MCN Fleet: 2017 Triumph Bobber is on its way

I’m counting down the days until I take delivery of the new Triumph Bobber as my longterm test bike for 2017 and despite more red crosses appearing on my calendar, it’s not getting any easier.

The first time I saw the Triumph Bobber at the press unveiling in London I fell in love almost instantly. Everything from the hardtail-alike rear end to the bar-mounted mirrors looked spot on. Sometimes it’s hard to believe it’s an official manufacturer model and not something created by a specials builder.

MCN FLEET INCOMING

• Suzuki GSX-R1000R coming soon
• The Eva has landed
• How versatile is Ducati’s Multistrada 950?
• KTM 1290 Adventure S – Arrival imminent!
• BMW R1200GS Rallye joins the fleet

I’ve already had the pleasure of riding a Bobber for a recent MCN group test, so I know it goes just as well as it looks, and despite Euro4 regulations it sounds fruity too.

Me and my dad usually have a week away on our bikes each year, which we’ll have to adapt this year to make it feasible on the minimalist Bobber. I can’t see how I’ll be able to strap any luggage to the Bobber, so my clothes and tent will have to be equally minimal. Gore-Tex will be out, replaced by casual-style boots, armoured jeans and cool jackets. My dad has owned a Triumph Scrambler (about 10 years old) for a while now, so we won’t look like such an odd pair.

Gallery: All the fun and frolics from @UKTriumph Bonneville Bobber launch party @carlfogarty @charleyboorman – https://t.co/fS3AZFQOXu pic.twitter.com/hQorIpTWfQ

— Motorcycle News (@MCNnews) October 22, 2016

You can’t talk about the Bobber without mentioning customisation, and Triumph have a huge range of official accessories available. As I’ve already mentioned I think the Bobber looks stunning as standard, but it would be a crime not to at least dip my toe into the ocean of accessories.

I’ve already spent hours pouring through the online catalogue comparing intake covers, camshaft covers and the different handlebar options – ape hangers or clip-ons? The ape hangers look cool, but I don’t think they’re for me, and while the clip-ons keep the Bobber looking simple, they look bloody uncomfortable. At the minute I think I’ll stick to the standard bars, which look good and are in a comfortable position.

But make no mistake, the Bobber’s not going to spend most of its life in the garage having bits fitted, it’s going to be pressed into use for the everyday commute and taken on longer weekend rides. It might look like a bit of a poser bike, but I’m going to show it can perform in all situations. 

Watch this space.

Click here to browse the rest of MCN’s longterm bikes for 2017.

 

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