Difference between revisions of "Triumph Bonneville"

From CycleChaos
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(template fixes)
 
(24 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{PAGENAME}}: history, specs, pictures}}
{{Motorcycle
|name            = Triumph Bonneville
|photo= T120R.jpg
|aka              =
|manufacturer    = Triumph
|parent_company  =
|production      = 01-07
|model_year      =
|predecessor      =
|successor        =
|class            =
|engine          = 800cc
|bore_stroke      =
|compression      =
|top_speed        =
|power            =
|torque          =
|ignition        =
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|NGK DPR8EA-9}} '01-06 , '07
|battery          = {{battery|YUASA YTX12-BS}} '01-06 , '07
|transmission    =
|frame            =
|suspension      =
|brakes          =
|front_tire      = {{tire|100/90-19}} '07<br />{{tire|100/90-17}} '01-06
|rear_tire    = {{tire|130/80-17}} '01-06 , '07
|rake_trail      =
|wheelbase        =
|length          =
|width            =
|height          =
|seat_height      =
|dry_weight      =
|wet_weight      =
|fuel_capacity    =
|oil_capacity    =
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius  =
|related          =
|competition      =
|final_drive= {{chain|525}} `01-06<ref name="wps_street_2019">{{cite book|title=2019 Western Power Sports Catalog|publisher=[https://www.wps-inc.com/catalogs Western Power Sports]|date=2019}}</ref>
}}
The '''Triumph Bonneville''' is a [[motorcycle]] produced by [[Triumph]] from 2001 to 2007.
'''Triumph Bonneville''' is the name given to three separate motorcycle models from this notable British [[motorcycle]] [[marque]]. It is named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in the state of Utah, USA, where [[Triumph]] and other motorcycle companies made attempts on the world motorcycle speed records. All share a [[twin cylinder|parallel-twin]] [[four stroke]] engine configuration. The current version, produced since 2001 by the modern successor of the original company, is a completely redesigned and re-engineered evolution of the original design.
Since the arrival of the current 'Hinckley Bonneville' (produced in Hinckley, England), the earlier [[Triumph Bonneville T120|T120]] and [[Triumph Bonneville T140|T140]] (produced in Meriden, England) have been referred to as 'Meriden, West Midlands|Meriden Bonnevilles', to more easily distinguish between the versions.
==Development History==
[[Image:T120R.jpg|thumb|350px|Triump Bonneville]]
The original '''Triumph Bonneville''' was popular (particularly in its early years) for its performance compared to other available bikes. Although its motor was later enlarged to 750&nbsp;cc, in the late 1970s and early 1980s sales greatly suffered in competition with more modern and reliable Japanese motorbikes from [[Honda]] and other manufacturers.
Many enthusiasts argue that the [[Bonneville|Bonneville's]] manufactured between 1968 and 1970 represent the machine at its peak. The decision to employ components common to both the [[BSA|BSA]] and [[Triumph|Triumph]] range was only just starting to have an impact and at this stage could be argued to have been of benefit, the nightmare that would emerge from [[Umberslade Hall|Umberslade Hall]] as the ultimate expression of the "shared component" policy in the form of the P39 oil in frame was still three years away, in the meantime development of the Bonneville continued to be carried out at Meriden. The 1968 machines saw the introduction of an excellent new, twin leading shoe front brake which eradicated one of the remaining areas of criticism for the Bonneville and was arguably the most successful product of the "shared component" policy. The new brake was housed in a new set of forks which benefited from two way damping, offering a considerable improvement in performance in comparison to the items previously employed and, together with a slightly longer swinging arm further reinforced the Bonneville's claim to be one of the best handling machines in the world. The handling was backed up by a genuine 115 mph top speed, confirmed by road tests carried out on both sides of the "pond", placing the model firmly at the top of the performance chart, although the slightly "edgy" power delivery, resolved for the following season by the adoption of heavier flywheels, did not meet with every ones approval.
The Bonneville, originally introduced in 1959, benefited from a process of ongoing development throughout its production life which saw both major changes such as the introduction of unit construction (1963), new frame designs (1960 and 1963 being the most significant) and the adoption of twelve volt electrics for the 1966 season together with less obvious refinements. The 1967 machines were the first to adopt UNF threads in their construction, although at this stage they were confined to gearbox sub frame and petrol tank mountings. Other areas that received attention included the ignition system with revised points assemblies being specified and during the year Amal Concentric carburettors replaced the Monobloc items previously employed. Differences existed between the US and UK market machines, the former being fitted with stainless mudguards as opposed to painted ones employed for the home market, pancake airfilters were fitted to US market machines and the tank top parcel grid was deleted for the US. The Bonneville was offered with an aubergine over white petrol tank complimented by aubergine mudguards with a white stripe for the UK market, whilst, initially, the US models featured aubergine and gold petrol tanks. Unfortunately the gold paint employed degraded rapidly in the California sun and was quickly replaced by a white finish.
==1959 Bonneville==
[[Image:1959-Triumph-Bonneville.jpg|left|thumb|1959 Triumph Bonneville]]
[[Image:1959 Triumph Bonneville.jpg|left|thumb|1959 Triumph Bonneville]]
{{clear}}
Recognizable by the headlamp [[nacelle]], [[generator]], and remote fuel [[float bowl]], these components were only featured on this year model.  The Bonneville got its name due to the success of a team from Big D cycles in Dallas, Texas, that set a World Speed Record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah with a Triumph powered streamliner.
==1966 Bonneville TT Special==
[[Image:1966-Triumph-Bonneville-TT-Special.jpg|left|thumb|1966 Triumph Bonneville TT Special]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
==1970 Bonneville 650==
==1970 Bonneville 650==
[[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-0.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]][[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-1.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]][[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-2.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]][[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-3.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]][[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-4.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]]
[[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-0.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]]
[[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-1.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]]
[[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-2.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]]
[[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-3.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]]
[[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-Red-3432-4.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red]]
[[Image:1970-Triumph-Bonneville-650.jpg|left|thumb|1970 Triumph Bonneville 650]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


