How you do like your Bonnies?

The very first production Bonneville T120, so-called because of its potential 120mph top speed, was launched back in 1959, and was a huge success for Triumph, creating an explosion in sales in the US. This was the start of the glory years for Triumph. The Bonnie spawned Triumph’s image and, later, the platform gave the company success at the Isle Of Man TT. Malcolm Uphill recorded the first 100mph production bike average lap on a Bonneville Thruxton in 1969. From Evel Knievel (whose first televised jump was on a Bonneville) to movie stars and teenage rebels, the Bonneville, which was the superbike of its time, was loved by many. It is legendary.

Modern Bonnies

For 2021, Triumph has launched two new Bonnevilles, the T120 (£11,000) and the lower spec, but arguably equally as attractive, T100 (£9300).

The top-spec Bonneville T120 benefits from a new Euro-5 1200cc parallel twin, with reduced crank inertia. Weight is down 7kg, with a significant reduction in bulk coming from lighter aluminium wheel rims. The