Triumph: Do it the British way - Behind the wheel magazine

- motorcycle model, Triumph brand

The Triumph Speedmaster is a small cruiser that's ready to take on big challenges. The appearance of the motorcycle is designed in the style of hot rods. This is noticeable by the impressive front wheel on a thin tire and with an almost “transparent” alloy wheel. Also, the blackened steering wheel and headlights fit well into the overall composition, contrasting with the aluminum shine of the engine elements. The engine itself is stylized as an old-school carburetor model, hiding a young injection “heart” under its “senile” appearance.

The motor's power and torque are also fine. The famous parallel twin-cylinder engine is optimally tuned for highway and city driving modes. The transmission of traction to the wheels occurs smoothly throughout almost the entire rev range. The response to turning the throttle is completely clear and predictable - even a beginner will avoid unexpected jerks and unnecessary accelerations. Lovers of comfort in everything will appreciate the use of a balancing shaft - it is very good at suppressing engine vibrations even at idle. Two “boilers” of the engine paired with an exhaust system produce a charismatic growl that is pleasant to the ear of a real biker.

The motorcycle is built on the basis of a tubular steel frame traditional for the class. A feature of the bike's chassis can be considered a rather low center of gravity - another way to attract the attention of novice cruisers. This design has excellent steering and control, which will be appreciated not only by beginners, but also by experienced bikers. The suspension of the Triumph Speedmaster is represented by a fork and shock absorbers from Kayaba. Good moves and the ability to adjust make it a reliable ally in overcoming uneven roads and long “runs” along the tracks.

Produced since 2003

Country of origin UK

Triumph Thunderbird powertrain

The power unit of the Triumph Thunderbird is a liquid-cooled in-line twin.
The radiator is “disguised” between the front frame pipes. Buyers will be offered a kit that allows them to convert the standard 85 hp. and 1600 cm³ per 100 hp. and 1700 cm³. The power unit of the Triumph Thunderbird is a liquid-cooled in-line twin. The radiator is “disguised” between the front frame pipes. Buyers will be offered a kit that allows them to convert the standard 85 hp. and 1600 cm³ per 100 hp. and 1700 cm³.

The cream of the crop is Harley-Davidson, Victory and four of their Japanese competitors, all of whom make V-twin cruisers. But Triumph decided not to create another Harley clone: engineers turned to corporate traditions and developed an in-line “two”. The British love to do everything their own way!

Triumph Bonneville Bobber 2021

The Triumph Bonneville Bobber is back, but its Bobber Black cousin is not. The popular modern classic not only received a Euro 5-compatible 1200 cc High Torque, but also became better thanks to an enlarged gas tank - from 9.1 to 12 liters, which is enough for at least 240 km.

Other significant changes to the Triumph Bonneville Bobber include a significantly smaller front wheel, from 19 to 16 inches, an enlarged Showa fork to 47mm, a new standard cruise control with one button control, a new dashboard design, LED headlight with daytime running lights, and black painting the engine, valve cover and sprocket housings. The model will be available in two new, Matt Storm Grey/Matt Ironside and Cordovan Red, and one old, Jett Black, colors.

The catalog of factory accessories for Bobber contains 77 items.

Triumph Thunderbird tail light

The rear light - a classic teardrop shape - adorns the fender.
The license plate illumination is assigned to a separate lamp. The rear light - a classic teardrop shape - adorns the fender. The license plate illumination is assigned to a separate lamp.

What is a “cruiser in English”? I had the opportunity to try out a pre-production Triumph Thunderbird prototype before the official press test. However, if the car differs from the serial one, it is only a little. I must warn you right away: this motorcycle is much better “live” than in the photographs. Designer Tim Prentice managed to create an unusually successful image of how the metal frame envelops the impressively sized engine. Moreover: the device is harmonious - you must admit, this cannot always be said about a cruiser. And the blue paint with white marking stripes brings to mind the AC Cobra - an Anglo-American four-wheel hybrid, a large V8 Yankee tank in the chassis of a light British sports car.

Triumph Thunderbird panel

On the dashboard located on the gas tank there is a large speedometer and a tachometer located in its lower part.
The liquid crystal display can display the time and values of total and daily mileage (including mileage with remaining fuel). On the dashboard located on the gas tank there is a large speedometer and a tachometer located in its lower part. The liquid crystal display can display the time and values of total and daily mileage (including mileage with remaining fuel).

I throw my leg over the low - 702 mm - saddle (sorry, Dmitry, but your malice * will not force me to change my signature style) - and find the fit quite comfortable. The saddle is soft, but not excessively - there is no feeling that the foundation of the back (as the British call the “fifth point” - editor’s note) has fallen somewhere. The visibility is excellent, despite the low seat height, and the chrome headlight housing cuts through the air like the bow decoration of a sailboat. The large - 21 liter - gas tank is somewhat reminiscent of the British super classic - Brough-Superior motorcycles, but at the same time it does not force you to spread your knees too wide, to the point of losing the feeling of contact with the motorcycle.