==1971 Bonneville 650==
==1971 Bonneville 650==
[[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-0.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]][[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-1.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]][[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-2.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]][[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-3.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]][[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-4.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]]
[[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-0.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]]
[[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-1.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]]
[[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-2.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]]
[[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-3.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]]
[[Image:1971-Triumph-Bonneville-Blue-6320-4.jpg|left|thumb|1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


from a member - The page with the 1971 Triumph Bonneville pictures are mis-labeled. The bike shown is a Triumph Tiger 650. The bike could be a Trophy 650, but they were sold with high exhaust pipes on left side of bike and had other minor differences. Bonnevilles had twin carbs and were sold with gold and white paint.
another member - This is listed as a Triumph Bonneville. However, it only has one carb, so it cannot be a Bonneville. It might be a Trophy.


==1978 Bonneville==
==1978 Bonneville==
[[Image:1978-Triumph-Bonneville-Black-43-0.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Triumph Bonneville in Black]][[Image:1978-Triumph-Bonneville-Black-43-1.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Triumph Bonneville in Black]]
[[Image:1978-Triumph-Bonneville-Black-43-0.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Triumph Bonneville in Black]]
[[Image:1978-Triumph-Bonneville-Black-43-1.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Triumph Bonneville in Black]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>




== Videos ==
{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvldSrhscuo|600|center}}
==References==
<references />
{{Triumph}}


