2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber | First Ride Review

The 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber. (Photos by Triumph)
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber. (Photos by Alessio Barbanti, Matteo Cavallini, Paul Barshon, Freddie Kirns)

Bobbers are quite possibly the original performance custom motorcycles. Riders have been stripping extraneous parts and “bobbing” fenders since knickerbockers and straw hats were in fashion. The idea is simple: take an ordinary motorcycle, remove anything not related to going fast, including rear shocks, side covers, and passenger seats and pegs, chop off the fenders to their most minimal size (or better yet, toss them in the bin with the other bits you’ve removed) and soup up the engine. Voilà, instant speed machine/hooligan bike/cool ride.

Rider‘s Motorcycle of the Year: Triumph Bonneville T120

Part of the whole point, of course, was to build your own. There was no such thing as a “factory” bobber—and how cool could one really be? Admittedly, my expectations upon arriving in Madrid, Spain, for the global launch of the 2017 Bonneville Bobber were modest. Oh, the bike looks awesome, and it’s one of the most anticipated new models to be announced this year. Triumph itself has made it clear that it built the Bobber to appeal to customers looking for a certain aesthetic—but so often in the past, building for style has also meant a compromise in performance.

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Yes, you will look extremely cool on this bike. Our were bestowed with the optional dual-level heated grips, which I am pleased to say worked very well in the cool, mid-40s temperatures of Madrid in December.
Yes, you will look extremely cool on this bike. Ours were bestowed with the optional dual-level heated grips, which I am pleased to say worked very well in the cool, mid-40s temperatures of Madrid in December.

The Bobber was built around the Bonneville T120’s 1,200cc “High Torque” engine, but apart from that it shares very little with its T120 brethren. This isn’t just a “bobbed” Bonneville, it’s an entirely new motorcycle. Its frame, front and rear suspension, handlebars, instrument display and fuel tank are all new, and thanks to a new 2-piece airbox design, output shaft, intake, exhaust and special tuning, its parallel twin pumps out a claimed 10 percent more midrange power and torque than the T120. It talks the talk, and walks the walk.

The Bobber's 1200cc "High Torque" engine is the same one as that used in the T120, but for the Bobber it's been tweaked to produce 10 percent more power and torque. Triumph designed it with what they call "Clean Lines" packaging, hiding wires, hoses and any other unsightly bits for a clean, attractive look. For example, the radiator's expansion tank is located under the silver mesh panel on the left in the photo.
The Bobber’s 1,200cc “High Torque” engine is the same one used in the T120, but for the Bobber it’s been tweaked to produce 10 percent more power and torque. Triumph designed the engine with what it calls “Clean Lines” packaging, hiding wires, hoses and any other unsightly bits for a clean, attractive look. For example, the radiator’s expansion tank is located under the silver mesh panel on the left in the photo.

Walking around the bike in the morning get-to-know-you phase, I realized how much better the Bobber looks in person than it does in pictures—and that’s saying something! Up close, it exudes a powerful attitude and has a long, low stance that was quite different from the stubby image I had in my head. The attention to detail and fit-and-finish are top-notch.

The Bobber’s “Clean Lines” packaging hides almost every wire, cable, hose and piece of technology, an important touch for a bike meant to evoke simpler times. Even the discreet radiator’s expansion tank is cleverly hidden within an attractive brushed silver panel on the right side of the engine. Viewed from the side, there is a lot of visible space around the engine, and the exhaust pipes cut a straight line along the bottom of the frame, with no bulbous emissions control units.

Just try keeping the grin off your face when you're strafing corners on this low-slung beast.
Just try keeping the grin off your face when you’re strafing corners on this low-slung beast.

I knew I’d look cool on the Bobber, but I also expected to pay a price for it: a sore back, bum and shoulders. Pleasant surprise number one—the Bobber is pretty comfortable! The small solo tractor seat is skillfully dished, and despite looking perilously thin it has ample padding. Triumph says it spent quite a bit of time on that seat, and it shows. It’s attached to a cantilevered arm bolted to the frame behind the gas tank, and locates the rider a comfortable reach from the bars, with the footpegs positioned for a 90-degree bend in the knees.

The adjustable seat is mounted on a cantilevered arm that hovers over the single shock.
The adjustable seat is mounted on a cantilevered arm that hovers over the single shock.

It’s also adjustable, requiring the removal of one bolt and the loosening of another, allowing the rider to slide it along the arm rearward and down, up to a max of about 2 inches. I didn’t try it, as I was enjoying the somewhat sporty forward position in the twisty mountain roads outside Madrid. Another journalist, who towers above my 5-foot, 9-inch frame at 6-feet, 4-inches, moved his back by about 1-½ inches, and his verdict was a preference for the stock position as well.

