Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong’s Bonneville T120R has sold
Once owned by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, this 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120R proved that punk attitude never goes out of style — even when it’s rolling on two wheels.
When it comes to rock ’n’ roll provenance, few bikes hit harder than this one. Once owned by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, this 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120R found a new home recently, fetching $6,200 at auction. And before you say it, yes, this classic Brit twin definitely knew the Sound of the Suburbs.
So, without further ado, let’s see how many Green Day-related puns we did get into this one!
Sold at no reserve in California, it had clearly been enjoyed by the singer, songwriter, and guitarist, but was far from being a Basket Case.
Welcome to Paradise (Garage Edition)
Finished in Hi-Fi Scarlet, this Bonneville wore its battle scars proudly, the paint, a little faded, just adds to the patina. It’s a bike that looked like it lived through the 21st Century Breakdown and came out cooler on the other side.
The polished stainless fenders, “eyebrow” tank badges, and rubber knee grips are all classic Triumph cues. There is also a chrome grab handle, folding pegs, and both centre and side stands still present.
When I Came Around (the corners)
Rolling on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear Bridgestone rubber, it stops with classic drum brakes at both ends, with a chunky twin leading-shoe up front. Suspension came via the expected telescopic forks with rubber gaiters and dual shocks out back. It’s all simple, raw, and delightfully analogue, a far cry from today’s traction-controlled, ride-by-wire, ECU-heavy machines.
Good Riddance (to Mikuni carbs!)
Up top, a chrome handlebar carried a single mirror and a set of classic Smiths gauges, including a 10,000rpm tach and an optimistic 150mph speedo. There was also a Lucas ammeter, naturally, because no vintage bike would be complete without one.
Before the sale, the throttle and choke cables had been replaced, meaning the new owner didn’t have to spend One of Their Days trying to start it.
Boulevard of Broken Kick Starters
Powering this beauty was Triumph’s legendary 649cc parallel-twin, which made around 52 horsepower when new — plenty to make some noise on your own Boulevard of Broken Dreams. The dual Amal carburettors were an upgrade, and the original Mikuni items came with the sale. It also sported polished air filter covers and a freshly fitted battery.
Know Your Enemy (the Auction Clock)
Matching engine and frame numbers (T120RDU80999, if you’re keeping score) confirmed this Bonnie’s authenticity. The California title still listed Billie Joe Armstrong as the previous owner.
There was no word on whether Armstrong ever rode it to American Idiot recording sessions, but it’s easy to imagine him hammering down the Pacific Coast Highway in ripped jeans and eyeliner, the exhaust snarling louder than a distorted Les Paul.
With no reserve, this 1968 Triumph Bonneville T120R went to the highest bidder for $6,200 — not a lot, if we’re honest, for a punk-fuelled slice of British cool with that kind of rock-star heritage.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