[[Category:Triumph motorcycles|Bonneville]]
[[Category:Triumph motorcycles|Bonneville]]
[[Category:Triumph motorcycles|Bonneville, Triumph]]
[[Category:1950s motorcycles]]
[[Category:1960s motorcycles]]
[[Category:1970s motorcycles]]
[[Category:650cc displacement motorcycles]]
[[Category:650cc Twin cylinder motorcycles]]
[[Category:650cc 4-stroke motorcycles]]
[[Category:Street motorcycles]]
[[Category:Twin cylinder motorcycles]]
[[Category:Twin cylinder 4-stroke motorcycles]]
[[Category:4-stroke motorcycles]]
==In Media==
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/si-jetais-un-homme#triumph-bonneville Si j'étais un homme]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/good-morning#triumph-bonneville Good Morning]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/young-hungry#triumph-bonneville Young & Hungry]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/once-upon-a-time-in-venice#triumph-bonneville Once Upon a Time in Venice]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/dans-la-brume#triumph-bonneville Dans la brume]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/hannibal-2#triumph-bonneville Hannibal]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/greys-anatomy#triumph-bonneville Grey's Anatomy]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/sonda#triumph-bonneville Sonda]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/vanishing-point#triumph-bonneville Vanishing Point]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/melrose-place#triumph-bonneville Melrose Place]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/up-the-creek#triumph-bonneville Up the Creek]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/star-stories#triumph-bonneville Star Stories]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/lamore-e-eterno-finche-dura#triumph-bonneville L'amore è eterno finché dura]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/profilage#triumph-bonneville Profilage]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/melrose-place-2#triumph-bonneville Melrose Place]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/amore-14#triumph-bonneville Amore 14]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/broceliande#triumph-bonneville Brocéliande]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/scream-and-scream-again#triumph-bonneville Scream and Scream Again]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/beach-blanket-bingo#triumph-bonneville Beach Blanket Bingo]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/keha-take-it-off#triumph-bonneville Ke$ha: Take It Off]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/lilly-schonauer-umweg-ins-gluck#triumph-bonneville Lilly Schönauer - Umweg ins Glück]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/les-secrets#triumph-bonneville Les Secrets]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/i-dream-of-jeannie#triumph-bonneville I Dream of Jeannie]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-walking-dead#triumph-bonneville The Walking Dead]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/killer-elite#triumph-bonneville Killer Elite]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/reverb#triumph-bonneville Reverb]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/dora-heldt-kein-wort-zu-papa#triumph-bonneville Dora Heldt: Kein Wort zu Papa]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/don-2#triumph-bonneville Don 2]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/la-delicatesse#triumph-bonneville La délicatesse]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/burlesque#triumph-bonneville Burlesque]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/liebe-durch-die-autotur#triumph-bonneville Liebe durch die Autotür]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/leo-mattei-brigade-des-mineurs#triumph-bonneville Léo Matteï, Brigade des Mineurs]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/outrageous-fortune-2#triumph-bonneville Outrageous Fortune]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/alex-hugo#triumph-bonneville Alex Hugo]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/rixton-me-and-my-broken-heart#triumph-bonneville Rixton: Me and My Broken Heart]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/ma-vie-au-grand-air#triumph-bonneville Ma vie au grand air]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/un-flic#triumph-bonneville Un flic]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-lonely-island-we-need-love#triumph-bonneville The Lonely Island: We Need Love]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/avis-de-mistral#triumph-bonneville Avis de mistral]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/transporter-the-series#triumph-bonneville Transporter: The Series]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/le-sang-de-la-vigne#triumph-bonneville Le sang de la vigne]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/devil-may-cry#triumph-bonneville Devil May Cry]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/clem#triumph-bonneville Clem]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/disparue#triumph-bonneville Disparue]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/policias-en-el-corazon-de-la-calle#triumph-bonneville Policías, en el corazón de la calle]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/alex-santana-negociateur#triumph-bonneville Alex Santana, négociateur]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/kelsea-ballerini-peter-pan#triumph-bonneville Kelsea Ballerini: Peter Pan]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/code-black#triumph-bonneville Code Black]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/phoenixsee#triumph-bonneville Phoenixsee]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/how-to-make-love-like-an-englishman#triumph-bonneville How to Make Love Like an Englishman]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/alice-et-charlie#triumph-bonneville Alice et Charlie]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/snatch#triumph-bonneville Snatch]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/i-cesaroni#triumph-bonneville I Cesaroni]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/hawaii-five-0#triumph-bonneville Hawaii