New for 2008:

• Fuel injection
• New, easy-release fuel cap
• New 2008 colours: Fusion White, Claret and Black

AUTHENTICITY WITH MODERNITY
A true roadster in every sense of the word, the Bonneville matches classic British style to 21st century technology. This pairing of authenticity with modernity has led the Bonneville to become an icon in its own right with several designers, such as Paul Smith and Patrick Cox, creating their own signature tank designs. 

Taking many cues from Triumph’s history – the original was first manufactured in 1959 – the Bonneville has found real relevance today as an honest, simple and useful roadster that looks stunning as standard or can be personalised as desired. Triumph’s own sixty8 range of accessories, including hand crafted laptop bags and iPod holders, have proved very popular, enhancing the Bonneville’s status as a style statement.

For 2008, the Bonneville is updated with a new fuel injection system to ensure the Bonneville meets forthcoming Euro 3 legislation. The fuel injected engine is cleaner running than the carburettor version, and is easier to fire up from a cold start. The cool retro styling that makes the Bonneville so legendary remains uncompromised, as the fuel injectors are cleverly concealed by throttle bodies designed to look like carburettors. The fuel filler cap seal has been redesigned making the cap 60% easier to open.

The Bonneville’s air-cooled, parallel twin cylinder engine offers a cubic capacity of 865cc for excellent midrange torque. Both pistons rise and fall together via a 360° crankshaft firing interval so the classic character of a British twin-cylinder engine is retained, whilst twin balancer shafts provide up-to-date civility and refinement.

Ninety percent of peak torque – a very healthy 69Nm (51ft.lbf) at 5,800rpm – is maintained from around 2,500rpm through to the redline providing smooth, effortless acceleration throughout the five gears. A pair of peashooter-style silencers handle the exhaust gases and enhance the traditional appearance of the bike, as do the polished alloy triangular engine cover and left-hand side clutch casing.

The Bonneville’s low seat height (775mm/30.5inches) and similarly low centre of gravity, unchanged for 2008, make it a manageable motorcycle that all riders – ranging from those with little experience to those with lots – can appreciate. The tubular steel double cradle frame and box-section swingarm are incredibly strong and the relaxed steering geometry allows composure at speed as well as ensuring the Bonnie needs only light input at the handlebars.

The Bonneville’s road holding, handling and stopping ability is crisp, composed and confidence inspiring. The braking set-up of single front 310mm disc and 255mm rear, both worked on by powerful twin-piston calipers offers sensitivity and control.  Three paint colours are available for the 2008 Bonneville; Aluminium Silver, Fusion White and the timeless Claret option. Also available is the subtle Bonneville Black – a Jet Black Bonneville complemented by a black engine finish.

The Bonneville is a cool way to cover the urban landscape thanks to its agility in jammed streets, while its perfect open road manners make it equally at home blatting down a leafy country lane on a Sunday ride out. It has a pedigree that few models can match plus a tangible credibility within today’s motorcycling world. All of which makes the Bonneville as relevant today as it’s always been, perhaps even more so.

Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360º firing interval

Capacity

865cc

Bore/Stroke

90 x 68mm

Compression Ratio

9.2:1

Fuel System

Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection

Exhaust

Stainless steel headers with twin chrome silencers

Ignition

Digital–inductive type via electronic management system

Primary Drive

Gear

Final Drive

X ring chain

Clutch

Wet, multi-plate

Gearbox

5-speed

Throttle body diameter

Æ36.5

Gear Ratios

Primary: 108/62
1st: 41/15
2nd: 37/19
3rd: 34/22
4th: 31/24
5th: 29/27
Final: 43/18

Oil Capacity

4.5 litres (1.2 US gals)

Frame

Tubular steel cradle

Swingarm

Twin-sided, tubular steel

Wheels

Front

36-spoke  19 x 2.5in

Rear

40-spoke 17 x 3.5in

Tyres

Front

100/90 19

Rear

130/80 R17

Suspension

Front

Kayaba, 120mm travel, 41mm forks

Rear

Kayaba chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload, 106mm rear wheel travel

Brakes

Front

Single 310mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper

Rear

Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper

Instrument display/functions

Analogue speedometer with odometer and trip information

Length

2,230mm (87.8in)

Width (Handlebars)

740mm (29.1in)

Height

1,100mm (43.3in)

Seat Height

775mm (30.5in)

Wheelbase

1,500mm (59.1in)

Rake/Trail

28º/110mm

Weight (Dry)

205kg (451lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity

16.0 litres (3.5 gal)

(MEASURED AT CRANKSHAFT TO DIN 70020)

Maximum Power

68PS (67bhp/50kW) at 7,500rpm

Maximum Torque

69Nm (51ft.lbf) at 5,800rpm