1964 Triumph Bonneville - Jay Leno's Garage 

I was 20 when I graduated directly from a 1964 150cc Lambretta scooter to a brand new 1968 Triumph Bonneville. It cost me £485 at the time. I was blown away with the power and style. Above all else I was impressed how much safer it was to ride than was the scooter, power, stability, braking. It was about that year Bonnevilles adopted twin leading shoe front brakes, a vast improvement in stopping power. I rode that bike all over England, Scotland and as far off as Italy on one trip before parting with it to get married. It turned heads everywhere it went, especially in Italy. Like you, Jay, I am nostalgic for that bike. I went on to become a London speed cop riding Triumph Saints, the police version of the Triumph 650cc Trophy, itself the single carb version of the Bonneville. Those were great times, great motorcycles. Your love of the Bonneville must surely be half nostalgia, half knowing it's a real motorcycle. Those mufflers were, to me, the epitome of what a motorcycle muffler should look like, something that could be said for the look of the whole machine. The size, lines, power, overall impression were ideal. For the time they were around, they were the absolute best. Thanks for taking me for a ride with you.

That's genuinely one of the most beautiful bikes ever, without a doubt. Nostalgia is just icing on the cake.

I am 24 years young and that is the most beautiful bike I've ever seen - so it's not just the nostalgia!

I’m 65 yrs old from England but have lived most of my life in the USA , always love the Bonnie’s but never owned one until now , and I’m thrilled to bits , thanks Jay for that video , very inspiring indeed

"You're not going to get Leno by offering him any money. You gotta give him something he would really want" American media needs more Jay Leno's. Glad he's still producing quality material! What a guy

I'm an old guy (age 70), a former journalist who came out of retirement a couple of years ago to sell motorcycles -- specifically, BMWs. Now I love the new Beemers. They are marvels of advanced mechanical (and electronic) technology. They're terrific to ride -- smooth, powerful, ultra-reliable. I cannot deny their excellence. In fact, it's difficult to deny the excellence of nearly every modern motorcycle. It's difficult, if not impossible, to buy a bad one these days. Yet, my daily rider is a 1970 Triumph T100R Daytona; a 500cc parallel twin closely related to the pre oil-in-frame Bonnies, like Jay's. The little Daytona is an absolute joy -- spry, nimble, quick (but not beastly) and, for whatever reason, more fun than my 193 hp 2010 BMW S1000RR, the superbike of superbikes. So, is it nostalgia that moves me to enjoy the little Triumph so much? Probably -- in part. But, it's also the purity of the motorcycling experience the Daytona offers. It's just rider and machine without electronic intervention, without taming, without sanitation. Riding the old girl is a visceral thing that simply cannot be replicated by modern machinery. Are the new bikes better? Of course they are -- technologically. But, for pure, raw, unmolested enjoyment, Jay's Bonnie and my Daytona cannot be bettered. So say I!

Jay, I am a young old guy at 44. The first bike I ever touched was my fathers 1949 Triumph Chopper. I was bitten by the bug and now I own 11 Old Triumphs from 1951 to 1970. These old bikes hold a dear place in my heart and I totally agree as they are such a joy to ride.

I always remember taking my friend's 1966 Triumph Bonneville 650 for a ride. Lots of fun. I kept the 1970 Norton 750 Commando that I bought in 1973. Still ride it to this day. Great bike. Sounds great, and a real love affair.

I've watched a lot of these videos. Jay sounds happiest in this one.

The shoe. The other day I was riding down the road and saw a guy walking and wearing only one shoe. It looked exactly like that shoe in the video. I said hey buddy, did you lose a shoe. He said "no, I found one".

Perfect! Thanks for the ride down memory lane! I had two Bonnies, a '67 and a '70; both were the epitome of British motorcycles. My old snortin' Norton was a cool bike but didn't compare to the Bonnies. I'm 72 and still riding, but I look at old Triumphs on the internet every night after Momma goes to bed. They STILL do it for me! Long live the Bonneville...

I’m 82 years old and I’ve always loved the Triumph Bonneville. Thanks for your channel.

