2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Preview
Introduced earlier today at a live event in England, the new Triumph Bonneville Bobber made its way to the stage ridden by none other than SBK racing legend, Carl Fogarty. Based on the all-new Bonneville released earlier this year, the Bobber receives a few notable items, namely a faux hardtail rear suspension setup, an adjustable solo saddle, and twin slash-cut mufflers.
According to Triumph, the new Bobber is powered by the same liquid-cooled 1200cc parallel-Twin of the T120 Bonneville, but is in a state of “Bobber tune,” delivering more low-end horsepower and torque. Helping achieve its hot rod performance and sound are new, dual airboxes feeding the engine, delivering a throaty intake noise, while the slash-cut mufflers emit the signature cadence of a 270-degree parallel-Twin.
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The hardtail look of the Bobber was achieved by what Triumph is referring to as a “swing cage” design where the mono-shock is hidden, much like the design of Harley-Davidson Softails. Unlike H-D, where the hidden shock resides beneath the bike, the Bobber’s is located under the adjustable seat. Other period-piece designs include the battery box with stainless steel strap, the tall rear fender stay, a rear hub that resembles a drum brake, the ignition has been relocated beneath the seat, while the flat handlebars come equipped with bar-end mirrors.
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The solo saddle is unique in that it can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. Exact amounts of adjustability weren’t provided, but Triumph says seat height, as well as its fore/aft position can be changed to an individual’s preference.
Complementing this seating customization is a quick-release mechanism for the Bobber’s gauge that allow the rider to better position the gauge according to the seating position.
Like the T120 Bonneville, the Bobber is outfitted with numerous modern luxuries including riding modes, ABS, a torque assist clutch, and switchable traction control. Also similar to the T120 is the extent to which Triumph engineers went to ensure that as little as possible of any of the modern technologies are easily visible to the casual observer.
Full specs, pricing, and availability (early spring) were unavailable at press time, but we know the new bike will roll on a set of very bobberish 19-inch x 2.5-inch front, and fat 16-inch x 3.5-inch wide rear wire-spoke (non-tubeless) wheels.
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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I wonder how far you can lean it before you start scraping pegs?
It would look better if the seat was attached to the frame rather than "floating" with a more traditional springer mounting. I like it though and if they get the price point at or around the standard Bonneville price this could really challenge the Harley 48 and Iron 884 especially in Europe where Harleys are prohibitively expensive.