There’s arguably no more historic name in motorcycling than that of the Triumph Bonneville.  

The original was launched in 1959 as a performance, twin carb version of the British brand’s then 650cc Tiger twin and was named in honour of the Triumph-powered streamliner Texan Johnny Allen rode to land speed record glory at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1956. That bike then became the definitive British performance machine of the ‘60s and also the old Meriden concern’s last bike before it floundered in 1983. 

Following Triumph’s resurrection under John Bloor from 1991, an all-new 790cc Bonneville was launched in 2001 which immediately became the definitive ‘retro roadster’, characterized by its heritage looks and soft, real-world performance. That bike was completely reinvented in 2017 with two versions offered, the 1200cc T120 and the more affordable, 900cc T100 and remain the benchmark bikes in their class. Both those models have now been subtly updated for 2026. 

When modern Triumph relaunched its Bonneville in 2017 it was a complete overhaul that was so successful that both models remain not only the definitive, best-selling ‘retro roadsters’, they also have spawned a whole ‘modern classics’ family of Triumph bikes including the sportier Speed Twin, Scrambler and cruiser Speedmaster/Bobber variants. 

They were also so successful they’ve only been subtly updated since. In the smaller, cheaper T100’s case that’s mostly been cosmetically or to ensure its adherence to the latest EU emissions and noise regulations (the new Euro5+ being partly the reason for this latest tweak). Instead, the biggest change came in 2019 when its power was uprated from 54 to 64bhp. 

For 2026 it’s been updated again, if only in a small way. There’s new lean-sensitive Optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control, to add a touch of finesse to its electronic rider aids package while there are also new colourschemes with hand-finished coachline detailing. ~Everything else, though, remains the same – and that’s a good thing as the flexible and fun 900cc twin cylinder motor, fine-handling chassis, styling and slick equipment including classy twin dials and neat switchgear was already the best in the class.

The new 2026 T100 starts at £9695 and comes in Stone Grey with black detailing. If you want the two-tone red/black or white/black options, they’re £500 more.  

(By way of comparison, the larger-engined, slightly more premium 1200cc T120 starts at £12,195 which is also the price of the blacked-out Bonneville T120 Black.) 

All went on sale in February 2026 via Triumph’s extensive UK dealer network.  

It’s also worth noting, however, that used T100s, with the same spec and arguably even better style (ie with metal finished not black engine and wheel rims, can be found much cheaper. For example, a 5000mile 2020 T100 can be had for around £6500! 

At the heart of the Bonneville T100 is essentially the same 900cc version of the new Bonneville engine introduced in 2017, although this was updated from 54 to 64bhp in 2019 and has been subtly tweaked since to get through  successive Euro regulations.  

In T100 form, it has a five-speed gearbox (the T120 has a six-speeder) with chain final drive unusually down the right-hand side. 

 

That power figure still not seem that much but is perfectly suited to the lazy, pleasant style of bike the T100 is, especially as there’s a fat midrange which means it doesn’t need to be revved with repeated gear changes. 

The result is effortless, crisp and smooth, pleasing and fruity and with enough ‘classic twin’ character to bring a smile to the face. It’s also good for 110mph should you wish, happily cruises at motorway speeds and has enough ‘oomph’ to make brisk overtakes. It’s still the retro roadster engine benchmark. Yes, the bigger, 1200cc T120 has more power (79bhp) while there’s also the even more punchy Speed Twin, but the T100, given its more leisurely style, never seems wanting. 

Triumphs are better than most – thanks to extensive development, testing and refinement – when it comes to rider ergonomics and handling and the repeatedly updated T100 is as good an example as any. 

Riding position-wise, the T100 is, for 6’3” me, virtually perfect. The bike overall is well proportioned being neither too large, heavy and imposing, nor too dinky and diminutive, which was sometimes a criticism of the pre-2017 Bonneville. Instead, it’s just ‘right’. The 790mm seat is not too high, it’s a doddle to climb on board, the bike, being a twin, is relatively slim and light and the view ahead over lashings of chrome and those lovely twin dials is just what you want it to be. 

Sure, ultimately, it’s also an unfaired retro roadster so there’s no weather protection, luggage possibilities are minimal and, if you regularly take a pillion, you’d probably be better off with the extra performance of the T120, but for sunny Sunday solo country rides, the T100 is nigh-on perfect. 

Dynamically the T100’s brilliant, too. As mentioned, Triumph have a gilt-edged reputation for providing fine-handling bikes and even though the ‘baby Bonnie’ is no out-and-out performance machine and has fairly basic, old fashioned cycle parts, its ride is cultured, its steering neutral, intuitive and assured and its handling, overall, peerless. 

Quite why is difficult to explain. The T100’s frame, as fashion dictates, is an old school tubular steel cradle; its suspension, by KYB, I comprised of fairly basic, unadjustable, conventional 41mm telescopic forks with preload adjustable twin shocks at the rear, and the wheels, tyres and brakes are nothing to get exciting about either. The wheels are now black (not chrome) rimmed wires; braking is taken care of by a single front disc (not the twin ones as on the T120) gripped by a twin-piston Nissin caliper and the tyres are run-of-the-mill Michelin Road Classic tyres, but it’s all brilliantly set up, gels together well and causes absolutely no causes for concern. Even the new cornering ABS helps as you feel more confident in grabbing the big fistful of front lever it sometimes requires. 

The overall result of all of that is a retro roadster type motorcycle that, quite simply, delivers exactly as it should, exceeds expectations more often than not and also benefits from having one of the best names in motorcycling. 

Our test ride took me through towns, bustling down bouncy B-roads and carving down fast A-roads and the T100 kept a smile on my face throughout. It’s a doddle to ride, grabs attention wherever you go, dynamically is more decent than it has any right to be and has plenty of character, too. 

Triumph’s long-lived and loved Bonneville is rightfully regarded as the definitive retro-style roadster. Less well-known is that, of the two versions offered, it’s the smaller, cheaper, less powerful and slightly more basic 900cc T100 which is the better buy. 

This test underlined that view again. The 2026 T100 isn’t much different – but then there wasn’t anything wrong with it in the first place. Its styling is spot on (even if I’d prefer, instead of black, the metal finished engine and chrome rims of previous versions); it oozes class; its engine is a peach with just enough performance and its handling is delightful. All of that’s true of the 1200cc T120 as well, with extras power, braking and more. It’s just that I’m not sure it’s worth the £3000 premium. 

But for a feel-good, fine weather retro, the T100 still has it all. 

 Pictures by Triumph