Bike Trader

Triumph Bonneville T100 2008 review

09 May 2008
Reviews image Adding subtle touches to the uncluttered Bonneville form, the T100 wears a little extra to mark its connection with the classic ‘deluxe’ speedster of the sixties. And along with the Bonneville, the T100 has moved with the times, receiving a fuel injected engine for 2008 to bring it in line with the forthcoming Euro 3 legislation.

The fuel injected engine is cleaner running than the carburettor version, and is easier to fire up from a cold start. But the bike doesn’t lose its legendary retro styling as the throttle bodies have been designed to look just like carburettors whilst cleverly concealing the fuel injectors. The fuel filler cap seal has also been redesigned and the cap is now much easier to release.

The T100’s full-blooded and responsive 865cc parallel twin-cylinder engine delivers throaty acceleration, amplified by the mellow backbeat from its twin peashooter exhaust pipes. Maximum power of 67bhp arrives at 7,500rpm, with peak torque of 51ft.lbf delivered at 5,800rpm.

The chassis – a tubular steel frame, 41mm telescopic forks and chromed twin rear shocks – offers secure road-holding, effortless steering and easy-going manners, just as you would expect of a bike derived from Bonneville heritage. Likewise the powerful twin-piston calipers operating on front and rear discs ensure excellent stopping ability.

Completing the T100 are a tachometer, rubber knee grips and chromed engine covers. Accessories available for the T100 include classic chromed extras such as a front mudguard, side stand and cam cover, as well as practical additions like the fly screen and tank bag.

The classy two-tone paint options for 2008 include Jet Black with a Fusion White infill, Claret with an Aluminium Silver infill, Forest Green with a New England White infill, all of which come with a gold coach line, and Jet Black with Tornado Red infill with a silver coach line. The T100’s coach lines are all skilfully hand applied, with each craftsman initialling the underside of a completed tank.


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