Thing is that most fully faired sport bikes all have the same cookie-cutter plastic look and just don't have the 'cool' factor. Many motorcyclists now realize that you can't use all that insane power on public roads without killing yourself or going to jail, and it is just plain terrifying to open the throttle fully. Not only that, they are only comfortable to ride when you are going over 100 mph. But naked or retro/café styled motorcycles with strong torquey real-world power-bands are all the rage and smart manufacturers are doing the customizing for us. It is so nice to see beautiful cool clean looking motorcycles again instead of the ghastly 'transformers' look of sportbikes and adventure bikes. It is also nice to see the 'motor' in the motorcycle.
gwwayner ghastly transformers, it's called progression ;) Nothing wrong with these retro bikes, it's a bit of a fad in my opinion, as they will not be so popular when everyone has one. Retro bikes are not nearly as capable as more modern sporty bikes, they have been compromised with style over substance, which is fair enough if that's what you're after.
I think you need more power than you think just to stay safe in motorways, simply to control your position relative to the traffic. I wouldn't want to be on a Bobber on those situations. A sportsbike is lighter, has much better cornering and braking, offers better wind/weather protection, it's more fuel efficient and has more clearance. You don't need to ride like a maniac just because it's a sportsbike. I can understand the appeal of retro bikes for some, particularly to non-experienced riders, but you're compromising a lot simply for looks, which in itself will make you look like you're trying too hard (therefore uncool). I'd say only consider poser's bikes if you have other bikes or if you really are only going to ride them in situations where the huge compromises aren't critical.
A 480 lb motorcycle with 80 hp and a 1200cc high torque engine does not have enough power on the freeway? Really?! I once owned a Suzuki VX800 which had around 55 hp and it would easily pass a line of cars on the highway just rolling on the throttle in top gear. Testers have recently commented on how good handling the Bobber is on public roads. Sportbikes are great for racetracks, but are rough riding over the bumps, and doing a continuous push-up on the handlebars gets old quickly on public roads at legal speeds. Triumph is going to sell a shit-load of their new 'retro' Bonnevilles because they look great and have the power and sound for public roads, and keep in mind that for most people their car license and motorcycle license are one and the same. I'll stick with my modded 2010 675 STR though, it's comfortable, light, and fast. Lost 5 pts on it last year!
An STR is a FANTASTIC bike btw. I'm not advocating full on sportsbikes specifically, just bikes that don't compromise performance for looks beyond a certain limit. Most of the retro-themed bikes go too far. An R9T is ok for example, but this Bobber's clearance and power-to-weight is far poorer. If you want to be confortable between cars doing 80 mph you need 100 hp for up to 250 kg and some wind protection. At the end of the day, it depends what you want the bike for. If you don't do motorways and feel very self-conscious about the looks of your bike then fine. But if you don't give a shit (which is what's "cool") then you'll look great on any bike.
Really lovely bikes. I have been looking for a bike once I get out of my starter bike. Have always been a big fan of the good ol' fashion sportster cruiser. Looked everywhere from Harley Davidson to Honda. Finally found this beauty and fell in love. My father has decided to get a bike as well and will be going the triumph route.
Splendid stuff! Loved the slash cut peashooters and so glad that it goes as well as it does. Should shut all the people up who said it was all show and no go! Huzzah!
Nice review, good to hear that it handles well in the bends and not just goes well in a straight line. Looking forward to test riding one with my local dealer. This could get expensive.
I came up with all the old Meriden Triumphs and I must say that I really liked them despite all their problems. So it gladdens my heart when I see how successful and popular the new Hinkley bikes continue to be. This is a beautiful bike (especially in the green and silver) and if I didn't have to think about taking 'er indoors for a spin every now and again, I'd certainly consider one of these with my own money.
Truly Bobber art! Great review of old school and all that's new from Triumph. If your into power pipes don't let the door hit your ars on the on the way out. Joey "the greatest" Dunlop RIP
I'm officially having one ... never been a performance Bike fan, always loved old school Classics and Custom Cruisers - and I get to have all that wrapped up in a Trumpy Bonneville - what more could a bloke want?
