The Triumph Bonneville T120 has a modern engine with smooth counterbalancing keeping the vibration to a minimum. But still, there may be a whooooooole lotta shakin’ goin’ on for some owners, if they pick up the new Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition.
Wait, what? Hasn’t it been almost 50 years since The King of Rock and Roll left us ? Either dying in 1977, or living in hiding with Salman Rushdie, depending whether or not you believe the official narrative… Does anyone even care about Elvis anymore, or listen to his music?
It’s hard to say, but what is certain is that Triumph is keen to market its retro bikes on nostalgia, and there is no denying that Elvis had a strong historical connection to the brand (so did Bob Dylan, but he’s still alive and probably wouldn’t want his name on a motorcycle… ). So, we see the new Bonneville T120 with the Elvis badge.
Mechanically speaking, there is nothing different from a standard T120. No engine updates, no suspension upgrades. Even if the budget did allow for such niceties after licencing Elvis’s name (it couldn’t have been cheap! Note that in the marketing video above, they didn’t even licence an Elvis song…), the hassles of dealing with regulators mean that for the forseeable future, special-edition bikes will just be paint job rebadges. No company is going to spend big bucks getting a limited-production bike like this through the regulators.
So, buyers will get one of a 925-worldwide production run with a $17,495 MSRP in Canada, a $2,700 premium over a base-model T120 Bonneville. Hope you like Elvis-themed badging! See more info in the PR below, or check out Triumph’s Canadian website.
TRIUMPH UNVEILS BONNEVILLE T120
ELVIS PRESLEY LIMITED EDITION
Celebrating Elvis and the fascinating tale of his ‘Memphis Mafia’ Bonnevilles, Triumph Motorcycles has revealed a stunning T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition.
Combining authentic style, performance, and modern capability, with a beautifully detailed design scheme, this distinctive T120 takes styling cues from Elvis’ most iconic ’68 ‘Comeback Special’ performance.
Unmistakable ELVIS gold lettering, representing set lights, together with Elvis Presley’s signature, feature prominently on the tank and side panels, while die-hard fans will find fascinating Elvis details on the bike, including a discreet ‘Taking Care of Business in a Flash’ emblem. This was a personal mantra that captured his work ethic and the design featured on the necklace presented to each of his Memphis Mafia.
The rich Carnival Red color scheme was inspired by the J Daar custom Bonneville created to raise money for the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation in 2023. And just like the Bonneville T120 TT which featured in Comedy Western ‘Stay Away Joe’ and the Bonnevilles which were gifted to the Memphis Mafia in 1965, the modern T120 retains the iconic Bonneville DNA, timeless silhouette and distinctive sculpted tank that so impressed Elvis.
Bonneville tank stripes in Aluminum Silver beautifully complement the striped fenders, accentuated by hand-painted gold line detailing. A deep, high-quality chrome finish has been applied to carefully selected parts, including the sweeping twin skin exhaust with classic peashooter silencers, adding lustrous detail to this iconic model.
This special collaboration offers motorcycle and music fans an unprecedented opportunity to own their own piece of the Elvis and Triumph legend. Limited to 925 worldwide, the bikes feature a special numbered handlebar clamp with laser etched Elvis Presley signature, and each one will be presented along with a Sony gold disc, in an exclusive Elvis Presley and Triumph Motorcycles record sleeve, encasing a bespoke certificate of authenticity, signed by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor and Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ABG, Elvis Presley Enterprises.
“It’s been incredible to see the customer reaction to the custom Bonneville that raised so much for charity earlier this year, and our search for the Memphis Mafia Bonnevilles, which has unearthed wonderful glimpses into the past,” said Triumph’s Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud. “With so much interest in the story so far, we’re confident our passionate customers will be thrilled at the chance to own this magnificent tribute to the biggest selling solo artist in history, when it arrives in dealerships.”
MEMPHIS MAFIA BONNEVILLES
Elvis’ introduction to Triumph Motorcycles was in 1965 while taking a break from filming and spending time with his closest friends, known as the ‘Memphis Mafia’, at his Bel Air home. Friend Jerry Schilling had ordered a new Triumph T120 Bonneville and Elvis took it for a ride around the neighborhood. Elvis was impressed, and when he returned, he told his transportation manager, Alan Fortis, to “order one for all the guys, but…it has to be tonight!” Motorcycle dealers Bill Robertson & Sons managed to deliver seven Triumphs that night – two more followed soon after – and Elvis and his friends rode together around Bel Air late into the evening, only stopping when neighbors called the police to complain.
Triumph is on the hunt to track down the Bonnevilles, with several leads already adding to the dossier of evidence. One customer came forward to share that she was once the proud owner of Jerry Schilling’s Bonneville, and still has a registration document to prove it! Sadly, the bike, now repainted pink, had been sold years ago, but with the bike’s VIN confirmed, the search continues. Customers with any information relating to these bikes are asked to email the details to elvistriumph@triumphmotorcycles.com.
The Memphis Mafia story inspired a one-of-a-kind ‘Elvis Presley’ Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and matching Gibson Les Paul Guitar which sold for $20,000 at the Amelia Island Auction held by Bonhams | Cars earlier this year. The auction was in aid of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, who continue Elvis’ legacy of generosity by supporting numerous charitable causes.
AUTHENTIC MODERN CLASSIC DESIGN
The Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition features beautiful twin dial instruments, with an analogue speedometer, tachometer and integrated multi-function LCD screen that is striking, yet easy-to-read in all light conditions. Refined details such as the 3-bar classic tank badge and classic machined engine fins, are faithful to the iconic 1959 Bonneville.
TORQUE-RICH PERFORMANCE
Combining modern performance and efficiency with timeless character, the 1200cc parallel twin delivers a powerful, torque-rich performance, with the unmistakable sound of a British twin and charismatic 270° firing interval. Specifically tuned to deliver high torque from low down in the rev range all the way through the mid-range, the T120 is known for its exhilarating performance. The 1200 twin engine delivers 77.4 LB-FT of peak torque at a very low 3500 rpm and its power peaks 78.9 HP at 6,550 rpm. With its sensitively designed liquid cooling system, the engine exceeds EURO 5 requirements, and offers excellent fuel economy.
CLASS LEADING HANDLING
Renowned for its agile, confidence-inspiring feel on the road, dedicated chassis, with relaxed riding position, the T120 has a dual seat that offers all-day comfort, with a low height of just 31 inches (790mm). The latest generation ABS with twin-piston Brembo floating front calipers and 12-inch (310mm) discs give superb feel and power for confident braking, while Triumph’s latest generation ABS and switchable traction control maximizes safety and control.
TECHNOLOGY AS STANDARD
Packed with high specification technology, the T120 features a ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control and single-button cruise control fitted as standard.
Making it even more user friendly, the rider can select between Rain and Road riding modes, which will tailor the behavior of the bike to the riding conditions. More modern touches include LED lights, under-seat USB-A charging socket and immobilizer.
ON THE ROAD
The new T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition will be available starting at $15,495 USD & $17,495 CAD. Customers can reserve now with their local authorized Triumph dealer and find out more at the links below. Bikes will arrive in dealerships from September, 2024.
Hey, it’s your money to waste I guess. I have owned a lot of Bonnies but this is a waste of cash. Triumph just keeps moving the Bonneville beyond the reach of buyers and who would spend the extra money on a bike that has no mechanical improvements and a paintjob that can be approximated from a current regular T120 or older model? Elvis? Seeing this like a Fonzi jumping the shark moment.