When Triumph introduced an entirely new Bonneville line up earlier this year, the rumor was that the next model to join it would be a Scrambler. Triumph has taken a different path, though, by announcing the addition of a bobber to the Bonneville mix.
Current Bonneville owners might be aghast, but old school chopper and bobber builders – dead or alive – might be smiling at the irony since Triumph was a mainstay of that style of customs going back to the late 1940s.
While the Triumph Bonneville Bobber has a decidedly retro look, the company announced it has included many of the same advanced features found in the T120 line like ride-by-wire, dual selectable riding modes (road and rain), ABS, switchable traction control, and a torque assisted clutch.
The Bobber will be powered by a 1200 cc engine, similar to the one found in the current T120s and Thruxtons, but it has been tuned for more torque and power. The frame, suspension and chassis are also different from the current T120 line.
The company hasn't released any performance specs yet, but the current T120s are pushing out 80 hp and 77.4 ft. lbs of torque, so it will be interesting to see what kind of numbers the Bonneville Bobber produces.
One feature on the Bobber that sounds entirely brilliant, though, is what is described as a slotted seat design that will let the rider position the seat "up and forward" or "down and backwards." The latter will put the rider at a seat height of 690 mm (27 inches). A quick release feature will allow the handlebar-mounted gage to be adjusted to match the rider's seating position.
Topping out the retro vibe of the Bonneville Bobber is a stainless steel strap, bar end mirrors, rear mudguard loop, carb-styled twin throttle bodies, broad adjustable levers, traditional rubber gaiters, classic rear drum brake-inspired hub, and wire spoke wheels.
Triumph has not yet released any pricing or availability details for the Bonneville Bobber. A partnership with Fox to offer an optional double rear suspension and another with Vance & Hines for adjustable end caps for the Bobber's exhaust, indicates that the company is already looking at this bike as a fresh canvas for amateur and custom builders.
Source: Triumph Motorcycles