Bonneville T40 - Triumph's Greatest Modern-Classic Enters The Big Crowd
I can’t deny how true the new Bonneville T40 looks to the Bonneville T100 and the T120. The identicalness is almost unbelievable.
Make no mistake about it, pulling it off is a big deal. I’m sure of that. Talking about this aspect of the T40 doesn’t require exaggeration because whatever level of praise and attention it is getting, it deserves that.
It’s not uncommon for companies to make smaller versions of their bigger or flagship motorcycles. In almost all cases, it’s usually marketing doing the talking because the resemblance is very basic. A smaller CBR, a Ninja, a Yamaha R-something, a GSX, and even the small Speed 400, the Scrambler 400, and the Thruxton 400 from Triumph are some recent examples of companies capitalising on their big bike brands to launch motorcycles in much smaller segments.
Exceptions have been there though, remember the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2? A literal twin of the popular Scrambler Icon. Also, the Aprilia RSVs and the Tuonos (not the 457) are some close lookalikes of their larger and mainstream versions.
That being said. In maximum instances, none of them have been this close in mimicking their larger siblings, Triumph included… until now!
The Brilliant Bonneville T40 And The T40 Black… So Far!
Understandably, I haven’t had any chance to see the T40 in real life yet. But from what I can see on my screen so far, it looks absolutely brilliant, plain and simple.
The level of traditional originality present in the T40 is, truthfully, enviable. Other manufacturers should really feel inspired. As a consumer, I am simply in awe.
A casual look or a first glance may even fool serious motorcycle enthusiasts into concluding that the T40 is just another T100, especially from the right side where the exhaust resides. It is only from different angles does it become clear that it’s indeed a different motorcycle altogether as you start to notice that the engine is a single-cylinder with an exhaust missing on the left side. Things do become more distinguishable between the Bonneville T40 and the larger T100 and the T120 when you delve into finer details, like the all-new circular TFT display which is a first on a classically-styled Bonneville, overall smaller dimensions as well as the differences in the entire fit-n-finish of the motorcycle which wouldn’t be at the exact same level of the T100 or the T120, I’m sure, irrespective of how impressive it is otherwise.
I think I can make a fair assumption that the T40 could be the best finished motorcycle in its category; however, the all-new Honda CB500 is something I would say would probably stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Triumph in this regard, if not better. But I have no lower expectations from Honda especially given how well-built the CB350 range is.
The Bonneville T40 Is Quite A Brand New Motorcycle In Itself
The Bonneville T40 is the first motorcycle in its family that can be considered all-new from its siblings. The differences with the rest of its 400cc motorcycles are quite significant.
Arguably the first thing anyone will notice are the twin rear shockers. The main frame, while having similarity with the Speed 400’s, is new and purpose-built for the flatter profile of the Bonneville and also, to accommodate twin rear shockers. This is also a first for a Triumph 400 motorcycle.
Then, you will also notice that the cylinder of the T40’s engine is more upright compared to the same engine in the rest of its brethrens which is tilted more towards the front. This, again, is true to the Bonneville character. Considerable work must have been done to make this happen. This level of attention to detail shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Then there are the wheels, the disc brake setups, and the swing-arm, basically the entire setup is different from the rest of the 400cc (350cc for India) Triumphs. The Bonneville T40 (and the T40 Black and the T4) are not merely styling exercises, these are proper smaller Bonnevilles that deserve the label.
Countering The Most Irritating Rider Reaction
I don’t know of a single motorcycle which has been liked or loved by every motorcyclist I have come across so far in my life.
No matter how iconic, legendary, mechanically solid, or technologically superior a motorcycle is, there’s always a person somewhere who doesn’t like it. The same is the case with the Bonneville T40 as well.
And before I expand on it, let me be clear that the expression “doesn’t like it” is a deliberate generalisation of opinions. Many people are simply indifferent towards one motorcycle or the other. They may not dislike or hate it entirely.
And I understand that looking at the Bonneville T40, there’s a section of riders who feel that the Bonneville shouldn’t have a mass-accessible smaller version, that it belongs strictly in the higher segment.
I think I have a solid counter to this argument.
I believe the Bonneville was never meant to be purely exotic or inaccessible for a larger number of riders. I don’t think Triumph ever intended to make it that way. A Bonneville is not supposed to be as exclusive as a Ducati or an MV Agusta. I mean the only reason it is as scarce as a Ducati on the Indian streets (for example) is simply because it’s financially out of reach for maximum service-class riders in India. And this is true for any such motorcycle sold in our country.
I think it’s just the fact that Triumph never saw the need to make a much smaller Bonneville until now. And as much as it is a matter of bringing the Bonneville name closer to a whole new section of riders, I’m positive it’s driven by a solid business decision.
Triumph clearly sees potential for huge success with the Bonneville T40. And the way the motorcycle looks and feels, I don’t have a reason to be doubtful of it. Also, Bajaj’s capability to produce motorcycles at large scale (which is the point of the sub-500cc category) presents Triumph with the perfect opportunity the company never had before.
But what the Bonneville T40 highlights the most is how valuable the Bonneville name is for Triumph, be it a 400cc or a 1200.
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