We reported last week that Triumph may be working on a second variation of the Bonneville Bobber, so we flew Costa Mouzouris all the way to Hinckley to see if the rumours were true. Actually, Triumph flew our intrepid reporter to its factory, where the new Bobber Black was revealed.
HINCKLEY, England – As the name suggests, the Bobber Black indeed gets a complete blackout treatment, but it also gets a new front end. A beefier 47 mm Showa fork replaces the 41 mm KYB unit of the Bobber, and it also gets a 16-inch front wheel (19-inch on the Bobber) with a fat 130/90 tire. The front brake is upgraded with two discs and Brembo twin-piston calipers, as opposed to the single-disc Nissin setup on the Bobber. Other improvements include a new headlight with an LED daylight running lamp, and it now has cruise control, with one-button operation.
Despite Triumph’s usual tendency to offer Black models at a lower price than regular models, the additions and improvements to this Bobber Black will likely increase the price from the $13,700 of the current Bobber.
Bigger news comes with the introduction of the 2018 Bonneville Speedmaster. It’s based on the Bobber platform and features the same hard-tail-look rear end. It does, however, offer seating for two, but if you’re independently minded and prefer riding solo, the passenger pillion is easily removable.
Like the Bobber, it has a 41 mm KYB fork, but unlike its single-seat sibling it has the same twin-disc front brake setup as the Bobber Black, as well as the fat, 16-inch front wheel. In the rear, there’s a new shock absorber that has a dual-rate spring and a different bump stop to handle the added weight of a passenger. The rear preload is adjustable via an easily accessible lever.
Custom touches include a wide, pullback beach handlebar, a headlight with LED daytime running light, chrome and aluminum highlights, and forward controls. It has a larger gas tank, which can carry 12 litres of fuel as opposed to the Bobber’s tiny 9-litre capacity.
The Speedmaster uses the same 1,200 cc High Torque liquid-cooled twin as the two Bobber models, which claims 76 horsepower and 78 lb.-ft. of peak torque. It has single-button cruise control, and like its Bobber buddies, it comes with standard ABS and traction control.
Two “Inspiration” kits will be available. Inspiration kits are dealer-installed kits that include a themed assembly of accessories. The Highway Inspiration kit includes an adjustable windshield, waxed cotton and leather saddlebags, a comfort seat, a passenger backrest and an engine guard. The Maverick Inspiration kit includes a brown quilted seat, flatter, lower handlebar, black Vance & Hines exhaust system, and a grab-rail removal kit with rear fender finisher.
Pricing for these new bikes will be announced closer to their launch dates in February.
The new Speedster is beautiful, thank you Triumph for bringing it to Canada.
A 130/90 tire on the front may look cool, but will do nothing for handling!
Please Triumph, get rid of those tank seams – at those prices I should not see them!