MY COMPLETE TEST OF THE TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE

The first test ride of the Triumph Bonneville ensured that I returned soon to the showroom during my very next visit to Mumbai.

As usual, there were no unnecessary procedures, no marketing gimmicks or any type of commitment about when I wanted to purchase the bike. I was given the keys to the Bonneville (Or Bonnie as it is usually referred to) and off I went. My detailed views on every aspect of the Bonnie T100 (There are two models available the Bonneville SE And T100, discussed in detail in my next blog) follow:

Engine:

I was a little more adventurous during this second test ride and revved the engine more to see the potential of the 865CC engine putting out 67BHP of power and max torque of 68NM. I was pleasantly surprised. The engine was just as elegant and smooth at 6000 RPM as it was at 3000 RPM. Also, the engine behaviour at higher and lower revs was the same. No additional vibrations, no loud exhaust note, nothing. Just the uninterrupted power delivery through the smooth accelerator. I believe that the engine comes equipped with balancer shafts that cancel out vibrations created by the movement of the two pistons.

I was told that the Bonneville also comes standard with oil cooler (I am not sure if this is in India only or in all Bonnies). This helps control the viscosity of oil and ensures that the engine does not switch off, even if the engine temperature increases in traffic or at low speeds. This is a unique and very essential addition made by Triumph and it makes it possible to use the bike daily without hassles.

Oil Cooler in front of the engine

During the test ride, I found that the tall gears ensured that the torque was distributed throughout the rev range. This meant that I could ride at 60 km/hr or at 120 km/hr in the 5^th gear. No need for frequent gear changes, which is a boon in city traffic.

Ride:

The ride quality of the Bonnie T100 is where the real surprise lay for me. I was prepared for a heavy, difficult and awkward handling bike, especially in the city (Thanks to my earlier test rides of the HD).  But the rigid frame & swing arm of the Bonnie, along with the  19” front wheel and 17” rear wheel made the bike agile and surprisingly easy to ride. 

The fuel tank design ensures that the legs fit perfectly around them and the tall riding height means minimum strain on the back and wrists. I found the foot pegs slightly behind as compared to the RE, but this position is very comfortable and also keeps the legs away from the engine heat.

I do wish that the bike with a 6 speed instead of a 5 speed. The engine seems to be stretching in the 5th gear and I found myself often checking if I was already in top gear.

Overall, I found that the bike is perfect for city traffic and is no slouch on the highways either, always asking for more, accelerating through the gears and eating up the tarmac without any fuss. For a lifestyle rider like me, this is the best combination, as I get a sensible and practical bike for the city and also an eager and powerful bike for the long weekend rides.

Looks:

Although the performance of the bike was good, the looks are also important in choosing any bike. Triumph has spent a lot of time and effort in maintaining the classic looks of the Bonnie. The result is a bike, which still has its ‘60s styling charm, but is packed with the latest technology.

Classic Peashooter Exhausts

Engine-wise, the look is old school with Triumph going to long lengths to maintain the classic look, even making the fuel injection look like a pair of carburettors  I personally loved the chrome covers over the engine and the peashooter silencers, which complete the look to the T.

Chrome engine covers

Clever EFI design

Cosmetically, the spoke wheels, flat seat with white piping, embossed tank badges, dual tone colour theme with hand painted lines all scream old-school design. The instrument cluster comes in the traditional round dials but is upgraded with analog speedo and tachometer along with the warning lights and digital odometer with 02 trip meters. There are some warning lights and turn indicator lights. No low fuel warning light or engine temperature information though.

Smart & Functional Instrument Cluster

Overall, the look of the bike is charming and I loved the small details put into the bike.

Safety:

The Bonnie comes with Nissin dual disc brakes as standard. Unfortunately, I found that ABS is not even offered as an option, which is surprising for a bike with such power.

Overall, I can summarize the bike in its pros and cons.

Pros:

• Exceptional paintjob with customized detailing by hand  
• Classic looks with old school looking engine
• Great ride quality 
• Comes as a “riding” bike with all basic requirements as standard. All accessories are for customization, and not compulsorily required. This is a complete change over Harleys, which even require a rear seat, sold separately as an accessory in some models.

Cons:

X Key socket on the left hand side, beside the headlight. Inconvenient to reach and the keys scratch the paintjob

X Separate keys for ignition and handle lock

X No fuel gauge. Only low fuel warning light. 

X Fuel cap without lock

  

Ignition Key Socket

The entire experience of the bike is understated and classic. It’s difficult to immediately make out that it’s a large imported bike. The exhaust is smooth and classy, and you can ride by any vehicle without them realizing that such a huge and powerful bike is passing them.

The Bonneville is not a loud, in your face type of vehicle. It does not announce it’s arrival through loud exhaust notes, but rather glides in on a magic carpet, keeping the rider smiling and wanting more till the very end. You can say that the Bonnie is for the connoisseur of pure art on two-wheels and not for the wannabe rider.

This was it. My mind was made up. There was something magical with this bike, and I wanted to be part of the magic. 

Keep reading my next blog where I share the commonalities and some very important differences between the two Bonnie models available in India. Of course, my final choice is also disclosed :)