2016 Triumph Bonneville, all 5 motorcycles explained

Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled five new bikes as part of its new Bonneville range. These motorcycles feature new engines, new chassis, new tyres and a lot more technology than the older Bonnie range currently on sale in India. The 2016 Triumph Bonneville range will be launched in India through 2016 with the Street Twin coming in first just after the Auto Expo. Here’s a quick look at all the new models and what you can expect…

Street Twin

What is it?

The Street Twin is Triumph’s new entry-level motorcycle. It is powered by a heavily revised 900cc parallel twin that is now liquid cooled. Power ratings aren’t out, but it makes 80Nm of peak torque from as low as 3,200rpm. Coupled with a six-speed gearbox, the Street Twin should be a breeze to ride in the city especially when you consider its lower weight and sharper geometry compared to the current base Bonneville.

What’s new?

Everything. It is a new nameplate to begin with. And even though it might have similar engine capacity as the older Bonnie, the Street Twin is all about bringing in younger riders and therefore not only is it lighter, it also has a lower seat height and a narrow tank-seat interface for easier paddling in traffic. It also gets ABS and Traction control as standard and that should make the Street Twin less intimidating to ride for the newer, younger crowd.

Why should I Buy one?

Well, it will be the most affordable Bonneville. And it looks good. Plus, you have many customisation options to make the Street Twin even more visually appealing than it is. It will compete against the Ducati Scrambler but has a completely different character. Why buy it? Because it should be easy to ride and easy to live with.

Bonneville T120

What is it?

This, in principal, in the replacement of the Bonneville. But, it has now grown, not so much in size but more in stature. Let me explain. The Bonneville has always been a modern day classic. Now, with the T120, Triumph has taken this concept to a higher plane. First, the new Bonneville T120 comes in the traditional paint job. Second, Triumph has tried to use similar detailing as the 1956 original on the new bike. So, from the way the exhaust has been designed to the tank embellishments to the mudguard and chrome, it all takes you back in time. And, in a good way.

What’s new?

Compared to the current Bonneville, the chassis is all-new. It is lighter, tighter and more capable. The new T120 also gets a bigger, more powerful engine. According to Triumph – which isn’t taking power outputs yet – says the T120 has 54 per cent more torque than the current bike. The new engine is also liquid cooled, comes with two throttle bodies and two riding modes as well. The riding modes – rain and road – don’t change the power output, but only alter the reaction of the ride by wire throttle. The T120 also gets LED DRLs, USB charging socket and an engine immobiliser for the first time.

Why should I Buy one?

If you want a classic with the ability and prowess of a modern day machine, the Bonneville T120 is certainly worth a look in. Besides having a new engine, it also comes with ABS and Traction control as standard. And it comes with customisation options designed straight from the factory to give your machine a special identity. Plus, you are buying into history.

T120 Black

What is it?

It is the Triumph Bonneville T120 with blackened out engine, exhaust and paint job.

What’s new?

The same as the Bonneville T120. New engine, new chassis, some electronics and riding modes. Plus, a more authentic classic feel.

Why should I Buy one?

…because the chrome on the Bonneville T120 might be a bit too much for you.

Thruxton

What is it?

The Thruxton is the racer in the new Bonneville range. Actually, it is a café racer, since the Bonneville – no matter in what form – is still a period bike. The Thruxton uses the same chassis as the other new Bonnevilles, but it runs a different swingarm. It has higher, rearset footpegs and low clip-ons. The styling, of course, is completely different with a single bum-stop seat and long, sleek tank.

More importantly, the Thruxton might use the same 1200cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin from the T120 but it comes in what Triumph calls the ‘High-power Thruxton spec’ tune. It makes more power and torque compared to the T120, and gets a lighter crank, higher compression and a high flow airbox. It also comes with three riding modes instead of two, the third one being Sport.

What’s new?

Compared to the current bike, the new Thruxton is almost like a bike from the future. It has a new, more responsive chassis; stiffer, but better-damped suspension; a more communicative steering; and better brakes with ABS. Not our words, but Triumph’s claims that we see no reason to doubt given the current Thruxton in a decade old motorcycle. Crucially, and the one thing I personally appreciate to no end, are the new set of tyres. These are better profiled, grippier, and better looking too.

Why should I buy one?

…because you have always wanted a modern day café racer but the current Thruxton was a bit too slow, a bit too inert, and a bit too scary when pushed hard for you to ever consider it. I know the feeling. But, from what the specs reveal and what the Triumph officials told us in London at the bike’s unveil, this is going to be a completely different and likable beast.

Thruxton R

What is it?

Based on the new Thruxton, the R is the high-spec version; the version Triumph Motorcycles will take to the Isle of Man TT to compete with next year.

What’s new?

Many things compared to the regular new Thruxton. The Thruxton R gets big piston Showa upside down forks at the front and Ohlins twin gas charged dampers at the rear. Both being fully adjustable just in case it finds itself at a racetrack. And if it does, the Thruxton R will need more help which it gets in the form of Brembo discs brakes with monobloc calipers, and lighter wheels shod with ultra-grippy Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa race rubber.

Why should I Buy one?

For one, this is the absolute top-spec Thruxton you can buy. And two, star footballer David Beckham is using one in his new motion picture called Outlaws. So, the Thruxton R is already a celebrity motorbike. What more could you ask for…