Limited Editions to celebrate a memorable event are usually put on the market in an anniversary year, but at Triumph they thought the fascinating story of Elvis and his ‘Memphis Mafia’ was too cool not to do anything with it now. And so the British have now unveiled the Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition.
In case you don’t know the Elvis and his ‘Memphis Mafia’ story. It is the story of Elvis’ first encounter with Triumph. During his filming days, Elvis would spend filming breaks with his best friends, known as the “Memphis Mafia,” at his Bel Air mansion.
His friend Jerry Schilling had ordered a new Triumph T120 and Elvis took it for a spin around his neighborhood. Elvis was impressed and when he returned he said to his manager Alan Fortis: “Order one for all the boys, but we have to have them by tonight!”
Motorcycle dealer Bill Robertson & Sons managed to deliver seven more Triumphs that same evening – two more followed a little later – and Elvis and his friends rode around Bel Air together until late in the evening. They only stopped when the neighbors called the police to complain.
Why Triumph wants to honor that special story now and not next year, for example – then it would have been exactly 60 years ago – is not clear to us, but somehow that doesn’t matter. Triumph has found a great excuse to launch a – if we say so ourselves – very nice Limited Edition of the Bonneville T120 and that’s what it’s all about. Yet they have thought about it, because the bicycle has been put on the market as a 2025 model and that makes the circle complete again…
The Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition combines authentic style, performance and modern technology with a beautiful color scheme full of fun details, making a reference to Elvis’ most iconic ‘Comeback Special’ performance in ’68.
Unmistakable ELVIS gold lettering, representing stage lights, along with Elvis Presley’s signature are featured prominently on the tank and sides. True fans will find other Elvis references on the bike, such as a subtle ‘Taking Care of Business in a Flash’ decal. Not only was that the King’s personal mantra that reflected his work ethic, but it was also the design on the necklace he gave to each of the members of his Memphis Mafia.
The rich Carnival Red color scheme is inspired by the J Daar custom Bonneville that was created in 2023 to raise money for the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. And just like the Bonneville T120 TT that featured in the Comedy Western ‘Stay Away Joe’ and the Bonnevilles that were given to the Memphis Mafia in 1965, this modern T120 retains its iconic Bonneville DNA, a timeless silhouette and a striking design. tank that made such an impression on Elvis.
The Aluminum Silver stripes on the tank of the Bonneville go well with the striped fenders and are further emphasized by the hand-painted gold details. A deep, high-quality chrome finish was applied to the carefully selected parts, such as the elegant double exhaust with the classic ‘peashooters’ rear silencers.
The Special Edition is limited to 925 copies and is numbered on the crown plate, with a laser etching of Elvis’ signature. Each of the motorcycles is sold with a Sony gold disc in an exclusive Elvis Presley and Triumph Motorcylces sleeve. It also includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Triumph CEO Nick Bloor and Jamie Salter, the founder, chairman and CEO of ABG, Elvis Presley Enterprises.
“It was incredible to see the customer response last year to the custom Bonneville we created to raise money for a great cause and our search for the Bonnevilles of the Memphis Mafia Bonnevilles that provide a wonderful glimpse into the past with brought along.
With so much interest in the story, we are confident that our passionate customers are very much looking forward to this opportunity to acquire this tribute to the greatest solo artist of all time.”
The story of Elvis and his ‘Memphis Mafia’ Bonnevilles took place in 1965 and Triumph is now looking for those Bonnevilles in question and the file is steadily growing with a number of very concrete clues.
One customer already reported that he was once the proud owner of Jerry Schilling’s Bonneville and that he still had the registration documents to prove it! Unfortunately, the motorcycle, which has since been painted pink, was resold years ago.
But now that the VIN number has been confirmed, the search continues. Customers or fans who have relevant information about one of these motorcycles can always contact elvistriumph@triumphmotorcycles.com.
The Memphis Mafia story was the inspiration for a one-of-a-kind ‘Elvis Presley’ Triumph Bonneville with accompanying Gibson Les Paul Guitar that sold for $20,000 at the Amelia Island auction organized by Bonhams | Cars. The auction benefited the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which continues Elvis’ generosity by supporting various charities.
The new T120 Elvis Presley Limited Edition is available from us from € 19,795, with our southern neighbors only € 17,395 has to be paid. The motorcycles will be available at Triumph dealers in the Benelux from August 2024.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.