Triumph Bonneville STD

Bonneville is a legendary bike from Triumph motors which made its debut in India on 28th November, 2013 . The bike has been named on the salty Flats where motorcycle companies try to create speed records. In this article, we try to figure out more about this classic machine.

Design and Style

The original design of this bike was conceived in 1959. Since then, Triumph has made very few changes in this bike and its retro looking continues to be the biggest USP of this bike. The bike has a low wide stance with low positioned handle bar and headlight. The circular full size headlight of Bonneville has been surrounded by chrome which gives it a vintage look with pointed orange colored side indicators on both sides. The small telescopic forks and big front tyre gives macho look to this bike. Its multi-spoke rims and chrome finished front fender makes it looks catchy. The number plate sits on the top of this fender which takes you back in time. Move to the side of this bike and the heavy usage of chrome continues. Its sleek silencer and engine has been garnished with chrome while the dated yet attractive fuel tank sits on the top of it. This fuel tank has been engraved with company’s name while its color combination also looks captivating. Bonneville has a black colored stepped up seat and side panels. The classic rear styling of this bike differentiates it from other bikes. Its silencers on sides, macho rear tyre and long rear fender can easily grab your attention. The rear chrome finishing on fender complements the look of its full size tail light, side indicators, number plate and reflective light.

Instrument Console

The bike has a naked instrument console which comes with silver finishing. It’s a completely analogue instrument console with twin posh circular dials. The left dial houses an analogue speedometer, odometer and trip meter while its right dial houses its analogue tachometer. The bike lacks fuel gauge but features other essential indicators just below these dials.

Engine and Gearbox

The Indian version of Bonneville will be powered by an air-cooled, parallel twin 865cc engine. The power and torque production of this DOHC engine is almost same. It produces a peak power and torque output of 67 bhp and 68 Nm at 7500 rpm and 5800 rpm respectively. This engine is mated with a five-speed manual gearbox which will have one gear down and four gears up-shit pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

This engine has been specially tuned to give you powerful low and mid-range and that’s evident when you drive this bike. Triumph wants this bike to perform like any powerful cruiser bike with attractive thumping sound. The engine stays quite calm and the sound from its twin silencers gives it a unique identity in the crowd. The tall gear ratios of this bike indicate towards its early availability of torque and power. You don’t need to change gears frequently thanks to its strong low and mid-range. The bike reaches 0-100km/hr in less than 11 seconds which is quite impressive as you don’t have to put much effort while doing so. This five speed gearbox feels extremely smooth and keeps stress away from you in city traffic. The DOHC engine stays calm even at the speed of 150km/hr. The instant throttle reaction is quite helpful in city as well on highways. The bike feels best when driven around 5000rpm mark.

Mileage

The bike is yet to be tested on Indian roads so you will have to wait to know its accurate fuel economy but yes, anything around 20km/ltr is quite acceptable.

Comfort while Driving

The bike is perfect for short riders as one can easily reach its low positioned handle bar which has high quality of plastic buttons and offers firm palm grip. The cushioning of the seat is outstanding; it feels extremely comfortable even on uneven conditions. The rear set foot pegs help you to get aerodynamic position while your knees stick around its fuel tank. This fuel tank comes fitted with leather thigh pads which offers strong grip to your knees.

Storage Space and Safety Features

The lockable side panels of Bonneville offer some storage space. Apart from its powerful headlight, there is no major safety feature in this bike.

Suspension and Brakes

The bike has 41mm KYB telescopic forks at its front with a wheel travel of 120mm while it features chromed adjustable twin shock absorbers at the back. Both wheels of Bonneville are equipped with disc brakes and 2-piston callipers. Its front disc brake is of 310mm and it features single rear disc brake of 255mm.

Ride and Handling

This standard motorcycle offers confident ride and handling. The bike has a long wheelbase of 1490mm which makes it really stable on highways. Its ground clearance of 140mm helps you to turn this bike at slow speeds. The suspension system feels on the softer side and that’s quite evident when you hit sharp corners. The handling of this bike is quite easy, one can easily steer this bike with proper control. The ride quality of this bike also improves thanks to its braking system which gives you sense of control on this bike. We wish if it had a wider rear tyre as the bike loses grip in wet conditions. Apart from this, there is nothing much to criticize about its ride and handling.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

The new bike will feature R17 sizes of tyres. Its shades and variants will be announced after its official launch in India.

Verdict

Triumph Bonneville is available in 2 variants: Bonneville and Bonneville T100, priced at INR 5.70 lakhs and INR 6.60 lakhs respectively. It’s a complete value for money bike. Its vintage looks, powerful engine and comfortable rides make it a good package. The bike is also stuffed with all essential features and most importantly has a successful legacy. Bonneville offer exclusivity on our Indian roads as we are not habitual of seeing such classy bikes.

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