Triumph Bonneville SE T100

If good old William lived today, he would certainly lead them and read poetry between them. The Bonneville is the machine that brings back the joy of riding a motorcycle after you no longer know what to choose in the flood of modern superior two-wheelers.

If you do not know what Ace caffe is and what is special about special attractions on a large salt lake near Bonneville, you can turn the page ahead without remorse and devote yourself to the next article. Seriously, no one will understand where I am going!

However, if you're a fan of the Record Hunter movie starring Hopkins' excellent cheese, you're on your way to getting a classic motorcycle into the garage in the near future.

I admit that with a flood of great, so insanely perfect motorcycles full of electronics that allow you to ride safely and carefree beyond your real capabilities, you end up wondering if you even need it. Of course, the realistic and reasonable answer is yes, especially if you ride many miles a year, especially if long trips are what you are drawn to on a motorcycle.

Well, this Triumph is a different kind of rooster.

With an image that never fades, it is as eternal and beautiful today as it was 50 years ago. It only has a few more modern technologies, a cleaner and more powerful engine, better brakes and quality control that, like a guardian angel, makes sure that this is not necessary.

Bring tool boxes and some spare parts with you.

Well, the oil does not leak, the assembly is solid, the components are of high quality, there are no greasy spots anywhere. Yes, a lot has changed in Triumph in recent years.

But as soon as the 865cc, air-cooled, parallel twin-turbo engine, capable of developing a decent 67 horses at 7.500 rpm, roars in the saddle and under your butt, a happy smile appears on your lips.

This one will also be visible as the one-piece helmet does not belong to Bonnevilla, nor does the Cordura textile jacket. In the summer, a T-shirt, maybe over a shirt, when it's a little colder, and a leather jacket, and that's it. With Bonneville, you enjoy a completely relaxing and stress-free ride. I dare to hand it over to my mother, who hasn't been riding a motorcycle for 30 years, and I believe she will love it.

So it comes as no surprise that Bonneville, which is one of the top selling Triumps, is becoming increasingly popular with driving schools and aspiring motorcyclists. Its driving characteristics are so pleasant and unpretentious that anyone who knows how to ride a bicycle can operate it.

Driving schools are not stupid, but if a boy or girl rides relaxed on a test drive and merges into one with the motorcycle, the chances of success are clearly greater!

Ready to ride, the bike weighs 225 kilograms, but the weight is distributed so balanced that it is not felt during the ride. The brakes are solid, and the grip and lever feel are good too.

The driving position is also comfortable and relaxed, suitable for both smaller and taller drivers. I can safely recommend it to women who tend to appreciate the moderate 740mm seat height from the ground, which means few have to step on their toes to reach the ground.

A small problem can only be caused by the fact that it is without wind protection, but in reality this is felt only at speeds above 130 km / h, and in the city and around corners, where Bonneville is good, these or higher speeds are not relevant in any case.

The top speed is of course suited to the motorcycle concept, so for a speed of just over 170 km / h on the round speedometer, you will have to bend the handlebars fully and keep the throttle lever fully tightened longer.

Well, I still can't be unfair, Bonneville still goes through the five-speed gearbox pretty quickly when overtaking and outruns a lot of sports cars.

Last but not least, he still has some sportiness to him as he was once a record hunter.

Technical information

Test car price: 8.590 EUR

engine: two-cylinder parallel, four-stroke, air-cooled, 865 cc? , electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 49 kW (67 KM) at 7.500/min.

Maximum torque: 68 Nm @ 5.800 rpm

Energy transfer: Transmission 5-speed, chain.

Frame: steel pipe.

brakes: front coil? 310mm, twin-piston caliper, rear disc? 255 mm, two-piston caliper.

Suspension: front telescopic fork? 41mm, 120mm travel, dual rear shocks, adjustable tilt, 100mm travel.

Tires: 110/70-17, 130/80-17.

Seat height from ground: 740 mm.

Fuel tank: 16 l.

Wheelbase: 1.490 mm.

Weight: 225 kg (with fuel).

Representative: Španik, doo, Noršinska ul. 8. Murska Sobota, tel: [phone], www.spanik.si

We praise and reproach

+ classic look

+ motor

+ ease of use

+ comfort

– lock position

– price

Petr Kavchich, photo: Boštyan Svetlichich and Petr Kavchich