Taking many cues from Triumph’s past – the original was first manufactured in 1959 – the Bonneville cleverly matches authenticity and tradition to modern needs and has found real relevance today with riders looking for a simple, honest and useful machine.

It’s an easy-to-manage motorcycle, thanks to a low seat height of 30.5 in. and similarly low center of gravity. The sturdy frame and relaxed steering geometry provide composure at speed as well as ensuring the Bonnie needs only light input at the handlebars. Modern tires and disc brakes front and rear add to the assured roadholding, handling and stopping ability. All riders – from those with little experience to those with lots – appreciate the Bonneville’s excellent open road manners and also its agility in jammed city streets.

The Bonnie’s air-cooled, 790 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine offers a simple, striking look coupled with modern engineering techniques and materials. Both pistons rise and fall together – via a 360° crankshaft firing interval – giving the distinctive feel and character of a British twin-cylinder engine. The engine produces ninety percent of peak torque, a very healthy 44 lbs. ft. at 3,500 rpm, and maintains this figure through to the redline, providing smooth acceleration in any of the five gears.

Twin electrically heated 36 mm carburetors feed the engine and are fitted with throttle position sensors. A pair of ‘peashooter’ style mufflers deal with exhaust gases and have a very traditional look, as does the triangular engine cover and lefthand side clutch casing, both quintessentially Triumph.

Three paint options – Aluminum Silver, Goodwood Green and Jet Black are available. The extra option of the black engine finish with the Jet Black paint adds a subtle alternative.