The Triumph Bonneville Bible

This is a meticulously detailed history of the Triumph Bonneville: its antecedents, how it came about, and year-by-year production changes, with detailed technical specifications and contemporary road test reports showing how the Bonneville compared with its rivals. However, the history of the bike cannot be separated from the turbulent story of the company that built it. Triumph went from huge successes in the 1960s, when the Bonneville conquered North America, to troubled times in the early 1970s, leading to the formation of the workers co-operative that heroically kept the Bonneville alive for a further nine years. All this is covered here, plus details on how Triumph spares producer Les Harris took over production into the late ‘80s. Unlike other Bonneville books, this one also tells you how to buy one of these iconic bikes secondhand – all the pitfalls, what to look for, and what they are really like to live with. Whichever one you choose, it should be fast, agile and good looking ... on a twisty country road, there's nothing like a Bonnie, and with information on clubs, websites, spares, and the latest modifications and upgrades, this book will help you get the one you deserve. Featuring comprehensive appendices of facts, figures, contacts, technical specifiations (including correct colours for each year), engine/frame numbers, and road test performance figures, this is the definitive book of a bike that truly deserves the term ‘practical classic.'

This is a meticulously detailed history of the Triumph Bonneville, its antecedents, how it came about, and year-by-year production changes, with detailed technical specifications and contemporary road test reports showing how the Bonneville compared with its rivals. All this is covered here, plus details on how Triumph spares producer Les Harris took over production into the late ‘80s. Unlike other Bonneville books, this one also tells you how to buy one of these iconic bikes secondhand, all the pitfalls to avoid, what to look for, and what they are really like to live with.

The story of the Triumph Bonneville - its conception, design and production, how it compared to the competition (British and Japanese), and how it was seen at the time. With insights into the company that built it, from the boom times of the 1960s, through struggles in the 70s, and eventual closure in the '80s, plus guidance on buying a Bonneville secondhand, this is the fascinating history of a British icon.

Complete year-by-year history of the Trophy (and unit construction Tiger) twins from 1949 to 1983. Includes original factory model photos, technical specifications, colour schemes, engine & frame numbers, model type identification and details of Trophy & Tiger achievements. The complete source book.

New in paperback! The Triumph Speed Twin & Thunderbird Bible reveals the definitive history of two of Triumph’s most popular motorcycles in the 40s and 50s. From development history to sporting achievements, this book is packed with detailed information – everything an owner or would-be owner of one these classic twins needs!

There are lots of books about the Triumph Bonneville, about its history, performance, lineage and the minutiae of its specification, but none of them tell you what to look for when buying one secondhand. That's what this book is about – it aims to be a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used Bonnie. It won't list all the correct colour combinations for each year, or analyse the bike's design philosophy, or consider its background as part of a troubled industry – there are excellent books listed at the end of this one which do all of that. But hopefully it will help you avoid buying a dud. Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs looking at when buying a Bonnie, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, a look at auctions, restorations and paperwork. Over 29 years in production, the Bonneville is for some the definitive postwar British vertical twin, perhaps even the definitive British bike of all time, with all its strengths, weaknesses and character. Although there might seem to be a wide range of models and special editions, all are based around the same 649cc or 747cc vertical twin. There were plenty of changes over the years, but none of them changed the basic format of this classic British bike. Aside from all the history, the Bonneville remains a tremendous classic to own, so long as you're prepared to look after it. The last Bonnies truly deserve the term ‘practical classic.' Whichever one you choose, it should be fast, agile and good looking, and on a twisty English B road, there's nothing like a Bonnie. One hundred colour photos, useful appendices and expert advice mean this book could save you thousands.

An in-depth look at one of the world’s greatest scooter marques, including detailed information on the main Italian-built models, the Lambretta Concessionaires machines and British dealer specials.

"The best motorcycle in the world"--Cover.