Triumph T120 “Tambora” Bonneville

Batakastem Workshop’s British Bike Build…  

Triumph launched the original T120 Bonneville in 1959 as “The Best Motorcycle in the World.” The “T120” portion of the name stemmed from the bike’s projected top speed of 120 mph — remarkable for the era — while “Bonneville” referred to Texan racer Johnny Allen’s record-setting runs on the Bonneville Salt Flats, hitting a two-way average speed of 214.17 mph in 1956 in one of his Triumph streamliners. 

Fast forward to current day, and the T120 Bonneville is now the company’s 1200cc flagship roadster, featuring a 270° liquid-cooled SOHC parallel-twin that makes a very balanced 79 horsepower and 77.5 pound-feet of torque. The T120 is widely recognized as one of the “best of breed” retros, even if it’s no longer made in Hinckley. 

“The Bonnie is made to the same standards as bikes screwed together in the UK (better, in fact – Triumph actually use tighter quality control in Thailand) but for a cheaper price, meaning a classy device with pleasing affordability. Modern-day touches make it functional and reassuring, and it’s easier to live with than any air-cooled forebear. It’s perhaps the most rounded Bonnie yet.” –MCN

As we’ve noted many times before, Indonesia has become a mecca of modern custom motorcycle culture. Each year, countless workshops turn out a staggering array of two-wheeled machinery. However, many Indonesian builders rarely get a chance to lay their hands on British or European donors, as these bikes are much less common and more expensive than the smaller displacement Asian models that dominate the market there.

That’s why it was very exciting for our friends Abraham Simatupang and Asrul Harahap of Batakastem Workshop to get their hands on a 2024 T120 Bonneville to customize. The central idea behind the build was the freedom of the open road…and the ability to travel a bit off the beaten path, too.

“The design is all about simplicity and exploring the undiscovered — worlds not yet reached. The goal was all about conquering Indonesian roads with this bike.”

The modifications include a custom exhaust system, front and rear fenders, radiator cover, skid plate / sump guard, handlebars, lighting, dual-purpose tires, aluminum emblems and chain guard, custom paint, and more. 

Nicknamed “Tambora,” a volcano on the Indonesian island of Sumbawa and a word said to mean strong or durable, this 1200cc Bonnie is a British beast we’d love to ride. 

“It’s like pure freedom — the feeling is unmatched. Because in Asia, especially Indonesia, the posture of a European bike is already ‘big’ for us. Plus, this is our first time to complete European bike project.”

Congrats to Abraham, Asrul, and the rest of the Batakastem family for their first Triumph bike build — we love it! 

T120 Bonneville Scrambler: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

Hi, my name is Abraham Simatupang, and my custom motorcycle workshop “BATAKASTEM” was start in 2016 with my partner, Asrul Harahap, and we love about everything about customizing motorcycles and modern classic bikes.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

Triumph Bonneville T120, year 2024.

• Why was this bike built?

The bike name is “TAMBORA,” which in Borneo means “strength” and “durable.” The bike was our special project this year; we customized the bike in collaboration with a brand whose campaign is all about freedom.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

The design is all about simplicity and exploring the undiscovered — worlds not yet reached. The goal was all about conquering Indonesian roads with this bike.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

Custom paint, dual purpose tyres, handlebars, exhaust system, front fender, rear fender, radiator cover, skid plate, seat, headlamp, stoplamp, signal lamp, and aluminium parts such as the emblem and chain cover.

• Does the bike have a nickname?

TAMBORA.

• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?

It’s almost the same as the OEM Triumph Bonneville T120 specifications.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?

It’s like pure freedom — the feeling is unmatched. Because in Asia, especially Indonesia, the posture of a European bike is already “big” for us. Plus, this is our first time to complete European bike project.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

The overall bike. With the parts completed one by one and everything finally assembled, the bike looks very “us.” Because it represents our signature build — simple and clean was the main purpose.

• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I want to thank the Batakastem team that work so hard to complete this build and the brand that trusting us to work on this project.

Follow the Builder

Instagram: @batakastem_workshop | @abrahamsimatupang | @asrul_batakastem
Facebook: @batakastem
Youtube: @batakastemworkshop
Tiktok: @batakastem

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