2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber (UK)


Triumph’s Modern Classics range was launched in the UK dubbed 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber. This new model, a custom motorcycle “straight out of the box” as it were, joins the recent launch of the T100 series of retro-bikes, as well as the Triumph Street Cup retro-racer.

Based the 1,200 cc parallel-twin HT engine from the T120 series, the Bobber’s engine is claimed to produce more power than the standard engine due to a new twin-chamber airbox. The intake and exhaust has also been revised to produce more power, with the new slash-cut exhaust system being lighter and shorter than the unit on the T120.


Also new is the frame, designed specifically for the Bobber, to accommodate the solo seat and shortened dimensions of the tradtional “Bobber” look. The new frame also brings back the look of the original 1951 Speed Twin pre-unit construction, with the shock absorber hidden under the seat, giving the Bobber that “hard-tail” look.

Suspension has also been adjusted to match, considering that the Triumph Bobber only seats one. Braking is with a single disc front and rear, and the forks are suitably gaitered in rubber. ABS is standard fitment, as it is for all motorcycles above 250 cc sold in Europe.


While some riders may eschew the game of electronics that modern motorcycles has become, the Triumph Bobber carries all mod cons, including ride-by-wire, switchable traction control, ride modes – all of which contribute to riding safety. A torque assist clutch reduces lever effort at the handlebar, and increases clutch feel – a plus for long-distance riding.

New in class is the Bobber’s adjustable seat, which goes fore-and-aft as well as up-and-down adjustment to accommodate riders with different arm and leg lengths. The thought that goes into making the bike fit the rider, and not the other way round, has become something of a Triumph design touch with its 2016/2017 generation of bikes, starting with the Tiger Xc 800 machines.


Triumph has not revealed pricing for the 2017 Triumph Bobber as yet, but an announcement is expected to be made in December. There are four colour options available – Modello Red, Jet Black, Ironstone and Competition Green/Frozen Silver.