Off the back of their popular range of LAMS-approved 400 singles that started with the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X/XC in 2024, followed by the Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400 (click HERE) in 2026, Triumph Motorcycles has announced two new additions to that family - the ‘Bonneville T40’ and ‘Bonneville T40 Black’ – that will reach Australia in 2027.
While the running gear is mostly the same as the other 400s, these upcoming models feature their own frame, full retro styling and a bunch of modern tech that’ll appeal to new riders. Standard equipment includes TFT instrumentation with navigation, phone and music functionality, smartphone connectivity, five riding modes, cruise control, and lean-sensitive Cornering ABS and Cornering Traction Control.
When Triumph introduced the TR series, a Bonneville-inspired variant seemed like a natural choice, so it’s a little surprising that five models have been released on the platform before a retro model.
“The Bonneville is one of the most significant motorcycles in Triumph's history, so introducing a new model carrying that name comes with a responsibility to get it right,” explained Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, Triumph Motorcycles. “From the outset, our ambition for the T40 and T40 Black was not simply to create a smaller Bonneville, but to create a motorcycle that delivers the style, character and ownership experience riders expect from a genuine Bonneville. Bringing that experience to more riders is strategically important for Triumph, particularly as lower-capacity motorcycle categories continue to grow around the world.”
Authentic Bonneville DNA
While the Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400 had retro elements in their design, the T40 and T40 Black fully embrace the Bonneville heritage. Styling influences from the big Bonnies are immediate and obvious on the smaller versions, from the round headlight and wire spoke wheels, to the teardrop fuel tank, peashooter exhaust and bench seat. There are gaiters on the front forks, while twin-shock rear suspension also defines these ‘junior’ Bonnevilles against other models in the TR series.
Further heritage touches include the tank badge, rubber knee pads and even a classic Meriden Blue and Tangerine Orange colour option, inspired by Triumph’s original Bonneville T120 from 1959. This is one of three colour schemes for the T40; the others being New England White and Jet Black, and Aegean Blue and Fusion White. Hand-painted coachlines are common to all, along with black sidecovers, polished engine covers, a black seat, brushed steel exhaust, aluminium rims and chrome trim.
The T40 Black runs a Matt Pewter Grey and Matt Phantom Black paint scheme (the only colour available) with a brown saddle. Blackout treatment for the engine, exhaust, rims and tinware is in line with other current Triumph models to wear the ‘Black’ label.
The Bonneville influence extends to the upright riding position and relaxed ergonomics, while the seat height of 790mm and wet weight of 191kg should make the T40 accessible to most riders. A low seat (770mm) is optional, while a centre stand is standard.
Single Power, Cycle Parts
While the TR series engine from Triumph’s other 400s carries over mostly unchanged for the Bonneville T40 and T40 Black, the cylinder head is modified, and smaller throttle bodies are fitted. There’s a specific tune, too. This, according to Triumph, is to give the T40 “its own performance and character,” along with a distinctive note, thanks to an all-new exhaust system.
Producing more torque in the lower rev range, engine outputs are listed at LAMS-legal 22.8kW at 7,000rpm, and 36Nm at 5,000rpm. Compared to the Tracker 400/Thruxton 400, power is down by 8kW, with fractionally less torque, too, but Triumph says the T40 is all about providing accessible performance at everyday engine speeds. Fuel capacity is 14.5 litres, with a slip-assist clutch, six-speed gearbox and chain drive completing the drivetrain.
As mentioned, the T40 and T40 Black run a different frame to the other Triumph 400s. The twin-shock rear required a one-piece chassis, rather than the bolt-on rear subframe seen on the other models. This tubular steel frame is suspended at the front by conventional 43mm forks, with the coilover rear shocks offering preload adjustability. Travel is 130mm at each end.
Spoked wheels are in an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear combination, while the braking uses a 310mm fixed disc with twin-piston caliper up front, and a 255m rear disc with singe-piston caliper at the rear.
Assistance in Abundance
Both the Bonneville T40 and T40 Black come with cruise control, Lean-sensitive Optimised Cornering ABS and Optimised Cornering Traction Control, and five selectable riding modes. Along with pre-set ‘Road,’ ‘Rain’ and ‘Eco’ modes are two customisable modes that allow riders to mix and match their preferred level of throttle response, traction control and ABS intervention.
The round instrument pod has a classic look but houses a 4.0-inch full-colour TFT screen, with a ‘Heritage Mode’ display option that mimics analogue gauges. Along with essential information like speed, mileage, gear position, engine temp and fuel level, this display provides access to bike settings and other functions.
For faster access to frequently-used functions, up to five customisable widgets can be configured and accessed via the left-hand switchgear.
Phone connectivity and navigation functionality are standard, with the latter supported by the new Triumph Navigation App that not only provides route and speed limit information, but also allows routes to be planned and shared with other riders.
Available in 2027
With more than 150,000 examples of the TR series models sold globally to date, the upcoming, LAMS-legal Bonneville T40 and T40 Black are sure to add to that figure. Aimed squarely at Royal Enfield’s retro range, as well as the BSA lineup that’s just launched locally, the T40 and T40 Black are due to arrive in Australia in Q1, 2027. Pricing and further details will be released closer to launch.
