Very nice intro to the new Bonneville/Thruxton/Street Twin

[ohiorider]

NE Ohio Ducati/Triumph has always made new model introductions quite an event, and tonight was no different.  The dealership invited customers to stop in, beginning at 6pm (thru 9pm) to view the new Bonneville, Thruxton, and Street Twin models.  Lovely machines, all.  And enough food to feed an army.

Many of you are probably more in tune with these new bikes than I am, but there were a few things I found interesting:
- All the new bike engines (900cc and 1200cc) are 270 degree engines.
- If the production bikes sound like these pre-production models, I'd be pleased to ride with the stock exhaust.  Nice tone.
- Fit and finish is quite nice

- Re the T-120:
  -  Ride by wire
  -  ABS
  -  Slipper clutch (I think)
  -  Cartridge front fork .... rear is still adjustable only for preload
  -  T-120 has double wall exhaust system.  I believe the Street Twin is single wall
  -  T-120 comes with heated grips
  -  Std items that were options on the T100:  Center stand, rear 'rack' (not a rack what the hell is that lovely thing called? )

Triumph had brought the bikes by factory trailer to NE Ohio Triumph, and also had their US Sales Manager at the event.  This dealership was also being used to train not only NE Ohio's techs, but techs from other dealerships as well.  The Tech session was an all day Thur and Fri affair.  One of the factory tech guys was generous with his time, and made himself available to anyone who wanted to talk about the internals of the bikes.

The new engine, unlike the previous 790 and 865 cc engines is not a DOHC, but a SOHC, with valves being actuated by forked rocker arms.  Per the tech who discussed the bikes with us, valve adjustment intervals are in the neighborhood of 20,000 miles.

Why SOHC?  Apparently it kept the height of the larger displacement engine low enough so that the valves can be easily accessed.  Perhaps a DOHC would have been taller(?)

Here's a few pics.  Some are of the pre-2016 models, a couple that have been heavily-modified by the shop.  None of my pics are as nice as the publicity photos that are on-line, but hopefully they convey the enthusiasm the dealer and Triumph owners are showing for the new bikes.  Loved their trailer!

http://s115.photobucket.com/user/bcgilligan/library/2016%20Bonneville%20Thruxton%20Street%20Twin?sort=3&page=1

Bob

[oldbike54]

 The new Triumph company just "gets" it Bob . For all of the talk about Polarindian , it is this English brand that is building real motorbikes 

 Oh , lovely Hurricane 


  Dusty

[Toystoretom]

Is Triumph going to be able to build enough Thruxtons?

[lucydad]

My Triumph dealer is taking pre-orders.  As a recent Triumph buyer (2015 STRX) they pinged me on that fact.  No news yet on arrival dates or any previews.  I have to say that Thruxton is a head turner.  One of the sales guys said the big engine is supposed to be very impressive.  Love my Triple, it is a hoot to ride and extremely refined and reliable. 

Yes, Triumph is on a roll, no doubt. If these new Bonnies fulfill their potential, they will take market share, even in this tough Houston economy. 

[jas67]

Is Triumph going to be able to build enough Thruxtons?

The first ones available for sale might be sold at a premium.

The whole Bonneville lineup has my attention more than any new motorcycle in recent history.   

Look at your pics, I'd say that dealer is a bit of a destination unto themselves.    If I ever get out that way, I'll definitely be stopping in.

[ohiorider]

My Triumph dealer is taking pre-orders.  As a recent Triumph buyer (2015 STRX) they pinged me on that fact.  No news yet on arrival dates or any previews.  I have to say that Thruxton is a head turner.  One of the sales guys said the big engine is supposed to be very impressive.  Love my Triple, it is a hoot to ride and extremely refined and reliable. 

Yes, Triumph is on a roll, no doubt. If these new Bonnies fulfill their potential, they will take market share, even in this tough Houston economy.

I think Jan-Feb for the 900cc Street Twin.  Mar-Apr for the T-120.  I believe the Thruxton R will be out before the std Thrux.

Yes .... NE Ohio is taking pre-orders, and have written 13-15 for the new Bonnies.

[jas67]

I can't wait until the demo truck comes around 

[Lcarlson]

Chain drive -- ugh!

[ohiorider]

Chain drive -- ugh!

Here ..... fixed it for you ...... TOugh!  Loves me some chain drive!  Not on all my bikes, but I wouldn't kick one of the new Bonnies out of bed for eating crackers, or having chain drive. 

[Dogwalker]

Why SOHC?  Apparently it kept the height of the larger displacement engine low enough so that the valves can be easily accessed.  Perhaps a DOHC would have been taller(?)

Is the reason why the big singles are usually SOHC, the single camshaft sitting between the valves makes the head shorter than two camshafts over the valves.



However, in all the specs distributed so far the new engines have been presented as DOHC, and the organization of te head/valve cover seems to be made for two camshafts, although the head is way shorter than the old Bonneville one.




A SOHC head has this aspect.


So those bulges over the valves are "fakes" like the Amal carbs?

DogW

[cookiemech]

The first ones available for sale might be sold at a premium.

The whole Bonneville lineup has my attention more than any new motorcycle in recent history.   

Look at your pics, I'd say that dealer is a bit of a destination unto themselves.    If I ever get out that way, I'll definitely be stopping in.

Yes, NODT is quite a place. Although I live two and a half hours away, I bought my Ducati Monster 1200 there. It's a beautiful dealership (though they're crammed into WAY too tiny a store) and their personnel are top-notch.

[wahoo650]

Agree on NODT, great guys.  Did a super job at Distinguished Gentleman's ride here in Cleveland.  As for the new Triumph's, the Thruxton R looks like the affordable racer I wished Norton had made.  Well done!

