1969, the end of a decade – Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. The ocean liner, QE2 leaves for its maiden voyage. Woodstock became the place where music and love happened. The Boeing 747 and B.A.C. Concorde made their first respective flights, and the producers of the great Triumph Bonneville had no idea Hurricane Honda Four was brewing over Japan.

Cut to the present day, and a legend is reborn, enter the new Bonneville, a worthy successor to the earlier champion.
Much has been written since I saw the first example (plus had a 10 minute ride), back in January. I’m not going to retrace what many other testers and I have already written. To date, Brisans have sold 19 Bonneville's, (since February) many, sight unseen. The average age of the buyer seems to set on the 45 to 50 years’ mark.

My first stop with the Bonneville, was a visit to ‘Iron Man’ Bob Creeley, a Norton man if ever there was one. Bob owns 2 pristine Norton’s, a 1950 Dominator 500cc twin and a 1973 Commando 850, both of which would have been the Superbikes of their day. Bob thought the Bonny a "superb" piece of work, and was very happy to park the Norton’s next to it for a photo opportunity, even to the point of wanting a photo of himself on the new bike.

On the road, the Triumph feels a great deal lighter than the 205kg dry weight stated on the fact sheet. Considering that a modern fully faired sports bike of 750cc capacity can be around 180kg, the Bonny is a bit heavy. However, on the road, I found it as easy to ride as a 250cc bike, and very easy to corner, even on wet roads.

The bike is at home commuting around town, touring along the highways, negotiating the ‘Woolies’ car park and even going for a quick ‘fang’ down the Putty Road. This is a true rider’s bike, no luxuries here, excellent brakes (without ABS), and ‘carbies’ instead of fuel injection and no heated handgrips, radio or self-cancelling blinkers. This bike looks good anywhere, and it’ll make YOU look good, hell, it’s going to take you months to get the smile off your face. I envisioned myself in one of those long ago black & white photos of the "ton up boy".
The engine is oh so silky smooth, so smooth in fact, that I’m thinking it must have a massive balance shaft, this is a 360-degree parallel twin remember, which means the pistons rise and fall together. I'd love to see the inside of one of the engines.
The development costs to produce a bike such as this, to get the right look, but still have thoroughly modern mechanicals, must have been considerable. Well worth it I’m thinking.
The seat was referred to as, "an ironing board", but I found it surprisingly comfortable. I was informed when I picked the bike up, that it had a full tank of fuel, and, at 210 kilometres I had to turn the fuel tap to reserve. At 250 kilometres I refilled the tank and it took 13.35 litres, so, there should have been a bit over 2.5 litres left in the 16 litre tank. This would give a maximum range of 300 kilometres before you’d be standing by the roadside begging for fuel. My riding took in quite a bit of "around town" commuting as well as some open road cruising.

There is a cut out switch on the side stand, so you can’t ride away with it deployed. The Triumph also has one of the best headlights I’ve ever come across.

So, what didn’t I like? There is a separate steering lock, and, I have memories of my young tired self, trying to ride my old Honda away after night shift and forgetting said lock. I’d hate to scratch a new Bonneville like that.

The Triumph has a very tough looking full frame (nicely crafted and excellent welding) with the engine supported at a number of points, and not a stressed member. There is the same superb build quality all over. Engine longevity is still a question at this early stage but, if the build quality of the rest of the bike is any indication, I don't see any worries.
Seat removal requires the use of a 5mm Allen key to undo the 2 retaining screws at the back, tail light end of the seat. The Allen key itself is positioned under the right side cover (chain side), below the fuse wiring harness. Speaking of the side covers, they’re metal, as are the wheel and chain guards. There is no tool kit supplied with the bike, but then, I’m told they don’t need one.

All the electrical wiring looms and connectors are neat, tidy and well guarded against rubbing on the frame.

The battery is easily accessible, and is of a non-serviceable type, no need to keep checking water levels.
Valve adjustment is by shim, so major servicing is out of the reach of the basic home mechanic, however, it appears that most twins are going that way these days, so, nothing unusual.
Oh, and for all the people who enquired about the tube next to the spark plug, it is part of the anti-pollution control which injects cold air in to the exhaust port to help rid the engine of any unburnt gases.

Riding the new Triumph Bonneville made me feel good, and that’s not something a lot of motorcycles can do for you these days. There are many bikes out there that look very much like a Harley or perhaps a BSA, but, they are when all said and done, still copies, whereas the Triumph is the real McCoy, and a damn fine motorcycle at that.
The Triumph slogan reads "Arguably, the best motorcycles in the world", well, I’m looking forward to sampling a few more "Trumpy’s", because if the Bonneville is any indication, I’m starting to believe it.

Engine Cubic Capacity 790cc {1969-650cc}

Bore/Stroke 86/68 mm {1969-71/82}

Max Output 45kw (61bhp) at 7,400rpm {1969-47hp@6700rpm}

Max Torque 60Nm (44.3 ft/lb) at 3,500rpm

No. of Cylinders 2

Valves per Cyl. 4

Fuel Supply twin carburettors, with throttle position sensor & electric heating.

Power Trans/Gearbox 5-speed

Clutch Multi Plate Wet

Suspension front = 41mm forks – rear twin rear shock with adjustable pre load

Spring Travel Front/Rear – mm

Brakes Front single 310mm disc – Rear single 255mm disc both with 2 piston Nissin calipers

Wheels Front – spoked 2.5 x 19

Rear – spoked 3.5 x 17

Tyres Front – 100/90 – 19 Bridgestone Battlax

Rear – 130/80 – 17 Bridgestone Battlax BT45R

Seat Height 775 mm

Weight (dry) 205kg

Wheel Base 1493mm

Fuel Tank 16 litres

Fuel Consumption @ 90km/hr - 4.8 ltr/100km

Acceleration 0-100km/h (62mph) – 5.8 sec

Colours Scarlet Red / Silver & Forest Green / Silver