Motorcycle specifications Triumph865 BONNEVILLE T 100 2014 The prestige of the name

like its sibling Bonnie, the T 100 inherits the little bonuses of 2014: exhausts providing a more delicate sound, revised engine cooling fins, a rollbar (in this case chromed) for the passenger and a chain guard.

genesis: The T 100... this name symbolizes all Triumph's glory. It marked the 60s in the leather and fury of the golden age of café racers. Now it's been reborn, to the delight of sixties fans, and all those who are tired of losing license points. Basically, it's a Bonneville that the Hinckley factory has reworked. Two-tone fuel tank, chrome engine covers, rev counter. And since the standard Bonneville changed quite a bit in 2009 (stick wheels, shorter wheelbase, new exhausts), the T 100 takes on even more of the vintage charm of its ancestor. Since 2007, it shares the same 865cc twin as the other Bonnevilles, and is no longer distinguished by its different displacement. The charm of the Bonnevilles lies in its superior equipment. 2008 saw the introduction of fuel injection, but cleverly hidden behind fake carburetors to maintain the nostalgic feel.

...Above all, it's easy to get used to. You're not subjected to the riding position, you don't climb onto the Bonneville, you settle into it. The British touch, the simplicity and smoothness of the ride, the quality components and the serenity of a modern powertrain appeal to the rider and justify the smile on the Triumph logo. If the bike hiccups a little at low speeds, it's not the fault of the engine - which doesn't vibrate and is beautifully smooth - but rather of the transmission. The few extra cm3 were not intended to turn the T 100 into a cannonball. Admittedly, it picks up better, especially in fifth gear, but above all it's the pleasure of riding that gains.

The chassis is very classic in design, but holds its own (to say the least) and is remarkably consistent with the twin-cylinder engine. The single front brake disc does its job very well, which is not the case with the rear damping. If the sausage were that dry, it would be hard to cut. And yet, with a passenger, there's a slight improvement. Does the Bonneville have the mentality of a matchmaker?

it's as easy as it is pleasant to use, and you'll enjoy riding this beautiful English bike from morning to night. On the other hand, the lack of under-seat storage and center stand is a bit of a turn-off. OK, but how many motorcycles do you know that have so much charm and nostalgia that you can use them every day?

M.B
(test text inspired by L. Boloré's article - Moto-journal n° 1 641
manufacturer's photos)