Triumph Bonneville America
The Triumph Bonneville America has a top speed of 175 km/h, produces 61 hp and weighs 231 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The Triumph Bonneville America was introduced in 2002 as a cruiser-styled variant of the classic Bonneville, designed to appeal to the North American market with its low-slung, relaxed riding position and forward-set footpegs. It was based on the air-cooled 790cc parallel-twin engine platform and offered an accessible, retro-styled alternative to traditional V-twin cruisers. The model remained in production until around 2016, when Triumph's lineup was significantly updated with the new water-cooled Bonneville family.
61 hp
Power
68 Nm
Torque
231 kg
Weight
175 km/h
Top Speed
5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Watch the Carbs
Earlier carbureted models (2002–2008) are prone to carb gumming if left sitting — a common and costly issue. Always check for a recent carb clean or opt for the fuel-injected EFI versions introduced in 2009.
Strong Resale Value
The Bonneville America holds its value well compared to many cruisers, thanks to Triumph's strong brand reputation and timeless styling. Clean, low-mileage examples regularly sell close to their original asking price.
Bulletproof When Maintained
The parallel-twin engine is known for long-term reliability when valve clearances are checked at recommended intervals (every 10,000 miles). Neglected valve checks are the number one mechanical issue found on used examples.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original launch as 865cc cruiser with low seat, wide bars, forward controls, and classic styling.
"Beautiful boulevard cruiser that runs out of road quickly."
The America launched Triumph into the cruiser market with genuine style credentials — that long, low silhouette turns heads in ways a standard Bonneville simply doesn't. The 790cc twin pulls cleanly from low revs, and the 700mm seat height is a genuine confidence builder for shorter riders planting both feet at lights. But take it above 120 km/h and the forward controls start fighting you, the wind hits like a wall, and you realize this bike was built for Saturday morning café runs, not interstate miles. Vibration through the pegs gets tiresome on anything longer than two hours, and the suspension is tuned so soft it wallows mid-corner if you push even modestly hard.
Pros
Cons
Revised fuel injection option, updated engine internals, minor cosmetic and equipment refinements introduced.
"Prettiest cruiser Hinckley ever built, if not fastest."
The America's 865cc twin pulls with real conviction from about 3,500 rpm, and that low 700mm seat makes shorter riders feel genuinely confident rather than just tolerated. Fuel injection smoothed out the carburetor's cold-start sulking, though the EFI mapping still feels slightly abrupt cracking the throttle below 4,000 rpm in town — something you learn to work around rather than fix. At highway speeds it's perfectly composed, but 224kg starts announcing itself on tight mountain switchbacks or slow parking-lot maneuvers where you're muscling it constantly. The biggest honest criticism isn't performance — it's that Triumph never fully resolved the vibration through the pegs above 5,500 rpm, and the mirrors are essentially decorative at anything over 110 km/h.
Pros
Cons
New liquid-cooled 1200cc Bonneville platform, improved torque, ride-by-wire, and traction control added.
Used Buyer Review
"An underrated used cruiser that punches well above its price point."
$4,500-$7,500 usedThe Bonneville America is Triumph's answer to the budget cruiser market, and honestly it nails the brief better than most give it credit for. That 865cc parallel twin pulls cleanly from low revs, sounds genuinely excellent through the stock pipes, and the riding position suits taller riders far better than most Japanese cruisers in this class. It's not trying to be a Harley and that's exactly why it works — lighter, more flickable, and considerably more reliable than an air-cooled Milwaukee twin of similar vintage. Used examples are plentiful and generally honest bikes. Watch for cam chain tensioner noise on pre-2008 models — it's a known issue and parts are cheap but it'll tell you how the bike's been maintained. Check the fork seals, which have a habit of weeping, and inspect the exhaust header bluing, which indicates hard running. Budget £300-400 for a proper service if the history looks sketchy. Electrical gremlins are rare but check all lights work.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Triumph Bonneville America — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALTest charging voltage at idle and high RPM
Look for oil residue on fork legs and dust seals
Inspect rubber diaphragms for cracks or pinholes
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Generally solid, electrical gremlins are main concern
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Triumph Bonneville America
Triumph Bonneville Bobber
Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer
Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
Compare Triumph Bonneville America Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Triumph Bonneville America vs Triumph Bonneville Bobber
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Triumph Bonneville America vs Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Triumph Bonneville America vs Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Triumph Bonneville America vs Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Triumph Bonneville America vs Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Triumph Bonneville America? +
Rectifier/regulator failure causing battery drain: Test charging voltage at idle and high RPM (serious) | Fork seal leaks on older examples: Look for oil residue on fork legs and dust seals (moderate) | Carb diaphragm tears causing poor running: Inspect rubber diaphragms for cracks or pinholes (moderate)
Is the Triumph Bonneville America a good motorcycle? +
An underrated used cruiser that punches well above its price point. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Tall riders wanting character over chrome. Avoid if: You need serious long-distance highway comfort.
What is the horsepower of the Triumph Bonneville America? +
The Triumph Bonneville America produces 61 hp @ 6,800 rpm, with 68 Nm @ 3,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h.
Is the Triumph Bonneville America good for beginners? +
Yes — the Triumph Bonneville America is a reasonable choice for new riders (61 hp is manageable), weighing 231 kg. Tall riders wanting character over chrome
Is the Triumph Bonneville America reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Triumph Bonneville America, notably: Rectifier/regulator failure causing battery drain (Test charging voltage at idle and high RPM). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Triumph Bonneville America good for daily use? +
Tall riders wanting character over chrome Fuel: 5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L).
How fast is the Triumph Bonneville America? +
The Triumph Bonneville America reaches a top speed of 175 km/h, producing 61 hp at 231 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Triumph Bonneville America? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Triumph Bonneville America, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/triumph/bonneville-america/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
