Not A Fan Of The New Bobber? Here Are Your Options

Triumph recently launched the BS6 iteration of its achingly gorgeous bobber in the country, called umm, the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Bobber. At Rs 11.75 lakh (ex-showroom India), the BS6 Bobber costs a whole lakh and a half rupees more than the BS4 version. Its new fatter front tyre, slightly larger fuel tank, and cleaner engine do compensate to an extent. If you’re still not convinced, here are some alternatives:

Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - Price: Rs 11.75 lakh

At Rs 11.75 lakh, the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster costs exactly as much as the Bobber. More importantly, it is based on the Bobber itself, albeit with the addition of a pillion seat, making it a lot more practical. This, coupled with the accessory cushioned backrest and the windshield, should make long distance riding a breeze. The motorcycle is as powerful and as torquey as the Bobber (78PS and 106Nm), so it won’t leave you craving for more out on the highway. 

Thanks to the extra pillion seat and subframe, the motorcycle is slightly heavy, at 263kg (12kg heavier than the Bobber). Having said that, the seat is still accessible enough, at 705mm, even though it is 5mm-15mm taller than the Bobber’s. All in all, if you want the Bobber’s looks but in a more practical package, the Speedmaster is the perfect option for you.

Triumph Street Triple RS - Price: Rs 11.35 lakh

The Triumph Street Triple RS is by far the wildest motorcycle in its segment. Its Moto2-derived 765cc triple engine makes a healthy 123PS and 79Nm. All that power is put down on the road via a bevy of electronics, including switchable traction control, five riding modes, and ABS. The motorcycle is also loaded with features, such as an all-LED lighting system, a TFT instrument cluster with optional smartphone connectivity, and a standard bi-directional quickshifter (6-speed) with an assist-and-slipper clutch. 

Additionally, the bike also gets top-spec underpinnings from Showa, Ohlins, and Brembo. If you’re looking for an out-and-out performance machine in the middleweight naked segment, the Triumph Street Triple RS is pretty much the benchmark. However, at Rs 11.35 lakh, it’s a little too expensive for what it is at the end of the day: a sub-litre-class naked. Having said that, it will definitely leave you grinning from ear to ear every time you swing your leg on this beaut.

Harley-Davidson Forty Eight - Price: Rs 11.75 lakh

The Harley-Davidson Forty Eight retails at the same price as the Triumph Bonneville Bobber, making it the perfect American alternative. However, it is a little too old school thanks to the 1200cc air-cooled Evolution V-twin engine. The motor churns out a commendable 96Nm of torque at just 3,500rpm! 

But unlike the Bobber, this cruiser is as barebones as it gets. Apart from the dual-channel standard ABS, there are no electronics, just a basic semi-digital instrument cluster and a halogen headlamp. But fret not, Harley offers a whole list of accessories to cater to your needs. If you’re a fan of true-blue American freedom, the Forty Eight is a great choice to cruise down the highways on the weekends.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Price: Rs 11.44 lakh

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 is the only litre-class ADV on this list, making it perfect for adventure enthusiasts who aren’t afraid of bad roads and are looking for a bike that can munch miles effortlessly. The 1,043cc inline-four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine makes 120PS and 102Nm, enough to sustain triple-digit speeds effortlessly. It also gets a massive 21-litre fuel tank, an inverted front fork with 150mm wheel travel, and a linked rear monoshock with 152mm wheel travel, both adjustable for rebound and preload. 

However, at 150mm, the ground clearance isn’t all that much for an ADV. It also rolls on road-biased rubber wrapped on 17-inch wheels at both ends, making it unsuitable for hardcore offroading. And at 840mm, the seat is also pretty tall. This, coupled with the 255kg heft (kerb), makes it suitable only for tall riders. 

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro - Price: Rs 11.95 lakh

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro is a sleek scrambler that doesn’t shy away from light trails. It is loaded to the gills with sophisticated underpinnings, including the fully adjustable Marzocchi fork, preload and rebound-adjustable Kayaba rear monoshock, dual 320mm discs up front with a Brembo Monobloc M4.32 radial calipers, and cornering ABS. 

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Its 1,079cc L-twin air-and-oil-cooled 85.6PS and 88Nm engine is reined in by three riding modes and a four-level traction control system. If you fancy a sleek Italian motorcycle that can handle the everyday commutes, occasional highway runs, and a little bit of off-road fun, then at Rs 11.95 lakh, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro is hard to ignore.