The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Bobber has been relaunched as a BS6 model in India, with prices starting at Rs 11.75 lakh. In doing so, Triumph has placed yet another piece into the jigsaw puzzle that is its modern-classic Bonneville line-up.
- Costs exactly the same as its twin-seater counterpart, the Bonneville Speedmaster
- Engine output levels are identical too, at 78hp and 106Nm
- Available in three colour options, with varying prices
Various other 1,200cc Bonneville models are already on sale in BS6 form in India, including the Bobber's own twin-seater counterpart, the Bonneville Speedmaster. So, it was only a matter of time that the Bobber made its comeback. Interestingly, it's priced exactly the same as the Speedmaster, and is quite a big step up from its last known BS4 price of Rs 10.28 lakh.
The similarities don't end there, because the Bobber is powered by the same 1,200cc parallel-twin motor producing identical figures of 78hp at 6,100rpm and 106Nm at 4000rpm. That's 1hp more than the BS4 version, and while this increase will be practically impossible to feel from the saddle, it's nice to see a bike buck the trend of losing power as emission norms get stricter.
Changes for 2021 include a new LED DRL, new black covers for the engine, cam and sprocket, along with a new bezel around the instruments. Three colours are available – Jet Black (Rs 11.75 lakh), Cordovan Red (Rs 11.88 lakh) and Matt Storm Grey/Matt Ironstone (Rs 12.05 lakh).
With no pillion seat, a pretty small 12-litre fuel-tank, and an oddball 16-inch front wheel, it probably isn't the most sensible bike out there, but it is all about the design. If you think it's a hardtail then Triumph's designers have done their job well, because there's a rear shock absorber neatly tucked away under the seat.
For the one person it can carry, life is pretty luxurious aboard the Bobber, with cruise control, two riding modes and traction control as standard. And with a seat height of just 690mm, pretty much anyone with a big fat bank balance can enjoy this luxury. However, the rear suspension travel is quite restricted, so it's best to avoid bumpy roads with this one.
With the Indian Scout Bobber no longer on sale in India, the Bonneville Bobber's only real competition comes from the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight – an equally impractical 1,200cc bobber with a tiny 7.9-litre fuel-tank, which costs exactly the same as the Triumph.
All prices, ex-showroom, pan-India
ZARAN MODY
Also see:
Triumph Scrambler 1200, Street Scrambler 900 special editions launched
2021 Triumph Bonneville range launched, prices start at Rs 7.95 lakh
Triumph Trident 660 launched at Rs 6.95 lakh