Triumph Bonneville: Difference between revisions

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'''Triumph Bonneville''' can refer to two different [[United Kingdom|British]] [[motorcycle]]s.

{{Infobox Motorcycle

| name = Triumph Bonneville

| image = [[File:ZweiRadMuseumNSU Triumph Bonneville.JPG|frameless|upright=1.35]]

|caption= A [[Triumph Bonneville T120]] with [[Pre-unit construction|pre-unit]] engine on display at the [[Deutsches Zweirad- und NSU-Museum]]

| aka = 'Bonnie'

| manufacturer = [[Triumph Engineering]]<br>[[Triumph Motorcycles Ltd]]

| production = 1959–1983, 1985–1988, 2001–

| predecessor = [[Triumph TR6 Trophy|TR6 Trophy]]

| successor =

| parent_company =

| class =

| power =

| torque =

| platform =

| engine = [[Four-stroke]] [[Straight-twin engine|parallel twin]]

| transmission = 4-speed (later 5-speed & 6-speed)

| rake =

| trail =

| wheelbase =

| length =

| width =

| seat_height =

| dry_weight =

| wet_weight =

| fuel_economy =

| fuel_capacity =

| related =

}}

The '''Triumph Bonneville''' is a [[Types of motorcycles#Standard|standard]] [[motorcycle]] featuring a [[Straight-twin engine|parallel-twin]] [[four-stroke engine]] and manufactured in three generations over three separate production runs.

[[Image:ZweiRadMuseumNSU Triumph Bonneville.JPG|thumb|250px|Triumph „Bonneville“ from 1962 at the [[:de:Deutsches Zweirad- und NSU-Museum|Zweirad-Museum Neckarsulm]]]]

[[Image:Triumph Bonneville T120 engine.png|thumb|200px|right|Customised [[Triumph Bonneville]] T120 [[Unit construction]] engine]]

The first two generations, by the defunct [[Triumph Engineering]] in [[Meriden, West Midlands]], England, were 1959–1983 and 1985–1988.

==Original==

The original Triumph Bonneville was a 650 cc parallel-twin (two cylinder) motorcycle manufactured by [[Triumph Motorcycles|Triumph Engineering Co Ltd]] and later [[Norton-Villiers-Triumph]] between [[1959]] and [[1983]]. initially it was produced as a [[pre-unit construction]] engine but later[1963], [[unit construction]] model was made. It was named after the [[Bonneville Salt Flats]] in the state of [[Utah]], USA, where Triumph and other motorcycle companies made attempts on the world motorcycle speed records. It was popular (particularly in its early years) for its performance, compared to other bikes available. Although later enlarged to 750 cc, in the late 1970s and early 1980s it suffered when compared to more modern and reliable Japanese motorbikes from [[Honda]] and other manufacturers. The T120 engine, both in standard configuration but especially customised for increased performance, was popular for installing in [[café racer]]s, particularly [[Triton motorcycle|Triton]]s but also [[Tribsa]]s.

The third series, by [[Triumph Motorcycles Ltd|Triumph Motorcycles]] in [[Hinckley]], [[Leicestershire]], began in 2001 and continues to the present as a completely new design that strongly resembles the original series.

==New Bonneville==

The new Triumph Bonneville by Triumph Motorcycles Ltd was released in 2001. It has a 790 cc parallel-twin motor the same configuration as the original "Bonnie," as they are collectively known. The Bonneville engine uses a carburettor (as opposed to fuel injection), chain-type final drive, and other features consistent with the original production Bonneville. The Bonneville serves as the base from which all of Triumph's "Modern Classics" line is derived, including the [[Triumph Bonneville T100|T100]], [[Triumph Bonneville Thruxton|Thruxton]], and [[Triumph Bonneville Scrambler|Scrambler]].

The name Bonneville derives from the famous [[Bonneville Salt Flats]], Utah, USA, where Triumph and others attempted to break the [[Motorcycle land speed record|motorcycle speed records]].<ref>Nelson, 2001. p. 28.</ref>

In 2006, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. launched the "Sixty-Eight" line of Bonneville accessories. These include both vintage and modern aesthetic modifications, to include seats, seat covers, cam covers, sprocket covers, petrol tank covers, tank badges, panniers, and other items. The Sixty-Eight line provides a complete set of [[OEM]] parts that allow Bonneville owners to possess a truly distinctive and unique motorcycle with less cost than traditional customizations. As of 2007 all Bonneville motorcycles have the larger 865cc engine. This offers slightly more power than the 790 and no additional weight.

