Coming Soon | 2026 Triumphs – the modern classics

Triumph is promising a total of 29 new or updated bikes for 2026, the first batch of which are these, the new and improved modern classics. Centred around the Bonneville range but extending to the Scramblers also, the changes focus on improved rider aids, uprated suspension and brakes and fresh colours while sticking with the theme of discreet integration of water cooling and other more modern tech.
To those ends all models get improved electronics with rider modes, lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, improving rider safety without intruding on the all-important classic vibes. In another significant move even the bigger 1200s get the option of running in A2 licence trim for the first time, opening up modern classic ownership to a new audience of younger riders attracted by the hipster-friendly looks. Prices have – inevitably – crept up as well but typically by only a few hundred quid here and there, which for the amount of extra kit doesn’t look outrageous. A new Reserve My Triumph facility means from spring next year you’ll be able to configure your new bike online, pay a deposit and then arrange delivery to your local dealership, putting you at the front of the queue when the bikes arrive. Read on for a full break-down of the new features on each of the bikes…

In the face of new retro challengers like the Royal Enfield Bear 650 and BSA Scrambler 650 the Scrambler 900 gets the more significant upgrades to help it keep pace with more premium modern retros like the Ducati Scrambler or Fantic Caballero Scrambler 700. Always a hipster favourite, the 900 gets the cornering ABS and traction control, LED headlight and concealed USB-C charging port rolling out across the modern classics range. There’s also a new part-TFT, part-LCD screen. Suspension is also significantly improved, with upside-down Showa forks replacing the conventional ones of before and a new aluminium swingarm like that on the bigger Scrambler 1200s. The single front brake caliper is also now radially mounted, there’s a new tank and lighter aluminium wheel rims as well. Like its recently updated Speed Twin 900 brother, this all represents a serious improvement in rideability and performance, without detracting from the essential Scrambler style, though the price does creep beyond the £10K threshold as a result.

The two most style-focused options in the Bonneville range, the Bobber and Speedmaster riff on classic hardtail looks with hidden rear suspension, their throaty 78 horsepower 1200 twins delivering attitude and performance to match. Both get the electronic upgrades of cornering rider aids, standard cruise control and the LED front light, a bigger 14-litre fuel tank also featuring on both, along with lighter rims on the handsome wired wheels. Seats for both models have also been revised, with extra padding. Where the Bobber sticks to its minimalist hot-rodder guns the more luxurious and cruiser-ish Speedmaster now has a less swept-back bar position than before for a slightly sportier feel, both bikes now available with a removable A2 restriction kit if required.

It’s a similar story with the Bonneville range proper, all gaining the cornering ABS and traction control, LED headlight, Road and Rain rider modes and handlebar-mounted USB charging port to discreetly modernise them without ruining the classic looks. Cruise control is now optional on the 900cc 100 and standard on the 120 as well, the 1,200cc ‘high torque’ engine now available in A2-restricted form for the first time. New colours and trims also feature, the 1200 range divided between the trad T120 and the more contemporary T120 Black, its de-chromed look apparently popular with a younger crowd.

The big Scrambler 1200 range was only updated recently, the previous XC version swapped out for a more road-optimised X with shorter-travel suspension and lower seat for those after the style but not needing the off-road ability. This has proven more popular than the downgrading of the XE’s suspension from the Showa forks and Öhlins rear shocks of before to Marzocchi supplied parts, Triumph admitting it has listened to customer feedback and reinstated the previous set-up. The price increases accordingly but if gold bling and buttery-smooth damping are your priorities you’ll be happy to get what you pay for.