How the greatest motorcycle of all time died and came back to life...

The Triumph Bonneville was and is one of the greatest motorcycles of all time. Here's the story of how it came to dominate the 1960s, die off in the 70s and 80s, and then make one of the greatest comebacks in motorcycle history.

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[juancardenas]

Excellent video.
I’m seventy three years old now and had a 1967 Bonneville in 1969.
After getting married, sadly stopped riding.
When I turned 45, I could not take it anymore and got a nice 1974 Daytona that I bought on an impulse. Then as if to make up for lost time, I bought an A65 BSA and during the next few years, all kinds of bikes, American and Japanese, all classics.
Finally I got a beautiful 1968 Bonnie in 1998. I sold the rest of the bikes.
I still own that bike!
I know every detail of it. Fix anything that goes wrong, have every conceivable special tool for it, original literature, and it works perfectly.
Still, I go to motorcycle dealerships to look at everything new. But my bike is the Triumph. So many memories!
Keep up the good work!

[fearsomename]

Proud to say I've owned a '67 Bonnie, original paint '49 Tiger. I restored a '50 Thunderbird, won 1st place at Mid Ohio. Legendary motorcycles.

[PeterDad]

Still own my 1976 Triumph T140V Bonneville 750 which I purchased new based upon her specifications in January 10, 1977. She raced and won against every street motorcycle made if they challenged her. Her consecutive winning streak went on all the way to around 1992 when some trouble maker vandalized her at a bar and that night when racing yet again the left footpeg came off and caught in the chain and got stuck in the drive rear sprocket. That had the effect of pulling the engine to the left, snapping a motor mount to frame gusset and she never handled the same so i stopped racing and purchased a new H-D Sportster 883 Deluxe. She was now 25 years old and was getting long in the tooth so that's another reason why I retired from racing on the streets. I still have her and she's about 25 feet away from me. My Triumph changed my entire life. - Peter age 73

[mishko]

I have been riding for 48 years, and until recently had never thrown a leg over a Bonneville, sort of dismissed them not entirely sure why. Two years ago a friend bought a used 2011 Se FI model that he lent me for a few hours. To say that I was shocked by its charm would be an understatement. I'm a convert and an owner of an air-cooled 2015 Se today and likely for the remainder of my riding years.

[Jay_Speed]

I wished they brought back a 500cc twin with the weight of old times but the reliability from now.

[ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

It is a credit to Edward Turner that these lasted through all the iterations until the closure of the Meriden factory. I have a 1982 T-140 which still rides nicely. It is also quick off the mark and still capable of the “ton” if you’re reckless enough. It also rattles and leaks but I love it. Pure joy on a country road!

[philipcaseyacalloway]

I bought my t120 last year because it looks old but has all the the modern stuff.

[frankmarkovcijr]

I have a 1973 Triumph Daytona. Being a 500 it naturally vibrates less than a 650. Outside of my Airhead BMWs my Daytona is the only British bike that is comfortable on the freeway. Keeps up with traffic and more nice and smooth.

[littleshopofelectrons]

When I was attending high school one kid had a brand-new 1969 Bonneville that his parents bought for him. Everyone was in awe of it. I had worked up to a Yamaha 350 but from a desirability point of view, it couldn't hold a candle to that Bonneville.

The silliest thing that Triumph did for a while with the new model was to use fake carburetors that were actually fuel injectors. Fortunately they have done away with the fake-carburetor look.

[chevrsh]

Still have my 79 Bonneville. Put soft saddle bags on it soon after I bought it to carry oil noticing how it liked to drink it a bit. Always traveled with a quart in the bag and a rag. Paid attention to loose bolts and kept rain gear on board. Still my favorite machine. Has its first oil leak on the front push rod tube. At this point of age both me and the machine don't care. I think the candy apple red, black flash and gold pin striping is one of the finest iterations from any year. I do not see too many of those "reliable" old Japanese bikes out there, so I think you can put that comment to sleep.

[frankmarkovcijr]

In the 1960s you could buy a second-hand Vincent Motorcycle for $600. I know a guy who bought one in the old days and now he is surprised that the bike is worth more than his house.

[chrisheggie]

Concise and accurate, I agree with your summations. My '96 Thunderbird is a big heavy lump of a thing compared with my beautiful old '69 T120 back in the seventies but it doesn't leak, it needs practically no maintenance week to week and it still manages to remind me every time that I am on a Triumph :) People actually stop to watch me go by which never happens when I'm on my Yamaha... a far superior bike!

[LaminarSound]

Absolutely love my 2019 Street Twin. My first bike. Just glorious. ❤

[robertbruce]

Excellent documentary about the history of the Triumph Bonneville.

[Helm-wq]

I had a 72 Bonny. Great bike. Had a time with the goofy foot shifting. Own a 2002 Bonniville America. Love it.

[nickaxe]

Great vid....I own a 2020 T100....just the latest version of a Triumph Bonnie.

Not all will thats how things evolve....and to be allowed to be sold in today market.

[droidster]

Great video, thanks for your effort! I’ve owned several old school Triumphs, one being a 67 TR6C, what a fantastic bike! I now own a 76 Bonneville (just rebuilt the top end 😅) and a 2018 Street Scrambler. Comparing the old and new is pointless for me, they are so different in every way, but both a ton of fun to ride! Thanks again, ride safe!

[deepwoods_dave]

I’ve yet to own a Triumph, but I currently own two BSA’s. A ‘64 Lightning Rocket and a ‘68 Royal Star. Fun bikes.

[theien]

Former 1967 Daytona 500 rider here. Best ride I ever had. The most beautiful machine I ever owned. The bike had mechanical and electrical issues I had to stay on top of, but the effort was well worth it.

[nekot]

I always wished to have a bonneville, but as I only have the A1 licence, I ride a XSR125...still very happy!