 A Triumph Bonneville T120 on display at the Deutsches Zweirad- und NSU-Museum |
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| Manufacturer | Triumph Engineering Co Ltd |
|---|---|
| Also called | 'Bonnie' |
| Production | 1959–1983 |
| Predecessor | TR6 Trophy |
| Engine | Four-stroke Parallel-twin |
| Power | 46 bhp (34 kW) @ 6,500 rpm (T120) |
| Transmission | 4-speed (later 5-speed) |
| Wheelbase | 55.75 in (1416.1 mm) |
| Weight | 395 lb (179 kg) |
| Related | Triumph TR7 Tiger |
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.[1] 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 Bonnevilles', to more easily distinguish between the versions.
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Development history
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 abroad greatly suffered in competition with more modern Japanese motorbikes from Honda and other manufacturers. Domestically, however, the T140 remained the best-selling 750cc motorcycle against more sophisticated Japanese and Italian opposition , picking up the prestigious Motor Cycle News Machine Of The Year award in 1979.
T120 Bonneville
The original Triumph Bonneville was a 650 cc parallel-twin (two-cylinder) motorcycle manufactured by Triumph Engineering Co Ltd and later by Norton Villiers Triumph between 1959 and 1974. It was based on the company's Triumph Tiger T110 and was fitted with the Tiger's optional twin 1 3/16 in Amal monobloc carburettors as standard, along with that model's high-performance inlet camshaft. Initially it was produced with a pre-unit construction engine which enabled the bike to comfortably achieve 115 mph without further modification, but later (in 1963) a unit construction model was introduced which was stiffer and more compact, including additional bracing at the steering head and swing arm. The steering angle was altered and improved forks were fitted a couple of years later, which, together with the increased stiffness enabled overall performance to match that of the Bonneville's rivals.[2] Later T120 Bonnevilles used a new frame which contained the engine oil instead of using a separate tank; this became known as the oil in frame version. The T120 engine, both in standard configuration and especially when tuned for increased performance, was popular in café racers such as Tribsas and particularly Tritons.
T140 Bonneville
The early 650 cc capacity production T120 Bonneville, often known as the duplex frame model,[3] was replaced in the early 1970s by the T140 Bonneville, the same basic machine but with a 750 cc engine. Refined from the later 'oil in frame' version of the T120, the first few T140s, designated T140V, featured a larger-capacity engine of 724 cc, a five-speed gearbox option and indicators, but still retaining drum brakes and kick-start. Shortly after, the engine was further bored out to 744 cc and front disc brakes were fitted (using single discs until 1982). In 1975, along with engine modifications, the gearchange lever was moved from right to left to comply with new regulations mandated for the American market and a rear disc brake fitted. Several T140 models followed featuring various modifications and refinements including electric starting from 1980 until production ceased with the closure of the Meriden works in 1983.[4]
Although this should have been the end of the Bonneville, as it turned out it was not. Triumph Motorcycles was acquired by businessman John Bloor, who licensed a company called Racing Spares in Devon, run by Les Harris to manufacture the T140 Bonneville. These continuation bikes are known as the 'Devon Bonnevilles', which did not reach the market until 1985, and were not sold in the U.S. Production ended in 1988. [5][6]
New Bonneville
A completely new Triumph Bonneville 790 was debuted in 2001 by Bloor's Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. Originally built exclusively in Hinckley, England, some models are now produced at the company's Thailand manufacturing facility (which also makes components and accessories for various Triumph bikes). The new "Bonnie" strongly resembles the earlier models in style and basic configuration, but with entirely modern engineering. At the debut the new version was given a 790 cc parallel-twin engine, with the up-spec T100 receiving a 865 cc motor. From 2007 on, all Bonnevilles received the 865 cc motor. Through 2007, all motors had carburettors; electronic fuel injection was then introduced to the 2008 models in Britain and to United States models in the 2009 model year, in both cases to comply with increasingly stringent emissions requirements. "Dummy" carburettors have been added to the 2009 models to retain the original vintage styling of previous years.
All the bikes in Triumph's current "Modern Classics" line are based on the new Bonneville, including the T100, Thruxton, Scrambler, America, and Speedmaster.
In 2006, Triumph launched the "Sixty-8" line of Bonneville accessories, offering vintage and modern-style items including seats, seat covers, cam covers, sprocket covers, petrol tank covers, tank badges, panniers, and other items to allow Bonneville owners the opportunity to customize their bikes for considerably less cost than traditional customizations.
Models
Many different versions of the original Bonneville were produced; suffix letters were given to denote the exact model. Listed below in chronological order are the main types and their features:
T120 Bonneville
- Home and general export model.
- T120R
- Export model for the United States of America.
- Export model with high-level exhaust pipes.
