Triumph Bonneville Bobber - inside line

PH2 chats with Triumph's Stuart Wood, chief engineer for the brand's all-new Bonneville Bobber

Want to know more about Triumph's stunning new Bobber? We asked the man who designed it, Stuart Wood, to give us the inside line on Triumph's latest modern retro.

Why is now the right time for a Bonneville Bobber?
"When we updated the Bonneville range and introduced the 1200 models it gave us a chance to think about what models we wanted within that range. It also allowed us to create more differentiation between the bikes and so we could build the ultimate cafe racer in the Thruxton, the ultimate traditional classic in the Bonneville T120 and then other bikes where Triumph has a history such as the Bobber. It gave us the ideal opportunity to deliver a focused and unique Triumph bobber model."

Is designing a bobber a big departure in engineering terms compared to a modern classic such as the Bonnie?
"In engineering terms, the Bobber is a totally new motorcycle. It has the Bonnie's HT engine, with a different tune to suit the Bobber's character, but the rest of the bike is totally new. The frame, brakes, wheels, mudguards, tank, swing arm, everything is new."

What unique challenges does designing a bobber throw up?
"If you look at how we packaged and hid the technology on the T120 and Thruxton models to ensure they looked clean and elegant, the Bobber takes that to another level as we have effectively removed the back of the bike, lowered the seat and exposed even more of the bike! And yet we have still hidden all the technology. That was a huge task and the team behind the bike have been fantastic."

Why go to so much work?
"The Bobber is all about elegance, it has to look right and be a true bobber."

Why the 'swing cage' swing arm?
"This gives us a hardtail look but with suspension that actually works and is comfortable as well as giving good wheel control. We ride bikes and the Bobber has to ride well and look beautiful. The shock is nice and short, but the swing arm's design allows it to work properly as well."

How does the Bobber's geometry compare to the Bonneville's?
"It is a little bit more relaxed, but only slightly. We wanted to ensure that the front of the bike looks like a Bonneville as that makes it very definitely a British bobber. When you see the Bobber you instantly think Bonneville."

Why make the seat's position variable?
"It's about allowing the rider to experiment. On its forward setting it is a more of an engaging riding position and you will change your riding attitude a bit. These bikes are all about feel and attitude and this allows you to change how you ride it."

Will a pillion seat be an option?
"No, it's a single-seat bike. The fact this is only a solo bike means we can give it a really low stance as it requires less suspension movement and that gives it more attitude."

How different is the Bobber's engine to the Bonneville's motor?
"The engine is the same, with the higher inertia crank but the exhaust, intakes and airbox are different on the Bobber and it has a different tune for more power down the rev range. The cam and final gearing are identical."

"Some accuse the Bonneville of being a bit too relaxed and almost too smooth, possibly even flat and docile in its power delivery. Is the Bobber very different?
"It is a totally different feeling motor, which you will find out when you ride it. The Bonneville is very refined where the Thruxton is more aggressive, the Bobber will have its own unique feel."

Why only give it a single front disc?
"It is appropriate for this style of bike, giving an uncluttered and elegant front end, and is more than up to the job. The Bobber is also lighter than the Bonnie."

Can a British company really make an authentic bobber? Aren't they traditionally American?
"Some of the very first bobbers were based around Triumphs, so yes we can! But this is very definitely a Bonneville that has been bobbed, and not Americanised in any way."

During the preview of the Bobber, Triumph also showed off a fully accessorised bike complete with high bars. To us it looks a bit too American, but if it floats your boat all the parts can be bought, and fitted, by your local Triumph dealer when the bikes arrive in February.