The following feature on the 10 most significant motorcycles of the last 50 years first appeared in the March issue of Rider as part of our new “Rider Rewind” feature, a monthly tribute to various aspects of either motorcycling history or the 50-year history of the magazine, which was founded in 1974.
During Rider’s 50‑year history, we’ve announced, featured, tested, and toured on thousands of motorcycles. We’ve covered a wide spectrum that includes pretty much anything with a license plate: cruisers, tourers (sport/luxury/traditional), sportbikes, standards, adventure bikes, dual‑sports, cafe racers, classics, scooters, trikes, electric bikes, and some that defy easy categorization. Here are 10 significant motorcycles that changed the course of two-wheeled history.
1. 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing
We’ve got a soft spot for the Gold Wing because it was introduced soon after Rider got started. With its driveshaft and liquid‑cooled engine, the Wing has evolved over the past 49 years from a naked high‑performance machine to a luxury tourer, from four cylinders to six, and from a displacement of 1,000cc to 1,833cc. Its first dresser version all but killed the aftermarket for fairings and saddlebags, and later versions introduced the first motorcycle airbag and were available with Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission.
The R 80 G/S was the first motorcycle that delivered on‑road comfort and performance and genuine off‑road capability in equal measure, and its air‑cooled “boxer” flat‑Twin and driveshaft could be traced back to BMW’s first production motorcycle, the 1923 R 32. Between 1981 and 1985, the G/S (the slash was later dropped) notched four wins in the grueling Paris‑Dakar Rally. After launching the adventure bike revolution and becoming BMW’s bestselling model, the completely new R 1300 GS was unveiled on BMW Motorrad’s 100th anniversary.
In 1983, Harley‑Davidson was in deep trouble. Its old Shovelhead motor had run its course, so the MoCo introduced a new 80ci Evolution motor, an air‑cooled, 45‑degree V‑Twin with aluminum heads and numerous improvements. It was offered in several ’84 models, including the new custom‑look Softail, which appeared to have a classic hardtail frame but concealed dual shock absorbers under its engine. That Evo motor helped save the company, and the Softail was a huge success, paving the way for the Harley‑Davidson juggernaut of the ’90s and beyond.
Before the Gixxer appeared, a “sportbike” was a standard motorcycle to which the owner had added engine mods, a lower handlebar, and suspension and braking upgrades, all in an exhaustive and expensive effort to improve power and handling. With its oil‑cooled inline‑Four and aluminum frame, the lightweight GSX‑R750 was track‑ready right out of the box. The GSX‑R launched the sportbike wars among the Japanese Big Four, and 600cc, 750cc, and 1,000cc models sold like hotcakes and won numerous championships.
When it punched its KLR600 dual‑sport out to 650cc for 1987, Kawasaki struck a near‑perfect balance between on‑road comfort and off‑road capability, and it went on to sell a boatload of KLR650s without making significant changes for decades. A true do‑it‑all, go‑anywhere machine that was both affordable and bulletproof, the KLR became a popular choice for round‑the‑world travelers and helped launch an ADV aftermarket cottage industry. It got its first major update in 2008, and fuel injection finally arrived in 2022.
By 1989, sport‑tourers were either a low‑buck Kawasaki Concours or a high‑dollar BMW, both of which had been adapted from other models. In 1990, Honda made the bold move of introducing a purpose‑built sport‑tourer with a full fairing, integrated bodywork, removable saddlebags, and shaft drive. Its liquid‑cooled, longitudinal V‑Four was designed specifically for this model, which was known for its plush suspension, comfortable seat, and huge 7.4‑gallon tank. The ST1100 was a big hit and helped establish the open‑class sport‑touring segment.
Known for exotic, sophisticated motorcycles that win races and steal hearts, one of Ducati’s most endearing and enduring models is the Monster. Embracing simplicity, designer Miguel Galluzzi said, “All you need is a saddle, tank, engine, two wheels, and handlebars.” The M900 (nicknamed “Monster”) had a steel trellis frame, an air‑cooled 904cc L‑Twin, a “bison‑back” gas tank, a tubular handlebar, and a round headlight. An instant hit, it spawned numerous Monster models and came to define what a naked bike should look like.
