Friday 21st October 2016

New Triumph Bonneville Bobber

Triumph expands the Bonneville range for 2017 with a stripped down bobber

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After the launch of the Street Twin, new T120 Bonneville and Thruxton models last year, Triumph's sales have seen a steady increase. Spurred on by the new retro range (which itself saw a 68 per cent spike compared to last year) the firm is up 14 per cent year on year as it reaps the benefits of the trend for retro-modern bikes. For next year the firm is after an even greater slice of the action as it expands the large capacity range further with the introduction of the new Bonneville Bobber.

You want retro? Triumph has it

As the name suggests, the Bobber is a stripped back machine in the traditional bobber style with minimalist looks and a low stance. Using the Bonneville's 1200HT 'High Torque' engine as a base, Triumph has given it a retune through a different exhaust, fuel map and airbox to inject a bit more spice in the low end and mid-range. The electronics remain the same with traction control, ABS and two fuel maps, not to mention optional heated grips and cruise control. But the whole shebang has been stuck in a brand new chassis. And this is a very important point.

Rather than simply hack the Bonnie's chassis around, Triumph has created a whole new frame and swing arm to give the Bobber a truly authentic look. The front end may appear similar to the Bonnie, but it is actually all new, with a single brake disc and 19-inch front wheel while the swing arm is also unique to the Bobber. To give the correct hardtail lines, the damper has been mounted within a 'swing cage' that hides it from sight while the rear wheel is a chunky 16-inch item that runs a 150-section tyre. And the innovations don't stop there, the single seat (no pillion option) is moveable both forward and backwards as well as up and down (690mm at its lowest point) to alter the riding stance, which is a neat touch and what we have come to expect from the firm's chief engineer, Stuart Wood. The speedo can also be angled downwards to clean up the rider's view should you so wish and there are loads of other smart touches such as the slash cut pipes, drum-style rear hub, retro battery box and hidden catalytic converter with twin-skin same exhaust system as on the Bonnie.

Triumph hasn't released a price for the Bobber yet, or its power and weight figures, but it should be in the shops by February next year. And if you are wondering which colour to buy, just check out the stunning green and silver option which Triumph says is 'British racing with a twist'. Lovely.

[Fire99]

With the 'retro' market being what it is and Triumph still seeming to be motorcycle 'darlings', I can see these selling very well.

I think it looks ace..

[Fire99]

Even the stock silencer looks pretty decent, which when you look a lot of modern exhausts and all the Euro emissions malarkey, is quite impressive too.