Triumph's Bobber debuted in 2017 as a niche cruiser with aggressive styling and a large-displacement, torque-rich engine in a compact package. Now added to the line of Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) machines, the Bobber gets an improved engine, chassis, and lots of special TFC details. Make no mistake, this is not an update of "bold new graphics" but a revised Bobber model produced in limited numbers. MSRP is $17,500, while the standard Bonneville Bobber is $11,950.
The Bobber TFC's HT (high torque) engine produces a claimed 13 percent more horsepower than last year's standard Bobber. These gains are attributed to lighter-weight engine components like a low-inertia crankshaft, clutch, balance shafts, dead shafts, and rare-earth alternator, which allows the engine to rev to 7,500 rpm, an increase of 500 rpm. Further weight reduction comes from a magnesium cam cover as well as thinner-walled engine covers and header pipes. Peak torque output is increased by 3 pound-feet.
In addition to the weight trimmed from the engine, the new Bobber has an improved, lighter-weight chassis. The Bobber TFC loses 11 pounds when compared to the Bobber Black, thanks to the lighter-weight engine components, carbon fiber bodywork, and removal of the central taillight, the rear turnsignals picking up brake-light function. Fully adjustable Öhlins suspension now comes standard front and rear, as do Brembo brake discs, calipers, and master cylinders. Sport mode was added to the previous Rain and Road modes, allowing for more aggressive throttle map, ABS, and traction control settings.
The Bobber TFC's “ultra-premium” finish is enhanced by new aesthetic details unique to this model: Billet machined pieces, carbon-fiber bodywork, pinstriping, and blacked-out finishes. The TFC line has proven to be a winning formula to take select Triumph models upmarket.