Few motorcycles are as iconic as the Triumph Bonneville. First introduced in 1959 and named after the famous Utah salt flats where Triumph set a world record, the Bonneville was advertised as “the fastest production motorcycle made” and became hugely popular in the U.K. and America. After Triumph went bankrupt in the early ’80s, the marque was resurrected by John Bloor and relaunched in the mid ’90s. But it wasn’t until 2001 that a modern Bonneville was born, offering a perfect blend of retro style and modern engineering.
The FZ1 offered liter‑class sportbike performance in a comfortable, street‑friendly package that could be used for commuting, canyon carving, sport‑touring, or trackdays. Derived from the mighty YZF‑R1, its 998cc inline‑Four was retuned for midrange torque but still made 120 hp at the rear wheel. The FZ1 paved the way for powerful, practical sit‑up sportbikes such as the Aprilia Tuono, BMW S 1000 RR, and KTM Super Duke. The 2006 FZ1 (pictured) was our Motorcycle of the Year, and its spirit lives on in Yamaha’s MT‑10.
Derived from its Dakar Rally‑winning LC8 950R, KTM’s 950/990 Adventure models were the most dirt‑oriented big ADVs on the market from 2003‑2013. In 2014, KTM launched the 1190 Adventure, which offered sportbike levels of street performance while still being highly capable in the dirt. Its LC8 V‑Twin cranked out 150 hp, and its state‑of‑the‑art electronics included not only ride modes, traction control, and electronic suspension but also the world’s first cornering ABS system, ushering in the current era of high‑tech ADVs.
So do you agree? Or do you have other opinions on the most significant motorcycles of the past 50 years? Comment below or visit our Facebook or Instagram pages. We’re sure there will be some lively debate on this one.
And now that you’ve taken this blast down memory lane of our choices of the 10 most significant motorcycles, be sure to check out Rider‘s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide for some newer bike choices.
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 in Matte Baja Orange and 2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 (formerly Street Twin) in Matte Silver Ice
In response to customer request for brighter, more distinctive, and more elegant color options and building on the success of the 2022 Gold Line Editions, Triumph has announced a new range of color options for most of its 2023 lineup.
Additionally, the company has renamed two of its 900cc models: the Street Twin is now called the Speed Twin 900, and the Street Scrambler becomes the Scrambler 900. According to a press release from Triumph, the new names were chosen to “better represent the family connections across Triumph’s iconic Bonneville lineup, and their specific engine capacities.”
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC in Carnival Red and 2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 in Carnival Red
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 (formerly Street Twin)
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 (formerly Street Twin) in new Matte Silver Ice
While the name may have changed, the newly renamed Speed Twin 900 still features the updated “high torque” 900cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin that claimed an additional 10 hp for 2022, with a total 64.1 hp at 7,500 rpm and 59 lb-ft of torque. Other updates last year included new 10-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and stylistic changes. The 5-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive remain the same, as do the Road and Rain ride modes, ABS, and switchable traction control.
For model year 2023, the Speed Twin 900 starts at $9,695 and comes in three colors, including classic Triumph Jet Black, Matte Ironstone, and a sophisticated new Matte Silver Ice option, with silver and yellow accents. This new paint scheme includes a Matte Silver Ice fuel tank with silver and yellow graphics, Jet Black side panels with the new Speed Twin 900 logo, and Jet Black front and rear mudguards.
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 in Matte Ironstone
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 in new Matte Baja Orange
Triumph’s performance classic Speed Twin 1200 was also updated in 2022, boasting a 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin that offers a claimed 98.6 hp at 7,250 rpm, 84 lb-ft of torque, and 17% less inertia for better response. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a 6-speed transmission, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The three ride modes (Sport, Road, and Rain) were also revised for 2022, as well as some style updates, and it still offers switchable ABS and traction control.
The Speed Twin 1200 starts at $12,595 and comes in three colors: the classic Jet Black and Red Hopper and now a new Matte Baja Orange scheme with Storm Grey and Aluminum Silver tank graphics. The new scheme also features Matte Storm Grey side panels and headlight bowl, matched with Matte Silver Ice fork protectors.
