The Triumph Bonneville America is the cruiser version of the Bonneville, designed and built by Triumph Motorcycles in Hinckley. It keeps the Bonnie twin but stretches the chassis, drops the seat and moves the rider’s feet forward for a very different ride.
Triumph America at a glance
| Maker | Triumph Motorcycles Ltd, Hinckley |
|---|---|
| Based on | Triumph Bonneville |
| Wheelbase | 1660 mm, 160 mm longer than the Bonneville |
| Overall length | 170 mm longer than the Bonneville |
| Seat height | 56 mm lower than the Bonneville |
| Rake | 33.3 degrees, 4.3 degrees more than the Bonneville |
| Front wheel | 18 inch, with the Bonneville’s 310 mm disc |
| Rear wheel | 15 inch, with a 280 mm disc |
| Engine, 2007 | 865 cc carburettor twin, 54 bhp at 6800 rpm |
| Fuel economy | about 45 mpg US city, 50 mpg US highway |
| Fuel injection | Britain 2008, United States 2009 |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Bonneville America.
History of the Triumph America
Development: a Bonneville built for cruising
The America was made from the Bonneville but with a very different riding experience. The wheelbase grew by 6.4 inches (160 mm) to 65.2 inches (1660 mm), making the bike 6.8 inches (170 mm) longer overall, while the saddle dropped 2.2 inches (56 mm). The steering head rake was opened by 4.3 degrees to 33.3 degrees. The front wheel shrank to 18 inches and the rear to 15 inches, with a larger 280 mm rear disc, and the rider’s footrests moved to the front of the engine.
Retro details
Triumph gave the America a larger fuel tank with a chromed plastic console around the filler, a 4.5-inch speedometer and warning lights. Extended side panels carried sheet-metal covers over the pillion-peg brackets, and perforated chrome fittings behind the carburettors imitated the air-filter covers of the 1960 Triumph twins.
2007: bigger engine
For 2007 the engine capacity rose to 865 cc in carburetted form, with peak power of 54 bhp at 6800 rpm and maximum torque of 69 Nm at 4800 rpm. Fuel economy was around 45 mpg US in town and 50 mpg US on the highway. The update also brought new reverse-cone chrome silencers, cast alloy wheels, adjustable clutch and brake levers, an all-black engine with chromed covers, restyled chain cover, pillion footrest hanger and fork shrouds, and a more comfortable pillion seat.
2008–2009: fuel injection
In 2008 the UK version gained electronic fuel injection to meet European emissions rules, with the injectors hidden inside dummy carburettors. The American version kept carburettors until the 2009 model year.
Design and features
- Longer and lower — a 1660 mm wheelbase, a seat 56 mm lower and footrests moved forward.
- Custom wheels — an 18-inch front and a 15-inch rear with a bigger rear disc.
- Retro trim — chromed tank console, perforated chrome air-filter covers and sheet-metal side panels.
- 865 cc twin — 54 bhp from 2007, with reverse-cone silencers and cast alloy wheels.
Triumph America versions
- Early carburettor models: the original Hinckley America.
- 2007 update: 865 cc engine, new silencers, wheels and controls.
- 2008 UK model: electronic fuel injection with dummy carburettors.
- 2009 US model: the American version finally got fuel injection.
The America was derived from the Bonneville and shares its family with the Speedmaster and Thruxton. More in the Triumph collection.
Sources
- Triumph Bonneville America, English Wikipedia: dimensions, 2007 update, fuel injection
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