As we participated in “JAIA imported model test riding event” at Oiso Prince Hotel, Kanagawa prefecture, I’m going to introduce the model to catch editorial staff’s eye! From the point of general riders’ view, we checked it on general road and Seisho By-pass (toll road)!

“BONNEVILLE” to continue the tradition. An orthodox type equipped with the latest model of water-cooled engine.

The new “BONNEVILLE T120” succeeds the design of BONNEVILLE released in 1959. As the time has passed, the engine has changed from air-cooled, parallel-twin to water-cooled, parallel-twin engine of 1200 cc. It has improved from carburetor to FI (Fuel Injection).

Though it has not been changed its traditional style to have the exhaust of “CABTON” type with spoke wheels, it is equipped with double discs and ABS. Its throttle uses ride-by-wire way, and traction control system is equipped as normal. The clutch is adopted slipper clutch so that the clutch’s weight has been decreased.
Seeing those satisfying equipment, modern version BONNEVILLE has improved a lot!

The price is from ¥1,450,000 (including tax) as manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

Premium feeling produced by 1200-cc parallel twin engine

Though its engine is water-cooled, it is shaped beautifully with “air-cooled fin.” Furthermore, cam cover is adopted metal plating. So, it looked beautiful, reflecting the scenery.
At the test-riding place, the weather as not good, but if it is sunny, cam cover should show the condensed scenery.

Mounting actually, I felt very good as if the heavy crank would have rotated while riding, though its operability was heavy because it had 1200-cc engine.
I think parallel twin engine makes all the things gentle like its feeling of pulse and sound with bass.

 

Stability of 18-inch + 1200cc engine makes riding on highway stable enough.

The both handling of 18 inches was not speedy but damp as it traced lines with safety. The engine is equipped with mode change, and you can choose from two type, “Road” and “Rain.” On rainy day or slippery road, it is good to change the mode.

Though I changed the place from test-riding course to highway, the motorcycle’s stability was not changed. With 1200-cc strong engine, it was easy to cruise or pass over. As the engine speed became faster, the engine produced silky feeling of parallel twin engine. I was comfortable with the feeling.

 

BONNEVILLE T120 Utility

The meters are double analog indicators with plating body. You can change the display like ODO, Trip, Cruising Distance with the switch near hand.
The grip heaters are equipped as normal. It is made luxury like the indicator of grip heater is displayed in the meter.
You may not miss the switches like turning indicator because those are the same as Japanese motorcycles. As there is a hazard switch under the cell starter button, you can feel safe in the worst case.

 

BONNEVILLE T120 Pushing the vehicle / Foot grounding property

I’m 169 cm in height and 62 kg in weight, and the foot grounding was good as you can see the picture. Though the positioning was natural, I felt the operability a little heavy after taking off as it had 1200-cc engine.

 

Revived modern classic, the sense of unique existence “BONNEVILLE”

As it is a traditional model and also TRIUMPH’s traditional model, I feel it has been created with all their might. Equipment is most gorgeous in all the motorcycles in the same grade, but it remains motorcycle-like shape. Like the design of injection body seen like carburetor, it can be said that they had pursued the detail even tasteful part.

Though its body is the same as STREET TWIN, the finishing is quite another. I recommend BONNEVILLE for those who enjoy long touring.

See TRIUMPH Moto Index Page