[Aaron D.]

The new Triumph company just "gets" it Bob . For all of the talk about Polarindian , it is this English brand that is building real motorbikes 

 Oh , lovely Hurricane 


  Dusty

We are such geezers, aren't we?

[oldbike54]

We are such geezers, aren't we?

 I prefer to think of this period of life as a second child hood 

  Dusty

[Kev m]

The new Triumph company just "gets" it Bob . For all of the talk about Polarindian , it is this English brand that is building real motorbikes 

I'm not going to touch the "real" comment, but Polaris is hardly struggling in the big picture and reports are they are doing just fine building high quality Victory and Indian motorcycles, even if the styling or types aren't endearing to many here.

But yes, I'll admit the neo-neo-Bonnies are even more interesting to me than most products from Polaris/Victory/Indian.

Neo-Neo-Bonnie - is that like Neo² Bonnie?

[oldbike54]

 Kev m , wasn't deriding anyone's taste or choice in motorbikes , just prefer the organic styling of the new triumph .

  Dusty

[Kev m]

Kev m , wasn't deriding anyone's taste or choice in motorbikes , just prefer the organic styling of the new triumph .

  Dusty

Actually I do too, but the use of the term "real" suggests you were putting down the styling of Polarindian no?

No offense taken in the slightest... I'm just pointing out that mechanically they appear to be excellent machines (like the Triumphs Neo or Neo²).

 

[oldbike54]

Actually I do too, but the use of the term "real" suggests you were putting down the styling of Polarindian no?

No offense taken in the slightest... I'm just pointing out that mechanically they appear to be excellent machines (like the Triumphs Neo or Neo²).

 

 Well... I may have been poking a bit of fun  Seriously , other than some true abominations , whatever floats someone's boat is OK by me , and even the really bad stuff appeals to some , and that's fine also .

  Dusty

[Cool Runnings]

Are their suspensions still not the best?

[JeffOlson]

Are their suspensions still not the best?

The Thruxton R suspension looks to be the best. I doubt it could be improved upon much except at great expense.

[rocker59]

Well... I may have been poking a bit of fun  Seriously , other than some true abominations , whatever floats someone's boat is OK by me , and even the really bad stuff appeals to some , and that's fine also .

  Dusty

If Indian ever puts shiny paint on the tank and fenders of a Chief Dark Horse, the lure may be more than I can resist.

[oldbike54]

If Indian ever puts shiny paint on the tank and fenders of a Chief Dark Horse, the lure may be more than I can resist.

 Who are you and what have you done with my friend Mike ? 

  Dusty

[drlapo]

I'm going to the launch party in Boston on 12/19
I'm very close to putting a deposit on a Thruxton R but it will be for my son as I can't do clip ons any more

[Kev m]

If Indian ever puts shiny paint on the tank and fenders of a Chief Dark Horse, the lure may be more than I can resist.

I think you remember my photo-chop.

[Orange Guzzi]

My thoughts are, the new bike is cloned from the Ducati GT of a few years past with a different motor.  I have the GT brochure and two recent magazines with stories on the new Triumphs.  Laying the Ducati brochure and magazines side by side, the only difference is slight changes in the sheet/plastic metal and the engine.  The other thing that comes to mind, what would Yamaha be building if the XS650 line had not went away?

[leafman60]

Does Triumph have an announced USA debut tour for dealers?  Or, was this only for Ohio??

[jas67]

I prefer to think of this period of life as a second child hood 

  Dusty

 

Growing old can not be avoided.   Growing up is optional.   

I'm not going to touch the "real" comment, but Polaris is hardly struggling in the big picture and reports are they are doing just fine building high quality Victory and Indian motorcycles, even if the styling or types aren't endearing to many here.

:1:

But yes, I'll admit the neo-neo-Bonnies are even more interesting to me than most products from Polaris/Victory/Indian.

:1:

[jackson]

Thanks for posting the pictures and giving us your impressions of the new Trumpets.  They're certainly nice looking bikes and other motorcycle manufacturers could learn something from the looks and marketing skills being displayed by Triumph.

Re. Indian and Victory; I also think that they "get it" but just choose to do it differently. 

[jas67]

My thoughts are, the new bike is cloned from the Ducati GT of a few years past with a different motor.  I have the GT brochure and two recent magazines with stories on the new Triumphs.  Laying the Ducati brochure and magazines side by side, the only difference is slight changes in the sheet/plastic metal and the engine.  The other thing that comes to mind, what would Yamaha be building if the XS650 line had not went away?

Yamaha already have the SR400, and could make a Neo XS650, but, it is likely not to happen.  They've instead to go after the R NineT style with the XSR700 and XSR900.   I think that they'll likely sell well.  I do think not bringing the XSR700 to the US may be a mistake for them though.   What these bikes lack in not having a true classic look, they make up for with a modern (albeit price-point) chassis.    Being pretty much the FZ07 and FZ09 with different body work, there are already plenty of good aftermarket upgrades for the suspensions.

Kawasaki, OTOH, could very easily re-enter the retro-classic market by bringing the W800.  The question is, how well would it sell against the new Bonnie lineup?

[rocker59]

My thoughts are, the new bike is cloned from the Ducati GT of a few years past 

I don't think I'd use the word "cloned".  But they are going for the same look and demographic.

If anything, Triumph upgraded the Truxton R to be more like the Norton Commando.

The Ducati's had their ass in the air, too much gap between the rear tire and fender, and really low bars.

Thruxton, Commando, V7 Classic/Racer, and yes the Ducati Sport Classics, were going for that 1960s/1970s café racer look.

And they've pretty much nailed it.