Serial number - legit?

[gpzkat]

Got a bike to look at, engine and frame match, says 71 T120R. Seems legit but if anyone has info to the contrary or positive please let me know ASAP haha. It's a great deal, like 5K miles and looks complete and all original, with a price I can't pass up. May snag. Trying to make sense of the decoder rings out on the interwebs.

DE17381

 

[Fast Eddie]

What makes you ask?

That engine number is as legit as can be.

Can’t quite tell what’s paint n what’s dirt on the frame. Is it the frame you’re suspicious of?

 

[gpzkat]

Thanks I just looked up some number guide and didn't quite understand it but it looks good. Waiting for the promised callback.

 

[gpzkat]

Pretty clean and complete '71 with 4700 miles on the clock. $1600 but $900 in back fees and title isn't in seller's name (flipper), pass. Bummer.

 

[marshg246]

That bike was built in April of model year 1971 (serial starts with DE). 1971 Bonneville is the least desirable Bonneville. No problem with the engine, but quite a bit taller that other Triumphs. It was the first year of Oil in Frame for Triumph. They were improved in 1972. They can be a nice bike though.

Here's one I rebuilt: https://gregmarsh.com/MC/Triumph/T120R_1971.aspx

 

[gpzkat]

That bike was built in April of model year 1971 (serial starts with DE). 1971 Bonneville is the least desirable Bonneville. No problem with the engine, but quite a bit taller that other Triumphs. It was the first year of Oil in Frame for Triumph. They were improved in 1972. They can be a nice bike though.

Here's one I rebuilt: https://gregmarsh.com/MC/Triumph/T120R_1971.aspx

Yeah, I'm 6'4" so the height doesn't bother me. My older brother had a '71 he rode from Boston to Denver & back in '74. Quite the ordeal, but he made it. He urinated blood from the vibes. I remember that conical front brake was epic, I know they aren't that well regarded but he could haul it down hard with 2 of us on board, much better than his '68 Trophy anyway. 2nd pic is the bike for sale for $1600 plus $900 fees as a starting point.

 

[concours]

Yeah, I'm 6'4" so the height doesn't bother me. My older brother had a '71 he rode from Boston to Denver & back in '74. Quite the ordeal, but he made it. He urinated blood from the vibes. I remember that conical front brake was epic, I know they aren't that well regarded but he could haul it down hard with 2 of us on board, much better than his '68 Trophy anyway. 2nd pic is the bike for sale for $1600 plus $900 fees as a starting point.

My T140 made my FEET go numb on 60 miles of highway (85mph cuz I was late)
Stopped at the toll booth, couldn't feel my feet