Triumph Test Rides Abroad Vol.1 [Bonneville T120, Bobber, Speedmaster] Inheritance means continuous evolution

The 2026 model of the Modern Classic series, an indispensable and ever-popular part of the Triumph story, has been updated. In Vol. 1, we report on test rides of the Bonneville T120, Bobber, and Speedmaster, all equipped with twin 1200cc engines.

Discover the roots of Bonneville

The classic British motorcycles of yesteryear have a style that riders of various careers as well as fashion-conscious motorcycle enthusiasts instinctively think is cool. In Japan, customization inspired by that style has become a staple, led by the Yamaha SR, and many riders have a yearning for the British classics. Although British classics now look chic, smart, and nice, they actually have a history of suffering, and it is these various historical backgrounds that make them so appealing. Today, Triumph is the only major British motorcycle manufacturer, but the UK is an indispensable country in the history of motorcycles. British manufacturers began producing motorcycles in the early 20th century, earlier than Japanese manufacturers, and by the 1920s there were hundreds of manufacturers. Later, motorcycle manufacturers such as Triumph, BSA, AJS, and Norton, who withstood world affairs and wars, were at the forefront of the world, and the 1950s and 1960s were the golden age of British cars. One of the most prosperous of these was Triumph, which exported the most British cars to the United States. And in 1956, Triumph created a legend in the United States. In 1956, Triumph became a legend in the United States, setting the world's fastest speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats race held on the vast salt flats of Utah. Powered by Triumph's twin 649cc engines, the machine, known as the Streamliner, unofficially recorded the world's fastest speed of 214 mph (342.4 km/h). This feat sent shockwaves around the world, and the T120 Bonneville, the first Bonneville introduced in 1958, became a long seller that was produced until 1973. These are the roots of the Bonneville. This time, we participated in an event called "Bonneville Experience" held in California, USA. As the first installment, we would like to share with you our review of the Bonneville T120, T100, Bobber, Speedmaster, and Scrambler 900, all of which are powered by 1200cc engines.

The Bonneville T120, which makes you feel like you're riding a good bike.

The most iconic of the Modern Classics series is the Bonneville T120. The lineup also includes the similarly styled T100, with the T120 having a 1200cc engine and the T100 a 900cc engine.

This time we introduce the Bonneville T120. I have test-ridden this bike many times since its debut, and I have felt that it has matured to the utmost level on every test ride over the past few years. The 2026 model is no exception. The classic colors of blue and red are nice, but black has also been popular in recent years. Looking at all the colors side by side, black is certainly less retro and more modern. The 2026 model features familiar classic and modern styling in harmony with electronic controls for improved driving performance, with the addition of new cruise control, cornering ABS, and traction control.

However, the evolution is difficult to see. It is hard to see even when actually driving. This is because, unlike supersports, ABS and traction control are not actively used in modern classics. They are mechanisms that provide support when conditions are bad, such as in the rain or on gravel roads. However, these fail-safes for the rider certainly increase the value of the bike and directly affect the desire to own a bike as well as the feeling of safety while riding. When you start riding, it is pleasant to be surrounded by the feeling of 'riding a good bike'. The response of the engine when you open the throttle, the movement of the chassis under slight load shifts, the sensitivity of the brakes and suspension, etc., the Bonneville T120 is always hawt.

The Bonneville T120 is a pleasure to turn the large body sharply.

The Bonneville T120 is also good on mountain passes. The feeling of the front wheel steer when the rider starts cornering from the upright position after braking is pleasant and makes the rider want to move the large body sharply. And it responds precisely to such a rider's needs. At the start of the corner, the large 1200 cc engine displacement is utilized to provide ample acceleration. The way it rides rhythmically through curves of various sizes is powerful and beautiful. Basically, the Bonneville T120 was driven in "Road" mode, but when set to "Rain," the Bonneville T120 became very calm. Not only in the rain, but riders who are uneasy with large displacements will get used to it faster if they spend some time with the gentle Bonneville T120. These electronic controls should be actively utilized. Knowing the perfection of the unprecedentedly improved balance, we realize once again that the Bonneville T120 has been inherited. Inheritance does not mean continuing to do the same thing over and over again. It means evolving and growing with the times. This is what the Bonneville T120 teaches us.

Low and Long, but Drives Well "Bonneville Bobber

The Bonneville name is no decoration. The Bonneville Bobber is styled like a custom motorcycle, and its high level of sportiness makes me strongly believe this.

The low and long styling looks like a rigid frame that hides the rear suspension when viewed from right beside it, and the tires are small 16-inch fat tires. Despite its modest weight, it turns with a gusto on mountain passes. The 2026 model is equipped with IMU-based cornering ABS and traction control. In addition, the wheel rims are made of aluminum to promote weight reduction. The tank capacity was increased from 12 to 14 liters, and the floating seat was widened and thickened to improve range and comfort over long distances. Driving the Bonneville Bobber along the California coast was a luxurious experience. After enjoying a graceful ride, we then headed out to a mountain pass. The Bonneville Bobber showed us its amazing athletic performance. The pace of these test drives is generally fast. However, the Bonneville Bobber did not lag behind. The steps rubbed, but it still made beautiful turning trails. And on the exit, the Bonneville Bobber showed off a wild acceleration, dominated by torque that no other 1200 cc model could match. It was a world that could only be described as astonishing. [/caption