Triumph Bobber (2017-on) review

Highlights

  • Classic bobber styling
  • 1200cc High Torque parallel twin engine
  • Low seat height

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £180
Power: 76 bhp
Seat height: Low (27.2 in / 690 mm)
Weight: Medium (503 lbs / 228 kg)

Prices

New £10,500
Used £6,000 - £10,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

In the Triumph Bobber (also known as simply the Triumph Bonneville Bobber), the British firm have created a machine that combines post war styling with modern day performance – a trick they’ve carried over from the rest of their Bonneville range.

It’s not the cheapest bobber out there, but it’s the classiest and packed with cool design touches and character. It takes the cool, slow-speed cruising stuff easily in its stride, but it’s surprisingly fun and capable, too.

2020 Triumph Bonneville Bobber TFC review

Designed by the style-conscious Triumph Factory Custom team in Hinckley – but still built at the operation in Thailand – and boasting a host of premium features, the TFC Bobber is not only exclusive, it also packs improved performance. Limited to just 750 units worldwide, it is the most desirable Bobber yet, but is it worth the £5000 premium over a stock model?

Triumph Bobber TFC

Triumph opened their exclusive TFC department in 2014 when they unveiled the Bobber and Scrambler prototypes before following them up with the 2019 Thruxton TFC and Rocket 3 TFC limited-edition models, which were available for the public to buy.

An exclusive factory custom bike should feel special to ride and the Bobber TFC most certainly does. The fact it boasts genuine updates rather than just a flash paint job means it justifies its price tag and the improvements give it a unique modern bobber character as well as look.

Yes, it’s uncomfortable and harsh to ride on anything other than a smooth road but it is worth suffering a bit of discomfort as it’s a genuinely beautiful machine that is truly special.

Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you may want to join an online club to speak to likeminded folk. We'd suggest the Triumph Owner's Motor Cycle Club.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

With its bespoke chassis and suspension, the Bobber actually goes, corners and steers like a sweet-handling roadster. It’s hard not to be in a constant state of disbelief that something that looks so bobbersome can perform so well.

A bike with a 100-section spoked 19” wheel up front and a 16-incher at the rear (150) simply shouldn’t handle this well. Especially one that weighs 228kg dry and has just 80mm of suspension travel, which could bottom-out at the drop of a hat.

But it does. It may look unbalanced with all its bulk ahead of the rider and the rear wheel somewhere in another county, but it feels short and squat. It steers lightly and carves through corners and over bumps with the precision and easy poise of a Thruxton R. It’s more fun than it has any right to be and rest assured, you’ll never get left behind by your sportsbike-riding mates on the road.

Triumph Bonneville Bobber cornering action

Ground clearance is limited on such a low bike and you’ll sometimes graze pegs on tarmac, but only occasionally when you’re pushing hard and taking advantage of the superb grip from the bespoke Avon Cobras.

You need a hard dose of back brake to complement the single disc twin-piston front when you’re pushing on, but dabbing the rear keeps the Bobber more settled mid-bend and the ant-squat effect improves ground clearance.

Shorter riders will love the low 690mm seat, but taller ones will still enjoy all-day comfort. Everyone will appreciate the plush ride quality and the uncluttered view in the snazzy bar end mirrors.

2020 Triumph Bobber TFC

Where the Bobber has flat bars, the TFC comes with clip-ons, making what was already a strange riding position even more weird. The mid-set footpegs and lower bars hunch you up over the bike and, when combined with the unforgiving seat, it means you are fairly thankful that the Bobber only has a 100-mile range from its tiny nine-litre tank. Comfortable it most certainly isn’t.

Twin Brembo monobloc calipers linked to a Brembo radial master cylinder are the sort of set-up usually found on sportsbikes and not cruisers and on the Bobber they are total over-kill.

Due to the bike’s raked out front-end, weight and skinny 19in wheel, when you apply them hard they push the front Avon rather than digging it into the ground, resulting in a squeak from the rubber and the ABS starting to get involved.

Triumph Bobber TFC front

It’s certainly a case of style over function but they do look fantastic and alongside the inverted Öhlins forks give the TFC a modern bobber vibe where the stock bike is very much old-school in its silhouette.

