Triumph has finally brought out a bike bearing the marque's most famous model name. But the 2001 Bonneville has little in common with the original Coventry-built T120 Bonnie of the Sixties on which the styling is based.
The 'mouthorgan' tank badges are back - as is the classic plum red and silver colour scheme (green and silver is an option). And the all-new 790cc engine uses a 360 degree layout just like the old bike - the pistons rise and fall together, but one is on the compression stroke while the other is on the exhaust stroke.
But the air-and-oil cooled Hinkley Triumph engine is brought into the 21st century with four valves per cylinder, twin overhead camshafts and a pair of balance shafts to smooth out the vibes.
The cylinder head's oil drain tube at the front of the engine was designed to look like the pushrod tube on the original Bonneville motor. The final drive chain is on the right side, unlike the rest of the Triumph range and most other modern bikes, so that more traditional looking engine covers can be used. And you only get an electric boot - no kickstarter is fitted.
Top speed is 110mph, and you can cover a standing quarter-mile in 14 seconds, making the new Bonnie quicker than a 1200 Harley Sportster. Expect to get at least 40mpg in daily use.
The new Bonnie is reasonably priced, looks good, is easy to handle and is built to last. Don't think road-burner - think Cruiser. Think style.
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