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 in Red Hopper
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 (formerly Street Scrambler)
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 in new Carnival Red and Jet Black
Similar to the Speed Twin 900, the newly renamed Scrambler 900 features a 900cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin that claims 64 hp at 7,250 rpm and 59 lb-ft of torque, as well as some styling updates added in 2022. Otherwise, it still has a 5-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. It also comes with three ride modes (Road, Rain, and Off-road) and switchable traction control and ABS.
The Scrambler 900 starts at $11,295 and comes in three colors: classic Jet Black, a new Carnival Red and Jet Black scheme with striking and contemporary new graphics, and a new Matte Khaki scheme that celebrates the Scrambler’s iconic off-road heritage.
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 in new Matte Khaki
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 in Jet Black
The new Carnival Red and Jet Black paint scheme includes a Carnival Red fuel tank with contemporary Jet Black stripe detailing and Jet Black side panel, frame cowl, and mudguards.
The iconic new Matte Khaki color scheme features a Matte Khaki fuel tank with Matte Jet Black side panel, frame cowl, and mudguards.
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE and Scrambler 1200 XC
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC in new Carnival Red and Jet Black
Riders must be pretty excited about the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 lineup because as of the July 6 press release announcing the new colors, both the XE and XC were sold out (and subsequently, no pricing information was available).
The Scrambler 1200 received an update for 2022 that included a revised exhaust system offering improved heat distribution. The 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin makes a claimed 89 hp at 7,250 rpm and 81.1 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and X-ring chain final drive. The XC come with five riding modes – Road, Rain, Sport, Rider Configurable, Off-Road – and the XE tacks on an additional Off-Road Pro mode.
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE in Matte Khaki Green and Matte Jet Black
Both bikes have throttle-by-wire, with the XC using switchable ABS and traction control, while the XE optimizes both features for cornering. Additional features include a full-color TFT display, keyless ignition, cruise control, and all-LED lighting.
The Scrambler 1200 XC and XE come in three colors: Sapphire Black, the classic Matte Khaki Green and Matte Jet Black scheme, and a new Carnival Red and Jet Black scheme that features a Carnival Red fuel tank with Jet Black tank stripe design, as well as Jet Black side panel and headlight bowl.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100 in new Meriden Blue and Tangerine
A favorite for both new and returning riders, the “high torque” 900cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin Bonneville T100 claimed an additional 10hp for 2022 for a total 64 hp at 7,400 rpm and 59 lb-ft of torque. Other upgrades included a low inertia crankshaft and lightened clutch and counterbalancers, which contributed to an 8-lb total weight reduction when combined with other features. The T100 has a 5-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive, as well as standard ABS and switchable traction control.
The Bonneville T100 now comes in three colors: classic Jet Black, a Carnival Red and Fusion White scheme, and a stylish interpretation of the original 1959 design with a new Meriden Blue and Tangerine option and hand-painted silver coach line detailing on the tank.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100 in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100 in Carnival Red and Fusion White
The new Meriden Blue and Tangerine color scheme also features Meriden Blue side panels and mudguards.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 in new Aegean Blue and Fusion White
Last year, the classically styled Triumph Bonneville T120 received a few updates to its “high torque” 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, which makes a claimed 79 hp at 6,550 rpm and 77.4 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and chain final drive. Other features include two ride modes (Road and Rain) as well as standard ABS and switchable traction control.
For model year 2023, the Bonneville T120 comes in three colors, including Jet Black, a Cordovan Red and Silver Ice scheme, and a new Aegean Blue and Fusion White option, with hand-painted gold line detailing on the tank. The new heritage-inspired color scheme also features Aegean Blue mudguards and Jet Black side panels and headlight bowl.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 in Cordovan Red and Silver Ice
The Bonneville T120 Black comes in two colors for 2023, with the classic Jet Black and a new Sapphire Black and Matte Sapphire Black split scheme across the tank, accentuated with hand-painted silver coach-line detailing.
