Triumph Bonneville 650 and 750 (1958-1983): Books - History

Triumph Bonneville (1959-1988) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Over 29 years in production, the Bonneville is for some the definitive postwar British vertical twin, perhaps even the definitive British bike of all time, with all its strengths, weaknesses and character. Although there might seem to be a wide range of models and special editions, all are based around the same 649cc or 747cc vertical twin. There were plenty of changes over the years, but none of them changed the basic
Format of this classic British bike. Aside from all the history, the Bonneville remains a tremendous classic to own, so long as you're prepared to look after it.
This is a practical, straightforward guide to buying a secondhand Triumph Bonneville, from the very first 1959 T120 pre-unit 650, to the very last T140 unit 750 machines built by L F Harris. What they're like to live with, spares availability and prices, plus point-by-point guide to buying a Bonnie. One hundred colour photos, useful appendices and expert advice mean this book could save you thousands.

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The Triumph Bonneville Bible: All Models 1959-1988

This book presents a clear and detailed history of the Triumph Bonneville, covering its origins, design, production, and reception at the time. It explains how the Bonneville compared with British and Japanese rivals and places the motorcycle within the wider story of the Triumph company.

The book follows Triumph from its success in the 1960s, when the Bonneville achieved major sales in North America, through the difficulties of the 1970s, the creation of the workers' co-operative that kept production alive, and the later continuation under spares manufacturer Les Harris into the late 1980s. Year-by-year production changes are described, supported by technical specifications and period road tests.

Unlike many other titles, this book also provides practical guidance on buying a Bonneville second-hand, explaining common problems, what to check, and what ownership is really like. Extensive appendices include facts and figures, contacts, full technical data with correct colours by year, engine and frame numbers, and road test performance results. It is the definitive reference to one of Britain's most important and usable classic motorcycles.

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Triumph 650cc and 750cc Twins - Bonneville, Tiger, Trophy and Thunderbird

The unit-construction 650cc Triumph 'B' series twins were the top-of-the-range models in Triumph's range from their introduction in 1963 through to the introduction of the 750cc Trident in 1968. The model range outlived the Trident, grew to 750cc in 1973 and eventually went out of production in the late 1980s.

This book gives a detailed technical analysis of the bikes, and charts the development of the range from its introduction through to its heyday in the late 1960s. It looks at the development of the range, and covers the various models produced including a restoration of probably the best model produced - a 1970 T120R Bonneville.

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Triumph Thruxton Bonneville 1959-1969

The Thruxton Bonnevilles are a batch of 52 bikes built by Triumph in 1965 to meet new homologation requirements in production racing; only about another one hundred or so were built. Because they were referred to in the build books as made 'to Thruxton specification' these bikes became known as Thruxton Bonnevilles, but not by Meriden. Although built supposedly to the homologation rules of the time, the factory included many parts not generally available to the public - in common with most other manufacturers!

They were very successful racing machines capable of sustained high speeds, and with the handling to match. After Edward's Turner retirement in 1966, his 'no racing' attitude was changed by his successor to the 'Win on Sunday - sell on Monday' approach prevalent in the USA.
In 1967, the news of a new class for Production machines in the Diamond Jubillee TT races on the Isle of Man gave new life to the Bonneville. At Meriden a new version was built and John Hartle came in first. More success at the TT followed in 1969 when Malcolm Uphill completed the first 100mph plus lap and averaged 99.99mph in winning the race on a Thruxton!

This book describes how the Bonneville was conceived, the design modifications carried out by the factory, including detail on special 'works only' parts for racing, race preparation, and their immensely successful racing campaigns especially at Thruxton (after which the bike was named), Montjuich Park in Barcelona and the Isle of Man TT Production Races.
A book for all Triumph and motorcycle racing enthusiasts and especially those who own or race a Bonneville!

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Triumph Bonneville 60 ans

Discover the story of the Triumph Bonneville, named after the famous salt flats of Utah, USA, where it broke a world speed record in 1956.
The Bonneville quickly became the archetypal British motorcycle, holding its world record for fifteen years while captivating enthusiasts around the world, including Hollywood stars.

The rebirth of the Triumph brand has seen the Bonneville enter the 21st century better equipped than ever to capture hearts with modern technology and performance that have not diminished its unique style and iconic status.

Summary:

1. The birth of the Bonneville: 1959-1962
2. The appearance of the integrated gearbox. 1963-1967
3. The golden age of the T120. 1968-1970
4. The oil tank in the frame. 1971-1973
5. The Meriden blockade and the cooperative. 1974-1979
6. The decline and fall. 1980-1988
7. The rebirth of the Bonneville. 2001-2007
8. The arrival of injection. 2008-2015
9. Liquid cooling and more displacement. 2016-2018

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