Motorcycle Review: 2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 Chrome Edition

The Triumph Bonneville is one of the most iconic motorcycles in history, named after the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, where many land speed records have been set. Here's a brief history of the Triumph Bonneville:

1959: The Triumph Bonneville was first introduced. It was an evolution of the earlier Triumph Tiger T110 and was initially dubbed the T120. The Bonneville featured a 650cc parallel-twin engine, and its performance and style quickly made it popular.

1960s: During this decade, the Bonneville gained fame in both the UK and the USA. It was known for its speed and was often used for racing. The Bonneville became synonymous with the "café racer" culture in Britain.

1970s: Triumph faced competition from Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, who were producing more advanced and reliable machines. The 1970s saw various updates to the Bonneville, including a 750cc version (T140) introduced in 1973.

1980s: Economic difficulties and increasing competition led to the decline of the British motorcycle industry, including Triumph. Production of the Bonneville ceased in 1983 when the Meriden factory, where the bike was produced, closed down.

1985: Businessman John Bloor bought the rights to the Triumph name and began rebuilding the brand. Though the Bonneville was not immediately revived, Bloor's investment laid the groundwork for its eventual return.

2001: The Triumph Bonneville was reintroduced with a modern 790cc parallel-twin engine, while still maintaining its classic appearance. The new Bonneville was a blend of classic design and modern technology.

2000s to Present: Triumph has introduced various iterations and special editions of the Bonneville, expanding the lineup to include models like the T100, T120, Street Twin, Bonneville Bobber, and Thruxton. Engine sizes have also evolved, with the most recent models boasting a 1200cc engine.

Throughout its history, the Triumph Bonneville has been celebrated for its style, performance, and the sense of heritage it carries. It remains one of the most recognized and beloved motorcycles in the world.