Triumph Bonneville Street Twin and Gold Line 2021

Triumph Bonneville Street Twin 2021

Since its introduction in 2015, the Triumph Bonneville Street Twin has sold 30,000 units, making it the best-selling modern Triumph classic. In 2021, the model will be available in two versions: the standard Street Twin and the special Gold Line version, produced in a series of 1,000 copies.

The latest version of the 900cc High Torque twin is Euro 5 compliant, retaining performance figures of 64.1PS at 7500rpm and 80Nm at 3800rpm in the standard version , but this model is also available with a restrictor for the training version. Here, like the T100, it is not installed from the factory: the manufacturer prefers to produce motorcycles without restrictions, and if necessary, the procedure for installing and removing the restrictor is carried out by a dealer mechanic.

As with any modern Triumph classic, style and comfort come first in the Triumph Bonneville Street Twin, so the 2021 model's new twin seat gets new, thicker padding, increasing its height by 5mm to 765mm. New alloy wheels, body panels and other body kit, as well as brushed aluminum headlight mounts and tank badges, differentiate the design of the new version from the previous 2021 version. The two driving modes, Road and Rain, remain the same, as do nice touches such as the LED rear light, switchable traction control and an under-seat USB socket. The model is available in 120 items from the factory accessories catalog, and color options include Cobalt Blue, Matt Ironstone and Jet Black.

Making the Triumph Bonneville Street Twin even more attractive is the special edition Gold Line, limited to 1,000 units in a unique Matt Sapphire Black colorway with hand-applied gold accents by one of Triumph's five leading artists.

Each copy will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Triumph Thunderbird saddle

The saddle is located quite low (at a height of 702 mm), but when you sit down, you don’t feel like you’ve “failed” somewhere.
However, the creators of the motorcycle clearly put rationality, not style, first. Welcome to the world of comfortable cruisers! The saddle is located quite low (at a height of 702 mm), but when you sit down, you don’t feel like you’ve “failed” somewhere. However, the creators of the motorcycle clearly put rationality, not style, first. Welcome to the world of comfortable cruisers!

The seating position is generally quite upright, the footpegs are not too far forward - in general, there is no extremism characteristic of most cruisers. Sometimes when driving a motorcycle of this class you get the feeling that you are hanging out there somewhere... in an ice hole. But the Triumph Thunderbird is not like that. He has athletic blood: he doesn’t drag you, but you control him.

Triumph Thunderbird

Despite the minimum of adjustments (only pre-loading of the springs in five positions), the rear suspension with two Showa shock absorbers does its job perfectly.
The sound from classic-style mufflers (2-1-2 design) is mesmerizing. Despite the minimum of adjustments (only pre-loading of the springs in five positions), the rear suspension with two Showa shock absorbers does its job perfectly. The sound from classic-style mufflers (2-1-2 design) is mesmerizing.

I’ve known my partner on the 100-kilometer raid along the mountain roads of Catalonia for a long time. We once raced together, and now 34-year-old David Lopez is a test driver for Triumph. It is he who should be thanked for the fact that the Thunderbird is head and shoulders above its rivals from the USA and Japan in terms of handling. The Showa suspension installed on the motorcycle is clearly the best in this class - and this despite the fact that all adjustments are limited to changing the spring preload of the rear shock absorbers. There is no comparison with the hard-assed “softails” - it looks more like a solid roadster. However, let’s hurry after David to the foothills of the Pyrenees - the winding and damn narrow roads there, the arena of battles at the Costa Brava rally world championship, will give a complete picture of handling. Of course, with such a wheelbase - 1641 mm - and the corresponding steering geometry, the motorcycle cannot help but show some laziness, and the ground clearance is low - a tribute to style!

Triumph Thunderbird fork

The Showa front fork is non-adjustable, but its characteristics are selected perfectly.
Twin 310mm discs with Nissin 4-piston calipers provide outstanding braking performance for a cruiser class. The Showa front fork is non-adjustable, but its characteristics are selected perfectly. Twin 310mm discs with Nissin 4-piston calipers provide outstanding braking performance for a cruiser class.

But still, the car is controlled with unexpected ease - and you can’t tell that it has 305 kg of dry mass. It’s good that its creators did not succumb to the temptation to push the rear “cylinder” by 250 millimeters, like many competitors. The Metzeler rear tire is a decent size 200/50-17, just like a sportbike! But “sports” do not have such a steering wheel to steer the motorcycle into a turn. So the British cruiser clings to the road with commendable zeal, handles well and shifts into S-shaped turns with an agility that is completely unexpected with such a chassis geometry. Of course, you won’t be able to corner the motorcycle in such a way as to scrape the asphalt with your elbow, but the bike is extremely stable when cornering at high speed. And the brakes are simply magnificent by class standards! I've ridden all sorts of cruisers - American, Korean, even Australian and Chinese - and believe me, no competitor has such brakes. But if the driver is accustomed to conventional cruiser brakes, then he will have to change his skills and use not only the rear, but also the front brake. The instrument panel with a large speedometer and integrated tachometer and LCD display is located on the gas tank.

Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 2021

The 1200cc High Torque engine is, of course, tuned to Euro 5 compliance, retaining the famous 270-degree firing pattern as the rest of the Bonneville family. However, thanks to a deliberate increase in mid-range torque, peak thrust now occurs at lower revs, namely 3850 rpm. What's more, 90% of that thrust is available up to 5,750 rpm, so the engine doesn't run out of steam prematurely.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster's high-quality front suspension, based on 47mm Showa cartridge forks, provides a more comfortable ride along with improvements to the driver and passenger seats. The driver's seat has received lumbar support, and the passenger seat has become 11mm thicker, and in addition, the double seat can easily be changed to a single one.

The single round instrument has a new dial, cruise control is standard, and all the high-quality features of the 2021 model are retained in the 2021 version: LED running lights, two riding modes, switchable traction control. The model is available in two new colors, Red Hopper and Fusion White/Sapphire Black, along with the already known Jet Black.

The Speedmaster's catalog of factory accessories includes 79 items, including a flat handlebar instead of a curved one.

Triumph Thunderbird frame

The height of the in-line “two” did not leave room for the lower frame pipes, so it was necessary to close it through the crankcase of the power unit.
The steel pipes are connected by cast aluminum parts, so the overall result is a very rigid assembly. The height of the in-line “two” did not leave room for the lower frame pipes, so it was necessary to close it through the crankcase of the power unit. The steel pipes are connected by cast aluminum parts, so the overall result is a very rigid assembly.

The direction indicators are automatically switched off as soon as you enter a straight line. And the chrome mirrors are simply perfect: no vibrations and excellent visibility. Other manufacturers should learn from this! But the real gem is the engine. He confidently accelerates the motorcycle in top gear from 1500 rpm - this is with the throttle fully open, but if the throttle is only half open, then it pulls from 1000 rpm. But this is only slightly higher than the idle speed - 850 rpm. The cruiser is very easy to control at low speed, even tight turns do not bother you - the chassis is perfectly balanced, and the cable-driven clutch is quite predictable. And what a pleasure it is to rush along the motorway at a speed of 130 km/h - the tachometer needle lies at 3500 rpm, only halfway to the red zone. At the same time, the pulsating sound is just like that of a V-twin: after all, the crankshaft cranks are spread 270 degrees. Two balance shafts effectively dampen any vibration - up to the maximum 6500 rpm. But the most comfortable range is from 1800 to 4000 rpm, when the torque is so great that you can easily take on the steepest climbs.

Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black 2021

Triumph Bonneville T120 2021

For the new model year, the 1200cc and 900cc High Torque inline-twins have been updated to "exceed Euro 5 requirements" according to head of brand management Miles Perkins. It is the older of them that is installed in the Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black models, and for the first time in the 5 years of existence of the returning model, it received evolutionary updates. The power figures for both models have not changed, but that's not the main thing for these motorcycles. A lightweight crankshaft, updated clutch shaft and balance shaft reduce inertia, improve throttle response and contribute to an overall weight reduction of 7kg.

Lightweight aluminum rims on spoked wheels, 18-inch in front and 17-inch in rear, also helped reduce the weight of the Triumph Bonneville T120, and the 2021 models also received improved Brembo brakes and two front discs. For the first time, cruise control is easily adjusted with a single button on the left remote control, and two driving modes, Road and Rain, have been “improved.” Two pointer instruments received “new premium 3-dimensional branded scales.” The T120 will be available in two colors: Cordovan Red/Silver Ice and Cobalt Blue/Silver Ice.

The Triumph Bonneville T120 Black will feature blackened wheels and engine covers, while the color schemes will be... um... black. Actually, it's Jet Black, Matt Jet Black and Matt Graphite with silver trim.

There are 116 factory accessories available for the Triumph Bonneville T120, including heated grips (however, they were stock on the 2021 model).

03_Misc

The gears shift easily and clearly, and the only remark about the gearbox is that with such a high-torque engine, a couple of gears are clearly superfluous. Yes, this market sector is full of competitors. But none of them have such dynamics and controllability! At the same time, the Thunderbird looks cool, although its “two” is not V-shaped, but in-line. Harley and his followers can only rejoice in the fact that the “Englishman” attacked their positions only now.

