Motorcycle specifications Triumph Bonneville 400 T40 2027 Bonnie of the Peoples

There are names that are deeply rooted in the world of motorcycling. Bonneville is one of them: it refers to both the salt flats where speed records are attempted and the Triumph motorcycle. So, for some people, getting your hands on one means acquiring more than just a motorcycle.

The desire may be right at your fingertips, and the idea of owning a Bonnie appeals to you, but….

• You don’t want the 1200 because its price and power are out of your reach
  or
• You don’t want the 900 because it’s still too powerful for you
  or
• You don’t want the 1959 650 because you’re not a skilled enough mechanic
  or
• You just want a little bike with tons of charm and a rich history. Triumph gets it and offers a 400cc Bonneville : the T40. It’s got everything it takes to turn heads—because it’s absolutely adorable and looks just like the big one.

A little bike that’s every bit as good as the big ones

A true stylistic success! Aside from its size (and even then), which might raise an eyebrow among connoisseurs, the T40 could easily be mistaken for the T100 or T120. Between its timeless silhouette, the shape of the fuel tank, the brushed aluminum engine casings, the flat seat, the old-school round headlight, the spoked wheels, fork gaiters, large chrome mirrors, minimalist fender, sausage-style exhaust, two-tone paint job, and the large retro “Triumph” badge on the sides of the fuel tank, this compact model is just as appealing as the original.

Hinckley has even taken the engineering a step further by redesigning part of the frame and the rear suspension. The single shock absorber has been replaced by two lateral units, which are both more vintage and true to the Bonneville style. The inverted fork found on the other 400 models has been replaced by a conventional fork, which also fits the retro aesthetic better. The brakes are still by Bybre, featuring an axial 2-piston caliper that offers a “smoother” braking feel than the radial 4-piston caliper found on the other 400 models. Even the engine has been given a stylish makeover, with more machined surfaces to give it the appearance of an air-cooled engine.

It’s clear that Triumph didn’t just settle for a cosmetic facelift on the Speed 400 but took the time to do a thorough job. This isn’t just a different fuel tank and three redesigned plastic parts on an existing model. This Bonneville features many unique elements.

But with the power of a sparrow

The single-cylinder engine has also decided to forge its own identity. By modifying the cylinder head and tweaking the mapping, Triumph has given it a fuller torque curve. But power takes a hit in the process. It drops from 40 bourrins on the Speed, Scrambler, and Tracker models to 32 chevaux on the Bonneville T40. Perfect for a leisurely ride and cruising at a relaxed pace through the streets of London, Mumbai, or Bangkok. The 400 Bonneville won’t go fast, but it’ll do so with smoothness.

Since it’s the smallest member of the Bonneville family, you might expect it to be skimpy on features. Well, not at all! Just take a look at the instrument panel to see that Triumph has really gone all out for it. It features a brand-new 4-inch circular color TFT display, whose design would put even that of an 800 Trident to shame. You can pair your smartphone to control your music, use the GPS navigation on the instrument cluster, manage calls, and set up favorite widgets on the left handlebar switch. It’s convenient for switching between the most commonly used functions.
The T40 features five riding modes (Road / Rain / Eco / 2 customizable modes), traction control, cornering-optimized ABS, cruise control, and a graphical display. The speedometer features an analog-style display, dubbed “Heritage,” to evoke the feel of a good old-fashioned needle.

The 400 Bonneville also comes standard with a center stand— whereas it’s an option on the 1200, a model that costs twice as much.
With its very reasonable seat height of 790 mm, a relaxed riding position, and a smile all the way to the seat padding, the mini-Bonnie promises comfort and ease of riding for everyone. On the scale, its 191 kg make it the lightest Bonneville in the lineup. But that’s starting to feel a bit heavy for a 400… Its Speed sister weighs 20 kg less.

No rough riding—it’s vacation time

Let’s take a moment to relax, with a touch of “ti-for-ti.” No, it’s not tea time, but the pronunciation of the T40 in the language of Shakespeare. Triumph opens the door to the Bonneville dynasty with an entry-level bike that has a lot going for it. Sure, it isn’t very powerful, and it’s a single-cylinder—a sacrilege to some who swear by its iconic parallel-twin engine. But its name and styling have already done the trick even before you turn the key.

Like many of the Bonneville models, the 400 will also be available in a Black version, with virtually all of its bodywork and technical components painted black. Only the brown seat breaks away from the dark theme.

M.B. – Manufacturer photos