1965 Triumph 649cc TT Special

1965 Triumph 649cc TT Special
Registration no. YRL 148C
Frame no. T120C-DU27777
Engine no. T120C-DU27777
The USA had long been Triumph's most important export market, and to cater for local tastes a 'TT Special' (also known as the 'Competition Sports') Bonneville was introduced in 1964. The Triumph twin was already a formidable force in American flat-track racing, and the TT Special's stripped-down look, smaller fuel tank and short, open exhaust pipes echoed the style of the racers. By this time a maximum output of 52bhp was claimed for the Bonneville, while the TT Special engine produced 54bhp courtesy of 11.2:1 pistons (up from the T120 roadster's 9.0:1). A crankcase under-shield, tachometer-only instrumentation, larger-section front tyre, and an absence of lighting further distinguished the TT, which came with lowered overall gearing reflecting its intended role as primarily a dirt bike.

This example comes with a TOMCC letter stating that it was despatched to Johnson Motors, California USA on 14th October 1965. Also on file is a document written by a previous owner stating that the Triumph had been discovered in Southern California's High Desert, having last been registered for street use in 1976. The owner goes on to say that they had restored the machine to original factory specifications, describing the restoration process and listing all the parts refurbished or renewed. Since its first registration in the UK on 7th January 2008, the Triumph has had only two owners. The machine is offered with a California Certificate of Ownership, expired MoT (November 2008), (copy) old V5C, and current V5C documents.