[Bonneville Bobber News]

Three years ago, Triumph gave its design team a laundry list of features that must be included in the new Bobber and Cycle World is happy to report that it has met these expectations and more.

Triumph wanted the new Bobber to be based on the Bonneville T120 and have its DNA on display, have premium finishes and detailing, exciting power delivery and exhaust note, good ergonomics, and it has to be a basis for customization. The new design team met each one of these demands and came out with a Bobber that doesn’t require you to squint very hard to see the T120 DNA.

There’s of course the adjustable bobber floating single seat and speedometer, knee pad recesses, heritage battery box, and more. An underseat shock with linkage gives the rear and authentic look whilst giving riders 3.0 inches of travel. For a minimalistic appearance the ABS, traction control, ECU, and immobilizer are hidden.

Looks aren’t the only thing the 2017 Bonneville Bobber has going for it. Powering the bike is Triumph’s high-torque 1200cc engine with a Bobber tune to deliver more low end power and torque. The Bobber makes 77 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and peak torque of 78.2 pound-feet comes in at 4,000 rpm. There are even two riding modes available, road and rain.

As Cycle World said, the “Bonneville Bobber is as awesome as it is stylish.”

 

[DownLow]

The Bobber is very well built and designed, but there are areas for improvement. The brakes could use a bit more bite and most will need to use all four fingers to get the full stopping power.

 

[Lure]

Just love how it has that 78.2 lb-ft of toque delivered right at 4,000rpm. Pulling out of turns are going to be great.

 

[DownLow]

The only little thing that could be improved on is the braking department. The front has a single 310mm disc with a Nissin dual-piston caliper and a 255mm disc in the rear may be a bit lackluster when you're riding aggressively. It needs more bite.

Other than that, the bobber is perfect.

 

[Lure]

Maybe just some different rotors and pads with a bit more bite ? Or would you rather do a complete overhaul ?

 

[frank]

Some reviews i've read said braking can be improved but it's one of those areas that doesn't need attention immediately. Given the demographic they're making it for, odds are its good enough and as it plays out here we should see how good/bad they really are.

 

[Lure]

That shouldn't be too difficult to get around though, a higher performance set of pads or maybe a change of disc and you should get more bite no?

 

[frank]

That shouldn't be too difficult to get around though, a higher performance set of pads or maybe a change of disc and you should get more bite no?

Yes. That should be a first step for everyone looking for more braking power. EBC is on my list of brands to look out for.

But first i'll see how well the factory setup works and decide from that point on.

 

[frank]

a further look into this and EBC is already involved with Triumph products so as soon as you guys and gals are ready to make that move, getting the correct pads shouldn't be an issue.