Triumph Bonneville Bobber - Real world Road Test

At last, I get my hands on the new Bonneville Bobber, here's how it shapes up in the real world.....
Thanks to Jack Lilley Romford for the loan of the bike....

[@yogi2.057]

Some of the best-looking and sounding stock pipes around on the 2017 Bonneville Bobber. And 74 cubic inches (1200 cc's) was the standard displacement of Harley-Davidson for a several decades. It provided plenty of low end grunt too. This liquid-cooled Triumph 1200 has even more power and plenty of 21st century upgrades. Pub time!

[@TheLithGH]

Thanks for the video!! I bought a Bobber two weeks ago, and LOVE it!!! Loads of torque, amazing exhaust sound, heads turn (unfortunately, not the ladies, but old men, haha!) But a really great bike! Cheers!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks GR, unfortunately even if the ladies heads turn, you can't take them for a spin ;) Enjoy the Bike!

[@jamiermathlin]

Mine is on order, picking it up next week :-) got the ape bars, luggage and brown quilted seat, cannot wait :-)

[@mancavemoto]

Jamie R. Nice!

[@himynameistaylor]

i really enjoy this guys reviews......I appreciate the fact that he doesn't over talk.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@Dave-in-France]

Hello mate, can I just say, what an EXCELLENT REVIEW !!! I particularly liked how you mixed ambient noise and voice track so I hear what you were saying very easily. Your review showed me that Triumph have created yet another new and highly desirable classic bike. Very well done.

[@mancavemoto]

+David Jebson Thanks For your comments David, much appreciated. Yes the bike is a peach

[@tonychuter4830]

cheers mate I was stuck between the bobber and the T120 so that's that then job done big smile on my face...

[@mancavemoto]

Tony Chuter wicked!

[@ianfinlayson3006]

i bought the competition green model last week and i love it :)

[@davidraym.4450]

Excellent review! I test rode one today felt the exact same way do/did. I love the 1200cc plant and the sixth gear. I take nothing away from my Street Twin, that's a great bike all on its own. But the Bobber does have a good feel about it also. Overall, it is a very comfortable ride and a lot of great power and fun to be had!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks David, yes I think it's surprised a lot of people that have ridden it.

[@mikestewart7322]

David M what about that little ol tank though.? 70 or 80 miles and the lights on. Ok if there is a hot bird serving at the petrol station I suppose. “ what you again” lol😂

[@davideccles1617]

Great honest review I enjoyed it so much I bought a Bobber this morning.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@Bonzodogdick]

I wish I could say something even slightly negative about your reviews but that would be both untrue and doing you a huge disservice. Always interesting & enlightening and I always look forward to whatever comes next. Top job mate. Bonz

[@mancavemoto]

Aw thanks Bonzodogdick

[@ThiefOfNavarre]

Tried one, scraped pegs coming out of the showroom. It's a bobber, it will happen even if you're not a sporty rider.

[@thefooleryoftom]

Beautifully-placed Jack Lilley sticker, there. Whoever did that must be a marketing genius 🤓

[@mancavemoto]

hahahaha ;)

[@capoocha]

Nice review... bought one yesterday...Absolutely love it. Can see dumping a lot of money into with accessories.

[@mancavemoto]

+capoocha Nice! Enjoy it

[@joynalmotin8427]

Hi bud , great review . Went to see one today in flesh , looks amazing . Just need to convince the wife now . Sold my sports bike . Just want something different and comfortable and drop dead gorgeous 😋

[@mancavemoto]

Joynal Motin thanks dude, sounds like you're almost there. Remember it's much easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission 😉😬

[@thevelointhevale1132]

Yup, love this Bike - wanted one the moment I saw it ...

[@dannygoeminne9900]

Great to see this one, i was waiting for your review...i'll be able to testdrive it very soon...looking forward to it.😇

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Danny

[@Rosakru]

Always enjoy your no nonsense honest reviews Tony. Thanks again for a good one! Where do I send a Thailand license plate so it can hang up behind that mug of yours? ;)

[@mancavemoto]

Suan Pailom Coffee Roasting Thanks guys, I appreciate your support!