Man! This is a gorgeous bike! When not riding, it should be on a revolving display at the Guggenhiem or The Met. With no pillion seat, also good for a mental health day....great video!
Dropping a 500 Rebel S , for one of these next week , I hope it lives up to the reviews , because the Rebel is a belting bike , ride on , from the Independant County of Yorkshire .🇬🇧.
Well ugly is a matter of opinion, I actually like the looks of this and bikes of this ilk. My comment had nothing to do with looks anyway and entirely to do with 'ground clearance/lean angle'. If one is going to 'bob' a bike, which this bike strictly isn't as that would require taking a current model and removing/cutting parts off to lighten it etc I don't see why it shouldn't have a reasonable amount of lean angle. I like the bike it looks nice, saying it's 'lean' is a bit off a joke though ;)
Zach Gray I have a SpeedMaster which is a cruiser and does not have that scraping issue. So I agree with John Kemp , the ground clearance angle seems bad. Besides and this is more personal, I think this bike is ugly; weird looking bike, specially in the back.
My speedy scrapes. It depends on your breaking (he hits the rear hard) and shock settings... lower the better for most people and scrapping is optional.
I like this bike a lot and would consider one for my fun days around the lanes of France. You seemed to be scraping the pegs all the time in corners but didn't mention that was an issue in the film. I also think they need to offer a small rear rack, small fly screen because I reckon this would be lovely as a lazy summer weekend away bike, but the wind pressure on the chest could be an issue. Good video, well done.
I’ve got a 19 plate bobber black. We fell out of love when we got battery charging issues though haha. She’ll hopefully be home soon. But yeah honestly love mine. Hate looking at the bobber over the winter not really wanting to ride it for the bloody salt. Have read about corrosion issues on the bobber too so I just leave it tucked up till spring and rag the mt09 through winter. That 3rd to 4th gear is epic fun when you want to rag her a bit. Only downside….once you stop somewhere you can’t get away again for folk asking questions about it! Real head turner of a bike!
Triumph need to release those heated grips with integrated switch for retro fit to all their bikes. Would fit a set to my Speed without a second thought.
Nice bike, but why such a small tank? Would adding an extra 50% look that bad? I'm struggling to find a new bike with more than a 140 mile tank range. Anyone know of someone making after market tanks with more storage?
What about gearbox issues? Some say that is very often in BNonnevile family included T120 and T100 engine. Any information about it because official Triumph web side and dealers keeps shut.
Bike world, I have a question, have y U also ridden the Harley roadster? I'm considering one of the two and wonder which would do better if you were to ride the same turn at the same speed, which could handle it better? Which would you guys choose out of the two? Thank you!
Happy days in the past, all Honda. However bit past it now bike wise, would love to get my leg over on this machine and go with the undulating flow. Biking at the upper level for enjoyment.
one of the problems with bike comparos is expectation. Those old enough to remember what those old bobber were like will know that this bobber is an excellent ride. no its no beemer or hayabusa or r1... and it's no 60's English bobber home built either. Take the bike for what it is.... with price in mind...and I think you would be impressed. Styling is subjective so whatever catches your eye and flavors your taste. Technology has made this retro much more than old guys like me rode. It is what it is. ... not pretending to be anything more.
Great video, not watched one of your vids before. At first I thought it a bit odd that you were leaning into the corners on such a gently ridden bike, specially as you were saying that you were definitely a superbike guy, then I heard the thing scraping as it went round each bend and it all made sense. Ah, the good old days.
Test rode one today... First impression sat outside the dealership was that it was smaller than I'd expected. On the road, at first I hated it because of the footpeg positioning, seat was all wrong (but adjustable) and general getting used to the nature of the beast. but after a few miles I found it grew on me quite a lot. Most noticeable thing is the handling which is much better than it has a right to be for a bike of this shape. Power delivery is good though not massive, some vibration but not intrusive. Brakes are adequate but a twin front disc would have been better. Looks are subjective so I guess you'll either love it or hate it. Lean angle could cause problems if pushed hard but I suppose if you want to go round corners horizontally, then buy a sports bike. Silencers are a bit sanitised but no doubt they could be replaced. Gear change a bit clunky but not awful like an old BMW. On the whole the bike is a very "capable" and "pleasant" ride but lacks the "wow factor" I got when (for instance) I first rode the Yamaha MT07. (yes, I know they're completely different bikes, just saying the little Yam makes you sit up and pay attention whereas the Triumph is a far more relaxed affair). Obvious comparison would have to be a Harley or any of the many Japanese copies but I can't say I've ever wanted to ride any of them so you'll need to wait for someone else for a comparison. Nice bike and I would certainly recommend a test ride if you're into this sort of thing. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Tim Sowter the parts are expensive. I have spent over $1200.00 on the engine alone. mine is a 2000 thunderbird 900. just remember to convert Nm properly. and don't buy the cheap parts. the cheap ones give out. speaking from experience. If you need any advise let me know I will help where I can.