Tew Mantoni

Tew Mantoni
Tew Mantoni

Tew Mantoni became the company's commercial director in 2003, at the age of 27. It is partly to his credit that two years later Triumph received the prestigious “Best British Brand” award. And in July 2008, company owner John Bloor appointed Mantoni as CEO. Who else but him to ask about plans and prospects?

— Tew, when did the company decide to attack the most important sector of the cruiser market?

— Back in early 2004. Then we produced “small” cruisers - America, Speedmaster - and were preparing for production of the colossal Rocket III. So there was a huge gap in our program - and we decided to fill it with the Thunderbird project.

Triumph Thunderbird

— Have you decided to turn Triumph into a European Harley-Davidson with the release of Thunderbird?

- No, not at all. We have a diverse production program based on three areas: classics, sports bikes and cruisers. The first two are quite strong and popular, and Thunderbird kind of cements the third.

— Why did you choose an in-line “two” and not so popular in the USA V-twin?

— Of course, we discussed this option, but the desire to rely on the traditions of the company prevailed. After all, it was the inline twos that elevated Triumph to the ranks of the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the 50s and 60s.

— When creating the engine, was there any temptation to simply cut off one cylinder from the Rocket III?

- Of course not. Some people joke about this, but it’s not serious.

— How do you position the new model, and what impact do you predict will it have on the company’s position?

“First, I hope the Thunderbird will attract a lot of buyers who are put off by the mediocre dynamics and handling of cruisers. As for forecasts, in our difficult times they are not very reliable. But I would still venture to suggest that Thunderbird will become a very important model for us. Look at the Rocket III: a niche model that can't be sold in large quantities. To buy it, you either have to be a Triumph fan, or want something completely unusual. In addition, the owner of a Triumph America or Speedmaster is unlikely to switch to the Rocket III - the gap is too big. But he’ll probably switch to Thunderbird, and then, who knows, he’ll switch to Rocket III.

Triumph Bonneville T100 2021

The key news about the 2021 Triumph Bonneville T100 is the 18% increase in peak power (to 64.1 hp) of the 900 cc inline-two, which is now Euro 5 compliant. In addition, the engine's peak power has been moved higher in the rev range - from 5900 rpm /min on the 2021 model up to 7400rpm. The maximum torque value remains the same, but its peak is also reached slightly higher - at 3750 rpm versus 3230 rpm.

The Triumph Bonneville T100 is a modern classic, simple, stylish, low and narrow, convenient as a training bike (and with the ability to install a restrictor for learner driving license categories). Lightweight engine components, along with a number of other improvements, have reduced weight by 4 kg, and the front suspension and braking system have been improved.

Additionally, the T100 also gets a new dashboard design. The model is available in three colors: Lucerne Blue / Fusion White, Jet Black and Carnival Red / Fusion White, and the factory catalog of accessories includes 117 items.

Triumph Thunderbird

Triumph Thunderbird
Triumph Thunderbird

— Will the fact that this is not a V-twin work?

- Must! After all, with an in-line engine it has such an elegant and harmonious appearance. In addition, our motorcycle is much better suited for winding roads and city traffic.

— Will Thunderbird become the basis for a whole family?

- Certainly! To recoup the costs of developing a new engine, it is necessary to produce a whole range of models. So you'll soon see both a lean roadster and a fully equipped tourer.

— How many motorcycles do you produce, and what will be the share of the Thunderbird model?

— In the 2008/2009 financial year (which runs from July to June), we are going to sell about 50,000 motorcycles. Compared to last year, the increase is only 2,000 cars, but don’t forget - the market as a whole has collapsed by 30%. So our position is very strong. In the first year of production, we will produce 5,000 Thunderbird cruisers—half of which will be shipped to the United States. Moreover, we have already collected 2,000 deposits. It would seem that with such an advance payment we could make more than five thousand cars. But no one knows what will happen tomorrow, so it’s better to be careful.

— And how many motorcycles do you plan to release in 2009/2010?

— About 55,000.

— So Thunderbird’s share is less than 10%. Will it grow in the future?

— I think that with the advent of new models in this family, which are already being designed, the share of Thunderbird will inevitably increase. But in the current economic situation, making forecasts is a thankless task. Let's wait at least a year!

Accessories for Triumph Bonneville 2021

It's hard to imagine a modern Triumph without a catalog of factory accessories designed to decorate, enhance or protect the motorcycle. The Bonneville family is available with 320 factory options in the categories of protection, performance, comfort, style, luggage and safety. All come with a two-year warranty and are available in Triumph's online configurator.

But that is not all. Along with the Bonneville family and the previously introduced Trident, Tiger 850 Sport, Speed Triple 1200 RS models, three updated Triumph Scrambler models will soon be introduced. The 2021 Scrambler 1200 XC and XE are expected to be announced on April 13, with details about the Street Scrambler expected a week later on April 20, 2021.