Mystery Elvis-owned Triumph models confirmed

A famous motorcycle myth that Elvis Presley once bought nine Triumph motorcycles has been confirmed, but the whereabouts of the historic bikes is still unknown.

Presley is considered to be one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century and was known to be a keen motorcyclist, having a particular fondness for Harley-Davidson. But while his purchase of the nine Triumph models has long been rumoured, it has only recently been confirmed by the British manufacturer.

Triumph has established that the King of Rock & Roll purchased nine motorcycles and gave them as gifts to his Memphis Mafia entourage in 1965. The revelation comes after original cheques signed by Elvis himself were uncovered in the Graceland archives.

As the story goes, the legendary singer took a break from filming Frankie and Johnny in June 1965, and spent downtime in Bel Air with his close friends who were known as the Memphis Mafia.

On Mafia member, Jerry Schilling, had put a down payment on a new T120 650 Bonneville and offered the King a ride around the Bel Air neighbourhood. Elvis was so impressed by the bike that he instructed his transportation manager, Alan Fotis, to order one each for his pals by day’s end.

Robertson & Sons, a dealership on Santa Monica Boulevard, managed to deliver seven bikes that night and two more a few days later. The bikes included a mix of 650 TR5s, and the twin-carburetted 650 T120s. The Mafia rode around Bel Air that evening and continued to ride together through the duration of the filming schedule.

Elvis would later ride a red and silver Triumph 650 Bonneville Desert Sled in the 1968 comedy western, Stay Away Joe.

Despite confirmation that the bikes were indeed purchased by Presley, the subsequent movement of the units is a mystery, with many assuming the bikes to be lost to history.

According to the British firm, the nine bikes likely consisted of 1964 models including the TR6 and T120, which were based on the same platform, but featured different tunes and either one or two carburettors.

The ’64 Bonnie was available in Gold and Alaskan White, while the TR6 came in a distinctive HiFi Scarlet and Silver Sheen, with gold pinstriping, black frame and forks.

Triumph is now looking to track down the missing bikes, with a plea to both the Triumph and Elvis communities to keep eyes peeled for any hints. Those with information are encouraged to contact Triumph at elvistriumph@triumphmotorcycles.com.