2019 Bonneville T120 Ace Edition: Celebrating the original cafe racers & London’s legendary Ace Cafe
For 2019 Triumph introduces a one-off limited edition model, the Bonneville T120 Ace, built to celebrate the very first generation of cafe racers and London’s legendary Ace Cafe – the spiritual home of classic British motorcycling.
- One-of-a-kind special edition:
- One-off blacked-out urban ‘traffic light racer’ themed special
- Unique premium matt Storm Grey with contrasting stripe Ace Cafe paint scheme
- Dedicated premium Ace Cafe and Bonneville T120 graphics
- ‘Head down – Hold on’ tank graphic design
- Unique details and features:
- Black 4 bar Triumph tank badges
- Black intake covers and engine badges
- Black bench seat
- Minimal fender set-up (removal kit fitted as standard – excluding Canada and India)
- Bullet LED indicators (multi-function lamp in USA)
- Limited and special:
- Limited run of 1400 worldwide, available to order now
- Each will come with a numbered certificate, signed by both Nick Bloor
and modern Ace Cafe founder Mark Wilsmore
- Based on the stylish Bonneville T120 Black:
- Advanced rider-focused technology for rider control, safety and confidence
- 1200cc High Torque twin Bonneville engine, with exciting torque delivery peaking at 105Nm at a low 3,100 rpm
- Dedicated chassis and suspension set-up for relaxed and refined riding every day, all day, alone or with a pillion
- Original styling inspired by the legendary ’59 Bonneville, with iconic styling cues, detailing and features
The new 2019 Bonneville T120 Ace follows from the hugely successful Thruxton Ace of 2015, with a stripped-back and blacked-out take on the very first generation of cafe racers. Built to echo the ‘head down – hold on’ teenage biker ethos of the day, and celebrate the spiritual home of the modern classic British motorcycle the legendary Ace Cafe, the Bonneville T120 Ace provides a unique and stylish one-of-a-kind Ace version of the beautiful Bonneville T120 Black.
Based on the stylish Bonneville T120 Black, the new 2019 Bonneville T120 Ace brings a unique level of premium finish, including:
- Exclusive Matt Storm Grey paint scheme, with contrasting centre stripe and ‘Head Down, Hold On’ design on the tank
- Unique Bonneville T120 Ace logo on the side panels
- Unique Ace Cafe logo on the front mudguard
In addition to its unique paint scheme the T120 Ace also features a host of unique details that further enhance its special ‘one-of-a-kind’ position, including:
- Black intake covers
- Black engine badges
- Black bench seat
- Minimal rear fender (featuring Triumph’s fully homologated accessory) removal kit as standard.
- Minimal bullet LED indicators (dependant on market legislation)
- Black Triumph 4-bar tank badge
Only 1400 will be available worldwide, these motorcycles are available to order now, and with the lucky owners receiving a numbered certificate of ownership signed by Nick Bloor, Triumph’s CEO and Mark Wilsmore, Managing Director of the Ace Cafe London.
Be quick – this one won’t be around for long!
STANDARD FEATURES, SHARED WITH THE BONNEVILLE T120 BLACK
1200cc High Torque engine
The authentic character of the Bonneville T120 comes to life through the 1200cc high torque 8 valve, parallel Bonneville twin engine.
Built specifically for the modern classic riding style, with immediate and exciting torque delivery, it produces a peak torque figure of 105Nm at a low 3,100 rpm – an amazing 54% more than the previous generation.
With the pinpoint accuracy and instant throttle response of Triumph’s latest generation ride-by-wire fuel-injection and engine management system, the six-speed 1200 Bonneville engine is engineered with a charismatic tone and 270° firing interval for a characterful, linear power delivery.
The engine profile has been beautifully crafted to incorporate key heritage styling cues from the legendary 60’s Bonneville bikes, sensitively incorporating contemporary components to maintain that iconic engine silhouette.
Behind the 1200 engine’s stylish exterior sits a cutting-edge liquid cooling system, carefully integrated to minimise its visual impact whilst achieving cleaner emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency – 13% better than the previous generation. This, combined with a new extended service interval of 10,000 miles (16,000km) dramatically reduces the overall cost of ownership.
Finally, elegant peashooter style exhausts, follow a clean ‘straight line run’ achieved through an ingenious twin skin design that covers the pipe run through the cat box and out again. It delivers the true sound of a British twin, with a deep and rich exhaust note that truly matches the T120 character, tuned to a level you would want and expect.