Triumph 2023 Bonneville T120 Black in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black in new Sapphire Black and Matte Sapphire Black
The new Sapphire Black and Matte Sapphire Black scheme also features Sapphire Black mudguards, side panels, and headlight bowl.
2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber
2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber in new Red Hopper
Triumph’s original custom icon, the Bonneville Bobber, has a “high torque” 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, which makes a claimed 76.9 hp at 6,100 rpm and 78.2 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and chain final drive. The Bobber received several updates to the 2022 model, including (but not limited to) a larger fuel tank; upgrades to brakes, suspension, wheels; and standard cruise control. It still offers Road and Rain ride modes, standard ABS, and switchable traction control.
The Bonneville Bobber starts at $13,495 and comes in three colors for model year 2023, with the classic Jet Black, Matte Storm Grey and Matte Ironstone scheme, and a new Red Hopper option, which includes a Red Hopper fuel tank and Jet Black side panels and mudguards.
2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber in Matte Storm Grey and Matte Ironstone
2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in new Cordovan Red
The British custom classic Bonneville Speedmaster shares the T120’s “high-torque” 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, claiming 76.9 hp at 6,100 rpm and 78.2 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and chain final drive. The Speedmaster’s two ride modes (Road and Rain) were refined for 2022, as well as receiving an upgraded Showa fork. The bike has ABS and switchable traction control, cruise control, a multifunction LCD display, and all-LED lighting.
The Speedmaster starts at $13,995 and comes in three colors for model year 2023: Jet Black, a Sapphire Black and Fusion White scheme, and a new Cordovan Red option that features a Cordovan Red fuel tank with Jet Black side panels, mudguards, and headlight bowl.
2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in Sapphire Black and Fusion White
2023 Triumph Thruxton RS
2023 Triumph Thruxton RS in new Competition Green and Silver Ice
The Thruxton RS café racer has a 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, which makes a claimed 104 hp at 7,500 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and chain final drive. The Thruxton RS has three ride modes – Road, Rain, and Sport – and comes with ABS, traction control, and a multifunction LCD display.
2023 Triumph Thruxton RS in Jet Black
For model year 2023, the Thruxton RS starts at $16,645 and comes in two colors: Jet Black and a new Competition Green and Silver Ice scheme, which features a Competition Green and Silver Ice fuel tank and seat cowl with gold graphic detailing on both. This is matched with Jet Black mudguards, headlight bowl, and side panels and Matte Silver Ice fork protectors.
2023 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
2023 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS in new Matte Baja Orange
The Speed Triple 1200 RS naked sportbike has a liquid-cooled 1160cc inline-Triple, making a claimed 177.5 hp at 10,750 rpm and 92 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a quickshifter, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. It features five ride modes – Rain, Road, Sport, Track, and Rider (customizable) – and both ABS and traction control are optimized for cornering. It has 5-inch TFT instrumentation and all-LED lighting.
The Speed Triple 1200 RS starts at $18,500 and comes in three colors, including the Matte Silver Ice and Sapphire Black options, plus an all-new Matte Baja Orange complemented by distinctive Silver Ice and Graphite ‘RS’ graphics.
2023 Triumph Speed 1200 RS Triple in Matte Silver Ice
2023 Triumph Speed 1200 RS Triple in Sapphire Black
The new Matte Baja Orange color is featured on the tank, side panels, headlight finisher, rear bodywork, seat cowl, and belly pan.
2023 Triumph Street Triple RS
2023 Triumph Speed Triple RS in new Carbon Black
The Triumph Street Triple RS has a liquid-cooled 765cc inline-Triple, making a claimed 121 hp at 11,750 rpm and 58 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a quickshifter, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The Street Triple RS features five ride modes – Rain, Road, Sport, Track, and Rider (customizable) – a full-color, 5-inch TFT instrument pack with four display styles and high/low contrast options, and switchable traction control and ABS.
The Street Triple RS is now available starting at $12,995 in a new Carbon Black scheme across the tank, front mudguard, fly screen, side panels, rear bodywork, seat cowl, belly pan, and radiator guard. The scheme also features Bronze wheels and a Bronze and Jet Black graphics design.
