Since the release of the original Triumph Bobber last year I wanted a ride, but life got in the way, and I never got around to it. The release of the new Triumph Bobber Black into Triumph’s heritage collection means I had to change that. For me, the Triumph Bobber Black ticked all the boxes. There was a distinct lack of chrome, it has a seat made for one, and it used the tried, tested and trusted twin which graces many other of Triumphs heritage collection.
Michelin’s Road 5 tyres tested on UK roads!
I’m not a massive fan of chrome, so for me, the Black version is perfection. It’s matte black, stealthy appearance is more me. Everybody knows that matte black is cool, think Stealth bomber, and well, you get the picture.
Triumph Bobber black comfort
I was apprehensive, I’d never rode an ass back and feet forward bike, so it felt unnatural at first, but it quickly became comfortable. The seat feels like a sofa, even better, it’s adjustable so you can find the perfect comfort spot. The handlebars are not too much of a stretch; elbows are not too bent. The bars themselves have the right length so that you can still actually turn. The mirrors on the end of the bars are a nice feature, big enough to see what you have just overtaken, but not too big to look odd or out of place.
The Bobber black engine is a peach, I just wish it had the High Torque Thruxton R version
Triumph has been making twin “T” engines since the dawn of time, and each evolution gets better and better. The slightly detuned engine is from the Thruxton R, but with a distinct change in looks and feel to the Thruxton.
Read about the Triumph Thruxton R
However, it still feels just as good. The T120 HT (High Torque) engine makes 76Hp. First thoughts are it isn’t a lot, but it’s as much as is needed, plus the bobber gets a different tune from the T120, giving more torque further down the rev range compared to the standard T120 in the Bonneville. The grunt made overtaking easy and carving through both rural and urban a doddle.
The soundtrack through the matte black, slash cut cans is grunty, a welcome relief from the wail of 4 cylinder sports bikes. If you are feeling particularly rebellious, then there’s a Vance and Hines aftermarket kit. A lovely induction bark follows every time you crank the throttle open, and it becomes very addictive.
An absolute blast to ride, fast or slow.
You’ve seen the videos of custom bobber style bikes being used properly grounding out in the corners. I found no issues with ground clearance on the bobber. The seat is comfy, and soaks up road bumps, as does the suspension, the suspension feels firm, it’s pleasantly firm, but I wouldn’t want it any softer.
Bobber Black equipment
While still retaining the old school cool looks from the outside the Triumph Bobber Black is high tech. Featuring abs, electronic throttle and cruise control, all of them handy. The cruise control is a godsend and works with a simple press of the button. Press the button, and it will hold that speed, press the button, or touch the brakes and the system disengages.
Triumph’s brand new Street Triple 765
The speedo is an analogue gauge with a digital readout inside, the digital panel giving a raft of information including range, trip, instantiations MPG and a digital rev counter.
The eagle-eyed among you will notice that the bobber is only a single-seater. If a two-seat bobber is what you are after, Triumph also makes the Speedmaster — equipped with a larger fuel tank and pillion seat. Price is £11,650 (Plus an extra £125 for matt paint).
Find out more information on the Bobber here!
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