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..

[Renn Sport]

Can't we celebrate a British success story?

Well done Triumph.

[Speed addicted]

I really like it. I like the fact that they haven't just stuck the single seat onto the standard frame and have actually done the job properly.

Although I imagine it'll be a similar size to the Thruxton and just too small for me!

[smilo996]

Cannot abide Hipster Swill however they have done a really great job with this. It will sell well, surely.

What happened to this though?

[PistonBroker]

Looks great. Exactly the sort of thing I'd like . . . if only Mrs T would allow!

[WhiteBaron]

Mrs WB has alredy stated she has no interest in getting on the pillion of my existing bike......

I think this looks great

[Gusto]

Looks great, British soft-tail goodness. I look forward to seeing a few about and hope its not too small in the flesh.

[hornetrider]

Love that.

[Wacky Racer]

Duplicate thread:-

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Loyly]

The damper under the rear seat looks like a bit of smart engineering. It's not my kind of bike by any stretch, but I would imagine it'll be as well finished as any modern Triumph. I much prefer the Thruxton R.

I'm looking forward to showing this to a mate of mine. His dad builds similar customs out of Harleys and that sort of thing. He wants to get his bike licence just to ride this sort of bike, I imagine he'll like it.

[ZesPak]

I like this, I like this very much.

Wonder how it will compare to, let's say, the Indian Scout. This'll be smaller and cheaper I recon?

[Speed addicted]

I imagine (based on how the Triumph pricing generally seems to work) it'll come in around the £10k mark, same as the bike it shares an engine with.
So similar costs to the Indian scout.

[FunkyNige]

smilo996 said:

What happened to this though?

That's the 20th anniversary Street Triple isn't it? 3 limited edition paint jobs, 50 of each made
http://www.morebikes.co.uk/three-limited-editions-...

[Dion20vt]

That looks stunning imho!

All I need now is a bike license!!!

[crofty1984]

I'm amazed to see a mainstream factory do something this extreme, rather than "we've added/removed more/less tat".
Well done Triumph!

[73RS]

While not my kind of bike, I can only applaud another excellent product from Triumph. Should sell well.

[sinbad666]

Always loved the idea of a sports bike but this may make me get a licence. Stunning.

[George111]

Very nice !

[stuckmojo]

It looks fantastic. I want one.

[Smpass]

I have never seen the appeal of customs or cruisers before, but this thing leaves me drooling. I think my Triumph Tiger will be getting a new brother in the new year! A fabulous bit of sculpture that. Well done Triumph for having the minerals to make something like this mainstream.