Does a bobber need Öhlins suspension? Not really but the TFC is a premium model and that means turning to Sweden’s finest. The fully-adjustable forks are set quite firmly but give a good ride quality. Even Öhlins, however, can’t counteract Triumph’s design at the rear.

The problem with the Bobber’s ‘hard-tail’ back end is that the shock has very little stroke, meaning it doesn’t have the travel to damp out any hard impacts. Hit a harsh bump in the road and the resulting jolts are transferred right through the unique ‘real leather statement seat’ and into your spine, causing you to let out an involuntary yelp of discomfort.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Bobber uses the same 1200cc parallel twin-cylinder ‘High Torque’ motor as the Bonneville T120 (with it’s 10,000-mile service intervals), but it makes 10% more power and torque at 4500pm. It’s more flexible and urgent on the throttle, but still unthreatening and smooth.

It purrs around town, is almost silent off the throttle and cruises at just 3500rpm at 70mph. It might only have a 9.1-litre fuel tank, but Triumph claims 69mpg, which should give you range of 138-miles, although the fuel light will come on around 100-miles.

The slip-assist clutch is light and accurate, the throttle response flawless and the gears slip effortlessly through the six-speed box.

Triumph Bobber on the road

But the Bobber reveals a tougher side when you poke it and it drives out of corners with such unfettered urgency you’re glad it has traction control when conditions are tricky. With more revs comes a harder, deeper engine note and a satisfying rumble from the new slash cut, pea-shooter exhausts.

2020 Triumph Bobber TFC

The TFC team have added 10bhp and 3lb.ft of torque to the friendly parallel twin (making it the most powerful Bobber to date) as well as reducing engine inertia by 39% through lightened internal components.

The HT (High Torque) engine still has that lovely thump you expect from a retro Triumph, but feels more ready to accelerate to its 500rpm higher rev limit.

Triumph Bobber TFC dash

It’s not a dramatic difference as it is quite a lazy-feeling motor by design, but there is certainly more pep. Accompanied by the sound from the road-legal Arrow pipes, which are throatier than the stock system, it all adds up to a lovely riding experience that is noticeably different from the stock Bobber.

The addition of an exclusive ‘Sport’ riding mode to the existing ‘Rain’ and ‘Road’ is pretty pointless, although all three are now linked to the ABS and TC and adjust them accordingly, which is good.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

Triumph haven’t cut any corners wit the Bobber and it’s quality throughout. No major issues have been reported on the rest of the Bonneville range, so the mechanically similar Bobber should give you miles of happy biking.

Our Triumph Bonneville Bobber owners' reviews reveal oil leaks can be a problem with this engine, so make sure you check the bike carefully before taking the plunge.

2020 Triumph Bonneville Bobber TFC reliability

The attention to detail Triumph have lavished on the Bobber TFC is stunning. All over the bike are lovely small touches that make it feel special and exclusive but far from gaudy.

From the unique Bobber logos to the fact the TFC badge pops up in areas such as the clocks and top yoke, it is subtle, classy and beautifully understated.

Unless you really know your bikes, you wouldn’t pick it out in a crowded carpark as such a rare and exclusive model, which is really appealing to those who like to remain under the radar.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

You can get your off-the-peg bobber kicks for less: there’s the Harley Davidson Forty-Eight, Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber, Yamaha XV950 and £10,499 Indian Scout. They all have style and character, but they’re all itchy wartime blankets compared to the duck-downed-duvet-opulence of the Triumph.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Styled to mimic those pared-to-the-bone 1940s-style custom bobbers, the new Triumph looks the part with its single seat, cut down front mudguard, flat bars and hardtail-style rear end.

There’s a riot of classy detail touches everywhere you look, from the adjustable floating seat pan and clocks, to the battery box, rear mudguard loop and hand-painted tank coach lines on the two-tone models.

Hidden away are two riding modes (Rain and Road), traction control and ABS that offer a fat slice of 21st century safety to this Dad’s Army poster bike.

Cruise control and super-hot heated grips are also available as two of over 150 official accessories and two Inspiration Kits.