Jay, during the 60's and 70's in the UK we had a motorcycle club called The Toddington & District MCC. I had a BSA 250 C11G, a 350 single Matchless and ended up with a 650 Bonneville the best bike ever. To this day we still meet three times a week after 51 years some still riding bikes and talk about the old times when we went racing, trialing, and marshalling at various events around the UK. We cry in our beers at the bikes we had and sold for a song knowing what they would be worth now. Even today on 21 Aug 2019 some of the lads went on a club run riding flashy foreign things but it's not the same as the old un's. We might all be in our late 60's and early 70's but are still friends and it's all down to the humble motorcycle.

I sold all my newer stuff, no soul and got boring quick.... Went back to my older bikes, and just SO much character and soul and Vibration! I don't care how "fast" someone can go, I'm not riding to race people or impress anyone, I'm riding to ESCAPE everything.

I'm now 81, mostly blind and deaf, had the love of my life 1962 BSA Super Rocket and stupidly sold it and bought th3 Bonneville you have. I was in last two years of college in Virginia, took the BSA to 120 and can verify it and the Bonneville would hit that. They were the pinnacle as you say, and I was blessed to have had them. Was a premed student. failed first semester organic chemistry and that eliminated me going to medical school, avoiding Nam. Cloudy, cold, spitting rain, early spring afternoon, road by the lab and looked up to see the guys with test tubes through the windows, took a deep breath, said "screw" it (medical school), twisted the throttle and went on with my life, didn't do bad as a businessman. Anyway, Jay, loved this video and agreed with everything you said, just wish I could go back and be 21 again, ride like the wind on those two bikes.

I own a 2007 Bonneville, black and silver, and it really is one of the greatest looking bikes of all time. I'm 23.

And that teacher was so wrong. Happy to see the kind of motivation and enthusiasm Jay has towards bikes and cars. Very cool!

I'm 21 years old and love motorcycling with a passion. I've thankfully been blessed to have ridden lots of different bikes at a young age, rockets, harleys, and elegant british twins/thumpers. And I would take a vintage bonneville or vincent or etc. over the nicest, most expensive ducati or harley from this era any day. And I speak for a lot of young people

I've bought my first Bonneville about 10 days ago and I only started 2 years ago but the Bonneville I fell in love with it at first sight. It oozes class and the mix of modern and old skool for me is perfection.

I have had a number of motorcycles... I found that I always go back to a classic British Bike. Some days they don't want to run.. Some days they run so very well.. They shake... They vibrate... But they are real... Real soul.. Real character.. Real beauty.. Every part, has shape.... The shape of Art....

A rider of over 50 years and I think my '66 Triumph T100s gives me the biggest smile. It may sound cliche, but it really does have a soul that my other bikes never came close to having. I like to think it's some kind of ancient spirit that got tangled up in the motorcycle industry there.

My father has owned 3 different motorcycles since I was a kid. He had a 40' crocker, 70' Harley Sportster and a 64' Bonneville. He sold the Crocker when I was around 8 the Harley my uncle wrecked, and the Bonneville my dad kept and kept well. He got it after he originally got out of the military and got the Harley and the Bonneville with the help of my grandfather. When I turned the age of reason (18) my dad helped me get my license and showed me what he knew about bikes. Everything and anything until he felt confident that I could go on a long ride without having issues doing emergency repairs. I own a 2017 Triumph Bonneville and have ridden my fathers as well. I like MY Triumph more than my dads but that's just because it's mine. In terms of appearance the Bonneville is an all time fave. To answer your question it's not just nostalgia. Their minimalist approach to design, the sleek shape, a lot of modern bikes lack that special touch that the true vintage classics have. That being said though, my dad still has his bike and we ride every once and awhile and his bike is still a beast lol

I have a 1966 Tyiumph Bonniville 650. I’ve had it since I was 16 years old. I bought it in 1975 for $650. I love it. It’s my baby. And I appreciate this video.

When I started my working career, it was at a Triumph dealership. 1963 was the year that I began my love for bikes and the Triumph was always the one everyone wanted. I think the styling is the thing that brings everyone to it.

Well, Jay can't help much with your question. However, I have ridden thousands upon thousands of miles on 4 different Japanese made bikes and 2 American made bikes but the best handling and most satisfying to me were my 2 Triumph motorcycles. One was a 250,it was okay, but not enough power for me. The other was a 650 Bonneville and oh man. What a sweet running and handling bike. Course,to the punchline, I am 72 and both Triumphs were late 60's and both were bought new. I still ride and I still say,nothing today was like those TRIUMPHS I had . Nostalgia, maybe, but still they were SWEET.