Cool, I'm 15 and my Dad has a Triumph Thunder LT (Blue), We drove all the way from Newcastle to Malta (Around 2000 Miles) and it Was a great journey. My Dad's LT is currently the only one on the island, :)
I'm looking to get my first bike. What do you guys suggest? I'm only using it for joy riding. Not commuting or traveling. Just to go out and come back home. Been reading the comments and it seems people prefer the function over the style. Personally when I see a bike and it looks boring/bland I get bummed out. I was always under the impression that ppl got bikes to show off more than just a tool to get from A to B. What is the smartest way to look at this?
'62 Triumph TR6 hardtail bobber sitting in my shed at this moment. Been sitting since 1991 when the helmet law passed in California. It'll be sitting there until the helmet law goes away.
No mention of ground clearance,even though you can clearly hear it grinding away in the corners, as long as it's not as bad as the Yamaha xv950 ,I'd buy one .
You are a crazy Hipster. Set your beard free. The more variety there is in bike models the better as far as I am concerned. I have always loved the looks of the 1938 Triumph speed twin, but I would never own one. The bobber however, is much like the speed twin in a modern guise and because of this it is a very attractive proposal. It is understated and beautifully finished. I am only disappointed they didn't think to do this when they had the air-cooled engines, as the radiator (size) on the bobber is a distraction and the only sour note really..
Beauty of a bike but were you grinding metal at every corner? I would definitely have that superb (aluminium?) single seat on a BMW NineT Scrambler, it looks great. I checked this Bobber here in New Zealand, I love Bobbers but it is the type of bikes that seem good for one thing only: cruising in the city along the coast. Like the small Harley Sportster. On open road... yes maybe in long straight lines but on countryside roads like you have near Worcester or like we have in NZ, is this bike really suitable? Narrow roads, tights corners, double cambers and so on. Honest opinion? I have not tried it yet but watching your video, tell me if I am wrong you look extremely cautious not to say concerned around every corner. Like you are riding on eggs. It is the type of bike that can drop to a 45 deg angle, maybe a tad more if adventurous but beyond, there is real chance for sliding straight onto the oncoming traffic, am I under the wrong impression? Well done, great video. I wrote something about price tag compared to other Triumph models then realise it is the actual 1200cc engine so price makes sense now even for a bobber, a very well finished up market Bobber indeed. Love the brushed aluminium.
They're called the ICON 1000 Turnbuckle. Little bit of protection, simple velcro fastener. We've done around ten thousand miles in these and they're still going strong. Glad you enjoyed the review. JH
lot's of background hiss on the audio, i think someone turned the treble up too much! (either that or a cheap mic!). would have been nice to hear more of the bike as well.
I'm guessing it's the 'hero blobs' on the pegs scraping letting you know it's getting there. It's also not meant to be a GP racer on the street, it's a relaxed rider.
New Triumph is splendid! Though how to ride these motorcycles is " Lean-with ", The place that it is deep, and cannot take the bank angle because a position of the steps is a position low as ever is disappointing.
Not my preference, but looks good. Should redesign the exhaust system for a more Harley like look and add 'shark fin' tips to the tail pipes. That just might create a little more pizzaz.
Too bad that in Tucson Arizona, THE TRIUMPH DEALER CLOSED DOWN LAST YEAR. So we can't go to look at them or even buy one. Triumph has not made a single attempt to put in a new dealer in a city with an overall population of over one million and some of the best weather in the United Stated.
