Spencer swaps the Triumph Bonneville Bobber for the similarly specified and identically priced Bonneville Speedmaster. Same price, same output, yet there could be a lifetime of difference. Which of the two do you prefer?
2021 Triumph Bonneville range pricing and specs
This year, Triumph released updated models for its Bonneville-based modern retro range, with the latest Speedmaster and Bobber cruisers taking on a number of upgrades, and available from $21,890 rideaway.
While the Bonneville Speedmaster shares much with the T120 Bonneville, its 1200cc engine features its own tune for higher torque low down in the rev range.
The Speedmaster’s new engine produces 57kW and 106Nm, and is backed up by a unique liquid-cooling system, stainless steel exhaust and two rider modes, Road and Rain.
Also new for the Speedmaster is higher-spec Showa front forks and preload adjustable monoshock, full LED lighting, an updated seat and refreshed instruments.
The Triumph Bonneville Bobber uses the same 57kW/106Nm 1200cc engine as the Speedmaster, but features its own ‘stripped-back’ styling and exterior details.
New for the Bobber in 2021 is a new 16-inch ‘fat’ front wheel, ‘chunkier’ forks, and a larger 12-litre fuel tank which is said to provide 33 per cent more range compared to its predecessor.
Like all the new models, the mainstay Bonneville T120 and its T120 Black sibling adopt changes to now meet Euro5 emissions requirements, yet also see improved performance thanks to a lighter crankshaft.
The 1200cc twin-cylinder engine develops 59kW and 105Nm, and Triumph says that an optimised clutch and balancer shafts has resulted in more immediate throttle response.
The smaller Bonneville T100 has undergone similar updates, but it notably receives a 7kW boost to power compared to its predecessor.
More specifically, the T100’s 900cc twin-cylinder engine now develops 48kW and 80Nm, and new lightweight internal components contribute to an overall four kilogram weight reduction.
