‘65 Triumph T120R Bobber - “Ticket To Ride”

[3DogNate]

So thanks to my buddy George’s massive Brit parts stash, I have a new project for the summer. The heart of this build is a Matching numbers 1965 Triumph Bonneville T120R frame and motor.

The plan is to do a hard tail with a modern front end and brake system. As you can see I’ve got a pretty good pile of parts boxes. I’ve got to build the motor from the crank out. Luckily the head and cylinder are already serviced at the machine shop and are ready to go.

I’m going to use a front end off a 2012 Triumph Street Triple, which is arriving tomorrow. I’ll get measurements and try to figure out what it’ll take to mate it to the frame neck.

I’m likely to build a set of wheels using dual disc narrow glide hubs and either aluminum or steel rims. Lots of planning to do now.

“Ticket to Ride” - by The Beatles was the number one song today in 1965. So here’s to another British bike build. Cheers!

 

[teazer]

Now I am officially jealous.

My first classic race bike was built from bits into a 1962 T120 (pre-unit) running on methanol. Those were the days. Can't wait to see what you do with this one.

 

[Jimbonaut]

Yeah, bloody hell

 

[Rider52]

65 was a good year for Triumph!

 

[irk miller]

Right on. What a score. This will be exciting.

 

[3DogNate]

Now to figure out how to make this happen....

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Psychopasta]

I'm in. Looks like a great project!

 

[teazer]

I just noticed teh light crank. perfect. I used one of those decades ago in a T100 so the stroke went from 80mm to 82mm and compression went up too. For the dirt, you might want a heavy flywheel but on teh street having fun, it should be perfect.

 

[3DogNate]

I just noticed teh light crank. perfect. I used one of those decades ago in a T100 so the stroke went from 80mm to 82mm and compression went up too. For the dirt, you might want a heavy flywheel but on teh street having fun, it should be perfect.

Good eye, I might even try my hand at balancing the crank. Buddy has a balancing rig with the weights and stuff.

 

[teazer]

That's not a good idea. An essential part of the character of all Triumph twins is the trail of parts that come loose and fall off.

 

[3DogNate]

That's not a good idea. An essential part of the character of all Triumph twins is the trail of parts that come loose and fall off.

How you think I got all deez parts?

 

[3DogNate]

Now I am officially jealous.

My first classic race bike was built from bits into a 1962 T120 (pre-unit) running on methanol. Those were the days. Can't wait to see what you do with this one.

I've got another buddy with a '48 Pre-Unit that's about 40% done and is at a stall that I can pickup too... Not sure I have the energy for a pre-unit but if he doesn't get back on it, it might be my winter project.

 

[Rider52]

I've owned both pre unit and unit Triumphs My preference would be a pre unit with later top end. Parts are pretty much available and there is a host of information about them. I so want to build a Triton or a Tribsa.

 

[irk miller]

That's not a good idea. An essential part of the character of all Triumph twins is the trail of parts that come loose and fall off.

So, not only did Yamaha copy the look of a Triumph with an XS motor, then made them act like one too?

 

[3DogNate]

My XS shook like a jonesing druggie.

 

[3DogNate]

Reducing the diameter of the ST3 axle to 19mm to work with the Harley hub I’m gonna use.

 

[Rider52]

What rim are you planning to run on the HD hub?

 

[3DogNate]

What rim are you planning to run on the HD hub?

I’m going to use a Black rim/hub, Moto Iron front wheel I ordered from TC Bros. Along with their 12.6”/320mm rotors. (Hoping the 320mm will work with my calipers without extra work. Stock Street Triple rotors are 310mm.)

Black Front 40 Spoke Wheel 19 "x 2.15" (fits Harley FXD 2000-03,Sportster 2000-07) Billet Hub

Moto Iron® complete black front 40 spoke wheel 19"x 2.15" (fits Harley FXD 2000-03,Sportster 2000-07). Billet Hub. Unique Features: Manufactured to exceed OEM specs. Precision CNC Machined billet aluminum hub. Much Stronger than 3 piece welded hubs. Hub is 4 7/8" wide and has holes for 5/16"...

www.tcbroschoppers.com

That hub in the Pic will end up on the rear actually. I’ll swap out the bearings for 25mm ID bearings and drill out the undrilled face for a sprocket and have my wheel guy lace it to a 16” rim. The Sporty Front wheel in on the rear is evidently a thing in Triumph land. I’ll know exactly what the rear will end up like in a couple of weeks. I’ll have a front tire installed this week and get the full skinny on how to do the rear wheel from John. Will be a couple of weeks before the hardtail I’ll use is back in stock anyway.

I would like to do a leaf spring seat but the engineering and fabrication to do it well is intimidating.

In the meantime, I started cleaning out the sludge trap. Very stubborn...

 

[Psychopasta]

You'll be needin' a new one of those I think. I like the type with the hex head instead of the slot, it gives you a lot more purchase on the plug. https://www.classicbritishspares.co...5-650-750-uk-made?_pos=5&_sid=d8f959736&_ss=r

 

[3DogNate]

You'll be needin' a new one of those I think. I like the type with the hex head instead of the slot, it gives you a lot more purchase on the plug. https://www.classicbritishspares.co...5-650-750-uk-made?_pos=5&_sid=d8f959736&_ss=r

Indeed... that’s the plan. That’s what I used in my last Bonneville build. I need to get my order of bearings and seals together so that I can get the bottom end together after I get my cases vapor honed. I’m not gonna do anything crazy with the engine cosmetics other than maybe polish out the rocker boxes and head fins.