Last Update: 31 August 2024
Triumph Motorcycles pays tribute to Elvis and the captivating story of his ‘Memphis Mafia’ Bonnevilles with the release of the Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition. This striking T120 blends authentic style, performance, and modern features with a meticulously crafted design, drawing inspiration from Elvis’ legendary 1968 ‘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 discoverables 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 colour 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 Aluminium Silver beautifully complement the striped mudguards, 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.
Only 925 Worldwide Laser Etched With Elvis Presley Signature
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 in July.”
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 neighbourhood. 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 neighbours called the police to complain.
The Memphis Mafia was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis Presley’s friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve Presley from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977.
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 Triumph Motorcycles.
Memphis Mafia Inspired A One-Of-A-Kind Elvis Triumph
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 unmistakeable 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 its exhilarating performance. The 1200 twin engine delivers 105 Nm of peak torque at a very low 3500 rpm and its power peaks 80 PS 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 790mm. The latest generation ABS with twin-piston Brembo floating front callipers and 310mm discs give superb feel and power for confident braking, while Triumph’s latest generation ABS and switchable traction control maximises 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 behaviour of the bike to the riding conditions. More modern touches include LED lights, under-seat USBA charging socket and immobiliser.
On The Road
The new T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition will be available from £14,495 OTR. Bikes will be arriving in dealerships from August 2024.
Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Specifications:
| ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION | |
| Type | Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Capacity | 1200 cc |
| Compression | 10.0:1 |
| Maximum Power | 80 PS / 78.9 bhp (58.8 kW) @ 6,550 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 105 Nm @ 3,500 rpm |
| Fuel System | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Chromed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin chrome silencers |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, torque assist clutch |
| Gearbox | 6 speed |
| CHASSIS | |
| Frame | Tubular steel twin cradle frame |
| Swingarm | Twin-sided fabrication |
| Front Wheel | Aluminium rimmed 32 spoke 18 x 2.75 inches |
| Rear Wheel | Aluminium rimmed 32 spoke 17 x 4.25 inches |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/70 R17 |
| Front Suspension | Ø41mm cartridge forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin RSU’s, with pre-load adjustment |
| Front Brakes | Twin 310mm discs, Brembo 2 piston floating calliper, ABS |
| Rear Brakes | Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating calliper, ABS |
| Instruments | Twin dial analogue speedometer and tachometer with LCD multi-functional displays |
| DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS | |
| Width (Handlebars) | 780 mm |
| Height Without Mirrors | 1100 mm |
| Seat Height | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1450 mm |
| Rake | 25.5 ° |
| Trail | 105.2 mm |
| Wet weight | 236 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 litres |
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