==Development history==

The Bonneville is held by many to be a "nostalgia" bike that serves to be a reminder of the 1960s era Bonnevilles, and is marketed towards the demographic of motorcycle riders who previously owned older-model Bonnevilles, but who also want the convenience of electric starting mechanisms, fewer oil leaks, and better fuel economy. Thus, "new" Bonnevilles have a reputation for being ridden by older motorcyclists and those who enjoy this bike's timeless appeal. This claim is, however, unsupported by any concrete data.

==Cultural=T120 referencesBonneville===

{{Main|Triumph Bonneville T120}}

The 60’s saw a stream of Hollywood and home-grown celebrities riding Triumphs and cementing the marques global cult status; Steve McQueen (The Great Escape), Marlon Brando(The Wild One), Clint Eastwood, James Dean and Bob Dylan to name a few. In England the triumph was, and still is infamous for its connection to the "Rocker" culture centered around the Ace cafe. Additionally, the Triumph Bonneville was cemented in its legendary status due to numerous land speed records set at the Utah salt flats beginning in the 1950's and continuing through today.

The original Triumph Bonneville was a 650&nbsp;cc [[Straight-twin engine|parallel-twin]] motorcycle manufactured by [[Triumph Engineering]] and later by [[Norton Villiers Triumph]] between 1959 and 1974. It was based on the company's [[Triumph Tiger T110]] and was fitted with the Tiger's optional twin 1&nbsp;3/16&nbsp;in [[Amal (motorcycle)|Amal]] [[monobloc engine|monobloc carburettors]] as standard, along with that model's high-performance inlet [[camshaft]]. Initially it was produced with a [[pre-unit construction]] engine which enabled the bike to achieve 115&nbsp;mph without further modification, but later in 1963 a [[unit construction]] model was introduced which was stiffer and more compact, including additional bracing at the steering head and swing arm. The steering angle was altered and improved forks were fitted a couple of years later, which, together with the increased stiffness enabled overall performance to match that of the Bonneville's rivals.<ref>''The History of British Motoring'', 2007. pp. 166–167.</ref> Later T120 Bonnevilles used a new frame which contained the engine oil instead of using a separate tank; this became known as the ''oil in frame'' version. The T120 engine, both in standard configuration and especially when tuned for increased performance, was popular in [[café racer]]s such as [[Tribsa]]s (BSA frame) and particularly [[Triton motorcycle|Triton]]s (Norton [[featherbed frame]]).

===T140 Bonneville===

In the 1970's the Triumph Bonneville was closely connected to the actor Henry Winkler and his role as the "Fonz" on the hit show "Happy Days." Additionally,the Triumph Bonneville is mentioned in passing in the [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]] song ''[[Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!]]'' (1976):

{{Main|Triumph Bonneville T140}}

The 650&nbsp;cc T120 Bonneville, was joined in 1973 by the T140 Bonneville, the same basic machine but with a 750&nbsp;cc engine. Designated T140V, the new Bonneville featured a larger-capacity engine of 724&nbsp;cc, a five-speed gearbox and a single disc front brake. Shortly after, the engine was further bored out to 744&nbsp;cc. After a factory lock-in by the Meriden workers for over a year kept Triumph twin cylinder models off the market place, only the larger Bonneville returned afterwards in 1975. By then, the gearchange foot lever had been moved from right to left to comply with new regulations mandated for the American market and a rear disc brake fitted. Several T140 models followed featuring various styling and engineering modifications and refinements including electronic ignition from 1979 and electric starting from 1980 until production ceased with the closure of the Meriden works in 1983.<ref>[http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/Motorcycle-Manufacturers/Triumph/September-October-2008/Triumphs-Last-Days.aspx "Triumph's Last Days"] ''Motorcycle Classics'' magazine, Sept/Oct 2008</ref>

Although this should have been the end of the Bonneville, as it turned out it was not. Triumph Motorcycles was acquired by businessman John Bloor, who licensed a company called Racing Spares in [[Devon]], run by [[Les Harris (businessman)|Les Harris]] to manufacture the T140 Bonneville. These continuation bikes known as 'Devon' or 'Harris' Bonnevilles did not reach the market until 1985 and were not sold in the U.S. market. Production of these ended in 1988.<ref>Nelson, 2001. p. 59.</ref><ref>''The History of British Motoring'', 2007. pp. 180–181.</ref>

:''He once owned a [[Harley Davidson]] and a Triumph Bonneville.''

