Triumph Bonneville

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Triumph Bonneville
Manufacturer Triumph Engineering Co Ltd
Also called 'Bonnie'
Production 1959 – 1983
Predecessor TR6 Trophy
Engine Four-stroke Parallel-twin
Power 46 bhp @ 6,500 rpm (T120)
Transmission 4-speed (later 5-speed)
Wheelbase 55.75 in (1,416  mm)
Weight 395 lb (179 kg)
Related TR7 Tiger
Similar BSA A65 Lightning

Triumph Bonneville is the name given to three distinct model lines of this notable British motorcycle. They share a parallel-twin four-stroke engine configuration, but the latest motorcycle to carry this name is of a totally new design and is manufactured by the modern successor of the original Triumph company.

The early 650 cc capacity production Triumph T120 Bonneville, often known as the duplex frame model,[1] was replaced in the early 1970s by the T140 Bonneville which was the same basic machine but with a 750 cc engine. Later T120 Bonnevilles used a new frame which held the engine oil instead of a separate tank; this development of the Bonneville became known as the oil in frame version.

The current model Triumph Bonneville uses a differently configured and more powerful engine and is unrelated to the original T120 and T140 in design. Since the arrival of this motorcycle, the earlier T120 and T140 have been popularly named 'Meriden Bonnevilles' and the modern version is known as a 'Hinckley Bonneville', reflecting the location of the two factories and to differentiate between the distinct types.

Contents

[edit] Development History

The original Triumph Bonneville was named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in the state of Utah, USA, where Triumph and other motorcycle companies made attempts on the world motorcycle speed records.[2] It was popular (particularly in its early years) for its performance, compared to other bikes available. Although later enlarged to 750 cc, in the late 1970s and early 1980s it suffered when compared to more modern and reliable Japanese motorbikes from Honda and other manufacturers. The T120 engine, both in standard configuration and especially when tuned for increased performance, was popular for installing in café racers such as Tribsas, and particularly Tritons.

[edit] T120 Bonneville

The original Triumph Bonneville was a 650 cc parallel-twin (two-cylinder) motorcycle manufactured by Triumph Engineering Co Ltd and later by Norton-Villiers-Triumph between 1959 and 1974. It was based on the company's Tiger 110, and was fitted with the Tiger's optional twin 1 3/16 in Amal monobloc carburettors as standard, along with that model's high-performance inlet camshaft. Initially it was produced with a pre-unit construction engine which enabled the bike to comfortably achieve 115 mph without further modification, but later (1963), a unit construction model was made which was more compact and added slightly to the stiffness of the set-up, together with additional bracing for the steering head and swinging arm. The steering angle was altered and improved forks were fitted a couple of years later, which, together with the increased stiffness enabled the overall performance of the Bonneville to match that of its rivals.[3]

[edit] T140 Bonneville

Developed from the later 'oil in frame' (based on that of the BSA A65) version of the T120, the first few T140s, designated T140V, featured a larger capacity engine of 724 cc, a five-speed gearbox option and indicators, but still retained drum brakes and kick-start. Shortly after, the engine was further bored-out to 744 cc and front disc brakes were fitted (single discs before 1982). In 1975, along with engine modifications, the gearchange lever was moved from right to left to comply with regulations introduced for the American market. Several T140 models followed featuring various modifications and refinements until production ceased with the closure of the Meriden works in 1983. This should have been the end of the Bonneville, but, as it turned out, it was not. The manufacturing rights were bought by businessman John Bloor, who licensed Racing Spares, operating out of Devon, run by Les Harris, to produce the Bonneville for five years. These were known as the Devon Bonnevilles. The Devon Bonnevilles did not reach the market until 1985, and were not available in the U.S. with the last of the Devon Bonnevilles being produced in 1988. [4][5]

[edit] New Bonneville

The new Triumph Bonneville produced by Triumph Motorcycles Ltd was released in 2001, and has a 790 cc parallel-twin engine of the same configuration as the original "Bonnie" as they are collectively known. The T100 Bonneville received the 865cc motor when it debuted. All 2007+ Bonnevilles have the 865cc motor. 01-07/08 Bonneville engines use a carburettor (as opposed to fuel injection), chain-type final drive, and other features consistent with the original production Bonneville. Except in The United States, All models from 2008 will be fitted with Electronic Fuel Injection to comply with emission regulations, in the United States EFI will debut in 2009. The Bonneville serves as the base from which all of Triumph's "Modern Classics" line is derived, which includes the T100, Thruxton, and Scrambler, America, and Speedmaster.

In 2006, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. launched the "Sixty-Eight" line of Bonneville accessories. These include both vintage and modern aesthetic modifications to include seats, seat covers, cam covers, sprocket covers, petrol tank covers, tank badges, panniers, and other items. The Sixty-Eight line provides a complete set of OEM parts that allow Bonneville owners to create a truly distinctive and unique motorcycle for less cost than traditional customisations. As of 2007, all Bonneville motorcycles have the larger 865 cc engine which offers slightly more power than the 790 cc unit but with no additional weight.

The Bonneville is held by many to be a "nostalgia" bike that serves as a reminder of the 1960s-era Bonnevilles, and is marketed towards the demographic of motorcycle riders who previously owned older-model Bonnevilles, but who also want the convenience of electric starting mechanisms, fewer oil leaks, and better fuel economy. Thus, "new" Bonnevilles have a reputation for being ridden by older motorcyclists and those who enjoy this bike's timeless appeal. This claim is, however, unsupported by any concrete data, and some have reported that in major urban settings, Bonnevilles have begun to acquire a following among the 35-and-under crowd.

