Along with BSA-Triumph's other 650cc twins, the Bonneville was re-launched for 1971 with the new oil-carrying frame. Despite its fine handling qualities, the chassis ran into criticism because of its tall seat and was revised three times before a lower version was standardised for 1972 together with a thinner saddle. The new models' botched introduction meant that within two years the entire BSA-Triumph Group was in severe financial difficulty, and the proposed closure of Triumph's Meriden factory led to the workers occupying the plant in September 1973. By this time the arrival of the 750cc T140 Bonneville had signalled that the 650's days were numbered, and the workers' occupation effectively sealed its fate. One of the last of the 650cc Bonnevilles, this matching-numbers example was restored in 2018 by RJM Classic Motorcycles and comes with invoices and correspondence relating to its restoration (perusal highly recommended). Additional documentation consists of a dating certificate and a V5C document. Last run in October 2020, this pristine machine is described by the private vendor as in 'as new' restored condition throughout. Although fitted with silencers in the earlier style, the machine also comes with the original pair of megaphone silencers also in 'as new' condition.