Modern capability
The Bonneville T120 Ace shares all of the T120 Black’s advanced standard of capability, with a wealth of rider-focused technology to deliver exceptional control, safety and enhanced rider confidence – integrated sensitively and without compromise to maintain the authentic Bonneville style and character.
Including:
| ABS | Triumph’s variable anti-lock braking system bringing a high level of safety and control to the Bonneville. |
| Ride-by-wire | For enhanced throttle responsiveness, safety, feel and fuel economy. |
| Traction control | Taking advantage of the ride-by-wire system the switchable traction control system offers increased and optimised control. |
| Two riding modes | Linked to the ride-by-wire system, the two selectable riding mode options ‘Road’ and ‘Rain’ provide the rider with greater control and safety. |
| Torque assist clutch | Bringing a light touch and feel to the clutch to make it easy to ride, and ride longer. |
| DRL headlight | Incorporating the latest in daytime running lights (DRL) that delivers a distinctive light pattern and enhanced power efficiency for long term durability (where legislation allows). |
| LED rear light | Built into the classically inspired tail set-up, bringing a distinctive rear light pattern and enhanced power efficiency, with an integrated number plate light. |
| Heated grips |
High specification factory fitted heated grips, with a three-mode settings. |
| USB charge socket | Underseat USB socket provided so riders can charge up their essential devices. |
| Engine immobiliser | Transponder integrated into the T120 key. |
| Stylish twin clocks | Feature packed clocks (speedo and rev counter) with beautiful 3D dial faces, cleverly incorporating a digital menu system.
Key features include:
Additionally riders can add accessories which would also then be accessed via the clock display, including cruise control. |
| Switchgear | Elegant switchgear presents simple fingertip controls for easy access to the key features on the twin clocks. |
Relaxed and refined handling
The Bonneville T120 Black features a chassis and suspension set-up developed for relaxed and refined riding every day, all day, alone or with a pillion.
Combining Triumph’s signature ride dynamic of neutrality, agility and stability with comfortable seat and suspension travel for an engaging, yet easy-going ride. With its relaxed riding position, heated grips as standard, centre stand and passenger grab rail, the Bonneville T120 Ace is fully equipped for maximum comfort and real world practicality.
Original styling
Inspired by the legendary ’59 Bonneville, the Bonneville T120 Black has been crafted to incorporate more of the original’s DNA and iconic styling cues, detailing and features.
From the overall Bonneville silhouette, to the sculpted flowing lines of the fuel tank, the intricately detailed badges, lights and stunning twin clocks, the T120 Black is a timeless icon, beautifully evolved.
‘’Triumph and the Ace Cafe go hand in hand for me, with decades of riders turning up at the cafe on the latest British Twin to chance their arm on the A406, and be top dog off the lights. This beautiful new Bonneville T120 Ace pays homage to those riders and our glorious shared history in style.’’
Mark Wilsmore. Managing Director. Ace Cafe.
Specifications
| Bonneville T120 Ace | |
| Engine Type | Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Capacity | 1200 cc |
| Bore/Stroke | 97.6 x 80 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Maximum Power | 80 PS / 79 BHP (59 kW) @ 6,550 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 105 Nm @ 3,100 rpm |
| Fuel system | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Black 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin black silencers |
| Final drive | X-ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate assist clutch, cable operated |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Frame | Tubular steel cradle |
| Swingarm | Twin-sided, tubular steel |
| Front Wheel | 32-spoke 18 x 2.75in |
| Rear Wheel | 32-spoke 17 x 4.25in |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/70 R17 |
| Front Suspension | KYB 41mm cartridge forks, 120mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120mm rear wheel travel |
| Front Brake | Twin 310mm discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS |
| Length | 2,170 mm |
| Width (Handlebars) | 785 mm |
| Height Without Mirrors | 1,125 mm |
| Seat Height | 785 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,445 mm |
| Rake | 25.5 º |
| Trail | 105.2 mm |
| Dry Weight | 224 Kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 L |
| Instruments | LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, trip computer, scroll and mode buttons on handlebars, heated grip status, fuel consumption display, traction control status and throttle mode display. |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 l/100km (63 MPG) |
| CO2 Emissions | 103.0 g/km |
Checkout our dedicated Triumph Motorcycles News page Triumph Motorcycles News/
or head to the official Triumph Motorcycles website triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
Original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk and published by Frank Duggan. Frank is the Founder and Editor of Modern Classic Motorcycle News, an independent motorcycle publication covering modern classic motorcycles, roadsters, scramblers, cruisers, electric motorcycles and the wider motorcycle industry.