[edit] Models

Many different versions of the original Bonneville were produced; suffix letters were given to denote the exact model. Listed below in chronological order are the main types and their features:

[edit] T120 Bonneville

  • T120
Home and general export model.
  • T120R
Export model for the United States of America.
  • T120C
Export model with high-level exhaust pipes.
  • T120TT
1964 export model of the T120C for the U.S. East Coast.
  • T120RV
Five-speed transmission.

[edit] T140 Bonneville

  • T140V
The initial model of the T140, the 'V' stood for five-speed transmission. Produced between 1972 and 1978.
  • T140RV
Export version of T140V.
  • T140J
Limited edition of 1,000 (plus 400 for export) of the T140V, produced to commemorate the 1977 Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
1980 T140E Bonneville
1980 T140E Bonneville
  • T140E
The letter 'E' stood for emissions. This model featured redesigned Amal carburettors and Lucas electronic ignition to meet emission regulations.
  • T140D
Limited edition T140E offered in black/gold scheme only.
  • T140ES
Electric start or 'Electro' Bonneville.
  • T140AV
Anti-Vibration engine mountings.
  • T140LE
Limited Edition, 250 Royal Bonnevilles were built to commemorate the 1981 marriage of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles.
  • T140TSS
The T140TSS, revealed in 1982, featured an eight-valve cylinder head and a revised crankshaft designed to reduce vibration.
  • T140TSX
A custom-styled T140 with a 16-inch rear wheel and stepped seat.

[edit] Popular Culture

The 1960s saw a stream of Hollywood and home-grown celebrities riding Triumphs and cementing the marque's global cult status: Steve McQueen (The Great Escape), Marlon Brando (The Wild One), Clint Eastwood, James Dean (Rebel Without a Cause) and Bob Dylan (who famously crashed his Bonneville, sustaining serious injuries in 1967), to name a few. In England the Triumph was, and still is, infamous for its connection to the "Rocker" culture centered around the Ace cafe. Additionally, the Triumph Bonneville was cemented in its legendary status due to numerous land speed records set at the Utah salt flats beginning in the 1950s and continuing through to today.

Customised Triumph Bonneville T120 Unit construction engine
Customised Triumph Bonneville T120 Unit construction engine

In the 1970s the Triumph Bonneville was closely connected to the actor Henry Winkler and his role as the "Fonz" on the hit show "Happy Days". Actually the machine ridden by Henry Winkler was a TR6 Trophy model, not a T120 Bonneville. The high rise exhausts give this away.

Additionally, the Triumph Bonneville is mentioned in passing in the Jethro Tull song Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die! (1976):

He once owned a Harley Davidson and a Triumph Bonneville.
Counted his friends in burned out spark plugs
And prays that he always will.
But he's the last of the blue blood greaser boys
All of his mates are doing time
Married with three kids up by the ring road
Sold their souls straight down the line

Another song mentioning a Bonneville is the Judas Priest song, "Machine Man" with a line:

Licensed to kill, on my 650 Bonneville

In 1968, the stunt man Evel Knievel chose the Triumph Bonneville for his attempt at jumping the Caesars Palace fountain. And today, the Triumph continues to thrive with the connection it maintains with many high-profile figures, such as Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughy, Hugh Laurie, Nicholas Cage, Pink, and Joseph Fiennes, choosing to ride Triumphs. A black Triumph Bonneville, ridden by Richard Gere, featured prominently in the popular 1982 movie, An Officer and A Gentleman. Recent requests from leading motion picture and television studios to Triumph Motorcycles have resulted in key motorcycle placements within blockbusters including Mission Impossible II, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Daredevil, Tuck Everlasting, Torque, "The Punisher" and Terminator III.

The actor Hugh Laurie is also noted to own a black Triumph Bonneville.

[edit] References

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Gaylin, 1997. p.44.
  2. ^ Nelson, 2001. p.28.
  3. ^ The History of British Motoring, 2007. pp.166 – 167.
  4. ^ Nelson, 2001. p.59.
  5. ^ The History of British Motoring, 2007. pp.180 – 181.

[edit] Bibliography

Bacon, Roy (1990). Triumph T140 Bonneville and Derivatives, 1973-1988. Niton Publishing. ISBN 1-85648-305-3. 

Bacon, Roy (1995). Triumph Twins and Triples. Niton Publishing. ISBN 1-85579-026-2. 

Davies, Ivor (1991). Triumph-The Complete Story. The Crowood Press. ISBN 1-86126-149-7. 

Gaylin, David (1997). Triumph Motorcycle Restoration Guide-Bonneville and TR6, 1956-1983. MBI Publishing Company. ISBN 0-7603-0183-2. 

McDiarmid, Mac (1997). Triumph-The Legend. Parragon Publishing. ISBN 0-75252-080-6. 

Nelson, John (2001). Bonnie - The Development History of the Triumph Bonneville. Haynes Publishing. ISBN 0-85429-957-2. 

Author, not given (2007). The History of British Motoring. Abbeydale Press. ISBN 978-1-86147-197-0. 

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

[edit] External links

Languages