Triumph Bobber seat

Specs

Engine size 1200cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel twin
Frame type Tubular steel cradle
Fuel capacity 9.1 litres
Seat height 690mm
Bike weight 228kg
Front suspension 41mm, KYB forks non-adjustable
Rear suspension Single KYB rear shock, non-adjustable
Front brake 310mm disc with Nissin two-piston caliper
Rear brake 255mm single disc with Nissin single-piston caliper
Front tyre size 100/90 x 19
Rear tyre size 150/80 x 16

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 69 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £180
New price £10,500
Used price £6,000 - £10,500
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 76 bhp
Max torque 78 ft-lb
Top speed 115 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 138 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2017: Triumph Bonneville Bobber arrives in dealers. T120-engined ‘40s-style bobber follows a year after Triumph launches its new-generation Bonneville range, including two T120s, Street Twin and two Thruxtons.
  • 2018: Bobber Black launched.
  • 2020: Triumph Bobber TFC launched.
  • 2021: Bike updated, Gold Line edition launched.

Other versions

  • Bobber Black went off sale in 2020
  • Bobber TFC announced in 2020

MCN Long term test reports

MCN Fleet: 2017 Triumph Bobber is on its way

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. E

Read the latest report

Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BOBBER (2017 - on)

12 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BOBBER (2017 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BOBBER (2017 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £180
4 out of 5 JGW
27 November 2023 by JGW

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £300

Low riding position with seat adjustment back and forward. However, nut upwards.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

Smooth and powerful for type of bike

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

No problems and great bike

Equipment 5 out of 5

Heated grips, ABS and traction control wet and dry riding

Buying experience: Tremendous from triumph dealer in blackburn

5 out of 5 Bobber 2017
06 June 2022 by Mick V

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £250

Great looking bike rides very well, lots of torque I find it comfortable but some complain about the seat and suspension. Small fuel tank means more stops though I think the new models now have a larger 12 litre fuel tank. Plenty of aftermarket accessories like mirrors luggage saddle bags seats etc so you can make your bike your own.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

No big issues for me single disc front brake could be better, though the Black version abs the latest model gave twin front discs.

Engine 5 out of 5

Super plenty of low end torque.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No major problems at all in 6000 miles, well built nothing else like it in the market. Certainly stands out in a crowd.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Small fuel tank means plenty of fuel stops but I’d guess after 100 miles we all need a break.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Bike has riding modes Traction Control and ABS all parity standard these days. Dealers can fit cruise control heated grips luggage etc if required.

Buying experience: Bought from Youles Blackburn with only 350 miles in the clock, someone hadn’t used it much. Excellent buying experience.

2 out of 5 Questionable reliability.
26 May 2022 by Zombie Ninja

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £300

A great looking bike that is a pleasure to ride... until it breaks down and leaves you stranded... repeatedly.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I can easily ride 2 hours at a time, and find the bike comfortable and fun to ride. It's a joy as long as it's running.

Engine 5 out of 5

Amazing engine... once again, while it runs. Very raw and powerful feeling with lots of character without being too unrefined or uncomfortable. This bike lets you know there is a lot of engine underneath you. Triumph definitely got the right balance between smoothness and character.

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

My Triumph Bobber is in the shop for the 5th time in 16 months of ownership. Constantly having electronic faults that will shut down the motorcycle while riding. Half of your riding seasons will be wasted with the bike in the shop getting repaired. Longer trips are questionable due to lack of reliability.

Value vs rivals 1 out of 5

I have a service plan, but it seems rather worthless as getting the motorcycle repaired has become a regular chore. Triumph mechanics at my local dealership aren't friendly, and there is a lengthy wait on parts to be delivered from overseas,

Equipment 5 out of 5

A basic, classic styled motorcycle with all the features I need, and none of the bloat I do not. Traction control and ABS are standard and appreciated.

Buying experience: The showroom of a Triumph dealership is a stress-free buying experience. You can clearly tell the people who sell the motorcycles are people who love motorcycles. Night and day contrast from most other dealerships in Cincinnati, who are rude, or inattentive at best. I bought mine in January so I got a good deal on it.