2023 Triumph Trident 660
2023 Triumph Trident 660 in new Matte Baja Orange
Inspired by Triumph’s original triple-cylinder model, launched in 1968, the Trident 660 features a liquid-cooled 660cc inline-Triple, making a claimed 80 hp at 10,250 rpm and 47 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed gearbox, quickshifter, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. Riders can take advantage of throttle-by-wire with two ride modes (Road and Rain), ABS, and switchable traction control.
Triumph’s Trident 660 starts at $8,395 and comes in four color options: Sapphire Black, the Silver Ice and the Matte Jet Black schemes (both of which feature the contemporary Triumph logo tank graphics), and new for 2023, a Matte Baja Orange scheme.
2023 Triumph Trident 660 in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Trident 660 in Silver Ice
2023 Triumph Trident 660 in Matte Black
The new scheme features a Matte Baja Orange tank and front mudguard, Storm Grey Triumph logo tank graphics, Matte Storm Grey radiator cowl and rear bodywork, and a Jet Black headlight bezel.
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R and Rocket 3 GT
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R in new Matte Silver Ice
Equipped with the world’s largest production motorcycle engine capacity of 2,458cc, the Triumph Rocket 3 has an inline-Triple that makes a claimed 165 hp at 6,000 rpm and 163 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed gearbox, quickshifter, slip/assist clutch, and shaft final drive. The Rocket 3 features four ride modes – Road, Rain, Sport and Rider-Configurable – as well as cornering ABS and traction control, hill-hold control, cruise control, keyless ignition, and all-around LED lighting.
For 2023, Triumph’s Rocket 3 R starts at $23,400 and comes in three colors, including Sapphire Black, a Silver Ice and Cranberry Red scheme, and a new Matte Silver Ice option, which features Matte Silver Ice fuel tank, front mudguard, and rear bodywork together with Jet Black side panels, headlight bowls, fly screen, and radiator cowls.
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R in Silver Ice and Cranberry Red
Triumph’s Rocket 3 GT starts at $24,100 and now comes in two new color schemes: Sapphire Black and a Carnival Red and Sapphire Black scheme.
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 GT in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 GT in Sapphire Black and Carnival Red
The new scheme features a Carnival Red tank, front mudguard, and rear bodywork; premium hand-painted silver coach lining; and Sapphire Black side panels, fuel tank infill, headlight bowls, fly screen, and radiator cowls
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT / GT Pro / Rally / Rally Pro
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro in new Caspian Blue
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro in new Sandstorm
Offering options for wherever you want to go, all bikes in the Tiger 900 adventure lineup – GT, GT Pro, Rally, and Rally Pro – have a liquid-cooled 888cc inline-Triple making a claimed 93.9 hp at 8,750 rpm and 64 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The GT Pro and Rally Pro models include a quickshifter.
Also universal to the lineup is optimized cornering ABS and traction control, 7-inch full-color TFT instrumentation, all-LED lighting, and four ride modes: Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-Road. The GT Pro adds a fifth Rider Programmable mode, and the Rally Pro adds Off-Road Pro and Rider Programmable modes.
For 2023, the Tiger 900 GT and Tiger 900 GT Pro start at $14,700 and $16,600, respectively. Both come in three colors, including the current Sapphire Black and Pure White options, plus a new Caspian Blue and Matte Graphite scheme. The new scheme features a Caspian Blue tank, seat panel, beak, tank end panel, and front mudguard matched with Matte Graphite radiator cowls.
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro in Pure White
The Tiger 900 Rally and Rally Pro start at $15,400 and $17,100, respectively. Both come in three colors: Pure White, a signature Matte Khaki Green with white frame, and a new Sandstorm scheme, featuring a Sandstorm fuel tank, beak, and seat panel with a Matte Jet Black tank end panel and radiator cowls.
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro in Pure White
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro in Matte Khaki
2023 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
2023 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport in new Graphite and Baja Orange
Triumph’s adventure all-rounder, the Tiger 850 Sport, has the same liquid-cooled 888cc inline-Triple as the 900 lineup but with slightly less power: 84 hp at 8,500 rpm and 60 lb-ft of torque (claimed). Power is sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The Tiger 850 Sport has standard ABS, switchable traction control, and throttle-by-wire with two ride modes(Rain and Road).
