The exhilarating feel of freedom and super power is an excellent description of how a motorcycle enthusiast would describe the way they feel when they travel down the highway on two wheels and a smile. None receive the sigh of appreciation and respect more than the Triumph Bonneville. This British motorcycle was named for a location in the United States known as Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Cyclist and manufacturers would come from all over the world to race in hopes of setting new world speed records. It was in Utah where this classic became an icon in the motorcycle world.
The Triumph Bonneville was so loved and revered by motorcyclist that it became very popular in the movies. Greats such as Marlin Brando on an original Tiger T110, as well as Clint Eastwood and Richard Gere can claim fame to greater successes because of these great machines. One of the most remembered is Steve McQueen in the classic 1963 movie, “The Great Escape”. McQueen was an experienced rider who choose to perform most of his stunts himself. The only exception in the movie was the famous barbed wire jump. The stunt man that doubled for him in that scene went on to work with him as his double in many more movies.
In 1959 the high performance motorcycles started their long progression and top reputation. The early Triumph Bonneville T120 was known for its speed of up to 115 mph. By 1972 the T140 increased the size to just under 750 c.c. By 1982 the company added dual disc brakes and moved the gear lever from the right to the left side to comply with American regulations. From the late 80′s to the early 2000′s the operation was slowed until owner, John Bloor, opened a new plant and introduced the Bonneville 790 modeled after the original classic look. The progression continued with larger and more powerful machines adhering to and covering up the added equipment necessary to conform to emission regulations. Then, to celebrate the 50th anniversary, the greatest of all, Bonneville SE was introduced to the world.
Even those who don’t consider themselves to be motorcycle enthusiasts still appreciate the classic power and stylish design that the Triumph Bonneville has presented from its conception. With the Harley Davidson, thought to be Bonneville’s closest competition, the debate between the owners of both will continue throughout the ages.
