2020 ‘Bonnie Build-off’ contenders revealed

The contenders for this year’s Triumph ‘Bonneville Build-Off Challenge’ have been unveiled. The bikes were submitted by Triumph dealers from around the UK and the bikes can now be viewed and voted for online.

One of our favourites is the military-style Bonneville, inspired by the 70^th anniversary of VE Day. It’s been built by Bristol dealers Fowler’s and it’s one of the nine finalists in the event.

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Called the VE Day Commemorative Bike, it’s been built by Fowler’s master technicians Tony Crocker and Sam Upton. Based on a Bonneville Bobber the custom machine uses a combination of vintage, military-inspired themes with modern mechanicals and accessories.

This is the second running of the competition after its successful debut in 2019 as won by Laguna Ashford. New for 2020 is a dedicated contest microsite that features a selection of photos and details about all the bikes.

And while the overall winner will again be decided by public vote, another new addition is the creation of four secondary awards, chosen by a panel of Triumph-riding celebrities.

The Design Award will be chosen by architect and TV presenter George Clarke; the Inspiration Award by Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton; the Paint & Custom Award by custom builder Jody Millhouse of Thornton Hundred and the Retail Choice Award by Triumph UK’s General Manager Devron Boulton.

Other entrants, which can be seen in all their glory on the microsite, include a flat tracker by Norfolk Triumph, faired Speed Racer by Edinburgh Triumph and a Scrambler by Triumph North London, plus ‘Reggie’s Café Racer’ by Oxford Triumph, the ‘Thruxton BB’ by Bevan & Sons of Cardiff, the ‘Spitfire’ by reigning Triumph dealer of the year A1 Moto of York, the ‘Speed Twin JLC’ by Triumph West London (formerly Jack Lilley’s of Ashford) and ‘Crushed Ice’ by Destination Triumph.

For Triumph, Devron Boulton said: “The diversity and quality of the custom builds this year really showcases the boundless possibilities we have to personalise this classic bike, using our huge range of genuine Triumph accessories.”

The ‘Bonneville Build-Off’ microsite went live on September 16, voting is open until October 14 and the winners will be revealed on October 28.