Bonneville, the customizations of a unique Triumph

The first Triumph Bonneville was born in 1959 and since then its continuous speed records and unrivalled qualities catapulted this British model to fame and turned it into a true legend. From then on, the bike that was dubbed “the fastest motorcycle in the world” has left its mark on enthusiasts of two wheels. Its free spirit and great character, combined with exceptional dynamic qualities, have made it one of the most sought-after motorcycles among top custom builders around the world.

One could say that the Bonnie is the muse of every customization artist, thanks to its retro style, which keeps the simplicity of old with the characteristic parallel twin engine, the multitube chassis and the carburetors (which today conceal modern fuel injectors), all combined with the most up-to-date technology.

The return of the new Bonneville in 2000 confirmed the success of the myth. Triumph has managed to preserve the essence of its original parallel twin engine, now 865cc and fuel-injected, as well as the riding sensations, improving its handling with a steel multitube chassis. Today’s “Bonnie” fuses that retro look and its structural simplicity with the most current technology applied to motorcycles. That is why many are drawn to the Bonneville and use it as the basis for their custom projects to express a special personality.

From those who try to recapture the essence of the Café Racer to those who transform it with nostalgia into an off-road model, everyone agrees on a concept that is hard to explain in its results: the magic of the Bonneville. Even the factory itself has produced unique versions of the famous Bonnie.

Below you can see some customization models based on this base model, a true marvel of what has been achieved with the Bonnie. The #CRD 31 model. This motorcycle, built by the Spanish builder Cafe Racer Dreams, is based on the 2008 fuel-injected “Bonnie” model. The most impressive thing is the transformation of this classic model into something timeless thanks to details with great visual impact. In this case, the CRD31 features a shortened subframe rebuilt by CRD. In addition, the original wheels have been replaced with 18″ wheels with knobby tyres. Other details such as the ignition key inserted in the subframe, the flat handlebar, its small front headlight and the raised mudguards give it a unique personality.

Meanwhile, another model is the #Shorty. The Italian artists at Mr Martini also work their magic on a 2006 Bonneville, until they achieve a unique result. The original motorcycle has been turned into a machine very similar to what could be a Dirt Track bike. It is amazing to see how, with a few small modifications, this motorcycle has become practically unrecognizable, were it not for the characteristic parallel twin engine, the hallmark of the protagonist. Some of the most notable elements are its large air filter, its aluminium swingarm with Biturbo shock absorbers and its custom-made exhaust system. Another of the most striking components is the seat, made from an original 1970 leather jacket with a yellow trim to match the colour of the tank. The aluminium rear mudguard and its shortened chassis complete the look and give it the name “Shorty”.

There are many more customized models.

Source | Triumph