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Test of the new Triumph Bonneville T100 (Baujahr 2021)

Now with 65 hp: The new Bonneville T100 is stronger and lighter.

01.09.2021

Photos: motorradtest.de

Since the year of construction 2021, the T100 drives with 65 hp and has become slightly lighter than its predecessor with 228 kg. In addition, Triumph has screwed something in the equipment. It all sounds good, but has the Bonneville T100 really gotten better? We have made a test ride and tell you here what you can expect from the new T100.

That's how she stands.

So she's already beautiful, the new little Bonnie. However, this is nothing new, because that was already the case with the older models. Wire-spoke wheels, classic line, two polished end pots, orange turn signals, stereo struts and a full-length seat. That's how retro has to be. However, Triumph has forgotten the bellows - funny. Anyway: Nobody, really no one will not find the T100 beautiful. No matter where you show up with this machine, every viewer smiles and probably thinks: "Great, such an old machine in such good condition!". Hardly any other manufacturer manages it as well as Triumph to make a modern motorcycle look so classic.

The seat height of only 790 mm allows even smaller pilots a safe stand and easy ascent and descent. Manoeuvring is also easy despite the not so light 228 kg. Unfortunately, the pillion comfort is not much better than with many other retro bikes. On the one hand, this is due to the lack of grab handles, on the other hand, the machine as a whole is simply almost dainty. There's just not that much space, and the passenger feels that too. As always, it is enough to go to the dredging lake, but not for the Alpine tour.

What it should be able to do

The T100 is technically equipped with only the essentials. There is a switchable traction control and ABS as well as an on-board computer. Everything else such as e.B. inclination sensors, driving modes or an electr. Chassis would also be completely out of place with this machine.

The cockpit consists of two beautiful analog instruments plus two LC displays. There, among other things, the engaged gear is displayed as well as the information of the on-board computer such as e.B. remaining range.

Also with the chassis you should not expect any miracles from the T100. At the front a non-adjustable, conventional telescopic fork and at the back two stereo struts, where you can only adjust the spring base. But since the T100 won't set any speed records anyway, the chassis plays a rather subordinate role. You drive around comfortably in the area and don't even think about any damper settings - that's how it should be!

This is how she drives herself

The first time you sit up, you immediately realize: The Bonnie is a small motorcycle. The handlebar is neither wide nor high, the seat height is moderate and somehow the T100 does not feel like a 900 at all. You sit upright, which puts back problems in the background even on longer tours. The view to the rear is very good with the beautiful chrome-plated and far protruding round mirrors.

When starting the engine, the next surprise: The 900 Twin plays its sonically quite in the foreground. It's not really loud, but it's still very present. Despite its 18-inch front wheel, the T100 is beautifully manoeuvrable. And somehow unagitated. And light and fluffy. Splendid!

The manageable power of 65 hp play no role at all when driving. Much more present, however, are the 80 Newton meters of torque, which enable rapid "driving from below". The T100 comes out of the basement well, which fits very well with a cruisy driving style. Inclination and performance, on the other hand, are not their thing. Brembo's new 4-piston stopper on the front single disc does a good job. Sure, double discs with M.50 monoblocks delay even more radically, but even that would not fit the T100 at all. Constant jerking, load change reactions, chain beating and Co. are foreign to the Twin. The transmission has short shifting distances and there are only five gears! As a result, you shift much less frequently than with a 6-speed transmission.

Cockpit und Lenker

Conclusion - what sticks

The Triumph Bonneville T100 vintage 2021 is a harmonious bike through and through. The components around the magnificent 900 Twin are super coordinated. Nothing surprises or seems inappropriate. If you think the 900 cc engine offers too little power and therefore tends to 1200cc models from Triumph, you should definitely take a test drive. We find the small engine more casual and more suitable for retro bikes.

The competition for the T100 comes mainly from within the company: the Street Twin and the Street Scrambler have the same engine and are similar in many ways. But they are not as classic as the T100, so if the retro style is important to you, this Bonnie is the right place for you. As an alternative, in our opinion, the Kawasaki W800, the Guzzi V7 and the Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor come into question.

We kindly received the test machine from Triumph Hamburg.

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