Triumph Spirit of '59 and our British Modern Classic Road Test

Triumph Spirit of '59 and our British Modern Classic Test - Road Test

The Spirit of '59 contest is handed out by Bonneville from KAOS in honor of the model's 59th birthday. However, on this occasion, we also sampled a few modern classics.

La Bonneville, or for "friends" Bonnie, presents for Triumph a real icon. It went down in the history of the brand and still plays a leading role in its category of knowledge. In 2018, when Triumph celebrates its 115th birthday, Bonneville turns 59: it was 1959 when the socio-cultural and artistic period of the great renaissance began, from Hinckley The first of a long series of motorcycles was released and will mark an indelible mark in the life of the British brand ever since. Today the company, with an annual production of about 67.000 units, is the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the United Kingdom with more than 700 offices worldwide. And he also looks to the future with great determination: 2020 models arrive by 32 (5 in 2018 and 12 between 2019 and 2020). And from 2019, the well-known three-cylinder Triumph engine will be equipped with prototypes that will take part in the world championship. Moto2.

Competitive spirit'59 and special offers from KAOS

But back to the main character. To celebrate Bonneville's 59th birthday, Triumph decided to revive the iconic model by reaching out to Lucky Croci from KAOS Design. “To ride a custom motorcycle is to show who you are and what you believe in – he said Lucky Steps -. It's about expressing that part of you that separates you from the rest of the crowd. Triumph has undoubtedly been a fundamental part of this culture for 59 years and I am delighted to be able to participate in their history and in the history of British motorcycles. " In just a few days, the famous customizer transformed one T100 in a special one, reminiscent of the colors of the old model. This is not a limited edition and will not be sold. It is a prize of the Spirit of '59 competition and can only be won by those who participate: for this you will need to book a test ride on the official Triumph website and do so. from 23 31 2018 Mayand then hope for luck. In addition, with the Instant Win mechanism, you can also win leather jackets from the Triumph clothing collection.

Drive through Bonneville and more ...

To celebrate this important event, Triumph brought together the entire Italian press, more or less specialized, creating the entire range of modern-classics: from various declensions of Bonneville to Thruxton. In particular, I had the opportunity to test the new Bonneville Speedmaster, Thruxton R and Bonneville Bobber Black.

Bonneville Bobber Black

Let's start with the last one - one of the three that I liked the most. He has an aggressive, perfect individual style. float. It is kept to a minimum, with black trim and a strictly single-seat saddle. No doubt he has style. And it rides well, too, even as a bike designed for leisurely walking, enjoying the scenery and the wind in your face. Have fun - I didn't think - you can't hold back between corners if it weren't for the physical limits (platforms are obviously not very high). Just pay attention to the holes, they seem quite "clean". Large 1200cc high torque parallel twin engine 77 CV power and filled with torque. It turned out to be sandy, also due to its not too heavy weight (228 kg). It costs 14.350 euro... It's a pity that nobody needs a passenger on this bike. But I must say that this is also one of its main distinguishing features.

Bonneville Speedmasters

It's a classic custom American style - I don't want British - with an ox horn steering wheel, comfortable driving position and chrome parts to steer it. Loves walk, takes you for a walk and rocks you between the hills. Footpegs and asphalt are destined to occur frequently, and after a few minutes you need to get used to steering wheels, turns out to be easy and invisible to operate. With her you don't feel kilometers, you don't get tired. It doesn't stop, it continues without even vibrating too much. It is classic, elegant: it has personality. It pushes less than the Bobber (they cost the same), simply because it's a little heavier, but more power (to be honest) you don't feel the need for.

Thruxton R

Of the three, this is the most powerful, is, this is the one that clearly manages the best, but it is also the most uncomfortable. This is a modern nude cafe racer style, with poluruli low and closed, which gives the car a distinctly sporty look. Has great charm and suspension Ohlins turns out to be very effective: it drives very well. And this is also a little opposite of the two previous bikes: you can't walk on it, you need to go fast. Since in this case the 1200cc two-cylinder engine is 97 CV and the available power arrives immediately, straight from low revs. Each time the throttle is opened, the motorcycle responds slowly. Weighs just over 200 kg, costs 15.900 euroand it's fun. Ultimately, however, fatigue requires strong wrists and a trained physique. But on the other hand, when it comes to performance, there is always a price to pay.

Bonneville T100 (surcharge)

Nevertheless, I drove a few kilometers in the smallest of the Bonneville family, T100, and I think it is right to tell you about this in a few lines. It is exquisite, comfortable and easy to drive. It amuses even the most experienced riders because it is well balanced. The setting is not "raw", as I expected, rather the opposite. He pleasantly surprised me even in the most “fun” sections. It costs 10.600 euro and is equipped with a 900 cc two-cylinder engine. cm and a power of 55 hp. He's rich in couples, but might be good for those who don't have a lot of experience. It perfectly embodies the Bonneville style and, in my opinion, offers a lot at a reasonable price.

Used clothes

Casco Scorpio-Exo Boy

Tukano Urbano Straforo Jacket

Alpinestars Cooper Out Jeans Denim Pants