BikeTest: Triumph 68 BonnevilleBack in 1968 a star, the T120 Bonneville, successor to the 1948 Thunderbird and the later Tiger 110 was born. Designed by Douglas Hele who had come to Triumph from Norton, it had superb handling, a genuine 100mph top speed and the looks to go with it.
A production racing version, ridden by Malcolm Uphill, won the 1969 Isle of Man TT at 99.99mph (160.48km/h). It became a legend in its own lifetime. Some reckon that it was, arguably, the best British bike ever made. It was totally reliable and competent in modern traffic conditions.
Even today mere mention of Bonneville can cause many a misty eye.
But the name still exists in three Bonneville versions. There is the standard Bonneville, the Special Edition Bonneville and now the 68 Bonneville. The only difference between the standard and Special Edition models is that the SE has a matt black finished engine instead of polished alloy cases.
The 68 Bonneville, the variant we tested is, simply, a special edition with coloured rocker covers, a drilled drive sprocket cover, a fancy padded strip on the tank, brown "leather" single-seat saddle and, a leather pannier - they call it the City Bag - on the right hand side. The bag is designed to be able to carry a laptop and comes with a shoulder strap. A cowl covers where the pillion seat used to be.
Special editions are the everyday fare in the car world, a marketing ploy that is fast catching on in the motorcycle world. The aim, to make a standard product seem that little bit different and to enhance its appeal to a particular segment of the market.
While the 68, or indeed any other Bonneville, would have its appeal to many motorcycle enthusiasts, it is clearly aimed - the evidence is the city bag - at the sort of executive-type office worker who, on a fine summer's day, would ride to the office on a vintage-looking machine, expecting to be admired.
Riding it you will soon realise just how much we have lost over the years and that much of what we take for progress is largely an illusion. This is a thoroughly pleasant machine.
It is as happy and enjoyable to ride simply burbling along country lanes in a smelling-the-rose mode, as it is being shoved along con brio through the twisty bits, enjoying the open road and even asking no favours on the motorway.
By modern standards the rather softly-tuned 790cc engine might, at first, seem a trifle genteel. Yet when the occasion demands it can be as sprightly as one could wish for without starting to feel uncivilised or precarious.
It may have classic looks but its performance is thoroughly modern. This engine produces 45kW (61bhp) @ 7,300rpm. Maximum torque 60Nm at 7,200rpm.
For 2007, the 790cc parallel twin engine will be replaced by the 865cc engine currently used in the Triumph Thruxton where it produces 50.7kW (69bhp) @ 7,400rpm and maximum torque at 5,750rpm.
While the constant pursuit of more power is all very fashionable, the 790cc engine is not, in our view, in any way deficient.
We suspect next year's change over to the 865cc engine has more to do with simplifying production and keeping costs down through economies of scale.
We were able to sample the 68 Bonneville on the sort of day for which this variant is aimed: on dry roads on a warm and sunny day. It was one of the most pleasant and enjoyable rides for a long while and, as a one-time owner of a 1968 Bonneville, I can confirm that the real Bonneville spirit was present.
When parked it attracted lots of favourable comment and interest such as would gladden the heart of its owner.
If special edition cosmetics do not appeal to you, then the standard version is an option. It has the same spirit of the past, enough performance to keep you interested and an even more authentic retro style.
If you are not into track days and appreciate comfort and character allied to sufficient performance, then a Bonneville, in any guise, deserves more than a passing thought.
TechSpec
ENGINE: 790cc air-cooled DOHC parallel twin. Twin carbs. 9.2: 1 compression.
45kW (61bhp) @ 7,300rpm. Maximum torque 60Nm at 7,200rpm. Five-speed gearbox.
Chain drive. 2:1 exhaust.
FRAME: Tubular steel cradle. Telescopic 41mm front forks, rear twin shock swinging arm. Brakes: front single 310mm disk, rear single 255mm disk.
DIMENSIONS: Seat height: 775mm. Wheelbase 1500mm. Weight: 222kg.
FUEL: 16.6 litres.
PRICE: from approx €9,400 as tested