I will never forget Sunday morning rides on my Triumph.

To see jay riding that bike in all its rawness is like a statement in the face of modern day comfort and imposed control

I am 44 now and agree with you that this is the bike you would ride just for the pleasure of motorcycling. I have a '08 Triumph Speed Triple and love riding it but do look forward to riding my '07 Royal Enfield 500 on days when I just want to ride for the pleasure of motorcycling. Would love to get a 60s Bonneville someday.

I'm retired now but this reminds me of the time my best friend in High School begged his brother who was in college to let him take Triumph 500 for a ride one freezing cold November afternoon in Denver Colorado. Ron stopped by my house to get me as a witness and we headed for the interstate hwy. We headed down the highway with no crash helmets. I was hanging on for dear life and the tears streaming from our eyes were freezing on our cheeks. I happened to look down at the ground and I saw the rear axle nut was completely loose and vibrating back and forth. We took the next exit very slowly and eased our way back home. What an exciting ride. I will never forget it. Thanks for taking us along Jay.

In 19'69 I bought a 1964 650 BSA Thunderbolt. My buddy had a 1959 Triumph 650. I've been riding bikes for 50 years now and I can honestly say that my Brit-bike era was the most memorial. England put the 'motor' in motorcycle.

Simply gorgeous machine....and I love your detailed walk-through and explanation. This was a joy to watch! Thank you for this episode.

I'm old and love the feel of antique machinery. They were very sharp back in the day and built things to last. Oil, grease and gas and they could keep a machine running indefinitely.

I am new to the motorcycle world but I remember the Triumphs, the Norton's, the BSA's from high school (I am 60 yrs old). They were what appealed to me. I finally bought a motorcycle 4 years ago. A Royal Enfield 500 ( sorry, made in India) It had that fun, simple, very mechanical look to it. I have had so much fun with it.. I threw a sidecar on it and love riding the country roads here in Oregon. I am looking to a larger bike, and to be honest, the only one that appeals to me is the Triumph T -100 for the same reason the Enfield appealed. The colour scheme on your Bonnie is wonderful.

I'm from Coventry - born and bred. The Triumph factory was just outside the city in Meriden. My Mums still near the old Browns Lane Jaguar plant wheres some of my family worked.. The 60's really were the pinnacle - theres a hill that runs from the Meriden works down in to Meriden village - Test riders and drivers used to race each other up the hill - Bonneville against E-Types' etc. Our glory days of engineering at its best.

In 1964, I purchased my Bonneville from Triumph of Burbank. I made delivery at the Coventry factory and commenced to spend the next six months bumming around Europe. I did about 11 countries and returned to Coventry to have the bike shipped back to Johnson Motors, who in turn notified my dealer. I got a call telling me that the bike was ready to be picked-up. I sold it around three or four years later (sniff). No problems at all during my ownership. Best ride I ever owned.

I rode Motorcycles for over 50 years, this bike was the reason I developed an interest.

I'm in my 70's now but in high school ...I rode a Triumph 650...so to your feelings about motorcycles I can only say Amen... this IS the Pinnacle of looks and function for bikes to this day...it never got any better before or after

Loved your tour of your 64 Bonneville. It brings back great memories. I had a 68 & 69 Bonneville that I purchased new from the factory in Coventry, England in their “overseas delivery plan” which included purchase, registration for the summer and shipping home. I saved up for a year working two jobs and planked down the $864.00 in a check to the company in the spring of “68” then flew over on a charter plane with Simmons, Wheelock and Emanuel Colleges to pick her up at a dealer in Brixton Hill. I drove her all through Europe that summer then flew home. The bike was shipped buy boat that fall under the same $864.00 & arrived in Boston that winter. In the following spring of “69” I sold her as a used bike for $1000.00 and did it all over again and bought the “69”. The ride is definitely great but it’s the memories that go with it that make all the difference. It’s funny, but I still have dreams every once in a while about my “68 Bonneville” , that I still have it and it’s parked somewhere in the neighborhood but I can’t find it.

It is not just nostalgia! I rode a Bonneville 69 in 69. I was happy to switch to Japanese for the next 40 years. I then got another 69 and rediscovered how pleasurable it is to ride. Not to mention that is much better to look at.

