News 20 Oct 2016

Bike: 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber

Bonneville range expands with stripped back, stylish, high-tech bobber.

The 2017 Triumph Bobber is the latest addition to the Bonneville family carrying on the bloodline of Triumph bobber customs that stretch all the way back to the 1940s, perfectly encapsulating the minimalist styling principles, muscular stance and purposeful engineering attitude of a genuine bobber.

By stripping the Bonneville T120 back to its purest essence it delivers all the hallmarks of a real bobber, with clean lines and low stance, single seat, wide flat bars, minimal bodywork and headlight, sculpted tank, wire spoked wheels with wide rear wheel and that all-important hard tail look. The Bobber’s stunning features include an authentic battery box with 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, new side panel and sprocket cover with removable inspection cap.

“The addition of the Bobber to the Bonneville range is very exciting for Triumph as it provides a totally unique offering to our customers,” said Triumph Australia’s Nigel Harvey. “The Bobber perfectly encapsulates the minimalistic styling principles, muscular stance and purposeful engineering attitude of a genuine Bobber. With its tailorable riding position, 150 genuine accessories and the acclaimed 1200cc high-torque motor the Bobber is a bike to fit anyone who dares to be different”.

“The success of the New Bonneville range globally has been unprecedented for Triumph. The Bonneville platform has received international acclaim and domestically, that has translated into new bikes finding new homes in customers garages. With the success of traditional Triumph models like the T120 and Thruxton it is a logically step to introduce new models that utilise the same key features of the Bonneville range, in a new and exciting platform”.

Source: Supplied.

A genuine factory custom, the Bobber features a whole host of premium finishes including bronze 1200HT engine badges and the signature Triumph makers mark triangle, brushed engine covers, branded locking fuel cap and silver satin and graphite handlebar risers. There are four premium colour options to choose from: Ironstone with a matt finish, Morello Red, Competition Green and Frozen Silver with a stylish British racing twist and Jet Black.

The Bobber introduces a first-in-class tailorable riding position, delivered by the beautifully crafted new floating aluminium seat, ergonomically optimised and sculpted for comfort with stitched deep foam pad, and minimal stylish clock – both adjustable to suit rider size and riding style. The slotted seat design system allows the rider to position the seat ‘up and forward’ for dynamic riding in a roadster position and ‘down and backwards’ for cruising in a more traditional riding position. This is complimented by a simple quick-release function for the clocks that enables riders to adjust the position to complement their seating and riding style.

Combined with a low seat height of 690mm when in the low seat position, the Bonneville Bobber is truly accessible to all riders. Delivering the Bobber’s hallmark hardtail look is an innovative and distinctive ‘cage’ swingarm with paddock stand bobbin mounts and hidden monoshock rear suspension. Topping off the engineering innovation is the ‘clean line’ Bonneville technology packaging system, which includes the straight line hidden ‘cat box’ pipe run and the sensitive incorporation of rider focused technology such as the ECU, ABS modulator and immobiliser.

Courtesy of the new generation Bonneville HT engine the Bobber delivers category-leading torque for a thrilling hot rod ride and a rich exhaust note. Powered by the critically acclaimed 1200cc high torque engine, as fitted in the Bonneville T120, there is a dedicated ‘Bobber’ tune for more torque and power lower down the rev range. The charismatic 270° firing interval ensures a smooth, linear power delivery from the slick six-speed gearbox. Evolved specifically for the Bobber to maximise the riding character there is a unique twin airbox set up with two filters, unique intake and exhaust system and new output shaft.

Delivering the rich new Bobber soundtrack is a beautifully finished brushed stainless steel twin skin exhaust system with ‘slash cut’ sawn off peashooter silencers which is shorter and lighter than the Bonneville T120. Just like all the new generation Bonnevilles, the Bobber engine delivers modern classic capability with ride-by-wire, for enhanced safety and control from twin classically styled throttle bodies, as well as a sensitively incorporated liquid cooling system with a unique radiator and larger fan. This brings better performance and cleaner, more fuel efficient riding. The Bobber also has a high first major service interval of 16,000km.

Source: Supplied.

Triumph’s ambition was to deliver a genuine bobber – without compromise to the ride, comfort or rider control. With an all new bespoke frame to suit the unique Bobber geometry and minimal rear end, new forks with bespoke springing and damping, a low seat height, great stand over and first-in-class adjustable riding position the Bobber delivers a truly class defining riding dynamic. Taking the capability to the highest level the Bobber also features a host of rider focused technology, including ride-by-wire, riding modes, ABS, torque assist clutch, LED rear light, engine immobiliser and stylish twin clocks incorporating a digital menu system for fingertip control while riding.

Finally, to enhance the authentic look the Bobber has classic wire-spoked wheels, with stylish black rims and inner tubes fitted with Avon Cobra tyres developed specifically for the Bobber. With a signature ‘wider rear wheel’ Bobber set up it has a 19’’x2.5’’ on the front, fitted with an Avon Cobra AV71 for reduced mass for high-speed manoeuvrability, and 16’’x3.5’’ wider wheel fitted on the rear, with a category-first AV72 radial tyre with cobra tread pattern for class-leading stability.

The Bonneville Bobber has been designed with customising in mind with over 150 accessories available for more style, detailing and comfort, and for even more performance. For even an more distinctive character there are high ‘ape hanger’ bars, a statement rider seat and bar end peep mirrors. For riders who are looking for more long distance comfort there is a stylish comfort seat in a ribbed and quilted version, a heated grip kit and a cruise control kit.

To deliver even more performance to the Bobber, Triumph is introducing a new partnership with FOX with a dual branded adjustable rear suspension unit plus a range of new Bobber exhausts from Vance and Hines with beautifully machined aluminium end caps which are adjustable to change the profile. Pricing, final specification, accessories and arrival in Australia is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information on the Triumph range, head to www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au.

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