2021 Triumph Bonneville Lineup | First Look Review
When it comes to immediately recognizable and genre-defining motorcycles, the Triumph Bonneville is at the top of the list. Dating back to 1959, the Bonneville quickly established itself as the preeminent British go-fast bike and it’s safe to say that the Bonneville name has only gained strength since then.
For 2021, Triumph is delivering a smattering of performance, technological and visual updates to its entire Modern Classic lineup, which includes the iconic Bonneville T120 and T120 Black, Street Twin and Street Twin Gold Line, Bonneville Bobber and Speedmaster models. We’ll only be focusing on new aspects of each model, so let’s dive into it!
2021 Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black
The 2021 Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black are the British brand’s tree-toppers for its roadster lineup, providing all of the classic Bonnie charms in a stylish and capable package. What’s new? Engine tweaks, less weight and some aesthetic touchups.
This year, a few updates are coming to the “high-torque” 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, in the form of a lighter crankshaft as well as mass-optimized clutch and counterbalancers. Less weight means less inertia required to get things moving, and the updated twin should spin-up more freely, improving throttle response.
In spite of Euro 5 emissions, Triumph managed to maintain the T120 and T120 Black’s claimed 79 horsepower at 6,550 rpm and 77.4 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Engineers created a new fuel map that is said to deliver more low and midrange grunt while also offering a better spread of power across the enter rev range, with an added benefit of better fuel economy.
On the technology front, the big Bonnies are set to receive cruise control for the first time, and the two selectable riding modes, Road and Rain, have been refined.
Shedding weight always improves handling, and the Bonneville T120s have dropped a whopping 15.5 pounds compared to its predecessor. Claimed wet weight is 520 pounds. Notably, a chunk of unsprung weight was lost by switching to all-new aluminum rims, which will positively impact maneuverability at any speed.
In the braking department, the Nissin calipers have been replaced with more potent 2-piston Brembo calipers, and the 310mm rotors will return. Safety is kicked up another notch with the Triumph’s latest generation of ABS and switchable traction control.
When it comes to styling, breaking away from the legendary Bonneville silhouette would be akin to defacing the Mona Lisa. All of the Bonnie hallmarks are there: a sculpted fuel tank with kneepads, bench seat, chrome finishes and peashooter exhaust. Instead, Hinckley designers elevated the T120 and T120 Black’s visual appeal, subtly updating the appearance of its classic LCD and analog twin-clocks while also tossing in a throwback 3-bar Triumph tank badge.
If shining chrome isn’t your thing, the T120 Black is just that — a Bonneville with blacked-out components, including rims, a grab rail, engine covers, mirrors, the headlamp bezel, indicators and exhaust. There’s also a brown bench seat to offset the brooding black look.
Pricing for the 2021 Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black starts at $12,050. The T120 is offered in a Jet Black and two twin-color schemes Cordovan Red and Silver Ice, and Cobalt Blue and Silver Ice featuring hand-painted gold pinstriping. Meanwhile, the T120 Black is offered in Jet Black, or a two-tone Matte Jet Black and Matte Graphite with hand-painted silver coach lining.
Both models will hit dealers this May.
2021 Triumph Bonneville T100
Rounding out the Bonneville standard-bike family is the 2021 Triumph Bonneville T100, which has become a favorite for new and returning riders alike, lured in by its approachable performance and authentic styling. For 2021, the T100 sees more power, an upgraded fork, less weight and more.
The T100’s Euro 5 compliant “high-torque” 900cc parallel-twin flexes more might this year, boasting an additional 10 ponies, bringing its claimed figures up to 64 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 59 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm. Notably, over 80% of its peak torque is available at a basement-level-low 2,000 rpm.
Following in the footsteps of its big brother, the T100 features similar engine upgrades in the form of a low inertia crankshaft, lightened clutch and counterbalancers, helping the powerplant spin-up more effectively and coax out an additional 500 rpm. Coupled with those updates, a magnesium cam cover and a thin-walled clutch cover have reduced the T100’s weight by 8 pounds.
A higher-spec non-adjustable 41mm fork is employed, accompanied by classic twin shocks featuring preload adjustment.
Braking is handled by an up-spec Brembo 2-piston caliper and 310mm floating rotor in the front, while a Nissin 2-piston caliper and 255mm handle things in the rear.
On the styling front, new analog and LCD twin-clock help maintain the vintage theme. Meanwhile, the engine case, sprocket and cam covers are all powder-coated black.