- 1964 export model of the T120C for the U.S. East Coast.
- Five-speed transmission.
T140 Bonneville
- T140V
- The initial model of the T140, the 'V' stood for five-speed transmission. Produced between 1972 and 1978.
- T140RV
- Export version of T140V.
- T140J
- Limited edition of 1,000 each (plus 400 for Commonwealth export) of the T140V in USA and UK spcification , produced to commemorate the 1977 Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
- T140E
- The letter 'E' stood for emissions, enabling export to the USA market. This model featured redesigned Amal carburettors soon joined by , Lucas electronic ignition to meet emission regulations.
- T140D
- Limited edition T140D offered with Lester,later Morris, cast wheels in black/gold scheme only. The US version had a special siamesed exhaust system unique to this model. The 'D' stood for Daytona , USA, where the model was conceived.
- T140ES
- Electric start or 'Electro' Bonneville.
- T140AV
- Anti-Vibration engine mountings.
- T140LE
- Limited Edition, 250 Royal Bonnevilles were built to commemorate the 1981 marriage of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles.
- T140W TSS
- The Triumph T140W TSS, revealed in 1982, featured an eight-valve cylinder head and a revised crankshaft designed to reduce vibration. The TSS stood for Triumph Super Sports.
- T140TSX
- A custom-styled T140, the Triumph T140 TSX featured Morris cast wheels, the rear being 16-inch diameter, stepped seat and special finish.
Popular culture
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The 1960s saw a stream of Hollywood and home-grown celebrities riding Triumphs and establishing the marque's global cult status: Steve McQueen (The Great Escape), Marlon Brando (The Wild One), Clint Eastwood (Coogan's Bluff), James Dean (Rebel Without a Cause) and Bob Dylan (who famously crashed his Triumph, sustaining serious injuries in 1967), to name a few. In England the Triumph was, and still is, infamous for its connection to the "Rocker" culture centred around the Ace Cafe. The Triumph Bonneville was also cemented in legend by its use in the numerous land speed record attempts at the Bonneville Salt Flats beginning in the 1950s.
In 1968, motorcycle stuntman Evel Knievel used a Triumph Bonneville for his attempt at jumping the Caesars Palace fountain. Knievel had stated that he would have preferred to continue using the Bonneville but Triumph wouldn't pay him a sponsorship, whereas Harley-Davidson offered him money and free maintenance to use one of their heavier motorcycles.
Richard Gere rode a black Triumph T140E Bonneville in the popular 1982 movie An Officer and A Gentleman and a T120R Bonneville in later movie , Mr Jones. In real life, Gere bought a Triumph Bonneville from the factory with his first pay cheque whist touring the United Kingdom with the Broadway production of Grease in the mid -1970s.
Triumph motorcycle placements have been seen in a number of recent movies, including Mission Impossible II, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Daredevil, Tuck Everlasting, Torque, The Punisher, Terminator III and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
The Triumph has made its way into the video game world as well. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater features the Triumph Bonneville at the close of the game, Eva/ Tatyana is seen riding away on a triumph. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots prominently features a Triumph Bonneville ridden by the character Big Mama, while her associates ride Triumph Speed Triple motorcycles.
Many high-profile stars such as Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Laurie, Nicholas Cage, Pink, and Joseph Fiennes have been seen riding Triumphs.
The Triumph Bonneville is mentioned briefly in the Jethro Tull song Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die! (1976):
- He once owned a Harley Davidson and a Triumph Bonneville.
- Counted his friends in burned out spark plugs
- And prays that he always will.
- But he's the last of the blue blood greaser boys
- All of his mates are doing time
- Married with three kids up by the ring road
- Sold their souls straight down the line
"Machine Man" by the metal rock group Judas Priest includes the line: Licensed to kill, on my 650 Bonneville.
See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Triumph Bonneville |
References
Notes
Bibliography
Bacon, Roy (1990). Triumph T140 Bonneville and Derivatives, 1973-1988. Niton Publishing. ISBN 1-85648-305-3.
Bacon, Roy (1995). Triumph Twins and Triples. Niton Publishing. ISBN 1-85579-026-2.
Davies, Ivor (1991). Triumph-The Complete Story. The Crowood Press. ISBN 1-86126-149-7.
Gaylin, David (1997). Triumph Motorcycle Restoration Guide-Bonneville and TR6, 1956-1983. MBI Publishing Company. ISBN 0-7603-0183-2.
McDiarmid, Mac (1997). Triumph-The Legend. Parragon Publishing. ISBN 0-75252-080-6.
Nelson, John (2001). Bonnie - The Development History of the Triumph Bonneville. Haynes Publishing. ISBN 0-85429-957-2.
Author, not given (2007). The History of British Motoring. Abbeydale Press. ISBN 978-1-86147-197-0.
External links
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