Bar-end mirrors worked well, with some blurring at higher speeds. Wide, flat handlebars offered good cornering leverage and weren't too far away, even in tight parking lot turns.
Bar-end mirrors worked well, with some blurring at higher speeds. Wide, flat handlebars offered good cornering leverage and weren’t too far away, even in tight parking lot turns.

To maintain the all-important aesthetic, Triumph designed the Bobber’s frame to look like a hard tail, and tucked the single rear shock (adjustable for preload only) and linkage under the seat. Because the engineers only had to worry about tuning the stock suspension for a single person (hooray for solo seats!), the handling was pleasant surprise number two. Even at the hard pace we were riding, dragging the Bobber’s footpegs through corner after corner, the bike felt planted and stable. The rear single shock soaked up small bumps, transmitting nothing to the seat floating above it.

The Bobber's rear end is designed to look like a chopped up and welded hard tail. The single rear shock and linkage are cleverly hidden under the seat, leaving the whole rear fender assembly to bounce over bumps and isolating them from the rider.
The Bobber’s rear end is designed to look like a chopped up and welded hard tail. The single rear shock and linkage are cleverly hidden under the seat, leaving the whole rear fender assembly to bounce over bumps and isolate them from the rider.

Like the T120, the Bobber uses ride-by-wire, which allows for switchable traction control and two ride modes, Rain and Road. Both modes allow full power, but the Rain mode uses a more relaxed throttle map that brings the power on more gently for wet or slippery conditions. ABS is also standard. Both handlebar levers are adjustable, and the Bobber’s torque assist clutch makes easy work of navigating through stop-and-go city traffic.

The Bobber is shod with sporty Avon Cobra radial tires front and rear, and they worked well on dry and damp roads alike.
The Bobber is shod with sporty Avon Cobra tires front and rear, and they worked well on dry and damp roads alike.

Out on the open road, tall gearing, plenty of power (a claimed 77 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 78.2 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm) and an open exhaust note lead to pleasant surprise number three. The Bobber is really, really fun to ride. It pulls hard in every gear up until about 5,500 rpm, and even our Triumph factory companions mounted on Tiger Explorers had a hard time keeping up with my riding group when we throttled out of corners. The Bobber is no sportbike, but with a skilled rider aboard it will hold its own in the canyons.

The single-dial display has an analog speedometer, with an LCD gear position indicator and fuel level, and selectable fuel range, fuel consumption data, engine speed, clock, odometer and tripmeters, clock, service indicator, heated grip settings (optional) and cruise control setting (optional).
The single-dial display has an analog speedometer, with an LCD gear position indicator and fuel level, and selectable fuel range, fuel consumption data, engine speed, clock, odometer and tripmeters, clock, service indicator, heated grip settings (optional) and cruise control setting (optional). Because Bobber riders might customize their bikes with anything from low clip-ons to high ape hangers, the display can be rotated up or down.

On the highway, the low seating position keeps the rider out of the worst of the wind. Sixth gear is basically an overdrive, and once engaged at about 75 mph, the Bobber carries you along smoothly, its satisfying exhaust note still audible. In fact, the slash-cut “sawed-off” peashooter mufflers were designed to allow the rider to hear the bike. As Triumph puts it, why let only the guy behind you enjoy the sound?

With its sporty tires and relatively high mid-mount foot pegs, the Bobber is capable of surprisingly aggressive lean angles.
With its sporty tires and relatively high mid-mount foot pegs, the Bobber is capable of surprisingly aggressive lean angles.

If the Bobber has a weakness, it’s the brakes. Remember my comment earlier about performance being compromised in the name of style? Triumph opted to give the bike a single 310mm disc and 2-piston Nissin floating caliper up front, and a 255mm disc with single-piston caliper out back, to better match the traditional bobber look. Riders who don’t use the rear brake pedal will want to retrain themselves, as even a forceful squeeze of the front brake lever alone results in a disconcerting lack of slowing down. When I mentioned this to one of the Triumph reps, he told me to give the rear brake pedal a solid push as well. Following his advice, the Bobber was more willing to “whoa,” but I’d still prefer a bit more bite when riding hard.

The ride position is surprisingly comfortable, with a 90-degree knee bend and a slight lean forward to the bars.
The ride position is surprisingly comfortable, with a 90-degree knee bend and a slight lean forward to the bars.

My overwhelming impression of the new Bobber, however, is very positive. It looks unlike any other mass-produced bike out there; in fact, I’m hard-pressed to pick its primary competitors (Harley-Davidson ’48? Yamaha Bolt? Maybe the Indian Scout?). And it backs that incredible style and attention to detail with honest-to-goodness power and handling. It’s fun. It’s what a motorcycle is supposed to be.