Pricing for the 2021 Triumph Bonneville T100 begins at $10,500 and has several color options: Jet Black, Lucerne Blue and Fusion White with hand-painted silver coach lines. A two-tone Carnival Red & Fusion White option is available, too. The T100 is expected to hit dealers in March.
2021 Triumph Street Twin
Heralded as Triumph’s best-selling Modern Classic, the no-frills Street Twin delivers plenty of roadster thrills. An updated engine, new cast wheels, bodywork and finishes on the 2021 Street Twin.
Featuring the same updated “high-torque” 900cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin as the T100, the Street Twin now boasts 64 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 59 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm.
Other changes are focused on comfort and styling, starting with the ribbed bench seat that features nearly a half inch of additional foam padding. A new side panel is adorned with a contemporary logo, while the fuel tank sports fresh decals. Also, the throttle body and headlight brackets have a brushed aluminum finish.
New 18- and 17-inch 10-spoke cast-aluminum wheels are fitted with Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tires.
Pricing for the 2021 Triumph Street Twin starts at $9,400 and is offered in three color options; Cobalt Blue, Matte Ironstone and Jet Black. It will arrive in dealers in March.
2021 Triumph Street Twin Gold Line
Limited to 1,000 units worldwide, the 2021 Triumph Street Twin Gold Line features a jaw-dropping Matte Sapphire Black colorway with a Triumph heritage logo and hand-painted gold lining. Additionally, it is also equipped with all of the standard Street Twin upgrades for 2021.
Expect the limited edition Street Twin Gold Line to hit dealers in June. Pricing is TBA.
2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
The classic British custom is back, and the 2021 Bonneville Speedmaster is coming out swinging with a peppier parallel-twin, increased rider and passenger comfort, as well as an upgraded fork.
The Speedmaster shares the T120’s “high-torque” 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, benefitting from its low-inertia internal components and livelier revving characteristics.
Putting down a claimed 77 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and a commanding 78 lb-ft of torque, the Speedmaster and Bobber motorcycles share a torque-focused tune that delivers roughly 90% of its peak torque at an accessible 3,850 rpm.
Its two selectable riding modes, Road and Rain, have been refined, too. ABS and switchable traction control are standard.
The ’21 Speedmaster is equipped with a larger diameter and higher-spec 47mm Showa cartridge fork that should offer improved handling. In the rear, a monoshock is said to provide excellent control and comfort.
Directly related to comfort is the cushier seating accommodations for both rider and passenger, achieved with thicker foam in the saddle. The rider’s seat also has additional lumbar support.
Visual updates are slim, relegated to a new bezel and dial face on the clock. The Jet Black paint option returns, accompanied by a new Red Hopper colorway and a two-tone Fusion White and Sapphire Black with hand-painted twin coach line. MSRP is $13,150 and it should be available in March.
2021 Triumph Bonneville Bobber
Triumph is merging the Bobber and up-spec Bobber Black into one single model — the 2021 Triumph Bobber. Equipped with the updated 1,200 HT parallel-twin, a larger fuel tank, an upgraded fork, a chunky front wheel, dual disc brakes and more — the Bobber has a commanding presence with its hard-tail look.
Powered by the Euro 5 certified and updated engine, the Triumph Bobber’s produces a claimed 77 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and a commanding 78 lb-ft of torque.
The Bobber’s two selectable ride modes, Road and Rain, have been refined to handle its newfound abilities. Also, cruise control is now standard. A new LED headlight with a bright DRL is part of the new program.
Fuel range has also been increased significantly, thanks to a larger 3-gallon fuel tank, which offers 33% more range.
When it comes to suspension, the 2021 Bobber is fitted with a larger diameter and higher quality non-adjustable 47mm Showa fork. A well-hidden monoshock helps maintain the Bobber’s hard-tail motif.
The Bobber now employs the 16-inch wheel and chunky Avon Cobra tires from the Bobber Black.
One of the most welcome updates is the dual Brembo 2-piston calipers and twin 310mm discs. It is a notable improvement over the original 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber.
This new Bobber is going all-in with a murdered-out look, powder coating the engine, cam and sprocket covers in black. The instrument bezel and dial face are receiving an ebony treatment, too.
Three color choices are offered; Jet Black and a duo of two-tone Matte Storm grey and Matte Ironstone and Cordovan Red. MSRP is $13,500.
We’re excited about the 2021 Triumph Bonneville lineup and can’t wait to see how these changes impact each model. For more information about these models, visit Triumph.
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