Triumph’s 2026 Bonneville lineup arrives with a meaningful update across the board, and we headed to Victoria’s high country to spend a couple of days riding the Speedmaster, Bobber, T120, and the Scrambler 400 XC before winter sinks its claws.
The headline change for 2026 is the addition of a six-axis IMU, bringing lean-angle sensitive cornering ABS and traction control to key models across the range. A new headlight with a daytime running light, a USB-C socket, and some fresh colorways round out the changes. Evolution rather than revolution, then, but meaningful progress on bikes that were already popular the world over.
The Speedmaster has picked up the affectionate nickname “Scrapemaster” among the press pack, and honestly it earns it. Forward-mounted foot controls and a low-slung stance mean the pegs find the tarmac quickly when you push into corners.
It is not a classic American-style cruiser and it is not trying to be, sitting somewhere between that world and Triumph’s own roadster tradition. What it does exceptionally well is punch out of corners, the 1200cc engine piling on torque the moment you get the bike upright. The exhaust is absurdly good for something that has cleared current emissions certification, all snap, crackle and pop on the overrun.
The Bobber remains the most visually uncompromising bike in the range, built around a single saddle and a hidden monoshock that convincingly mimics a hardtail. For 2026 the tank has grown to 14 litres, up from 12 and a significant improvement on the original nine-litre unit that made full riding days a constant exercise in locating fuel stops. It looks no worse for the extra capacity.
Mid-mounted controls and flat bars push you into a more aggressive position than the Speedmaster.
The T120 is the one. If you had to show a non-rider what a motorcycle looks like, you would point at the T120. The faux carburetors, twin analog clocks, the roadster stance, it is a complete picture. It is also the most enjoyable of the three 1200cc bikes to ride on a twisting mountain road, fluid and exciting when you want it to be, and perfectly easy-mannered when you do not.
We also got a brief taste of the Scrambler 400 XC, the latest variant of Triumph’s India-built single-cylinder platform. It is a scrambler, and a capable one, genuinely getting sideways in the dirt with a willingness that made it one of the more entertaining parts of the day. It is a LAMS bike but carries itself with the presence of a full-size motorcycle, which counts for a lot.
A full written test of the Scrambler 400 XC is live now at infomoto.com.au. Video from both days in the high country is above.
The 2026 Triumph Modern Classics range is available through authorised Triumph dealers now.
Editorial Director at infomoto.com.au. Loves Rally bikes.
