Triumph Bonneville is the name given to three motorcycle models from this notable British
motorcycle marque. It is 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. All share a
parallel-twin four-stroke engine configuration. The current version, produced since 2001 by the modern successor of the original company, is a completely redesigned and re-engineered evolution of the original design.
Since the arrival of the current 'Hinckley Bonneville' (produced in
Hinckley), the earlier
T120 and
T140 (produced in
Meriden) have been referred to as 'Meriden Bonnevilles', to more easily distinguish between the versions.
Development history
The original Triumph Bonneville was popular (particularly in its early years) for its performance compared with other available bikes. Although its
engine was later enlarged to 750 cc, in the late 1970s and early 1980s sales abroad greatly suffered in competition with more modern Japanese motorbikes from
Honda and other manufacturers. Domestically, however, the T140 remained the best-selling 750 cc motorcycle against more sophisticated Japanese and Italian opposition , picking up the prestigious
Motor Cycle News Machine Of The Year award in 1979.
T120 Bonneville
The original Triumph Bonneville was a 650 cc
parallel-twin (two-cylinder) motorcycle manufactured by......
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