Triumph Bonneville T100

Test of the new Triumph Bonneville T100 (Baujahr 2021)

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

Triumph Bonneville T100 im TestPhotos: 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.
CockpitSitzbankFederung

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!

Motor

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.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: 10.850€
  • Used (3 years old): 7.500€
  • Years of construction: since 2002
  • Colors: red, blue, black
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Zubehör für die
Bonneville T100

  • Moneta
  • Polo
  • Amazon

Pro & Kontra

  • beautiful retro design
  • Seat height also fits for smaller people
  • decent torque
  • wonderful twin sound
  • Easy operation
  • Dual analog cockpit
  • a bit dainty for taller pilots
Von unserem Team geprüft:

General

Type
retro
Eia
11.145 € incl.

Dimensions

Height
1,100 mm
Weight
228 kg
Ab. Weight
441 kg
Seat
790 mm
Wheelbase
1,450 mm

Driving Performance & Range

Tank contents
14.5 l
Consumption
4.1 l
Range
354 km
Highest-speed
185 km/h

Motor & Power Transmission

Engine design
Row with lifting pin offset
Number of cylinders
2
Cooling
liquid
Displacement
900 cc
Hole
84.6 mm
Hub
80 mm
Performance
65 HP
Torque
80 NM
Number of gears
5
Drive
Chain

Suspension & Brakes

Frame
Steel tube loop frame
Suspension front
41 mm cartridge fork
Travel:
120 mm
Strut rear
Stereo struts
Travel:
120 mm
Suspension rear
Two-arm swingarm
Brakes in front
Single disc, Brembo double piston floating saddle
310 mm
Tyres at the front
100/90-18
Brakes rear
Single disc, Nissin double piston floating saddle
255
Rear tyres
150/70 R17
Abs
Abs