[@glasgowharleyrider]

Nice and accurate well presented review of the excellent bobber mate . Nice

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Bud

[@289kcode7]

Nice review, mine has been in garage since i got it due to winter coming back. Getting it out for the first time in morning.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Joe, enjoy the ride!

[@poit444]

This is great Tony. I have a Thruxton R and a Street Twin and I like the T120. I did not find any desire for the Bobber after riding it. The R is badass, the ST is incredibly fun, and the T120 has everything you need for any riding occasion. I felt like the Bobber was a $12,000 torquey (albeit great looking) toy. I think all the others handle better and in fact are all less $. This price will come down for sure. My dealer has a standard Thruxton for under $10k. Maybe, maybe that price point and the uniqueness would make sense but I just don't see it yet.

[@mancavemoto]

poit444 Good points, well made

[@funguseater40]

Liking the look of the new bobber black, and the 2018 speedmaster 😬. Great review

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed

[@adam05270]

Great review! The new bobber is such a beautiful bike. I'm afraid to test ride one because I might end up buying it.

[@mancavemoto]

Go on, test ride it.......whats the worst that can happen? ;)

[@adam05270]

The misses would have my head. 🗣🤷‍♂️👎

[@mancavemoto]

Adam, it's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission ;)

[@RicardoSilva-qp4bb]

Nice review Tony. I also like the fake carbs on the Bobber. Wish the Street Twin had come with them instead of that grey caps it has got from factory. One question please. Will you be doing your on maintenance on your ST , like changing the oil, air filter, etc? I had a look at my ST and it seems the air filter is not like the older Bonneville models/not on the same place. It seems to have a square shape, instead of the older round shape and from what it seems we take it out behind the cylinders. I had a look on the internet and couldn´t find anyone showing how to change it for our particular model. I wonder if the maintenance manual is available from Triumph itself. I guess it would be plenty of helpfull for anyone planning to do maintenance on the bike (at least after the warranty expires). Thanks for any idea regarding the question Tony.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Ricardo, I may be doing some maintenance stuff soon, or at least changing the air filter ;) My ST has just had its first full service, but I took it to my dealer to have done. Interestingly i've almost worn out my front tyre and a set of front brake pads.....

[@RicardoSilva-qp4bb]

I´m planing on doing all service intervals on the dealer as well (warranty concerns), but after the warranty is over I plan on using a cleanable air filter at least (to cut on the costs a bit). Will be deeply interested in some maintenance videos on your side, if you so decide to go ahead with them. They will be much appreciated. "Moonfleet41" youtube videos have some great brake fluid oil change and the kind, but, as I said, the air filter and some other bits are not on the same places for the ST as they are on the older Bonneville models. Looking forward for some maintenance stuff. Will be keeping the videos on my archives. :-) Thanks for the quick response Tony.

[@skipdog117]

It's settled... I have to get one!

[@mancavemoto]

I don't think you'll be disappointed

[@santoshmali87]

Try Royal Enfield 500 cc

[@geddstock]

Santosh Mali seriously?

[@mancavemoto]

lol

[@rickthompson1422]

@@santoshmali87 ...nice, but a moped in comparison to the 1200cc Bobber...

[@geddstock]

Nice review m8..........WANT ONE

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Dude

[@darroncharlesworth6980]

Had a sit, looks great. First thing I'd say is that it needs forward controls to suit the style better and reduce that knee bend.

[@mancavemoto]

Darron Charlesworth Yes, would be interesting to try. Freespirits do a forward control conversion, looks good

[@FreshYoungDude]

great video as usual. Thank you for what you do!

[@mancavemoto]

FreshYoungDude its good to hear its appreciated, thanks for your support

[@FreshYoungDude]

especially appreciate the editing, no annoying techno music to ruin the raw sound of the bike! haha

[@mancavemoto]

No, but too much wind noise......i'm working on that!

[@kimtaylor3458]

Hi love the review I pick my bike up from Jack Lilley on Monday very exited, also have a Harley street bob, as a female and short at 5 ft 2, hoping the triumph will be easier to handle especially reversing out of places lol

[@mancavemoto]

Hi kim, I think you'll have no problem at all. Nothing more exciting than picking up a new bike! Enjoy....

[@mancavemoto]

+kim taylor How are you finding the Bobber Kim?

[@larespuertorico]

I hear that triumphs are having gearbox failures I hope that it’s not true man I really love them.

