The 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Is a British American Classic
Usually, bobbers are associated with American motorcycles. For example, the latest Indian Scout Bobber. However, just like American companies have dabbled in café racers, so too have European brands released bobbers. And for 2022, British brand Triumph has updated its own Bonneville Bobber.
What makes the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber different from the regular Bonneville?
Up until now, Triumph offered the Bonneville Bobber in two trims: the base model and the blacked-out Black. However, for 2022, the company merged them into one trim, Cycle World reports. For example, instead of the 2021 base bike’s 19” front tire, it has the Black’s 16” tire. Plus, the 2022 model has more blacked-out trim pieces, Cruiser reports.
Mechanically, the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber is based on the T120 model, MCN reports. That means a 1200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine rated at 77 hp and 78 lb-ft linked to a six-speed manual with a torque-assist clutch. The output is unchanged from the 2021 model, but weight-saving measures mean the engine revs more eagerly, Ultimate Motorcycling reports. However, at 553 pounds, the Bonneville Bobber is 33 pounds heavier than the T120.
The Triumph Bonneville Bobber is built on the same chassis as the T120, Bennetts reports, albeit with some noticeable changes. The Bobber has wider forks as well as a mono-shock instead of the twin rear shocks. It also has slightly wider handlebars, a longer wheelbase, and sits lower. Plus, in keeping with the simplified bobber aesthetic, it has a single gauge and a solo seat, both adjustable, Cycle World reports. And speaking of seats, the Bonneville Bobber’s seat is lower than the Bonneville T120’s seat.
What other features does the bike have?
Like the 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120, the Bonneville Bobber has standard ABS, twin Brembo front discs, and traction control. Plus, standard cruise control, along with two riding modes, RevZilla reports.
For 2022, the Triumph Bonneville Bobber gets upgraded Show forks to go with the upgraded Brembos. The bike also has a new fuel tank, RideApart reports. It now holds 3.2 gallons, up from 2.4 gallons in previous years, RideApart reports. And finally, it comes standard with LED lights.
How much does the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber cost compared to the competition?
The 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber arrives in dealers in March 2021 with a starting price of $13,150. But how does that price compare to some of its rivals?
Arguably the biggest is the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber. It’s only two pounds heavier, though it has a smaller 1133cc liquid-cooled V-twin. But that engine makes 100 hp and 72 lb-ft. Plus, the Scout Bobber starts at $10,999.
However, it doesn’t have traction or cruise control, and ABS is an optional extra. It does have a USB port, though. Also, unlike the Bonneville Bobber, the Indian’s seat doesn’t adjust.
On the other side of the factory bobber price sheet is the Harley-Davidson Street Bob, Cruiser reports. For 2021 it’s now called the Street Bob 114 after its 1868cc (114 cubic inch) V-twin. It makes 119 lb-ft and, based on Cycle World’s dyno measurements, 88 hp. However, at 659 pounds, the Street Bob 114 is heavier than both the Indian and the Triumph.
With a $14,999 starting price, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 is more expensive than the Bonneville Bobber. And, as with the Scout Bobber, ABS is an optional extra, while traction and cruise control aren’t available. However, the Street Bob 114 does have LED lights, as well as keyless ignition and a USB charging port. Plus, unlike the other two bobbers, it has a passenger seat with footpegs, Motorcyclist reports.
Choosing between these bikes ultimately depends on which bobber you feel most comfortable on. Do you prefer the Triumph Bonneville Bobber’s mid controls, or the Scout Bobber’s and Street Bob’s forward controls, for instance? Still, if you want to re-enact The Wild One, you’re spoiled for choice.
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