The Tiger 850 sport starts at $11,995 and now comes in three distinctive colors, including a contemporary Graphite and Caspian Blue scheme, the Graphite and Diablo Red scheme, and a new Graphite and Baja Orange option featuring Graphite fuel tank and seat panel and striking Baja Orange front mudguard, beak, tank end panel, and radiator cowls.
2023 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport in Graphite and Diablo Red
2023 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport in Graphite and Caspian Blue
For more information or to find a Triumph dealer near you, visit TriumphMotorcycles.com.
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For one year only, Triumph will offer special Gold Line Editions of eight 2022 Modern Classic models: Bonneville T100, Bonneville T120, Bonneville T120, Black, Bonneville Bobber, Bonneville Streetmaster, Street Scrambler, Scrambler 1200 XC, and Scrambler 1200 XE.
Earlier this year Triumph announced 2022 updates for every motorcycle in its Modern Classic lineup, including Bonneville, Scrambler 1200, Street Scrambler, and Speed Twin models. On top of the performance, technology, and aesthetic changes, Triumph will offer special Gold Line Editions of key models.
These eight limited-edition models, which are available for one year only, showcase the hand-painted gold lining skills of Triumph’s expert paint shop and provide custom-inspired schemes and premium details. They will be in dealerships in December 2021, with prices starting at $11,450.
2022 Triumph Bonneville T100 Gold Line Edition
2022 Triumph Bonneville T100 Gold Line Edition
The Bonneville T100 Gold Line Edition features a Silver Ice fuel tank with Competition Green tank infill edged with hand-painted gold lining and an elegant ‘gold line’ logo. It also has Silver Ice fenders and side panels with Competition Green side panel stripes, a unique new white-and-gold Bonneville T100 logo and hand-painted gold lining. An accessory Silver Ice flyscreen is also available. Pricing starts at $11,450.
2022 Triumph Street Scrambler Gold Line Edition
2022 Triumph Street Scrambler Gold Line Edition
The Street Scrambler Gold Line Edition has a Matte Pacific Blue tank with a Graphite stripe, gold Triumph tank logos, and an elegant ‘gold line’ logo. It also features hand-painted gold lining alongside the tank stripe and around the brushed foil knee pads. Matte Jet Black front and rear fenders and side panel with new gold Street Scrambler logo. An accessory Matte Pacific Blue flyscreen and high-mount front fender are also available. Pricing starts at $11,950.
2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Gold Line Edition
2022 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Gold Line Edition
The Bonneville Speedmaster Gold Line Edition features a Silver Ice fuel tank with a Sapphire Black twin-stripe design and brushed-foil knee pads, all edged with hand-painted gold lining and a ‘gold line’ logo. It also has a Sapphire Black headlight bowl, fenders, and side panels with unique new gold-and-silver Bonneville Speedmaster logos and hand-painted gold lining. An accessory Sapphire Black short front fender is also available. Pricing starts at $14,200.
2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Gold Line Edition
The Bonneville Bobber Gold Line Edition has a Carnival Red fuel tank and fenders, with gold Triumph tank logos and a ‘gold line’ logo, a Sapphire Black twin-stripe design, and brushed foil knee pads edged with hand-painted gold lining. It has Sapphire Black side panels with a unique new gold-and-silver Bonneville Bobber logo and hand-painted gold lining. An accessory Carnival Red short front fender is also available. Pricing starts at $14,200.
2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 Gold Line Edition
2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 Gold Line Edition
The Bonneville T120 Gold Line Edition features a Silver Ice fuel tank with Competition Green tank infill edged with hand-painted gold lining and a ‘gold line’ logo. It has Silver Ice fenders and side panels with Competition Green side panel stripes, a unique new white-and-gold Bonneville T120 logo and hand-painted gold lining. An accessory Silver Ice flyscreen is also available. Pricing starts at $13,100.
