Triumph has expanded its motorcycle portfolio in India with the Bonneville T40 and Bonneville T40 Black motorcycles, bringing the classic Bonneville design language to a smaller-capacity motorcycle category. That’s the combination of retro-stylish with modern 350cc engine, electronic rider aids and connected technology in the motorcycles that they have a great mix of classic and modern.
The new Bonneville T40 range is designed for users who want the classic roadster character of the Bonneville name without jumping into a bigger engine motorcycle. The T40 and T40 Black have the same mechanical basis but have different cosmetic treatments. The standard T40 has chrome and two-tone finish and the black is darker.
Triumph Bonneville T40 Gets Classic Bonneville Design
The Bonneville T40 features several styling features inspired by Triumph's historic motorcycles. The motorcycle has a round LED headlamp, sculpted teardrop-shaped fuel tank, longer mudguards, twin rear shocks and spoked wheels.
The combination gives the motorcycle a retro look, but with modern lighting and hardware. The standard T40 has two tone paint schemes with hand-painted coach lining to add to its traditional British roadster look.
Chrome mirrors, chrome grab rail, brushed aluminium components and a brushed steel exhaust add to the classic look. Triumph has also paid attention to smaller design details, like the treatment of the engine area and the placement of the brand's identity across the motorcycle.
The Bonneville T40 is available in three colour combinations: Aegean Blue with Fusion White, Meriden Blue with Tangerine Orange and New England White with Jet Black.
T40 Black Gets A Darker Appearance
The Bonneville T40 Black maintains the same basic design philosophy but it is a much more modern and aggressive visual identity. Matt Pewter Grey and Matt Phantom Black finish on the motorcycle and a few blacked-out parts.
Its wheels have gloss-black rims with contrast steel spokes and make it look darker without losing the classic spoke-wheel design of classic motorcycles.
Triumph has also hidden cables and hoses around the engine to maintain the clean appearance of the motorcycle. Details on the handlebar clamp, front mudguard and engine covers carry subtle Triumph branding.
The two motorcycles are styled somewhat differently and thus appeal to different tastes. The standard T40 focuses on classic detailing and traditional colours, while the T40 Black is aimed at riders looking for a more understated and modern interpretation of the Bonneville design.
350cc Single-Cylinder Engine Powers Both Models
Both Bonneville T40 variants are powered by a liquid-cooled 350cc single-cylinder TR Series engine. Triumph has tuned the engine for the new motorcycles and to improve low-end performance.
The engine produces 29 hp at 7,000 rpm and 31.2 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. A redesigned cylinder head is part of the engine specification and is intended to improve the motorcycle's torque delivery at lower engine speeds.
The powertrain is coupled with multiple riding modes that let the riders adjust the motorcycle's behaviour to road and riding conditions. Road, Rain and Eco modes are available as well as two customisable modes.
These customisable settings let riders customize the throttle response, ABS and traction control. The electronic package is further enhanced by lean-sensitive cornering ABS and cornering traction control.
Advanced Rider Aids Added To Retro Motorcycle
Despite their classic appearance, the Bonneville T40 and T40 Black have a lot of modern electronic gadgets. Cruise control is there and cornering ABS and traction control systems are provided to assist the motorcycle when riding through bends.
Retro design and modern electronics are increasingly prevalent in the premium and mid-capacity motorcycle sector. Triumph’s approach allows the T40 to retain the visual identity associated with the Bonneville name while offering riders technology that they would expect from a modern motorcycle.
The motorcycles also feature Emergency Deceleration Warning, which alerts other road users during heavy braking. Full-LED lighting, daytime running lights and self-cancelling indicators are also part of the equipment package.
4-Inch TFT Display Brings Modern Connectivity
Another major feature of the Bonneville T40 range is its instrument cluster. The motorcycles have a 4-inch circular colour TFT display housed within a traditional-looking instrument design.
The display can be switched to Heritage Mode, which gives the riders the analogue-like interface that’s more in line with the classic look of the motorcycle. The fact Triumph could use that modern digital screen without the cockpit looking too futuristic.
The system also supports turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone connectivity. There are five configurable widgets that enable riders to personalize the information that appears on the screen.
The USB-C charging port is also included as well, so riders can charge compatible devices as they ride.
T40 Gets Upright Ergonomics And Spoked Wheels
The Bonneville T40 is designed in a forward riding position for a relaxed riding experience. It has a padded bench seat with a normal seat height of 790mm.
Triumph also offers a way to reduce the seat height to 770mm to make the motorcycle more accessible to shorter riders and those who prefer a lower seating position.
The motorcycle weighs 191kg and has a centre stand as standard. The wheel of the motorcycle has an 18-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, which is essentially roadster but also has a good balance between stability and handling.
The twin rear shock also contributes to the classic appearance of the motorcycle while forming part of the bike's suspension setup.
Triumph Targets Riders Wanting Classic Style With Modern Technology
The Bonneville T40 and T40 Black represent Triumph’s attempt to take its Bonneville design philosophy to a smaller engine category. Instead of going all retro, the motorcycles combine their classic look with electronic rider aids, smartphone connectivity, navigation and a modern liquid-cooled engine.
The two models also give buyers a choice between classic and darker styling. The standard T40's two-tone paint, chrome details and hand-painted elements add to the heritage look, whereas the T40 Black is a more contemporary interpretation.
With a 350cc single-cylinder engine, multiple riding modes, cornering safety systems, cruise control and a circular TFT display, the new motorcycles are being positioned as modern roadsters with a strong emphasis on classic design.
