The Evolution of the Triumph Bonneville (1959-2022)
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- The Triumph Bonneville is one of the most iconic motorcycles ever produced. Born in 1959 and still alive and well today in 2022 (not without a few hiccups), the Bonneville stands as the quintessential motorcycle in many minds.
Big thanks to Mecum!
www.mecum.com/
Big thanks to Triumph! assets below:
triumph-mediak...
Side note 1: I've focused primarily on the American versions of these bikes, the specs and tank size etc were different for much of the classic bikes. I randomly do include the British version if that's all I could find from Mecum
Main side note:
The goal of this video was to SHOW the evolution of the bike, but a few things should be noted in regards to the bikes technical changes. The first few Bonnevilles (1959-1962) are considered the 'pre-unit' models. Basically the Engine and Gearbox were separate. 1959 stands out with its nacelle headlamp; this was soon ditched for the style of the Tr6 of the late 50s, arguably the true predecessor not only to the Bonneville, but also all roadsters going forward in terms of overall style.
The 'Unit' Bonnevilles were the air cooled engine models from 1963 through the 80s, of varying ccs and utilized by multiple different owners as triumph was revived multiple times. Most refer to the 63-70 models as the unit models, and often these are referred to as the golden years for the Bonneville, especially the late 60s
The other main designation for the classic Bonnevilles is the 'oil-in-frame' models which began in 1971 and lasted through 1973. Some consider this the beginning of the end for Triumph. Not my favorite!
For the new Bonnevilles, there are basically three generations: The 790CC, the 865CC, and the 900/1200CC platforms from 2001 on, designated 'high torque' and 'high power' for today's 2 sizes. In 2008 they were switched from carburated to fuel injected models (though you can't really tell due to the use of fake carburators or 'farburators' as some call them), and then the bikes became liquid cooled starting in 2016. There have been loads of special edition Bonnevilles that I haven't included in the video, from the 1977 Jubilee edition, to the recent gold line editions. The video just would have been too long!
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I had a Bonneville back in 1967, but it was somewhat different to all of those shown in respect of the handlebars (mine were flatter) and the silencers (mine were the same style but longer) so I guess that all the images were of export models. My Bonnie, (nicknamed "Kaycee" as the reg. plate began with the letters "KCV") handled superbly and went like a rocket but sadly, stopping it was a different kettle of fish - both brakes full on and right boot pressed hard on the tarmac. I later fitted the '68 model brake assembly and it made all the difference in the world, and TT-100 tyres improved the roadholding but generally put paid to my exuberant powersliding around corners.😆
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the images though - Superb!
That was nostalgic, emotion provoking. They started off so beautiful, pure. Then for me sometime during the 70’s-2010+ they lost their way. Then in 2017 there it was, the Thruxton!😍 Frankly all their bikes from 2015-17 are absolutely beautiful. Good video, thank you
I've always rode British and American bikes. The best bike I ever owned was a 79 Bonneville special. It was Rock Solid. Put a lot of miles on that Beast. Had large-diameter TT pipes on it and it was loud and proud.
damm 1960 style its god beatiful and i am 22 years old🤣✌ i am like the only one in my group(all have modern spprt or motocross) to have a retro style but new bike so yeah not og 1960 but still i love them
Probably the most iconic bike ever built. Classic stying with a sound at idle like nothing else.
I am restoring a nice 67 Bonnie. It has been sitting in a garage for years but it is complete and in very good shape over all. “Ran when parked.”
That was one heck of a project. Thanks for posting it.
Wish I still had my ‘57 t10 650 triumph back that had in college at FSU in 1962-64 ! Great bike! 😎👍
Thank you Bart for a very interesting video....never seen the range lined up like that.....fantastic.
Great video of a iconic bike. 1966 was the best year for me.
A legendary motorcycle! I especially like the late '60's models with the twin leading shoe front brake. Unfortunately, for the same price an oil-tight Honda CB 750 was available. In 1969 A Triumph Bonneville owner, with a 750 kit on top the cases, told me that the Honda set the entire motorcycle industry on it's ear. We can only image what would have happened if engagement had green-lighted Turner's 4 cylinder design...