Triumph will offer two "Inspiration Kits" for the Bobber, meant to provide a turnkey custom solution. This one is called the Old School, and includes ape hangers and a brown leather seat.
Triumph will offer two “Inspiration Kits” for the Bobber, meant to provide a turnkey custom solution. This one is called the Old School, and includes ape hangers and a brown leather seat.

 

More of a speed demon? This Inspiration Kit is called the Quarter Mile, and includes clip-on handlebars and blacked-out Vance & Hines exhaust.
More of a speed demon? This Inspiration Kit is called the Quarter Mile, and includes clip-on handlebars and blacked-out Vance & Hines exhaust.

Triumph dealers are taking deposits now, with the first units expected to hit U.S. shores in late February/early March. The Bobber will be available in four colors: Jet Black, Morello Red, Competition Green/Frozen Silver, and Ironstone. U.S. pricing will start at $11,900 for Jet Black; the other colors will carry an upcharge. Triumph will offer more than 150 custom parts and accessories for the Bobber, as well as two complete “Inspiration Kits” that will let riders turn their Bobber into a ride all their own.

The Bobber will be available in four color schemes for 2017.
The Bobber will be available in four color schemes for 2017.

Even in stock form, the Bobber cuts an imposing and iconic silhouette. If you’re looking for a ride with style, attitude and performance to match, this might just be your dream bike.

2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Specs
Base Price: $11,900 (Jet Black)
Website: triumphmotorcycles.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 1,200cc
Bore x Stroke: 97.6 x 80.0mm
Transmission: 6-speed, wet multi-plate assist clutch
Final Drive: X-ring chain
Wheelbase: 59.4 in.
Rake/Trail: 25.8 degrees/3.5 in.
Seat Height: 27.2 in.
Claimed Dry Weight: 503 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 2.4 gal.
MPG: NA

Jenny’s Gear:
Helmet:
Bell Bullitt
Jacket: Scorpion Catalina
Riding Jeans: Saint Model 1
Boots: Dainese Bahia

18 COMMENTS

  1. Is triumph taking cues from Harley Davidson now, putting form over function?
    Sub par brakes, for the sake of looks OR price point is totally unacceptable.
    I like the styling, though, but I’d like the styling JUST as much with dual front brakes.

    • I agree, and to go further – why didn’t Triumph put the Thruxton R brakes and suspension on all the T120’s? Either that or hide the R so riders can’t see what we’re missing! All that said, I’ve ridden old and new Triumph’s and while the old were great, the new (with the odd exception) are wonderful. I can’t think of another company that’s done what Triumph has done in just a few decades. And, I’ve been a Honda / Suzuki / Kawasaki guy for over 40 years.

  2. Pretty dang cool bike for a factory effort. I really like the bikes Triumph and Guzzi are offering these days. To me they just look ‘right’ and very pleasing to the eye.

  3. I hate to be ‘that guy’, but good luck carrying a six pack and a bag of groceries home after work, on this fancy toy…..this is a weekend bike only.

  4. So, as someone who actually owns a Triumph Bobber, I have a couple of comments.
    a) The single brake rotor is adequate. Remember, there is only one person riding the bike, and no luggage. If you have to retrain yourself to use the rear brake, then you were doing it wrong anyway.
    b) I can’t believe i have to point this out, but this is a “Bobber”. The pure definition of a Bobber is: to strip away everything that is unnecessary in order to reveal a bare bones, fast bike”. This bike is simply not designed to be like other bikes. It’s akin to complaining that a Honda 250cc dirt bike is not set up for highway cruising. As an aside, I carry a shoulder “sling bag” in a single leather side-bag, which can hold items in a pinch that I want to bring home in a pinch, so…. yeah.
    c) to further elaborate point b), Triumph does not put “form over function”. The bike’s function was to provide an old school riding experience, short hops and commuting to work. The form is perfect for this function.

  5. I bought one. Considered a Harley 48 until i compared reviews, and then it was no contest.

    This is a fabulous machine. Better be holding on when you really crack the throttle. Handling is absolutely confidence inspiring.

    I don’t know why people are going on about the range and the braking. You can go over 100 miles on a tank. Given that this is not an adventure tourer, how can that not be more than enough? And the brakes? Fine. I have always been in the habit of applying both front and back calipers. They stop you just fine on this bike. Some fussy folks out there i guess.

  6. always lots more negative complaints than positive fun ones these days, buy it, ride it , enjoy it for what it is! take it to Camp Zero at buffalochip.com

  7. I bought the 2017 Bobber as soon as it was available. I’ve had a few new Bonnevilles, Adventurer, Thunderbird and old ones
    It’s my favorite bike that I’ve ever owned out of about 25 bikes.
    I haul ass on this little bike and never have a problem stopping.
    I also have the OEM saddlebags.

    The worst thing is my wife never wants to ride her Sporty 1200 and always hops on the Bobber…he he.

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