:''Counted his friends in burned out [[Spark plug|spark plugs]]''

:''And prays that he always will.''

:''But he's the last of the blue blood [[Greaser (subculture)|greaser boys]]''

:''All of his mates are doing time''

:''Married with three kids up by the ring road''

:''Sold their souls straight down the line''

==New Bonneville (800, 900 & 1200)==

In the 1980's the stunt man Evil Knievel chose the Bonneville for his attempt at jumping the Caesar fountain. And today, the triumph continues to thrive with the connection it maintains with many high-profile figures, such as Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughy, Hugh Lawrie, Nicholas Cage and Joseph Fiennes, choosing to ride Triumph’s. Recent requests from leading motion picture and television studios to Triumph Motorcycles have resulted in key motorcycle placements within blockbusters including: Mission Impossible II, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Daredevil, Tuck Everlasting, Torque and Terminator III.

Bloor's [[Triumph Motorcycles Ltd]] launched a completely new model, the Bonneville 800 (790cc), in September 2001. Originally built exclusively in Hinckley, England, some models are now (2014) produced at the company's Thailand manufacturing facility, which also makes components and accessories for various Triumph motorbikes. The new Bonneville strongly resembles the earlier models in style and basic configuration, but with modern engineering. At the debut the new version was given a 790&nbsp;cc parallel-twin engine, with the up-spec T100 receiving an 865&nbsp;cc engine from 2005. From 2007 on, all Bonnevilles received the 865&nbsp;cc engine. Through 2007, all engines had [[carburettor]]s; [[electronic fuel injection]] (EFI) was then introduced to the 2008 models in Britain and to United States models in the 2009 model year, in both cases to comply with increasingly stringent emissions requirements. Dummy carburettors, which are actually redesigned throttle bodies made to resemble carburettors, have been added to the 2009 models to retain the original vintage styling of previous years. For 2016, Triumph introduced an all new T120 1200cc 270° [[liquid-cooled]], [[SOHC]], version of the Bonneville, then in 2017 a T100 900cc version.

From 2008, all Bonnevilles received a slightly larger and reshaped tank to accommodate the EFI pump, but the tank capacity was not altered. Even though US 2008 models were not injected they still received the larger tank, therefore the space for the pump was not used.

All the bikes in Triumph's current "Modern Classics" line are derived from the new Bonneville, including the SE (with a smaller front wheel to be marketed to riders who may have found the 19' wheel too tall), [[Triumph Bonneville T100|T100]], [[Triumph Thruxton 900|Thruxton]], [[Triumph Bonneville Scrambler|Scrambler]], [[Triumph Bonneville America|America]], and [[Triumph Speedmaster|Speedmaster]].

In 2006, Triumph launched the "Sixty-8" line of Bonneville accessories, offering vintage and modern-style items including seats, seat covers, cam covers, sprocket covers, petrol tank covers, tank badges, panniers, and other items to allow Bonneville owners the opportunity to customise their bikes for considerably less cost than traditional customisations. The adoption of the EFI engine in 2008 rendered many of these accessories obsolete, since tank covers, tank badges etc. would not fit the redesigned tank.

The original T120 Bonneville was a speed-orientated motorcycle, but the new Bonnevilles are softer and aimed at the roadster market. In particular, the 865cc Bonneville competes directly with the [[Harley-Davidson Sportster|Harley-Davidson 883]], with MotorCycle News declaring that "Triumph Bonneville is unquestionably the better motorcycle. The handling is more than respectable, the brakes markedly better and, of course, it's British."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/triumph/bonneville-900/2000/|title=TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 900 (2000-on) Review}}</ref>

==Models==

{{overly detailed|section|date=December 2019}}

Many different versions of the original Bonneville were produced; suffix letters were given to denote the exact model. Listed below in chronological order are the main types and their features:

===T120 Bonneville===

[[File:Triumph Bonneville IMG 2738.jpg|thumb|1970 US specification Triumph Bonneville T120R with 650cc [[Unit construction]] engine]]

*[[Triumph Bonneville T120|T120]]: Home and general export model.

