Triumph Bonneville the most famous of all the Triumphs

The Bonneville was a fantastic success and there was competition glory at the Isle of Man TT and Daytona. Triumph's output peaked at around 50,000 bikes a year in the 1960s, with 60 percent exported, primarily to the US.

The original T120 Bonneville was a sporty 650cc twin, basically being an existing Triumph Tiger 110, fitted with optional twin Amal monobloc carburettors, fed by a remote float chamber. Initially the chassis consisted of a standard simplex frame, with running gear common to the rest of the 650cc range. Styling was like the Tiger with a headlight nacelle, swept back touring handlebars and heavy mudguards. Peak output was 46bhp at 6500rpm. In 1960 the T120 was revamped with a new twin cradle frame and forks, a separate headlight, a new seat and sportier mudguards. It could do a genuine 110mph (177km/h) with good mid-range punch and acceptable handling.

The Bonny was regularly updated over the next decade, with the adoption of a unit construction engine and gearbox in 1963. Bonnevilles were popular racers and many were raced with success. John Hartle won the production TT (Isle of Man) in 1967, and Malcolm Uphill set the first production 100mph (160km/h) lap in 1969.

Two model variants that achieved almost mythical status were the T120C TT Racer - reputed to develop almost 55bhp at 6500rpm and a top speed over 120mph - and the T120R Thruxton. Both bikes were produced in small numbers and were much sought after.

In the mid-sixties, Triumph trumped Harley-Davidson at Daytona and produced the road-going race replica of its racer, the T100R Daytona, to celebrate. In 1973 Triumph increased capacity to 744cc to produce the T140 Bonneville.

Despite the success of the Bonneville, parent company BSA was losing money and in 1973 a new company, Norton Villiers Triumph, was formed, which would see Triumph production move to the BSA factory in Birmingham. Workers at the Triumph Meriden factory staged an 18-month sit-in in protest, with a worker's co-operative formed that saw only a limited number of Bonnevilles manufactured, primarily for the American market. The factory doors finally closed in early 1983 and the factory was demolished in 1984.

Property developer John Bloor rescued the Triumph name, and a new privately owned company - Triumph Motorcycles Limited - was born. The designs from the co-operative were outdated, so the new company returned to the drawing board, while Devon-based Racing Spares continued to build Bonnevilles under licence.

A new factory was built in Hinckly, Leicestershire, and a new range of models was developed. Six brand new Triumph motorcycles were unveiled at the Cologne show in September 1990. The dawn of the 21st century saw Triumph build its 100,000th bike at the Hinckly plant, with the unveiling of the new Bonneville revealing the look, feel and soul of the legendary late 1960s T120. It was an immediate success.

2011 Triumph Bonneville/Bonneville SE
Originally introduced in 1959, the Bonneville was the sporting bike of the day and the bike to beat in production-based racing right through to the 1970s.
Today's Bonneville takes the style and spirit of those famous bikes of the 1970s and blends it with thoroughly modern engineering to create a classic British twin for the 21st century rider.
The air-cooled 865cc power plant is a modern design but styled to look like a authentic parallel-twin of the 1960s, right down to the 'carburettors' that hide the modern fuel injectors and dummy pushrod tubes.
But beneath the retro looks lies a very current and usable motorcycle that appeals to new and experienced motorcyclists alike.

Thumb the electric starter and today's Bonneville comes to life instantly and with the distinctive tone that only a parallel twin can deliver. A healthy 68PS and 68Nm of torque give the modern day Bonneville peppy performance that is at home both in the city and on the open road.
Lightweight 17" cast alloy wheels make the Bonneville agile and easy to ride, while the low 740mm seat height makes it accessible to motorcyclists of all ages and experience levels. Short mudguards and stylish chrome megaphone silencers complete the 1970s look.

The higher specification Bonneville SE adds a tachometer, chromed tank badge and brushed alloy engine cases for added practicality and even more classic look. Colour options reflect the traditional styling of the Bonneville. The standard model comes with metallic paint as standard for 2011, with phantom black and crystal white options, while the Bonneville SE is available in phantom black or two dual colour alternatives: Intense orange with phantom black or pacific blue with fusion white.

A wide range of official Triumph accessories are also available for the Bonneville range, including alternative seats, practical screens and leather panniers.
2011 Bonneville T100

Triumph's Bonneville ruled the roads during the 1960s and no modern motorcycle replicates so closely the style and experience of those golden years than the modern day Bonneville T100.

With its traditional wire wheels and coachlined two-tone paintwork, the Bonneville T100 looks like it could have been built in 1969. But look closer and you will see a modern machine dripping with authentic touches only Triumph can deliver.
Outwardly that 865cc parallel-twin may resemble the classic 650cc pushrod motors of 'the day', but the Bonneville T100's double overhead camshaft engine is bang up to date with modern fuel injection for clean running and modern levels of performance and reliability.

Neat retro touches like the 'carburettors' that hide the fuel injectors, dummy pushrod tubes and positioning of the ignition key pay respect to Bonneville legend, but while bypassers will admire the Bonneville T100, it's the riding experience that really delivers. Only the modern disc brakes give the game away.

Turn the key - down at the left-hand side of the headlight just like the first Bonnevilles - and enjoy the mellow soundtrack of that traditional British parallel-twin. Twist the throttle and the 68PS engine delivers real world performance, with the 41mm front forks and traditional chromed rear shocks providing poised handling and a comfortable ride.

While the standard Bonneville and Bonneville SE already deliver an authentic roadster experience, the T100 takes things a stage further with real 1960s detailing. Peashooter silencers, classic two-tone colour options and spoked steel wheels (with a larger 19" front) give the T100 more presence and the sort of kudos only a 'Brit twin' can deliver.

The two-tone colour options complement the traditional Bonneville styling and have the added touch of gold or silver coachlines, painted by hand just as they always have been. Three regular options are available: Phantom black with fusion white, forest green with New England white and the new vintage cream and chocolate. The popular single colour jet black option is also available and comes with matching black-finished engine cases.

Completing the T100's 1960s look are rubber fork gaiters, knee pads and classically styled handlebar mounted speedometer and rev counter, which includes a clock and trip information.