I'm an old guy now, but back in 1964/65 I'd go down to Ted Evans' Motorcycles in Venice after school and practically beg to take a 650 Bonneville for a test ride. Occasionally they would say yes, knowing that I could never afford to buy one. But they took pity and fulfilled my request. Everything you say about the Bonneville is true if my memory is accurate. Thanks for bringing back those pleasant memories Jay.

No, it really is one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever.

I graduated from high school in 1969. I had a Honda 305 Super Hawk, but the ultimate bike to have at that time was the Triumph Bonneville. Pure classic motorcycle. I have a Triumph today ... finally! lol

I'm an old guy. I remember my days as a teenager first laying eyes on a Triumph Bonneville. They were beautiful then and they are beautiful now, so I don't think it is a simple case of nostalgia, but that is not to say that I am not nostalgic for these motorcycles. Who among us wouldn't be?

It’s natural for someone with character to love a characterful bike! My dad has a 140e with Norman Hyde heads, exhausts etc, that he’s owned from new, he’s only covered around 5.5k miles on it! He owns several classic British bikes but the bonnie is his baby! Thanks for sharing your British beauty! Best wishes 👍🏽👍🏽😎

I'm 17 and I really think it looks amazing. I really want one of those.

Yes Jay they were a beautiful bike I had a 1969 Bonneville which was a ex cop bike I brought in 1971 at an auction I think I paid $500 dollars for it and yes you always had to go over it with a spanner quiet often. Don't forget Harley's in the sixties and seventies were junk as well and had all sorts of problems. To have one now I would have to take out a second mortgage to buy one. I have had so many bikes over the years Japanese and Harley's and I think as you get older you want to go back to something more simple and relaxing today's bikes are so fast out of the box they are scary. My brother had an R1 Yamaha and with a little tricking and a pipe got around 230 HP at the wheel where can you use that except on the track So may be it's an age thing where you just want to see and smell the roses and enjoy the ride. Cheers Dave

Old post but here is my opinion. I love these old Bonnevilles. It’s about massaging a machine back to working order. The people i meet while getting and finding parts. I find mostly older people with great stories and a world of knowledge. Patience. There’s no plastic like there’s no ECU to give a code. Study. Manuals with hand drawn prints. It’s an art. Appreciate machines like art.

I have a little triumph Tiger cub. I also have bigger bikes, but the triumph is so lovely to ride here in England. Very light, quick, makes a great sound, corners beautifully always makes me smile and finally, a bicycle with an engine. I would love to try riding a bonneville, fantastic. It's not nostalgia, that clearly is a great bike to ride judging from your enjoyment.

Jay, this maybe one of your best from Jay Leno's Garage. Your passion for the English motorcycles shines and honestly after watching this episode, I wanted one. I'm 63 and have own a Norton Commando 750 "S" since I was 17, I've always kept it running. Never wanted to do anything w/ it except keep it as it came from the factory more or less ( well ok I changed it over to a Boyer electronic ignition and put on a later model 's front disc break but a friend made a wooden case a gave it to as a even swap . The tinker w/ it with a old friend and switching them was just something we did one afternoon. That's what came through in this episode but the one you did on your Norton 650 SS delivered the same vibe. My son who is 26 has a beautiful 2014 Honda 700 something or other. Loves my Norton but has never really asked to drive it. I told him when he was a teenager, when you can kick it over just let me know when you want to take out. There is just something about those bikes.

There's nostalgia, and then there's standing the test of time. The mid 60s Bonny is the latter.

I`m now in my early twenties and the only bike which I ride is my 1955 DKW RT 175. This old lady isn`t as strong or fast as new machines. But it is beatiful to drive, it gives a relaxed, easy driving experience and I restored it myself. Such bikes are not only a means of transportation. Motorcycles like this become a part of you.

I'm older than you, Jay, but I think it's fine to let nostalgia fuel enthusiasm for a great bike. When I was in high school in the early to mid fifties, a few guys had Triumphs and were the envy of us cool-obsessed boys. In the years since, I've ridden Hondas and Kawasakis on California racetracks, but I also have one of the newer Bonnies, and that's the bike that I like to take for what I call a "gentleman's ride." The new ones still look good, but they don't leak oil and always start (unlike a Triumph I had in the Marine Corps). I really love Jay Leno's Garage. (We met some years back at Laguna Seca when Ford introduced its re-born race car, and I appreciated that you had no entourage. Also, you may have known my brother, Geoff Edwards, a fellow TV host.)

I'm 33 years old and that is my all time favorite motorcycle.