VERY helpful in getting me up-to-date on the different Triumph models as I set out to buy (yet) another street bike. THANK YOU for taking all the time and effort to put this together and help out so many people. :o)
Bart, Great photo compilation, and the music was ok too!
(I had a '71, same ugly color that you showed. It's long gone but I saved the remains of a piston after the engine blew)
I always rode BMWs but as an older guy thinking about buying a street bike again it sure looks like I’ll buy a Bonneville. Fabulous video sir. Thank you I appreciate it👍🏻
Are you thinking new or old?
@@bartmotorcycle Definitely new. One of the models with twin discs up front and a more upright riding position.
@@sweetdrahthaar7951 My bud has a 2020 Bonnie, and before that had a Thruxton. Both of them are more fun to ride than my old R-80. (Plus I'm really getting used to fuel injection on a bike)
@@savage22bolt32 I learned to hate carburetors back in the early 70s. Bultacos, Montesas, Ossas, came with Amal carbs which were quite problematic. Sometimes we switched them out for Mikuni‘s. I’ve never owned an injected bike but it sure sounds refreshing. 👍🏻
@@sweetdrahthaar7951 Bro! I was brought up on Bultacos & OSSAS!
(Back in '66 when I was 12 years old, my first bike was a BSA Bantam D7)
Back in '78 I bought a '67 Bonneville for $400.00 I saved it from getting chopped. In '81 it was stolen, I got it back a month to the day. I owned it longer than any other motorcycle. I miss it dearly.
My favorite bike here, for reasons unknown to me, is at 1:34 the 1961 Bonneville, followed at 2:34 by the 1964 Bonneville TT.
I'm welling up. Great stuff, bart.
I had a 54 Speed Twin. Man were we jealous of the Bonny!
The two most things that mad me sad about Triumph is that they ditched the 360deg crank from 2016 and that they never made a 400cc or even a 250cc twin cylinder Bonneville, something like the actual street/speed twin but smaller. The new 400cc single is not bad looking but its more a cross breed between a trident and a Bonneville.
Not sure about the US but the model shown for 2005 - 2015 T100 with the cast wheels was the Bonneville SE in the UK. The T100 was visually the same as the 790cc model
It was the same here in the US. The bike shown with the cast wheels was the SE. the T100s all have spokes.
Really great video. Well done!
Love the old ones! Fake carbs on modern models just rubs me the wrong way.
👍👍👍
This was so awesome! TY great work!
I’m partial the bikes before 66. Those are the bikes I’d buy. But I was surprise how attractive some of the bikes from the 70’s were.
Also, it’s clear that the people who rebooted Triumph had the design language of the original Bonneville in mind in bringing to bear a Bonneville for the 21 century…that said, still not buying the modern version but that’s me. I hope others do so the brand will continue.
If you haven't read yet, I recommend the book "The Complete Book of Classic and Modern Triumph Motorcycles 1937-Today" by Ian Falloon.
Had a 650 Bonnie years a ago...Now find myself single an looking yet again/my first triumph Bonneville was a barn find tucked away...what' gift of Freedom she was New Britain CT
I have an 03 Bonny, and a 72 Daytona and I’m never sure which one I love the most…
Must have taken you some time to research and assemble those photos, thanks!
Thank you for doing this👍
What was Triumph thinking when they went to that pinched seamed fuel tank, that just ruined the bike and made it look cheap. That is what keeps me from buying a new Bonneville.
Great video! Very cool pictures. 👍
When you see that the models horsepower and engine configuration didn't change much for 25+ years, it's obvious why the Japanese bikes left them for dead. Compare them to a 1970s Z1 or GS1000. Chalk and cheese. The models from 2001 were really about marketing to nostalgia (I've owned 2 of them). The current Speed Twin is my favourite out of the recent offerings.