4 out of 5 A very enjoyable experience
12 September 2021 by Richard Whalley

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £120

Great fun and generally excellent. Suspicion benefits from being upgraded and brakes are just adequate

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

As highlighted earlier

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

2400 in two months and it’s excellent

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Basic but everything that is needed is there

Buying experience: Excellent dealer service from Youles in Blackburn

4 out of 5 Only bike had better was a vfr800 very comfy or a transalp.
29 August 2021 by Bob12er

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £45

Seat uncomfortable & small petrol tank are only problems with the bike. Nothing wrong with the brakes at all, just look far enough ahead they're fine. Great engine fitted B C customs slash cut exhaust pipes sound great. Fitted the plug in aftermarket black box with probe its throttle improved the snatching throttle at low speed crawling through traffic / Town centre. Fitted better battery a motobatt mbtx9u agm battery has higher 160 cca capacity than one dealer put on it a landport ytx9bs.Had over 40 bikes its up there with the best.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Seat not for long distances as said.

Engine 5 out of 5

Pulls like a train on steroids

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Oil & filter change myself.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Dealer £8995, paid £8500 with only 300 miles on clock & 10 month old at the time.

4 out of 5 great Bike
16 August 2021 by richard whalley

Year: 2018

Excellent bike let down by the standard suspension

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The suspension is very limited and you need a break regularly. 250 mile days are enough in my opinion

Engine 5 out of 5

enough grunt to be fun and keep up with most things at legal speeds

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

I have fitted a Wilbers shock that improved the rear markedly, over winter I will upgrade the forks

Buying experience: Bought it second hand from a Triumph Dealer(£8500), excellent service from them (Youles )

4 out of 5
15 August 2021 by Matt

Year: 2017

Great bike, fabulous sounds

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Very good. Advertised at £7495, I paid £7400. Total bargain for a bike with 2k on the clock!

5 out of 5
03 July 2021 by Matt

Year: 2017

Fabulous bike to ride, handles better than you would initially think

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

Sounds fantastic

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Very economical

Equipment 4 out of 5

It’s a basic bike, it doesn’t have much equipment

4 out of 5
26 February 2021 by Matt

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £100

Lovely bike to ride yet not that practical because of lack of pillion seat and difficult to take luggage

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Single disc is weak

Engine 5 out of 5

Lovely torque

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Very good mpg

Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 Triumph Bodder
21 August 2020 by Bruce Mayo

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £175

Yes, great bike, excellent handling, bags of tourqe, many reviewers on you tube criticise the front brake, well I can't fault it, work fine on my bobber

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

as I've already said before, brakes are faultless, & handling is great

Engine 5 out of 5

engine is powerful enough for me, ride by wire throttle is excellent very responsive

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

no rust anywhere, very well built bike

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I haven't had the bike for a full year yet so I've just entered the annual service cost

Equipment 5 out of 5

I've had forward controls & apehanger bars fitted to my bike, very laid back riding position, standard tyres are fine

Buying experience: I bought this bike from the Triumph dealer in Cheltenham

5 out of 5 Used Bobber
03 April 2020 by Mick Venables

Year: 2017

Superb looks cool good engine and gearbox

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Seems ok though single front brake could be better

Engine 5 out of 5

Can’t fault it sounds well good torque very smooth.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very good build quality no issues with reliability

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Small fuel tank could be a issue on long trips if your passing a fuel station it’s wise to top up.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Single seat means no storage etc plenty of optional and aftermarket goods but some are very expensive.

Buying experience: Excellent experience from Youles Triumph Blackburn.

5 out of 5 Brilliant Bobber
24 May 2018 by Paul Driscoll

Year: 2017

Probably not the bike for you if it's your only bike, if only because of the single seat, but it is always entertaining to ride and never fails to make me smile. Just as happy tootling around town as scraping pegs on fast A roads.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Front brake could be stronger but you soon get used to it.

Engine 5 out of 5

A real peach.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No issues in the first 1500 miles.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Too early to tell - just eight months old.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Automotive art!

Buying experience: Dealer really helpful and despite being unable to source black engine cases for delivery date - Triumph sent chrome... twice - they swapped out at the first service and all turned out well.

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