Five-0]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/natale-a-londra-dio-salvi-la-regina#triumph-bonneville Natale a Londra - Dio salvi la Regina]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/laurel-canyon#triumph-bonneville Laurel Canyon]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/bad-blood-2#triumph-bonneville Bad Blood]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/capitan-basilico#triumph-bonneville Capitan Basilico]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/la-parrucchiera#triumph-bonneville La parrucchiera]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/alices-restaurant#triumph-bonneville Alice's Restaurant]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/story-of-the-triumph-bonneville#triumph-bonneville Story of the Triumph Bonneville]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/angel-unchained#triumph-bonneville Angel Unchained]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/satans-sadists#triumph-bonneville Satan's Sadists]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/death-in-paradise#triumph-bonneville Death in Paradise]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone#triumph-bonneville Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/behemoth-the-sea-monster#triumph-bonneville Behemoth, the Sea Monster]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-saint#triumph-bonneville The Saint]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-baron#triumph-bonneville The Baron]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-damned#triumph-bonneville The Damned]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/mechanic-resurrection#triumph-bonneville Mechanic: Resurrection]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/jay-lenos-garage#triumph-bonneville Jay Leno's Garage]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/fire-in-the-sky#triumph-bonneville Fire in the Sky]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-ambushers#triumph-bonneville The Ambushers]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/svezia-inferno-e-paradiso#triumph-bonneville Svezia, inferno e paradiso]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/agathe-koltes#triumph-bonneville Agathe Koltès]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/tout-peut-arriver#triumph-bonneville Tout peut arriver]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/if#triumph-bonneville If....]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/once-were-warriors#triumph-bonneville Once Were Warriors]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-way-it-was#triumph-bonneville The Way it Was]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/psychomania#triumph-bonneville Psychomania]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-rookies#triumph-bonneville The Rookies]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/harley-davidson-the-american-motorcycle#triumph-bonneville Harley-Davidson: The American Motorcycle]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/lo-strano-vizio-della-signora-wardh#triumph-bonneville Lo strano vizio della Signora Wardh]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/dragon-the-bruce-lee-story#triumph-bonneville Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-driver#triumph-bonneville The Driver]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-black-six#triumph-bonneville The Black Six]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/envoyes-tres-speciaux#triumph-bonneville Envoyés très spéciaux]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-good-wife#triumph-bonneville The Good Wife]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/crush-2#triumph-bonneville Crush]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/auf-wiedersehen-pet#triumph-bonneville Auf Wiedersehen, Pet]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/night-of-the-comet#triumph-bonneville Night of the Comet]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/buffy-the-vampire-slayer#triumph-bonneville Buffy the Vampire Slayer]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/looking-for-alibrandi#triumph-bonneville Looking for Alibrandi]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/en-by-i-provinsen#triumph-bonneville En by i provinsen]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-late-shift#triumph-bonneville The Late Shift]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-rescue#triumph-bonneville The Rescue]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/oceans-eight#triumph-bonneville Ocean's Eight]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/race-with-the-devil#triumph-bonneville Race with the Devil]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/survivors#triumph-bonneville Survivors]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/tsatsiki-morsan-och-polisen#triumph-bonneville Tsatsiki, morsan och polisen]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/tuck-everlasting#triumph-bonneville Tuck Everlasting]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/how-to-lose-a-guy-in-10-days#triumph-bonneville How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/csi-crime-scene-investigation#triumph-bonneville CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/rush#triumph-bonneville Rush]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/primeval#triumph-bonneville Primeval]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/the-mistress-of-spices#triumph-bonneville The Mistress of Spices]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/yo-quisiera#triumph-bonneville Yo quisiera]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/mission-impossible-iii#triumph-bonneville Mission: Impossible III]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/week-end-chez-les-toquees#triumph-bonneville Week-end chez les Toquées]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/winners-losers#triumph-bonneville Winners & Losers]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/wonderland#triumph-bonneville Wonderland]
* [https://motopixel.org/pixel/rat-mal-wer-zur-hochzeit-kommt#triumph-bonneville Rat mal, wer zur Hochzeit kommt]
[[Category:Classic motorcycles]]
[[Category:Triumph motorcycles]]
[[Category:2000s motorcycles]]
[[Category:2010s motorcycles]]
[[Category:1980s motorcycles]]
[[Category:1990s motorcycles]]