I'm looking for my first bike, and while originally i thought i was sold on the newest t120, it seems like the most recent speed twin is the only model that is actually making substantial changes to the originals. Almost double the horsepower with only a hundred more pounds. Definitely not the worst power weight ratio, at least compared to every other new model. That being said, getting your hands on an original 50's - 60's would be so nice.
Hope you also buy a first helmet & first leathers. Twisting the throttle is addictive. Stay safe bro.
Might mention listed dry weight for SpdTwn is is not 456 (432 with 476 wet they say. My bike is at 460 wet w/mods.
Must add that while I consider the Speed Twin the best "Motorcycle" ever, it would have spelled big trouble in my early days. Go easy.
no spoked wheels and less neutral position was a big nono for me so i went with t120. all my bikes before were 100hp+ street fighters and 80hp is fine i like to relax and RIDE not race on this bike ;) but i guess if you want all in one motorcycle go with speed twin
Great bike . Great music and song.
Bart, can you please help me understand why they got heavier through the decades? While keeping similar displacement and hp. It's mind-boggling.
Initially, added equipment to keep up with regulations and trends (indicators, disc brakes), then in modern times, electric start, liquid cooling, fuel injection, ABS, wider tyres.
It's interesting that the bikes stayed so similar to each other for so many decades! Except for the recent 1200cc bikes, they all have similar power and weight. That's kind of amazing when you compare with changes in other parts of technology.
People make fun of Suzuki for bringing out bikes and then not changing them for decades, but Triumph got them beat in this area!
Yeah it's true! It's also interesting to see the decrease in power from 01 to about 16. They became more tuned for low end power and torque, essentially they've become cruisers, high capacity, heavy but powerful bikes
Vs the original lightweight revy bikes
@@bartmotorcycle My favorite is the Daytona 675. One of the best looking bikes of all time and sounds great too. But what I like most about it is that everyone was selling 4 cylinder sport bikes, and that Triumph dared to compete with a high end 3 cylinder bike. It's too fast for my skills but man does it look good!
The old triumphs for everything a motorcycle should be functional fast soul-stirring exhaust note go everywhere do everything kind of motorcycles made by real motorcycle enthusiasts loved the brand the new bikes are just a pale imitation just like when they rework a classic movie the old the real one is better than the new one
What kind of triumph are you getting on in the beginning of the video (dark green one)?
I had no idea that CZcams was allowing porn on their website now
Love this video, but Thunderbird should be here for sure,I think Thunderbird was the foot stone of Triumph 3 cylinder engine&motobike, with out it NO SpeedTriple now. So I think talk about Triumph Evolution Shouldn`t ignore Thunderbird.
Somehow, mud from the front tyre ceased to exist after the mid 2000s. Must be due to some revolution in road cleaning in the UK?
I'm wanting to buy one
Comparing Meriden models with Hinckley production is pointless.
John Bloor just bought the rights to classic names…
And the brand evolved....and its still here....and a great success.and...and.
got down to 350 pounds, and about 45 hp. that's a winning combination. but they did shake too much for comfort at prolonged high speed. same bike with 270 crankshaft, would be about perfect.
??What song is playing in this video??
Fantastic look back !!
Beautiful
Interesting vid. Ride safe, god bless u.
59 AND 67. I WOULD RATHER HAVE.
Great video! The 50s and 60s bikes are timeless. The 2016 and forward models look too modern and not classic enough for me. I'd like my next Triumph Bonnie to be a 01'-05 model as they were still made in the UK. Tragic that they moved manufacturing to Thailand, it has really killed the brand authenticity and cache for me personally. If I wanted a reliable motorcycle made in Asia I'd buy a Honda. Would be cool to get an early 60s model too, but as a second bike.
Still all designed in the UK...R&D in the UK....UK management/supervision in overseas plants....giveing access to huge markets.
Triumph is wholly British owned.
Triumph had to move on to keep up.
I agree...be great if they all were still made here in the UK...but there not....saying that increasing the production number greatly in the UK since we left the EU/EEC.
