Words: Steve Martin

Triumph have had a massive 2016 launching ten new models for the new year and the deluge continues with the all new T100 Bonneville. The new T100 does continue the trend that Triumph has set this year by redefining the term ‘modern classic’. Like most of the new models, this year’s baby T is upgraded from head to toe and not just for the sake of change.

The outgoing T100 was a great bike and a big seller but its technology was getting a little long in the tooth. Its use of cable-driven throttle bodies, older generation 865cc motor and lack of cartridge fork meant that it was lacking. The last thing that a bike like the Bonneville wants to lose is its soul and Triumph have been able to cleverly modernise this 900 version to incorporate the modern niceties and keep its heritage intact.

Image: Dean Walters.

Retaining that heritage meant keeping the lines that have made the model range so successful for nearly half a century from that first 1959 model. Triumph has succeeded, emulating the 2016 bike beautifully into a 59 replica. It’s easy to see where Triumph have focused their efforts. Things like the thin slimline radiator is hidden and the cables are all tucked away and hidden out of sight to make this entry-level Bonnie a stunning looking machine and a blank canvas for the creative among us.

The heart of the T100 is the new HT (High Torque) 270-degree parallel twin which is now water-cooled. The castings are similar to the T120 and apart from the plaque fitted at the base of the barrel you would be hard pressed to tell the two motors apart. Internally though the big decision to change the firing order (old 865 motor was 180-degree) has paid off brilliantly not only by giving the T100 a very pleasant note through its peashooter pipes but by helping to improve the torque curve by 18 percent over the outgoing model.

Image: Dean Walters.

With all the other top-end refinements the 40kW on tap seems meaty and that’s because of the effort put into adding torque to the most-used part of the rev range. Triumph have also worked hard on developing the motor to meet strict Euro 4 standards but at the same time have improved fuel consumption – now a claimed 3.83L/100km. We saw figures up around five on our ride but we were riding at a very spirited rate most of the time. With those consumption figures you can expect to see 250 or more kilometres per tank depending on your right hand usage.

The five-speed gearbox has also been upgraded and now has no false neutrals and a very smooth slick action. It works together well with the clutch which is designed to bite harder – the more power you feed in means lighter springs can be used for lighter feel. The other notable addition for 2017 is the fly-by-wire throttle body which feeds the twin cylinder its fuel. It helps to smooth the power out and is imperative to make the new traction control work. The traction is a great addition this year and on more than one occasion I felt it kick in on some of the slippery surfaces we encountered on our jaunt down the east coast of Tasmania.

Image: Dean Walters.

The chassis is new for this year and is a copy of the bigger T120. The geometry has been altered for the better. Triumph have also worked closely with Kayaba to create a suspension package for the T100 that is fantastic. The front forks are fitted with cartridges which improves the ride markedly from last year. The rear twin shock set-up works well and the best thing about the combined package is that it’s very comfortable.

Sitting on the T100 gave me a great feeling of nostalgia as we set off down the east coast of Tasmania. The ergo is really relaxed with very low-set, rubber-topped footpegs keeping your legs stretched out and uncramped. The seat is also comfortable and after two days riding around the twisty roads of Tassie I felt like new. The instruments are easy to read and have a good array of information at hand. There’s a handy, easy to read fuel gauge, tripmeters, consumption and of course the mandatory digital clock. The switchblocks are easy to use and not complicated which is good on a bike like the Bonnie.

Image: Dean Walters.

Its retro wheel sizes don’t hamper its handling in any way once onboard either letting you cut a good pace down backroads if need be. The single front Nissin caliper works well and can do everything you ask of it but it’s obviously not as powerful as the twin disc set-up on its bigger brother the T120. I prefer the look of the single disc from an aesthetics point of view and its more than capable handling in every situation.

Now that I have ridden the T100 its easy to see what this bike is all about. It’s a bike that lets you forget what’s going on in your life and just simplifies everything. It’s a bike that can travel a couple hundred Ks up a dirt road with ease or carve up a country lane, it’s a bike you can commute on but at least most importantly for me it’s got a lot of style.

Specifications

Capacity: 900cc
Power: 40kW @ 5900rpm
Torque: 80Nm @ 3230rpm
Dry weight: 213kg
Seat height: 790mm
Price: $15,300 plus orc (+$200 for Black)
Detailed specs: www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au