1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R “Rennsport”
Currently in the workshop
1966 Triumph Bonneville T120R “Rennsport”
January 2024
As previously recounted, in the 60’s & 70’s Californian petrolheads were world leaders in oval circuit racing either on rough tracks but also on tarmac!...
It was then brought to our attention two years back that 1960’s Triumph Motorcycle distributor in California, Johnson Motors of Pasadena, asked the factory to propose a short batch of OEM-looking racers with the avowed intent to promote the Triumph name statewide (Johnson Motors owner, Bill Johnson, helped establish Triumph Motorcycles in the United States).
The requirement for this confidential short batch of hybrid motorcycles was that it’d be halfway between circuit racers and standard OEM models of the period. So, with the ongoing success of Triumph Hinckley in the UK, just a stone's throw from the Mallory Park racetrack, we decided to locate one of these ultra-rare 1966 T120R “Rennsports”.
The iconic memory gem hereby presented is the result of a very laborious Holy Trail as we had to swear never to disclose where the cache actually was. Back in Blighty after a tumultuous “voyage”, it was given a new lease of life handcrafted from scratch by JETS’ Tech Chief Sean Reynolds under Jeff Duval’s overseeing stewardship, JETS’ forever-uncompromising “Godfather”…
For starters, the OEM frame was restored to concours standards to include minor but many small touches to accommodate those numerous invisible improvements for that unique allure and upgraded specs.
On the mech side of things, the competition T120R (“Rennsport”) 750 cc motor was recommissioned and entirely rebuilt from scratch by previously mentioned World Class Triumph specialist Sean Reynolds. Many higher-tech new or custom machined parts were used; emphasising optimisation and track usability instead of all-out uncontrollable power!
But… The Piece de Resistance is the retrofitting of an Ark Racing electric starter as distributed by famed Triumph specialists Shropshire Classic Motorcycles.
JETS’ T120R Rennsport currently being restored to its former glory is a good example of that iconic period when British Twins were reigning on SoCal Tracks aind… from the beaches to the bars (…)
More similar recommissions in the pipeline…
Soon to be shown here…
Technical Specs
Design & Build
Design: Jeff Duval
Frame: OEM upgraded
Motor: JETS’ Sean Reynolds
Build: JETS’ Sean Reynolds
ENGINE
Fast Road T120R engine with 750 cc barrels & pistons using dynamically balanced crank, pistons and rods.
Gas flowed head with competition valves, springs and rockers together with appropriate lift cams.
Crowned by a pair of muscular Amal Mk2 Concentrics, optimising useability instead of all-out uncontrollable power!
TRANSMISSION & E-STARTER
4 Speed OEM Tranny also rebuilt from scratch at the same time as the motor by said JETS’ Sean Reynolds.
Additionally retrofitting of an Ark Racing electric starter as distributed by famed Triumph specialists Shropshire Classic Motorcycles.
CHASSIS
OEM with numerous invisible improvements for that unique allure and upgraded specs.
SUSPENSION & STEERING
Competition Ceriani 35mm adjustable front fork assy and rear shox by legendary CR Suspension Kft of Budapest HU.
WHEELS & BRAKES
Chromed 21” & 18” ally wire rims with S/S spokes by Apollo Wheels of Los Angeles.
Full Beringer competition brake assy and hand controls.
Iconic K-Tech 11.5 floating discs.
INSTRUMENTATION
KOSO Tacho/Speedo OEM replicas from Germany!
Despite being an in-depth restoration of a quasi racing machine, Jeff and builder Sean Reynolds (who organised the complex e-trics & e-tronics wiring) decided to make the scoot road legal.
BODYWORK & SEATING
In keeping with other new JETS classic racing projects, Jeff paid immense attention to making the project rideable by seasoned riders.
Thus he is to be credited with most bodywork finery.
ERGONOMICS
An iconic competition machine recrafted to be road legal and comfortably useable by seasoned riders.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The job of shooting the rolling chassis was carried out by Jeffers too!
FINISH
The seriously critical job of painting this unique restoration project matching yesteryear OEM colours was entrusted to Steve, Mandy and Sammy of Image Custom Design, Camberley, who were able to commendably replicate and improve the original attire.