Triumph’s Speedmaster And Bobber Get New Kit But Retain Their Coolness

Triumph has made quite a few updates to its popular Bonneville models. While the uber cool Street Twin does not get anything more than some lovely touch-ups and a limited edition model, the Bonneville T100 and the larger Bonneville T120 pack slightly more comprehensive upgrades. The last of the popular Bonnies to get some new bits are the Speedmaster and the new Bobber.

What’s New?

Triumph’s Americanised Bonnie members get new hardware and finally run the same Bobber engine tune. Hence, on the Speedmaster, there is a minor decrease in performance; the 1200cc parallel-twin, 8-valve, liquid-cooled High Torque engine now produces 78PS at 6100rpm and 106Nm at 4000rpm. That’s 1.5PS and 1Nm lesser than before. Gladly, these were the same output figures of the Bonnie Bobber’s engine, and there’s no change to that. Nevertheless, this new Bobber tune has a smoother torque curve with over 100Nm on tap between 3000rpm and 5000rpm.

Hardware updates for both motorcycles include the same 47mm Showa cartridge fork and dual twin-piston Brembo front floating caliper. The Speedmaster gets comfier seats with thicker cushioning. And in case you want a clean solo look, removing the pillion seat and chrome grab-rail isn’t that much of a task.

However, if you want a truly solo experience, it doesn’t get any classier than the Bonnie Bobber. The immediate change that you will notice is the chunky new 16-inch front wheel. Triumph’s customers preferred it over the old skinny 19-inch one, but we think the slimmer, larger tyre gave the Bobber a sort of a hot-rodder vibe.

Nevertheless, the Bobber has also gained versatility with a larger 12-litre fuel tank now plying trade. This means you can finally take this for an out-and-out highway run without stopping too many times for fuel.

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What’s Unchanged?

There are no styling updates on the Speedmaster, apart from new colour options -- Red Hopper, Fusion White/Sapphire Black, and Jet Black. This laidback Bonneville cruiser still provides a soulful, easy-going highway-riding experience with oodles of chrome in sight.

On the Bobber, Triumph has retained quintessential bobber elements like the slash-cut exhausts and the floating pan solo seat, which still manage to make us go weak in the knees. The low solo seat can be adjusted forwards or backwards to suit the rider’s height, with aftermarket Triumph footpeg kits also available to set the rider triangle to one’s liking. Lastly, it gets three new colours: Matte Storm Grey/Matte Ironstone, Cordovan Red, and Jet Black.

The traditional double-cradle frame of these Bonnevilles, with their swing-cage rear suspension, sees no change. The bikes still retain that faux hardtail look with the monoshock neatly tucked below the seat.

What’s The Price? Who Are Its Rivals?

Triumph India has stated that it will stagger the launches of the 2021 Bonnevilles. The Speedmaster, while already on sale, is likely to arrive after the Street Twin and other traditional Bonnies, perhaps in June. The Bonnie Bobber will make a reappearance in India, probably the same month.

Prices for both the motorcycles are likely to go up by Rs 15,000 - Rs 20,000. Expect the Speedmaster to retail at Rs 11.55 lakh and the Bobber at Rs 10.50 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom India). While there aren’t many cruisers left in the market at this price point, the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight is a direct rival of the Bobber.

ZigSays

Triumph’s Americana Bonnies have always been the centre of attention, no matter where they may land up in. Their beauty and attention to detail is unrivalled in this segment of bikes. And there’s no overlooking the Bobber’s raw sex appeal.