My first Triumph was a 64 Tiger 650. Tickle the carb and she would fire on the second kick every time. It was 1971 and I was 17 and rode it to high school as a senior. Man was I cool! Still the best sound from those pea shooters. Priceless experience Jay. Now I ride a 650 scooter as an older guy. I’ve had 56 bikes over the years from 50cc to 2300cc. What a wonderful hobby God has blessed us with.☺️

On Superbowl Sunday 1967 I was 9 years old My uncle Richard took me on a fast ride ,I held on for dear life on his new Triumph Bonneville down Pasadena California streets.

Nice video - I have my 71 Bonneville in the garage - owned it since '73 - love it and giving it to my son - tinkered on it for many years

Im 25 and ride a 1968 Daytona, love the feel.

At 25, I think I count as a young guy. I've been riding since I was 18 and I've only been into vintage bikes, after having lessons on a modern Honda. I ride Moto Guzzi's and Royal Enfield. There's just something about the styling that really appeals to me. Apart from that they're, like you pointed out, not as stupidly fast as modern motorcycles are. When I rip up the throttle on my 500cc Enfield, it sounds and feels like it's going 100mph, while with 25bhp it's probably not. And then there's just the pure mechanical joy that these vintage bikes are. No plastic, no computers, no weird electronics... Just metal, grease and oil working. When something breaks, which on the Guzzi's doesnt but on the Enfield does, I can easily fix it. Gotta love it.

This episode is from 2016 - but it is new to me. My history includes ownership of a fair range of styles from Crotch Rockets to Baggers, Standards, Cruisers, Sportsters and Dual Sports. Honestly, I love them all - all the styles and all the idiosyncrasies of the individual manufacturers. Most of them I have ridden from LA to Cleveland and back. This Bonneville is one that I would love to own or something similar. To answer your question, I don't think this bike or a Norton can ever be separated from the amazing "studliness" they have associated with them or the "cool factor" they carry due to the movies and the marketing they received. I was born in 1963, yet, even still, I have been touched by these bikes because of the celebrity they hold - I investigated them because I thought "wow, those sure have some amazing history and influence and important roles, maybe I need to learn more". Once you tune your eyes to the older more utilitarian design, you begin to see the beauty of the non-CAD parts, the simplicity and function of design - for instance the seat - my bottom side smile when I see that seat - where today they are so sculpted and products of Industrial Designers, that seat is utilitarian and simply purpose built - I find beauty in that...also the open-ness and simplicity of the engine area and how all parts and functions are apparent and simple and not "over engineered"...there is beauty in that - in not trying to create eye candy and Industrial Designs that "pop", but rather function well. The seating position is cool and that exhaust note is beyond amazing....I think it's cool because it is pure, purpose-built motorcycle. I would want one without the history - but that is a conundrum - it's the history and acceptance and panache of it's users that served to market it "forward" so to speak :-) . Ride Safe

I did enjoy this ride with Mr. Leno. What a sweet sound. A very well presented machine. I am just starting to have my 1959 T110 refurbished and I hope that I will have such a sweet note from its motor. I absolutely understand your satisfaction with the ride and handling. Truely, if my memory serves me well you only have to think your chosen line and the bike goes there, perfectly balanced. The vibration lets you know when something is waring or needs adjusting but it is ever present. Its been idle since 1983 or 4 so its my memory...I will be able to confirm or deny in the sping of 2022. Thank you Mr. Leno

the love of my youth was a Triumph 500. Thanks for the memories Jay.

I owned one in the seventies and still love the look of them, they are a timeless classic

Great Jay, In the 60's I had two Triumphs a 63 Bonney and later a Tr6, I saw a New BSA Lighting Rocket in the show room with all of that chrome and candy apple paint and I traded the bonneville in toward it. while driving home on the shiney chrome bike, I had buyers remorse. The next day I called the dealer, I wanted the Triumph back. He said" that bike was sold 30 minutes after you left. Loved that old Bonneville .

I'm a big fan of early Triumph motorcycles I've got a '70, and '73 Bonneville, a CR Rickman with a '68 Bonneville engine, and a '62 Manx Norton with a '62 Triumph engine. I enjoyed your video, and your comments.

