Motorcycle specifications Triumph1200 Bonneville T 120 Bud Ekins Special Edition 2020 She salutes those we've loved

A new special series from Triumph, as often reserved for the Bonneville. Remember"Tag Heuer","Sixty","Steve Mc Queen","Newchurch" and so many others. This time, to honor Bud Ekins. One of the advantages of this kind of tribute, apart from the exclusivity for the owners, is to discover certain characters. Often well-known, sometimes beyond the motorcycle circle; occasionally only known to fans and insiders. James Sherwin "Bud" Ekins is one of these, and his past commands respect.

the 1200 and 900 are ennobled by his name. The big one has more torque, more watts, more emotion in the pistons. But when it comes to design and ceremonial costume, both are equally delicate. A pearly white silk dress, borrowed from a burgundy praline parasol. A suppleness for the eyes, which each of them adapts to her own taste. The colors are reversed depending on whether you're looking at the T100 or the T120.

two colors to remember? Let's not stop there, as that would be to narrow the gesture too much. Triumph delves into the details, so that enthusiasts can seek them out, appreciate them, draw inspiration from them and breathe them out during their rides. The 1200 Bonneville Bud Ekins features handlebar-mounted mirrors, special grips, a Monza-style fuel filler cap, LED indicators and special badges on the engine casings. For presentation.
But isn't the most important thing the stickers showing a winged globe, a symbol of California, with the words Bud Ekins? They are mounted on the fuel tank and front mudguard. For the occasion, Triumph brought out one of its vintage logos. The one used for over half a century. It comes back to life on the 900 and 1200 Ekins special edition, just long enough for a kiss on the sides of the tank.

but no, the most important thing is certainly in the metal. In this 1.2-liter parallel twin that produces 80 horsepower. Not huge given the displacement, but enough torque and character to twirl with vigor and panache. The muscle is there, present and round as an armed fist.
This Bonnie also benefits from two Driving Modes, traction control, daytime running lights, a USB port, a pair of 310 mm brake discs, a meticulous finish and a price tag of some consequence. For this special series, the manufacturer is not too greedy, asking for 400 euros more than for the standard 1200 Bonnie. This extension includes decoration, accessories, and a certificate of authenticity accompanied by a small booklet recounting the history of the rider celebrated here. To validate this pedigree, the latter will be signed by the Ekins daughters, Susan and Donna, as well as Triumph CEO Nick Bloor.

and Bud in all this? Here's the real solemnity of this Bonneville. Ekins was a true off-road star, the biggest American Triumph dealer of the '60s and a talented stuntman.
Born in Los Angeles in 1930, Bud Ekins learned to ride in the hills around Hollywood and worked on his off-road skills long before he was old enough to ride.as luck would have it, California was home to a thriving network of off-road circuits, and by his late teens, Ekins was already known as one of Southern California's top motocross and desert racers.
In 1956, in California, Ekins finished 2nd in the 246 km Big Bear Hare and Hound; he won the same race the following year, where Triumph took most of the top places.

ekins subsequently opened a Triumph dealership in North Hollywood. He quickly attracted many promising young actors, including Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood. Despite the commitment required to run a successful Triumph dealership, Ekins continued to compete and found success in several off-road races, including the Hare and Hound, the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000 (which he helped create). McQueen often joined him.
Ekins was a highly esteemed driver, having represented the USA in the high-profile ISDhe brought McQueen into the American team in preparation for his famous participation in the 1964 ISDT in East Germany.ekins would eventually bring home no less than four ISDT gold medals in seven years.
Ekins' competition successes and friendships opened up a new career for him, and while his exceptional jump in "The Great Escape" became the most famous motorcycle stunt in cinema, his stunt skills were in ever-increasing demand.he was regarded as one of Hollywood's finest, and remained so for almost 30 years.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos