ago. The Cup takes away some of the sting. 

And it brought me into this band of brothers (and sisters) when I wandered into the Blue Benn at my first Bennington Bash. From “she said no” to “sugared rims” and all the laughs, great rides, and friendship in between, that’s all part of what makes it my favorite Triumph. And, did I mention the snarl?

Member: Ashley H

Member: Simon W

Bought as one of the first batch of bikes coming into the USA, I think I put my deposit down before it had even arrived.  It's a great machine and I am always surprised when I ride it that I do not ride it more than I do.  Excellent for scraping the footpegs in corners without having to try, which of course I do at every opportunity.

Member: Simon W

Possibly the best all round bike I have ever owned, I have made a few subtle modifications to it in the name of comfort.  Recently ridden for a 23-day, 4,000 plus mile adventure taking in the MA and NE BDR's and the first section of the TAT.  It was faultless for the whole trip and even though we suffered a puncture, the bike performed really well everyday, rain or shine.  Currently in need of its 12,000 mile service which will happen this winter once the BSA is off the workbench!  There are still some Tequila stains on the tank from our last trip to the National Triumph Rally in Oley !!!

I don't have an name for it, but often refer to it as "El Tigre"