1959 Triumph Bonneville
Country: Great Britain
Engine: Air-cooled, vertical twin four stroke
Ignition: Lucas competition magneto
Power rating: 46bhp @ 6,500rpm
Bore x stroke: 71mm x 82mm
Displacement: 649cc
Valves: Overhead, pushrod activated
Fuel system: Two Amal 1-1/16 Monobloc carburetors with remote float bowl
Transmission: Four speed
Suspension: Front telescopic forks, rear twin shock
Brakes: Front and rear drum
Weight: 300 lbs
Top speed: 105mph
1959 was the first year of the Bonneville, recognizable by the headlamp nacelle, generator and remote fuel float bowl, these components only featured on this year’s model. The Bonneville got its name due to the success of a team from Big D Cycles in Dallas, Texas, that set a World Speed Record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah with a Triumph powered steamliner. This superb example was sold new from Big D and restored by then 35 years later.
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I love the vintage Triumph Bonneville, but as far as the weight? Something is strange: either Weights and Measures might be different where you are -- maybe gravity is less concentrated there? -- but I have owned many Triumph 650s and Bonnevilles, including stripped and lightened versions, Cafe' Racers, etc., and a Rickmans Metisse Bonni with a big-bore 750 conversion, and most weighed close to 385 to 400 pounds on a REAL scale, and none under 345, even the Rickman in "road" trim. A Rickman-kit motocross bike might weigh in at around 300 pounds, stripped and "ready to race". The new Triumph Bonni weighs closer to 450 pounds, with other models running the scales up a lot more! Maybe yours is filled with Helium? Or B.S.? Hmmm....