I think the appeal is that its simple Jay. I was born the year before this was made and, like the Bonny, in England. I think we remember the simpler times with vehicles. As a lad I used to work on my uncles vintage cars all the time. These things could be fixed with the minimum of tools and it was actually a point of pride in being able to service your bike or car on the weekend back then. Likewise the more sophisticated vehicles have become, the safer, quieter and easier to use for me the life and soul have gone. I appreciate new vehicles but I would rather have an older vehicle even if it means less comfort or convenience and the chance it might break down as it becomes a relationship between me and the machine. New vehicles to me remove me so far from that. I really care not for modern sports cars. I would rather have a Frog Eyed Sprite that can barely break the speed limit than the modern equivalent that can easily do that. The most fun to be had is when a vehicle is near its limits and so a Frog Eyed Sprite or 2CV gives you as many thrills without ever chancing to break the law! Keep up the good work Jay and please, if your not wearing that Seiko anymore I would be a very willing recipient of it. I love watches! :) All the best to you. Ian.

I don't have the patience for maintaining an old bike. However I do adore the style which is why I purchased one of the new "classic" styled Bonnevilles from the revived Triumph company.

Indeed, a Bonneville was my first bike in mid life, because the sound of one always said motorcycle to me.

Hi Jay, I'm a 71 year old English man now living in Cambodia. My love of motorbikes started with a brand-new Bonneville, my Uncle who was in the RAF, returned from a posting in Singapore. Having a wallet full of money he brought a new 650cc Bonneville, then rocked up to my house one Sunday morning. Hey Kev he shouted, hop on and let's go for a ride, no helmets, gloves, pads, just the wind in yer face. I was totally hooked and, have been ever since, I've got a Triumph Trident 900, Harley 1340 Evo, Honda 400 Shadow. Living the dream and enjoying your nostalgia, regards from Asia.

My ride is a 2010 Bonneville, which is the "modern classic" fuel injection version. Yes, nostalgia is part of the appeal. So, too, is the idea of mechanical purity. That is to say, design that relies on purely mechanical concepts executed with perfection. These early bikes were designed not by stressed, overtasked engineers sitting in front of a computer screen but by people with dirt under their fingernails and fuel in their veins. The result was a machine that not only worked well, but that made sense to a backyard mechanic, that had lines flowing from function rather than form, and that throbbed with the heritage of decades of improvements. My modern Bonnie has a computer and electronic sensors and controls (some of which have mysteriously disappeared!) but the same intention was there for the designers--simplicity and function influenced the form. So, cool is a relative term defined by time and generation, perhaps, but almost every generation has a group of people for whom elegant mechanical design that makes sense in our dirty hands is most important.

I know I come to this discussion way late, but I really loved my '72 Bonneville. the center of gravity was so amazing. apparently the '63 had similar handling. it's been 44 years since I totalled that bike out in a bee swarm and I am, still to this day, picking out asphalt from my shoulders, but I would love to have another. there simply hasn't been a better handling bike in my possession since. thanks for the wonderful memories.

Watching this many years later, but I believe to your question the answer is both. As you know, you cannot put a price on nostalgia. Nostalgia fuels passion and the purse pays for that performance/ experience. (Mopars, old records, turntables and collectibles as well. and when they become fewer and fewer, people want them more and more) So, yeah, in part you like the bike because it was the bike of your dreams back in Massachusetts when life was a bit easier, simpler and a memory of all things great- no matter the reality of the situation. However, having said that, the Triumph Bonneville is a beauty and you cannot deny the fact that many many bike manufactures went after that look. My wife's 1974 Suzuki GT-250 2 stroke has styling cues taking directly from that bike. As for me? Well, my passion is Ducati, and since I was a kind always dreamed of having either a Mike Hailwood replica, or a 900 SS to take corners on. I now own a Ducati and to me that is the best looking bike by far. So yeah, to your question, both.

I started out with Hondas at seventeen. At twenty one I purchased used, a sixty seven BSA Spitfire, I must admit that I probably polished, and worked on it more than riding it but loved every minute of ownership. The Triumph motorcycles were a stylish classic and fun to ride and right for the times.

It's not just because you're an older guy. There's a tangible difference between riding a high performance machine with all the modern bells and whistles, and riding a simple, honest to God, down to business motorcycle. There's an honesty to simpler bikes that I find very appealing. It really is motorcycling stripped of all non-essentials down to its purest form. So I say bless the simple bikes. We need more of them.

