Triumph Bonneville T40 And T40 Black specs, details, and features
Triumph has announced two new entry-level modern classics in the form of the Bonneville T40 and T40 Black.
Triumph is bringing the famous Bonneville name to the entry-level 400cc segment, with two new bikes that focus on retro details and A2-ready authenticity.
The new 2027 Bonneville T40 and T40 Black are said to capture the “spirit of 1960s cool” and bring a welcome dose of nostalgia to its popular TR Series range. The Bonneville T40 focuses on proper retro styling, with plenty of chrome and period-correct two-tone paint schemes, while the T40 Black brings a stealthier, matt-finished two-tone look, along with blacked-out engine and chassis components.
Both bikes are powered by a revised version of Triumph’s existing TR engine. While the majority of the engine is the same as is found in the Speed 400, Scrambler 400X and Tracker 400, the two new bikes boast a new cylinder head, as well as a dedicated Bonneville engine tune. The changes are claimed to give the new machines a character that is unique to the new baby Bonnies.
That unique delivery includes more torque lower in the rev range, with peak torque of 36Nm (26.5lb ft) arriving at 5,000 rpm. For comparison, the Speed 400 makes 37.5Nm (27.9lb ft) at 6,500rpm. Peak power from the two bikes is a claimed 32PS (31.5bhp), which is delivered at 7,000 rpm.
That makes the new bikes considerably down on power compared to the 39.5bhp Speed 400, although with Triumph pitching this as more of a relaxed B-road cruiser than its sportier sibling, outright performance clearly isn’t the main focus.
Instead, the lower peak revs and stronger low-down delivery should make it easier to ride smoothly and make progress without constantly working the gearbox.
Authentically retro the two bikes may look, but that doesn’t mean Triumph has scrimped on the electronics. Both machines gain three pre-configured riding modes, Road, Rain and Eco, which are joined by two customisable modes.
Each mode adjusts the throttle response, traction control and ABS to suit the rider's requirements, and can be adjusted on the fly by pushing the throttle back against the stop to engage the chosen mode.
Displaying the modes and bike information to the rider is an all-new full-colour four-inch TFT, which Triumph has worked hard to implement sympathetically. One way it has done this is to recreate an old-school analogue single-dial speedo, complete with a proper recreation of a mechanical odometer in the centre.
More modern-looking TFT themes, that ultimately deliver more on-screen information in a less retro setting, are also available.
The TFT also means full Bluetooth connectivity is available, making navigation, music controls and calls available via the switchgear.
Underneath the retro styling, Triumph has given the T40 a dedicated chassis designed around easy-going handling rather than outright sporting ability.
The bike uses conventional front forks and twin rear shocks, with the latter helping retain the classic Bonneville silhouette.
Spoked 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels use lightweight aluminium rims with steel spokes, which Triumph says help keep the bike agile and easy to manoeuvre.
The low 790mm seat height, upright riding position and 191kg ready-to-ride weight also contribute to its accessible character, while an optional low seat option drops the seat height to 770mm.
Braking comes from a twin-piston front caliper working on a single front disc, with braided lines fitted as standard. There’s also a centre stand as from the factory, adding a bit of practicality for parking and routine chain maintenance.
For safety in any conditions, Triumph’s Optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control, both of which are lean-sensitive, are included, as well as cruise control, which is also standard.
Emergency Deceleration Warning also flashes the rear light during heavy braking to alert following traffic.
Triumph Bonneville T40 Black
The T40 Black takes the same Bonneville formula and gives it a darker, more understated treatment. It gets a Matt Pewter Grey and Matt Phantom Black two-tone finish, with gloss-black aluminium wheel rims contrasting against the bright steel spokes.
The engine casings are powder-coated black, while the header and peashooter silencer also get the blacked-out treatment.
The result is a more stealthy take on the T40 without changing the fundamental Bonneville proportions, technology or design.
For those wanting the standard T40, there are three colour options. Aegean Blue and Fusion White provide the cleanest take on the classic Bonneville look, while Meriden Blue and Tangerine Orange offer a much bolder combination.
New England White and Jet Black completes the range with a more restrained two-tone finish, with all three schemes featuring the hand-painted coach lining that Triumph says is part of the bike’s heritage-inspired finish.
Triumph hasn’t announced UK pricing for either the Bonneville T40 or T40 Black yet. The company says prices will be revealed in early 2027, with the first bikes expected to arrive in Triumph dealerships from spring 2027.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