[@bobbywashington1241]

Great review. You do a amazing job. I road the bike and the problem I had with it was on my wrist, but I'm only 5'8, also a seat adjustment could have helped. I think I'm going with the new Street Scrambler. Keep up the great work.

[@mancavemoto]

bobby Washington Thanks Bobby! I'm 5 11 so less if a stretch. The Street Scrambler is hopefully the next bike review.....

[@markmasztal2253]

Looking forward in hearing your SScrambler review.

[@mancavemoto]

I'm looking forward to reviewing it Mark!

[@181958]

Great review, love to have 1,

[@mancavemoto]

181958 Thanks!

[@harrykitchener9174]

Ay! You're not too far from me, I'm from Harlow lol

[@mancavemoto]

Not ME See you round maybe?!

[@tinks43]

Great review 👍🏻

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Cotti

[@holly079782]

I like your jacket

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, it’s a Belstaff Crosby

[@bampie1]

I test rode one yesterday and absolutely love it so much so that I have ordered one. But after my two previous bikes a ZZR1400 and a Honda Crosstourer DCT this bike's power is not in the same league as either of those two bikes but it is a fantastic fun bike. There is nothing to compare with the Z not even electric bikes but the Honda while being totally reliable and maintenance free over service intervals was just clinical compared to this bike.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for sharing

[@carlosandrehancock3394]

What if they used the Thunderbird Storm 1700 cc engine and a 240 rear end tire? That would be mean Triumph , are you listening? 👍👏👏

[@clivehandel8790]

Hi there I get my bike in a week or so and was wondering whether, in your opinion, that the bike would benefit sound-wise with the X-pipe fitted. My Triumph dealer has told me that any exhaust mods would require engine re-mapping and would invalidate the warranty. Warranty issue aside, does the engine need to be re-mapped? Having watched your previous videos you have done on your bike, maybe not! Love to hear your views. Keep up the good video work. Clive

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Clive, congrats on the purchase. Hard to say with the Bobber as I think it sounds pretty good as it is. I imagine the Vance & Hines US spec exhaust would make quite a difference. As far as I understand the Bobber has a new specific map, so I guess only a dealer would be able to confirm if there is another available? V&H offer a different map for the US spec pipes on the street twin, so they may do the same for the Bobber?

[@mancavemoto]

If you fit the v&h pipes and their relevant map then I can't see how that would invalidate the warranty, it's an official accessory! I have had my ST remapped

[@clivehandel8790]

Views from the Man Cave Many thanks for your help. I may upgrade to the V&H pipes just to give it that nicer sound. Cheers.

[@borjastick]

Do you always use the clutch on upshifts, or is that because it was on loan?? What about comfort with wind given that it's a sit straight up bike with no screen?

[@mancavemoto]

borjastick Pretty much. Wind not too bad as you sit fairly low behind the bars

[@Vincent79Vega]

thanks for the review, I like your chanel ;) Would you trade your street twin for the bobber?

[@mancavemoto]

Vincent79Vega Oooh great question.....I would need longer on it to make a decision, but the honest answer is no I don't think i would. My ST sounds better ;)

[@kowalski4734]

Damn great stuff 😉

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Oliver Cromwell VII !

[@iaingmoss]

Great review but I think if you sort the popping issue on your overdub it would be perfect!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Iain, yes indeed, I'm learning as I go along, so I've ordered myself a pop filter :)

[@Kchung3156]

Just got on runs like a rocket

[@mancavemoto]

Nice, enjoy

[@Moose-ez1oo]

Nice vid, one more subscriber !

[@mancavemoto]

Moose 9144 Cheers Dude, much appreciated

[@the10thleper]

Where are these built? I'm seriously considering getting one.

[@mancavemoto]

Good question, i'm not sure. I know they do asseble them in Thailand, but im not sure for what market

[@happiechappie76]

great review. how tall are you? would you say it is suitable for taller riders?

[@mancavemoto]

Hi +Robert, I'm 5ft 11 and yes the seat can be moved back quite a bit

[@happiechappie76]

Views from the Man Cave thanks for the quick reply. i think a test ride may be in order.... keep up the good work

[@robertmoore1123]

I'm 5'8" wouldn't fit well

[@nerio36]

i love it

[@mancavemoto]

👍

[@buddhamonk26]

who makes that short rear fender you showed?

