1969 Triumph Bonneville

98.25-Point AMCA Frame-Off Restoration

This is an extraordinary 1969 Triumph Bonneville—an extensively documented, museum-quality, nut-and-bolt restoration completed by respected restorer and lifelong motorcycle enthusiast Ted Smith.

Ted is the former president of the Yankee Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and a longtime benefactor of the New England Motorcycle Museum. His championship-winning BMW restorations have been recognized among the finest examples in the world. Four motorcycles from his collection sold through Kaplan Cycles for nearly $500,000 combined, achieving record-setting results.

Ted is exceptionally intelligent, skilled and meticulous—but also remarkably humble. He never needed to brag about his abilities because his motorcycles did the talking.

This Bonneville is another outstanding example of his craftsmanship.

A TWO-YEAR, NO-EXPENSE-SPARED RESTORATION

This Triumph was completely dismantled to its bare frame and engine cases during an approximately two-year restoration. Every nut, bolt, mechanical assembly and cosmetic component was restored, refinished, rebuilt or replaced as necessary.

This was not a quick cosmetic refurbishment. It was a true frame-off restoration performed by a craftsman pursuing the highest possible standard of mechanical operation, historical accuracy and presentation.

The restoration is documented by approximately 100 detailed photographs showing the motorcycle in various stages of disassembly and assembly—including the bare frame, dismantled engine cases and individual restored components.

The motorcycle also comes with approximately 69 pages of parts receipts totaling more than $6,000. That figure does not include the professional paintwork, powder coating or the hundreds of hours Ted personally invested in researching, sourcing and restoring the motorcycle. The total investment in parts, paint and finishing approaches $10,000.00

before placing any value whatsoever on the labor.

Recreating this motorcycle through a professional restoration shop today would likely cost many times its purchase price.

98.25-POINT AMCA-JUDGED MOTORCYCLE

After completing the restoration, Ted entered the Bonneville into four Antique Motorcycle Club of America judging events. Its documented scores demonstrate the remarkable journey toward perfection:

• 90.25 points

• 97.50 points

• 97.75 points

• 98.25 points

Ted retained the judging sheets from every event, along with detailed notes explaining every deduction. Following each judging, he researched the points raised, consulted factory literature and corrected or documented even the smallest details.

Components addressed during this process included shock hardware, steering-damper equipment, wheel spokes and nipples, valve-stem caps, control screws, handlebar grips, throttle-cable adjusters and exhaust-system hardware. Some parts were changed more than once—not because they were worn out, but because Ted was determined to satisfy the judges and bring the motorcycle as close to perfection as possible.

Several questioned details were subsequently supported by period parts books and factory documentation. Where original components were no longer obtainable, the highest-quality reproduction parts were used. These limited reproduction components account for much of the remaining deduction from a perfect score.

The complete judging history, correction notes and supporting documentation are included with the motorcycle.

EXCEPTIONAL MECHANICAL CONDITION WITH MATCHING NUMBERS

Ken Kaplan has been riding Triumph motorcycles since 1977 and has owned, ridden, revived and restored dozens of classic Bonnevilles and Daytonas. In his words, this is the best-running 1960s- or 1970s-era Triumph he has ever ridden.

It is exceptionally tight, smooth, responsive and properly sorted. This is not merely a showpiece intended to sit silently in a collection—it is a beautifully restored motorcycle that performs as impressively as it presents.

The attention to detail is evident everywhere:

• Correct reproduction-style decals and identification labels

• Beautifully finished paintwork

• Restored and properly finished chassis components

• Exceptionally clean area beneath the seat

• New battery

• Carefully replaced all New wiring and electrical system

• Thoughtfully installed fuse protection

• Rechromed oil-tank cap

• Correctly positioned labels and decals

• Proper period-style controls and hardware

• Restored original exhaust-system details

• Meticulously rebuilt engine and running gear

Nothing was assembled casually or by chance. Every visible—and normally hidden—detail reflects years of experience, research and careful craftsmanship.

The engine is presently running Valvoline break-in oil with the additives selected by the builder. Ted recommends changing to Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil at 100 break-in miles because of its suitability for classic engines. The buyer will receive Ted’s complete oil and break-in recommendations.

Before delivery, Ted will give the motorcycle a final inspection and attend to the minor rocker-box cap gasket previously noted. The motorcycle will be thoroughly checked and presented ready for its next caretaker.

AN IRREPLACEABLE PROVENANCE PACKAGE

Included with the motorcycle are:

• Clear ownership documents/title

• Original-style owner’s handbook and manual

• Four AMCA judging sheets

• Final documented score of 98.25 points

• Ted’s handwritten correction and research notes

• Approximately 69 pages of restoration receipts

• More than $6,000 in documented parts purchases not including paint and powder coat

• Approximately 100 restoration photographs

• Photographs of the motorcycle dismantled to its frame and engine cases

• Supporting factory and parts-book documentation

• Complete Kaplan Cycles presentation video

• The opportunity to speak directly with Ted about the restoration

This documentation is exceptionally important. It proves what was done, how thoroughly it was done and the standard to which the motorcycle was restored. Very few vintage Triumphs are accompanied by this level of photographic, financial and judging provenance.

A LABOR OF LOVE

This motorcycle represents far more than the sum of its parts. It is testimony to a man who dedicated decades of his life to antique motorcycles, the AMCA community and the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Ted spent countless evenings, weekends and retirement hours in his workshop pursuing perfection. His health unfortunately no longer allows him to enjoy riding the way he once did, so the time has come for this Bonneville to pass to its next caretaker.

Today, craftsmen capable of performing this level of restoration are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Even with an unlimited budget, locating the knowledge, patience, original literature, proper vendors and hundreds of hours required to duplicate this motorcycle would be an enormous undertaking.

This is an opportunity to purchase the finished product for a fraction of its replacement cost—with its restoration history, judging record and provenance already established.

The 1969 Bonneville is widely regarded as one of the most desirable Triumphs of the classic era. This particular example combines timeless British styling with outstanding mechanical preparation, show-quality presentation and one of the most comprehensive documentation packages we have encountered.

Display it in a museum, place it in a serious private collection or ride and enjoy it as Ted intended. Wherever it goes, it will remain a lasting testament to his craftsmanship and his lifelong dedication to antique motorcycles.

The motorcycle is being represented by Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum. We stand behind its description and welcome serious questions, inspections and requests for additional photographs or video.

Buy it, place it in your garage, museum or living room—and smile every time you see it.

God bless Ted, and God bless Triumph.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.