Latest revision as of 20:07, 23 November 2019

T120R.jpg
Triumph Bonneville
Manufacturer
Production 01-07
Engine
800cc
Spark Plug NGK DPR8EA-9 '01-06 , '07
Battery YUASA YTX12-BS '01-06 , '07
Final Drive Chain: 525 `01-06[1]
Front Tire 100/90-19 '07
100/90-17 '01-06
Rear Tire 130/80-17 '01-06 , '07
Weight
Manuals Service Manual


The Triumph Bonneville is a motorcycle produced by Triumph from 2001 to 2007.

Triumph Bonneville is the name given to three separate motorcycle models from this notable British motorcycle marque. It is named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in the state of Utah, USA, where Triumph and other motorcycle companies made attempts on the world motorcycle speed records. All share a parallel-twin four stroke engine configuration. The current version, produced since 2001 by the modern successor of the original company, is a completely redesigned and re-engineered evolution of the original design.

Since the arrival of the current 'Hinckley Bonneville' (produced in Hinckley, England), the earlier T120 and T140 (produced in Meriden, England) have been referred to as 'Meriden, West Midlands|Meriden Bonnevilles', to more easily distinguish between the versions.

Development History[edit | edit source]

Triump Bonneville

The original Triumph Bonneville was popular (particularly in its early years) for its performance compared to other available bikes. Although its motor was later enlarged to 750 cc, in the late 1970s and early 1980s sales greatly suffered in competition with more modern and reliable Japanese motorbikes from Honda and other manufacturers.


Many enthusiasts argue that the Bonneville's manufactured between 1968 and 1970 represent the machine at its peak. The decision to employ components common to both the BSA and Triumph range was only just starting to have an impact and at this stage could be argued to have been of benefit, the nightmare that would emerge from Umberslade Hall as the ultimate expression of the "shared component" policy in the form of the P39 oil in frame was still three years away, in the meantime development of the Bonneville continued to be carried out at Meriden. The 1968 machines saw the introduction of an excellent new, twin leading shoe front brake which eradicated one of the remaining areas of criticism for the Bonneville and was arguably the most successful product of the "shared component" policy. The new brake was housed in a new set of forks which benefited from two way damping, offering a considerable improvement in performance in comparison to the items previously employed and, together with a slightly longer swinging arm further reinforced the Bonneville's claim to be one of the best handling machines in the world. The handling was backed up by a genuine 115 mph top speed, confirmed by road tests carried out on both sides of the "pond", placing the model firmly at the top of the performance chart, although the slightly "edgy" power delivery, resolved for the following season by the adoption of heavier flywheels, did not meet with every ones approval.

The Bonneville, originally introduced in 1959, benefited from a process of ongoing development throughout its production life which saw both major changes such as the introduction of unit construction (1963), new frame designs (1960 and 1963 being the most significant) and the adoption of twelve volt electrics for the 1966 season together with less obvious refinements. The 1967 machines were the first to adopt UNF threads in their construction, although at this stage they were confined to gearbox sub frame and petrol tank mountings. Other areas that received attention included the ignition system with revised points assemblies being specified and during the year Amal Concentric carburettors replaced the Monobloc items previously employed. Differences existed between the US and UK market machines, the former being fitted with stainless mudguards as opposed to painted ones employed for the home market, pancake airfilters were fitted to US market machines and the tank top parcel grid was deleted for the US. The Bonneville was offered with an aubergine over white petrol tank complimented by aubergine mudguards with a white stripe for the UK market, whilst, initially, the US models featured aubergine and gold petrol tanks. Unfortunately the gold paint employed degraded rapidly in the California sun and was quickly replaced by a white finish.

1959 Bonneville[edit | edit source]

1959 Triumph Bonneville
1959 Triumph Bonneville

Recognizable by the headlamp nacelle, generator, and remote fuel float bowl, these components were only featured on this year model. The Bonneville got its name due to the success of a team from Big D cycles in Dallas, Texas, that set a World Speed Record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah with a Triumph powered streamliner.

1966 Bonneville TT Special[edit | edit source]

1966 Triumph Bonneville TT Special



1970 Bonneville 650[edit | edit source]

1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red
1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red
1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red
1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red
1970 Triumph Bonneville in Red
1970 Triumph Bonneville 650


1971 Bonneville 650[edit | edit source]

1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue
1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue
1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue
1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue
1971 Triumph Bonneville 650 in Blue


from a member - The page with the 1971 Triumph Bonneville pictures are mis-labeled. The bike shown is a Triumph Tiger 650. The bike could be a Trophy 650, but they were sold with high exhaust pipes on left side of bike and had other minor differences. Bonnevilles had twin carbs and were sold with gold and white paint.

another member - This is listed as a Triumph Bonneville. However, it only has one carb, so it cannot be a Bonneville. It might be a Trophy.

1978 Bonneville[edit | edit source]

1978 Triumph Bonneville in Black
1978 Triumph Bonneville in Black



Videos[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019. 



In Media[edit | edit source]