2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Gold Line Edition
2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Gold Line Edition
The Bonneville T120 Black Gold Line Edition has a Matte Sapphire Black fuel tank, front and rear fenders, headlight bowl, and side panels. It also has a Matte Silver Ice fuel tank infill edged with hand-painted gold lining and a ‘gold line’ logo, as well as Matte Silver Ice side panel stripe graphics with a unique new black-and-gold Bonneville T120 Black logo and hand-painted gold lining. An accessory Matte Sapphire Black flyscreen is also available. Pricing starts at $13,100.
2022 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC Gold Line Edition
2022 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC Gold Line Edition
The Scrambler 1200 XC Gold Line Edition has a two-tone Carnival Red and Storm Grey fuel tank with an Aluminum Silver stripe, brushed foil knee pads, hand painted gold lining, and a ‘gold line’ logo. It also has a Jet Black side panel and headlight bowl. Pricing starts at $15,100
2022 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE Gold Line Edition
2022 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE Gold Line Edition
The Scrambler 1200 XE Gold Line Edition has a two-tone Baja Orange and Silver Ice fuel tank with a Pure White stripe, brushed foil knee pads, hand painted gold lining, and a ‘gold line’ logo. It also has a Jet Black side panel and headlight bowl. Pricing starts at $16,500.
Team Green is fixing to release a beastie into the European market – and many are rating the bike as a less-than-spectacular version of the more ‘genuine’ Triumph Bonneville.
The W800’s predecessor, the W650, was released in Japan in the year 1999. It showcased a nicely overbuilt 650cc air-cooled twin-engine and featured a dependable, modest performance reputation that also happened to do decently in European markets.
With the competition (the Bonneville) outing the Kawi bike from American markets in a scant two years and giving the UK version a run for its money until it dropped from dealership floors with the introduction of Euro-compliancy, we all knew Kawasaki was bound to come back swinging.
So, meet the 2022 Kawasaki W800 – a machine that’s gunning to go head-to-head against the Bonneville, with 100 more cc’s and the addition of fuel injection (and some pretty colors).
RideApart states that Team Green has given their 2022 W800 a new set of graphics schemes to complement the minimalistic handsomeness and lack of unnecessary features on the bike. “It’s a motorcycle, and it simply exists,” states the report – and considering the amount of Kawi fans in the UK raring to hop a leg over this machine, we’d say that’s pretty spot on.
On top of the LED headlight and Euro5-optimized exhaust system, the Kawasaki W800 sports a 773cc parallel-twin complete with cooling fins and polished cases. That’s 48 pretty (slightly chubby) ponies pulling at the bit, with the feel of the bike best explained from the following review:
“The W800 is designed to be simple, straightforward, and mostly to play nice. In fact, it’s so well-mannered that I could easily recommend it as a starter bike. Think about it: it’s easy to maneuver and easy to control, which also makes it easy to learn on without being overwhelmed.”
Due to the power displacement, A2 license holders will be able to take advantage of the W800, though we’ve yet to be given a heads up on the exact release date for the UK market. If you’re thinking of saving your pennies, expect to fork over something along the lines of €10,040 (the W800’s price in Italy, which translates to around $11,646 USD).
Triumph is holding a Bonneville Build off on it’s UK website. You can vote for the best build from a list of nine of the finalists that have been selected so far.
Dealers across the UK are participating in the build-off and there are some truly unique builds here. The participants had to abide by one basic rule. They had to be a 900cc or 1200cc Bonneville. Otherwise, the builders were encouraged to get creative, and it appears that some of them certainly did.
There are very clearly some different design philosophies and techniques at work. Some sought to craft the Bonneville into a sportbike, while others took the model a completely different route and went after a WWII military bike look. There’s also just about everything in between from cafe racers to scramblers.
To learn more about each of the nine builds that you can vote for, check out the list of options at Triumph’s event webpage. From there, you can read more about each build and then vote for your personal favorite. You will have to give up your email to vote, but that’s not too bad of a trade.
The Laverda Concours is the biggest and best motorcycle show in Queensland and one of the biggest in the nation. The concours gets its name from Club Laverda Queensland who began the show in 1982 with the Ducati Owners Club who later pulled out.
It will be held this year on Sunday, July 21, at the Redland Showgrounds.