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Drift Doctor, all those parts shown were accessories from Triumph

[@stewartfisher9122]

Triumph Speed Master

[@Ceko]

Question: can you lock the fuel tank?

[@mancavemoto]

yes

[@Rottemikkel]

Where did you buy your Roland Sands Mojave boots?

[@mancavemoto]

+Ole Kristian Gudbrandsrud Motolegends.com

[@Rottemikkel]

Thanks! Hey, can you also please tell me what size you where in other brands, like for example normal Vans shoes or Nike shoes? That would make it so much easier for me to find my size in the mojave boots. You have a great channel, by the way! Keep it up

[@mancavemoto]

Ole Kristian Gudbrandsrud Hi, my Mohave boots are a 42 8uk 9us, I don't have any Nike shoes but I'm always bang on a us 9.5 in Vans. Does that help?

[@Rottemikkel]

Views from the Man Cave great! Thanks

[@ptrisonic]

Nice to see my old stomping ground.... I thought Ridley's had gone tit's up? Glad it hasn't... Best Pete (across the pond).

[@southerncanuckian8785]

Does the street twin have the digital rpm counter?

[@mancavemoto]

Southern Canuckian No it doesn't

[@southerncanuckian8785]

whats the break in procedure then? cause usually it's keep your revs down below a certain rpm which is hard to do when you don't know it. (even tho I believe just ride it)

[@mancavemoto]

Yep it just ride it and take it easy for the first 500 miles....

[@southerncanuckian8785]

yeah there's the long argument where some say ride it hard to help the break in and others say take it easy.. because truth be told at the factory the engine is pushed to its limits anyway

[@michaeljkasnter]

1200 in a Bobber, what about the Scrambler???

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Michael, the Street Scrambler has the same 900 motor as the Street Twin

[@huyked]

0:36 Gah. I feel sorry for you guys with that big ol' license plate.

[@mancavemoto]

Yeah, not great are they.....

[@huyked]

Only for "The Man", but not us. :D I am glad they make smaller license plates for motorcycles in California, U.S.A. (most likely other states, too).

[@mancavemoto]

huyked Yes, it seems unfair that a motorcycle needs the same size plate as articulated lorry! (Semi)

[@huyked]

Agreed. But it does makes logical sense in terms of readability. Still stinks. :) And thank you for explaining articulated lorry as the semi. :D That made it much for understandable for me. :)

[@c.g.c2067]

The yellow of the plate is not the best match with that beauty Morello red tank in my view

[@mancavemoto]

Not a lot we can do about he yellow plate...

[@c.g.c2067]

@@mancavemoto hehe

[@tonychuter4830]

hahaha just got back from triumph I'm getting one.....boom...

[@mancavemoto]

+Tony Chuter 👍

[@sendtohim]

watching your video very reassuring as i have one coming in 2 weeks from ongar motorcylcles (im not to far from you in silver end) if you want to meet up anytime give me a shout cheers adam lewin

[@mancavemoto]

Cool, sounds good

[@michaeljkasnter]

What?

[@stevegray3922]

Great review... But criticising a cyclist for cutting the corner at the start and then crossing the lines yourself near the end... tut tut ;) :D Now how do I get 11k to get one?

[@mancavemoto]

Steve Gray lol, but at least I didn't do it on a blind corner ;) Got a penny jar to smash?!

[@jake8074]

Have the bike, love the bike ...but I also have an ongoing problem. This isn`t my bike in the clip, but this is exactly what she`s doing. This has been warranty-fixed twice now ....(kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3-5hGSAlsxrgs0). Any suggestions or recommendations would be very much appreciated! Cheers

[@mancavemoto]

Have you taken the plug out and checked the cap connection?

[@jake8074]

No sir, not yet ...but I did try to remove the plug itself the other day to check the gap, but I wasn`t able to find a socket that would fit, is it a specialty socket of some sort? Thanks again, appreciate the videos!

[@mancavemoto]

Jake kind of, you’ll need a spark plug socket or a thin wall long reach one

[@mancavemoto]

Jake The HT lead only really a pushes onto (semi screws on) the plug cap. That may well not be making a good connection?