*T120R: Export model for the United States of America.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T120|T120C]]: Export competition model with high-level exhaust pipes.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T120|T120TT]]: 1964 export dirt track racing model of the T120C for the U.S. East Coast. 'Thruxton' models were factory homologated road racing models, to special order.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T120|T120RV]]: Five-speed gearbox.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T120|T120V]]: Five-speed gearbox with front disk brake.

===T140 Bonneville===

*[[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140V]]: The initial model of the T140. The 'V' indicated a five-speed gearbox. Produced between 1972 and 1978.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140RV]]: Export version of T140V.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140J]]: Limited edition of 1,000 each (plus 400 for Commonwealth export) of the T140V in USA and UK specification, produced to commemorate the 1977 [[Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II]].

[[File:T140.JPG|thumb|1980 T140E Bonneville]]

*[[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140E]]: The letter 'E' stood for [[Emission standard|emissions]], enabling export to the USA market. This model featured redesigned [[Amal (carburetor)|Amal]] carburetors soon joined by [[Lucas Industries plc|Lucas]] [[electronic ignition]] to further assist meet emission regulations.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140D]]: Limited edition. T140D offered with Lester, later Morris, cast wheels in black/gold scheme only. The US version had a special siamesed exhaust system unique to this model. The 'D' stood for [[Daytona Beach]], USA, where the model was conceived.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140ES]]: Electric start or 'Electro' Bonneville.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140AV]]: Anti-vibration engine mountings.

*[[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140LE]]: Limited Edition. 250 'Royal' Bonnevilles were built to commemorate the 1981 marriage of [[Diana, Princess of Wales|Lady Diana Spencer]] and [[Prince Charles]].

*T140W TSS: The [[Triumph T140W TSS]]. Introduced 1982. Eight-valve [[cylinder head]] and revised [[crankshaft]] to reduce vibration. The TSS stood for 'Triumph Super Sports'. The 'W' stood for Weslake whose cylinder head design Triumph adapted.

*T140TSX: A custom-styled T140, the [[Triumph T140 TSX]] featured Morris cast wheels, the rear being 16-inch diameter, stepped seat and special finish.

*Harris T140: Built under license 1985 to 1988 by [[Les Harris (businessman)|Les Harris]] after the Meriden factory closed and featuring significantly more Italian and German component parts.

===New Bonneville===

[[File:2007 Triumph Bonneville Black.jpg|thumb|A customized 2007 Triumph Bonneville Black model]]

[[File:Triumph Bonneville on the street.jpg|thumb|2009 Triumph Bonneville SE with cast alloy wheels]]

[[File:Triumph Bonneville T100 (2011).jpg|thumb|2011 Triumph Bonneville T100]]

*[[Triumph Bonneville 790|Bonneville 790]]: Introduced 2000. Original ''790&nbsp;cc'' model

*Bonneville: Current (2014) baseline model. In 2009 the baseline model gained cast alloy wheels, tank badge in decal form, black engine covers and up-swept megaphone exhaust silencers

*Bonneville Black: 2004 to 2008. Variation on baseline model with black paint and introducing the black engine covers subsequently used across the family from 2004, except on the Speedmaster, SE and T100.

From 2008, all models received a bigger reshaped tank (see above).

*Bonneville SE: Introduced 2009. Uprated model still with black engine, cast alloy wheels and upswept megaphone exhaust silencers, but with traditional metal tank badge, polished alloy engine covers and 'shortie' mudguards. Available with two-tone colour scheme

*[[Triumph Bonneville T100|T100]]: Top-of-the-range model with spoked wire wheels, fork gaiters, two-tone tank colour scheme, twin 'peashooter' exhausts, chromed engine covers, Triumph logo on seat,

*[[Triumph Thruxton 900|Thruxton]]: Introduced 2004. Redesigned Bonneville with 60s [[café racer]] styling. First model with the larger 865&nbsp;cc engine.

*[[Triumph Bonneville Scrambler|Scrambler]]: Introduced 2006. Redesigned Bonneville with off-road styling of the T100C version of the [[Triumph Tiger 100]], the TR6C, and the [[Triumph Trophy Trail (TR5T)]]

*[[Triumph Bonneville America|America]]: Semi-cruiser styled model with lengthened wheelbase, lowered saddle. Primarily intended for the United States of America.