Honda CB750 display
About 30 Honda CB750 models will on display to celebrate the bike’s 50th anniversary.
Honda 750/4 Club spokesman John McNair says their display will include race bikes, some with Rickman kits and a racing outfit.
“Some will be in their original unrestored condition and some will be pristine restored bikes,” John says.
“We will have several from among the first 50 sold in the country, including sandcast and even a diecast model worth up to about $30,000.”
Free concours entry
The Laverda Concours gate price for spectators remains at $10 for over 15s with free on-site motorcycle parking.
However, Concours event manager Bryan Horn says they have removed the $10 fee to enter your motorcycle in the concours.
“That’s big news and should equate to more bikes in the paddock,” he says.
“We want to focus on enthusiast clubs this year.
“Not only will the Hondas 750/4 Club have a display but there will be a special trophy supplied by Oliver’s Motorcycles for the best Triumph Bonneville to mark its 60th anniversary.
“I’ve also had a call from an historic motorcycle club member in Rockhampton who says he is bringing his 1959 model,” Bryan says.
“We are keen to highlight the vibrant enthusiast motorcycle club community here in the great South East.”
Concours details
The Concours starts from 6am with some 60 trophies available and $2000 for the best machine of the day.
Motorcycles, scooters, trikes, etc entered for judging must be in running order.
The event is alcohol free and raises funds for Make-a-Wish Australia. Over the past 15 years the club has donated more than $92,000 to the charity.
There will also be trade stalls, entertainment plus food vendors and children’s rides. However, there will be no dyno this year.
To mark the model’s 60th anniversary, this year’s RACQ Motorfest on July 14 at Eagle FarmRacecourse, Brisbane, will honour the enduring charm of the British bike with a special display.
The RACQ is calling on owners to bring in their old and new Bonnevilles.
“Bonne ville” may be French for good city but the model is actually named after the Triumph motorcycles that set speed records on the famous Bonneville salt flats of Utah.
1959 Triumph Bonneville
The Triumph Bonneville legend began in 1959 with a bike based on the Tiger 100. It was powered by a 650cc parallel twin with twin carburettors and a separate gearbox, and was capable of 115mph in standard form.
From 1963, the gearbox was included in the engine in the one unit which made the bike stiffer andthe T120 model even included oil in the frame.
These bikes were rockets in standard trim, but were often stripped down, tuned up and raced around the cafes of London by young leather-clad “rockers” who referred to them as “cafe racers”.
In the 1960s, Bonnevilles were so popular it became hip to be photographed on one.
They were the favourite ride of movie stars such as Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, James Dean and Paul Newman as well as rock stars Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and Elvis.
Bob Dylan even famously crashed his Bonneville in 1966.
No wonder Bob crashed riding with his feet off the pegs!
Fading popularity
Despite updates to a 750cc engine, disc brakes and electric start, the Bonnevilles faded in popularity in the 1970s as the more reliable and smoother four-cylinder Japanese motorcycles took over.
In fact, one of the selling tools to get people off Bonnevilles and on to Japanese bikes was to place a glass of water on the seat and start the engine. A Bonneville’s 360-degree unbalanced parallel twin would shake the glass off the seat while the water in the glass would hardly stir on the Japanese bikes.
Triumph suffered a subsequent sales slump through the late ‘70s and went into receivership in 1983 when it was saved by wealthy property developer John Bloor.
He restructured the company, learning from the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, yet the Bonnevilles struggled on for several years with largely unchanged technology.
Bonneville relaunch
Triumph Bonneville T100
Bloor relaunched the Bonneville brand in 2001 with improved technology but with the same retro styling that had made the bike so popular over the decades.
In fact, when the bikes made the quantum leap from carburettors to electronic fuel injection in 2008, they housed the injectors inside dummy carbies to retain the traditional look.
The next major leap in technology was in 2015 when the Bonnevilles became liquid cooled to meet stringent European emissions targets.
Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black
Today’s Bonnevilles are a far cry from the raw and rattly 1959 model, featuring traction control, ABS, selectable engine maps, heated grips, keyless ignition and LED lighting.
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