The 2017 T100 and T100 Black Are Triumph's More Accessible Bonnevilles

Triumph is on a mission to grow its lineup with accessible, user-friendly options, and today it’s put another notch in its belt with the release of the 2017 T100 and T100 Black. For those who want tech packaged in a simple, unintimidating, and classically styled shell, this T100 and T100 Black are going to be some seriously good options.

Part of the new T100s’ appeal, Triumph suggests, is that they are lighter than the larger, 1200cc-powered T120 introduced last year alongside the Thruxton and Thruxton R, with a shorter wheelbase, less rake, and less trail. Triumph hopes that this, combined with the low seat and relaxed, upright riding position, will make for a bike that’s easier for any rider to jump on and immediately feel comfortable with. Opposite the headier T120 that it will sit alongside in dealerships, the T100 will come with just a single front brake disc, plus new chassis and longer rear suspension that will either just change the stance of the bike or help with handling and comfort a bit. We’ll wait to see about that.

Power-wise, both the T100 and T100 Black will use a liquid-cooled, 900cc “high torque” engine culled from the Street Twin, with zero changes to hardware or tune. For a better idea of what that means in terms of power, the Street Twin that we tested earlier this year alongside a Ducati Scrambler and Yamaha FZ-07 made 52.2 hp @ 6120 rpm and 57.0 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3070 rpm. We also thought the engine was smooth, predictable, and had good character. The fact that the T100 and T100 Black share this engine is nothing but good news.

What we love also about the new Bonneville models is how well Triumph have integrated modern technology into the design of these bikes without shoving it in your face. And that unobtrusive integration has been carried over to the T100 and T100 Black, both models coming standard with ride-by-wire, ABS, traction control, and a slip/assist clutch, but Triumph having avoided pointing that out in every free space they have to talk about the bike. It’s all there. And you’ll probably use or need it at some point. But up until then it will all go unnoticed.

I think that for the new-ish rider looking for a bike with that classic styling and the safety net of proper rider aids (not to mention improved reliability) of a modern motorcycle, the T100 and T100 Black really are going to be worth looking at. This really could be the bike for everyone from a new rider to someone just looking for an affordable, cool-looking bike for riding around town. Want more? Triumph’s own Bonneville line has got it. But otherwise, I think there’s a lot to offer here for a lot of people.

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