*[[Triumph Speedmaster|Speedmaster]]: 'Factory custom' cruiser based on the Triumph Bonneville America

;2016-2018 "Modern Classics" Line

[[File:2017 Bonneville T120 CSNDCC1.jpg|thumb|2017 Bonneville T120 1200&nbsp;cc motorcycle]]

[[File:2025 Triumph Bonneville Bobber.jpg|thumb|2025 Bonneville Bobber]]

*Bonneville T120 water cooled ''1200&nbsp;cc'' 2016–

*Bonneville T100 Water Cooled ''900&nbsp;cc'' 2017–

*[[Triumph Thruxton|Thruxton]] Water Cooled ''1200&nbsp;cc'' 2016

*Thruxton Air Cooled ''865&nbsp;cc'' 2016–

*Bobber 1200&nbsp;cc: 2017–

*[[Triumph Scrambler|Scrambler]] ''865&nbsp;cc'' 2016–

*Street Twin ''900&nbsp;cc'' 2016–

*Street Cup ''900&nbsp;cc'' 2016–

*Street Scrambler ''900&nbsp;cc'' 2016–

*Speedmaster 2018–

* Speed Twin 2018–

==See also==

*[[List of Triumph motorcycles]]

*[[BSA Rocket 3/Triumph Trident]]

*[[Triumph Triple]] - Hinckley

*[[List of motorcycles of the 1950s]]

==References==

===Notes===

{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===

{{refbegin}}

*{{cite book

| last = Bacon

| first = Roy

| title = Triumph T140 Bonneville and Derivatives, 1973-1988

| publisher = Niton Publishing

| year = 1990

| isbn = 978-1-85648-305-6 }}

*{{cite book

| last = Bacon

| first = Roy

| title = Triumph Twins and Triples

| publisher = Niton Publishing

| year = 1995

| isbn = 978-1-85579-026-1 }}

*{{cite book

| last = Davies

| first = Ivor

| title = Triumph-The Complete Story

| publisher = The Crowood Press

| year = 1991

| isbn = 978-1-86126-149-6 }}

*{{cite book

| last = Gaylin

| first = David

| title = Triumph Motorcycle Restoration Guide-Bonneville and TR6, 1956-1983

| publisher = MBI Publishing Company

| year = 1997

| isbn = 978-0-7603-0183-8 }}

*{{cite book

| last = McDiarmid

| first = Mac

| title = Triumph-The Legend

| publisher = Parragon Publishing

| year = 1997

| isbn = 978-0-7525-2080-3 }}

*{{cite book

| last = Nelson

| first = John

| title = Bonnie - The Development History of the Triumph Bonneville

| publisher = Haynes Publishing

| year = 2001

| isbn = 978-0-85429-957-7 }}

*{{cite book

| last = Robson

| first = Graham

| title = The History of British Motoring

| publisher = Abbeydale Press

| year = 2007

| isbn = 978-1-86147-197-0 }}

{{refend}}

==External links==

{{Commons category|Triumph Bonneville}}

*[http://www.thebikeshed.net/ theBikeShed Classic Triumph Motorcycle Restoration 1963 - 1970]

*[http://www.triumph.co.uk Official Triumph corporate site]

*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070824000014/http://www.mcqueenonline.com/2006triumphbonnevillescrambler.htm Photo gallery of the 2006 Triumph Scrambler]}}

*[http://www.classicbike.biz/Triumph/Triumph.htm Original Brochures, Ads, & Manuals for Bonneville]

*[http://www.classicbike.net/mx/ Lots of info on the Triumph Bonneville]

[[Category:Triumph motorcycles|Bonneville]]

[[Category:1959 introductions]]

{{Triumph motorcycles Meriden}}

{{UK-stub}}

{{Triumph motorcycles Hinckley}}

{{motorcycle-stub}}

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[[frCategory:Triumph Motorcycles Ltd motorcycles|Bonneville]]

[[Category:Standard motorcycles]]

[[fi:Triumph Bonneville]]

[[Category:Motorcycles introduced in 1959]]

[[Category:Motorcycles introduced in 2001]]

[[Category:Motorcycles powered by straight-twin engines]]

[[Category:Triumph Engineering motorcycles]]