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2016 Triumph Bonneville sets records

Triumph 2016 Bonneville T120 and T120 Black sticky throttle faulty
Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black

The 900cc and 1200cc 2016 Triumph Bonneville range is already setting records in pre-orders several months before their scheduled delivery in Australia.

Triumph Motorcycles Australia marketing manager Mark Berger says they have approximately 75 paid deposits for the new models which will arrive between February and May 2016.

“The Thruxton R is by far the strongest for deposits, which I would put down to the demographic who are buying them are lovers of motorcycles, slightly older demographic and willing to wait for this bike, the bike they have always dreamed of,” he says. 

Triumph Bonneville Thruxton R
Thruxton R

“For some of the other models including the Street Twin and T120, we expect sales for these more to be on demand once they are in the showroom. 

“We would be expecting a good chance for more orders from this weekend at the Island Classic, and yes I would have to say this is the biggest pre-order list of any model in Triumph’s (at least recent) history, but likely ever.”

Triumph Australia will this weekend display the 900cc Street Twin and the 1200cc T120 Black and Thruxton R at the 23rd annual International Island Classic event at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (January 22-24, 2016).

Despite having all the mod cons such as ABS, traction control, engine modes and more, the bikes have retained their retro looks and should fit in with the Classic event where there are bound to be many older Bonnevilles and Thruxtons on track.

2016 Triumph Bonneville family
2016 Triumph Bonneville family

Arrival dates and estimated prices (plus on-road costs and subject to change) for the new models are:

  • Bonneville Street Twin (900cc): $13,700, February
  • Bonneville T120 (1200cc): $17,500, April
  • Bonneville T120 Black (1200cc): $17,500, April
  • Thruxton (1200cc): $18,700, May
  • Thruxton R (1200cc): $21,100, April

Michael Oliver of Oliver’s Motorcycles, Brisbane, says they have received more than 10 orders, mostly for the Thruxton R.

Mark says that is an outstanding result for one dealer, although Oliver’s Motorcycles is their top Triumph dealer.

Meanwhile, Triumph Motorcycles owner John Bloor has been awarded the Diamond Jubilee Trophy by the British Royal Automobile Club.

RAC spokesman Ben Cussons says the award is only given to “game changers”. Previous winners include NASA for the vast crawler-transporter that moves space shuttles around, and to C. S. Cockerell for inventing the hovercraft.

John Bloor and Ben Cussons Triumph Bonneville
John Bloor and Ben Cussons

“They have transformed Triumph from one of the most iconic British brands to a globally recognised one,” Ben said.

“Their commitment to manufacturing excellence and a single minded determination to build the ‘best of British’ have enabled them to succeed in an intensely competitive market.

“This outstanding achievement and commitment to quality and innovation embody all that the trophy represents.”

The Diamond Jubilee Trophy has been awarded for innovation since 1957.

Although Triumph Motorcycles turnover was down by around £20 million at £341.3 million for the financial year ending June 2015, the company announced a pre-tax profit of £2.3m which compared to an £8m loss for the previous year.

The manufacturer continues to invest heavily in developing new products, spending more than £25million on research and development.

Triumph sold marginally more motorcycles than the previous year – 53,812 compared with 53,272 – and the bulk of its sales (84.5 per cent) continue to be to overseas markets.