Back in the late '50s I loved the way the Triumph sounded. Like the sound of a steam locomotive, radial engine aircraft or nice pipes on a flathead Ford, it was unique and I miss it. I'm old and have some nice memories from the 40s-50s. And Jay is the best!

I am a 52 yr. old dentist in Guam and my Furst bike was a 67 Daytona t100R bought here on Guam. Learned to ride on that right hand shift. Now I own four bikes including an electric Zero and my heart will always belong to the triumph.

It is what a motorcycle looks like and it's the kind of motorcycle that has a heartbeat.

Jay it is a beautiful bike , brings back wonderful memories. You’re a very lucky fella, from 🇬🇧 😉

As a kid I always dreamt of owning one. Such a beautiful bike.

The 60's Triumph had such a high degree of "motorcycleness". It had everything you needed and nothing you didn't need. It had lineage and its good looks derived from the functional parts. There really wasn't any styling as such. The engine was needed to make it run and looked good as well. You could look at one and easily see what everything was and what it did. They were light, quick, and simple with a wonderful sound. I had a '69 Bonneville which was so satisfying to ride. When it was parked and running at idle there was a slight randomness from the cam and it jumped around a little like an animal anxious to tear off at a run. British bikes had a reputation for being unreliable, but I rode mine hard and it never gave me any trouble. The best thing you could do for one was ride it often. The "Vincent '52" may have had a soul, but so did the '60's Triumph.

These bikes are the real essence of motorcycling the feel the sound the ride you enjoy every thing. I have been riding for the last 40 years though there are different phases where you like something different but eventually you always come back to the classics they are the true motorcycles. Stay blessed and keep on riding.

A wise man once said: None of that matters now coz i have the motorcycle.

I knew that Jay owned older bikes, but now I'm glad to know that he also knows and likes them as much as I do. I own a 65 and a 70 Triumph Bonneville.

Driven the new bikes but there ain't nothing like a proper british classic motorcycle. I've got a 1941 Matchless G3l that I ride almost daily. Currently working on my dad's Triumph Tiger 750. I'm a 23 year old guy from Pakistan. Love your show. 😄

Had a BSA when I was 18. ( now 72 ) still remember how much fun I had when I rode!

I was born the same year as you Jay and road a lot of countries bikes by the time I was 16. But I finally got the bike I wanted as my second bike, a 72' Bonnie. As you said, a real comfortable ride and yes it had a heartbeat that mimicked mine when we rode together!

Jay: You and I go way back, to when I launched British Car & Bike Magazine and launched your career as a motorhead (JK...a little). The question you posed was a good one, and I think we all ask ourselves this if we're really in tune with our perceptions and our feelings. I can't speak for you but for me, the appeal of the older bikes like your 1964 Bonnie comes down to our connection with the machine. It's a relatively simple device, with linear responses to our inputs, and never exceeding our confidence to twist the throttle wide open (you do not do that on a modern GSX-WFO1600 without pausing first to assure yourself that your affairs are in order with the executor of your estate). These old British machines were the lathes, the presses, the anvils of the day. Predictable, approachable, and most importantly, an ideal match for the abilities of the average (and slightly above average-you know, the "Expert Rider" referred to in the decal) of the day. The truth is, you and I can wring the neck of a Bonnie or Atlas or Lightning and get the best of the machine. There's a visceral satisfaction there that's hard to articulate. Few of us can say the same of the modern machines that have exceeded our own skills and abilities in the way that modern fighter jets have exceeded their pilots' ability to fly them stick-and-rudder. I've spoken with guys who fly demilitarized jets who tell me that they much prefer their Stearman 75 biplane or Cessna 172 for sheer joy in the simplicity of the flying experience. They become one with the machine. So the answer is, there is a threshold at which we squishy humans can truly conquer our machines and feel in complete control...and beyond that, they control us. Perhaps we reached that perfect balance sometime in the 1960s....or perhaps-just maybe-we're getting old.

Jay thanks so so much for posting old part now still riding but started riding on 68th drive Bonneville stainless steel fenders to me still most beautiful bike ever made

I think the simplicity is what is attractive. I would ride that bike in a heartbeat.

“Fun to ride” is the name of the game and the old Bonnevilles were plenty fun. Jay is so enthusiastic in this video I dare say this could be his favorite bike to ride and we know he has many.

I love my 500 CC Royal enfield classic. Like you said, bikes from those times do have a character through how they work and their imperfections as opposed to the bikes of new era that has the character by looks and streamlined performances.