@@nickaxe771 If they aren't made in the UK, they are just another motorcycle. It was a big part of what made triumph triumph...and a big part of the character and appeal for many buyers. They lost us when they moved manufacturing to asia. I'll never buy one made there.
@@Stevel_ Your choice.....cannot get away from it its still a British company.....John Bloor is the man....he kept the fantastic brand name alive.....I would love for my T100 to have been put together in the UK....but I am a realist.....Triumph would not exist but for John Bloor.
I think my T100 is a British as can be but was not assembled in the uk.
I can live with that.
@@nickaxe771 I mean Apple is an American company; the iphone is not an American made phone. It's made in China. It's as "British as can be" not British enough for those who care about where things are made; which many people do. A motorcycle isn't a consumer appliance; where it's made matters.
@@Stevel_ Ok I see you bitter about it.....I respect your view.
Dont forget its a very changing world.....is everything you buy made in UK I wonder?
Not easy these days.
I am very patriotic.....I love my country....I wish it was still like it was in the 60s.
But things have moved on.
twin carbureators?
Nice. thnx
Fantastic thanks
1967, mostly because of the fender design.
The later Hinckley Bonnevilles are not an evolution of the original Meriden models, they're more of a tribute act.
good idea and didn’t know speed twin was so powerful …lucky they kept making bikes and keep going in the future …well until electric kills the petrol motor
Hopefully that will not happen. Maybe we will convert to hydrogen. That makes more sense.
Wonderful. What’s the song at the end?
On and On by Lars Eriksson
NICE 👍
So hp varied wildly year to year?
After 1980 they are not Bonnevilles to me, or even Triumphs!
👍👍👍 Hinckley plastic-Trash not Triumph !!! 🙊🍌🙊🍌
To be fair, you ought to include the Meriden models up to 1983, and the Les Harris ones up to 1987.
@@rickconstant6106 70' was the last real Bonny. The 71' was an absolute disaster. Horrible!
At 6:15, t140d, Bonneville special.
I had one of those. It was a rock-solid bike. Put a lot of miles on it and it never gave me any problems.
I have a problem with Indian ( Pretindian ) and Triumph of today claiming heritage when it is only the name that was purchased and used as a marketing strategy nothing more .
They simply can not be mentioned in the same conversation as BMW . Royal Enfield . Harley Davidson or even Honda.
They may make decent Motorcycles but I'll stick with brands not pretending to be something they clearly are not .
I've owned a Norton and a Triumph and even with their sh**t electrical they were fantastic.
The great brand name lives on...rejoice.
👍👍👍 thats 💯% correct !!! Polaris- Indian , Hinckley- Triumph, Enfield-India , BSA - India usw. usw usw. .... Fucking Mainstream Shit for plastic 🤡 Riders and Guys .... 👎🙊🍌👎🤮🌈👎
Fluump even if you dont do rocket league videos i still support you
Thanks yo 🤓
yo fluump what happened with rocket league content ?
Comparing chalk and cheese. We all know it if we are honest with ourselves. The Meriden and Hinkley bikes have virtually nothing in common. The psudo-retro thing is a marketing tool.
If Triumph in the seventies had used the same marketing strategy as Triumph now (making imitations of 60 year old models), they would have been turning out copies of pre-first world war bikes.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
The new speed master is the best looking bike they have ever built. The 70’s ans80’s bikes were hideous!
fluump... please come back to rocket league
I'd love to own a mid-60's Bonnie, but I want to ride more than wrench during the riding season. It'd have to be my second bike, and one that I could park in the living room all winter to admire. For riding the tires off, I'd go for a newer one from the early 2000's. I still want air/oil cooled and carbureted (I'm a stubborn), and probably a Scrambler because I have a 35" inseam barefoot. I don't trust myself to test ride a new T120 with its taller seat much larger HP/Torque #'s....................I might find myself compromising on my principles. So a carbed Scrambler 900 is likely where I'll end up. Thanks for the video. The collection of photos and specs is very handy.