Triumph launches limited edition motorcycle honoring Elvis Presley
You might think, as I did, "Another special version of the Triumph." But this time, it truly has a good historical hook. Elvis Presley, whose name this limited edition of the T120 model bears, was a fan of this motorcycle. The special painting of this classic machine appeals to fans of the king of rock 'n' roll or music in general.
8:44 AM EDT, June 22, 2024
Let's delve into the aforementioned history. It was 1965 when Elvis Presley, taking a break from filming, was relaxing and having fun with his friends, known as the "Memphis Mafia," at his home in Bel Air. Jerry Schilling had just bought a new Triumph T120 Bonneville, and Elvis decided to take it for a spin around the neighborhood. The singer liked the motorcycle so much that when he returned, he told his transport manager, Alan Fortas, to order one for each guy there that evening."
Indeed, that same day, they delivered seven motorcycles (and two more shortly afterward). Elvis and his friends rode their new bikes at night until the neighbors called the police. True rock 'n' roll. Today, the British brand is searching for those motorcycles. So far, they have only found Jerry Schilling's bike, which started it all.
Creating a special edition named Elvis Presley was almost natural, especially since the Triumph Bonneville T120 is still on sale. It is a completely contemporary machine, but (alongside the T100 version) it boasts the most classic styling in the entire range, called by the British brand Modern Classics. This motorcycle's powertrain features a twin-cylinder 1200 cc engine, which produces 80 HP and 77 lb-ft of torque.
The Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley stands out with its red paint, white accents, and black elements. On the tank, the characteristic Elvis logo, known from the 1968 TV "Comeback Special" concert, is painted in gold, along with the musician's autograph. The same combination is found on the side panel, while the handlebar features the special edition unit's signature and number. It should be noted that only 925 units of this limited edition will be produced worldwide.