I ride all year round. I never understood the appeal of vintage bikes until I got into them myself. Vintage bikes have a character all their own. They are a lot of fun when they are running....and easy to restore. I especially love vintage 2 stroke enduro's but the first older bike I restored was a 1977 Honda CB550 F which I still own. I have a friend that is into vintage Triumph's and one of his older bikes was the first right side shift bike I ever rode. Very cool. Love your videos Jay....big fan.

Hey Jay, I'm 72 and used to drool over these bikes in northern Ontario. The price was $1300 dollars, a lot of money back then for a teenager. Alas, I never got one but did get a Honda Cub and the love of motorcycling ignited. I've owned 10 bikes over the last 55 years and still enjoy riding (2003 1600 Yamaha Silverado, presently) Some day I'll have to give it up and that will be a very sad day. Great channel you have, thank you. Oh, my vote is "it's a beautiful bike" and glad you mentioned how the stripe on the fender might be 1/8" too wide, first thing I noticed but you addressed it before I could comment. har!

Jay, I have a '71 Bonnie .... YES it is beautiful....I JUST love the front wheel 'shake' at idle AND the exhaust 'rumble' during acceleration CLASSIC!!!

Hello Jay, Great ride. I own a 72 T120 White and Gold. I have owned it since 1972. I love the sound that is what gets to me. Bob

i am 35 years younger than you and i still think that mechanical engineering has so much more charm than any thing new its just a whole different feeling and if you ask me i think both cars and motorcycles are way better from before the time when that sort of stops

Hi Jay, I bought a Triumph Bonneville back in 1964. I was a freshman in college and bought a 1959 model. I L-O-V-E-D that bike. It was sort of my "coming out to Life." Here I was a freshman in college, and had freedom for the first time in my Life, and I bought this bike and rode it all over. What a fun time I had. Back then I never wore a helmet. and never wore any type of goggles. And I must say that there were quite a few times I had it up over 100 miles per hour. Ah, those days. Now, I am a retired Surgeon, glad to be alive, and still very nostalgically remembering that beautiful motorcycle. P.S. I am even considering buying another "retro" Triumph Bonneville. But now I will hear a helmet and goggles. Thanks you for your nice presentation. Dr. George Whitehead

The Bonneville was my favorite bike when I was in the AF in the 60's. Recently I have been considering getting a new one. After all I'll be 76 this year and time is running out for me to get one. It will fit nicely with my 450sl my sl500 and my 96 corvette roadster.

Thanks for letting us know the history of this bike Jay! It's a beautiful bike - appreciate your knowledge of motorcycles!

I graduated high school ‘64. I remember shortly after, going to a local Triumph shop. Remember the brochure for the Bonneville saying “for expert riders only”. I so wanted wanted one, but troubles at home and looming military service kept me from it. Now, at 76 and having owned a few bikes I still want a Bonneville. A new one though. Don’t need the maintenance headaches of the older bikes. I’m too spoiled by the bikes I’ve owned. When I look at most bikes today, I just long for a good old standard motorcycle. One of my favorites was a ‘79 Suzuki GS 550. I could ride that bike all day. It handled well, was comfortable, had decent performance and good gas mileage. What’s not to like? Oh, it lacked torque. With a passenger on back I had to downshift 2 gears to pass anything. I solved the torque problem with a ‘94 1200 Sportster. That was a fun bike, but not nearly as comfortable as the Suzuki. Two hundred miles and I was about done for the day. I sold my last bike, a Harley Nightrod Special, two years ago with plans to get a Bonneville, but my wife now has a medical condition that keeps me at home. All I can do now is dream and remember the fun I had over the years on the different bikes I’ve owned. Love videos like this on the simple joys of just going for a ride, enjoying the scenery and the wind hitting me. The unbearable lightness of being. Well said.

True classic! And appropriate enthusiasm. I had two Tiger 100s (500cc) in England (in 1966) and a Velo Venom Sports (bought with just 800 miles on clock for £65!). A friend worked in early 60s at Meriden as a Test Rider; said he could split a petrol tank every time when taking up to max! Such vibration. I preferred the Velo and the BSA Lightning (more solid than my T100s, and faster). A Bonneville was used as a ‘backup’ for me once in case my Velo failed to quickly start, at a demo show at Wembley Stadium.