Triumph's New Bonneville T40 Is a Small Classic With Big-Bike Tech

Most new motorcycles in 2026 chase more power. Triumph's newest Bonneville goes the other way. The Bonneville T40 and its blacked-out twin, the T40 Black, were announced on October 6, 2026 around a 398cc single-cylinder engine rated at 30 hp, and a promise that you will not need more.

Triumph shows both bikes as part of its 2027 line-up and described them in its own launch announcement. We have not ridden either one; this is our read of Triumph's spec sheet.

The numbers

• Engine: 398cc liquid-cooled single, four valves, DOHC (Triumph's 400cc TR Series)
• Power and torque: 32 PS / 30 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 36 Nm / 26.6 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm
• Gearbox: six-speed, wet slip-and-assist clutch, X-ring chain final drive
• Weight: 421.1 lb wet
• Seat height: 31.1 in (790 mm)
• Fuel tank: 3.8 gal
• Brakes: single 12.2 in front disc with a twin-piston caliper, cornering ABS

Thirty horsepower is not a headline number, and Triumph does not pretend otherwise. The pitch is a relaxed, torque-rich tune developed for the Bonneville, with the peak at only 5,000 rpm. That is a bike for commuting and back roads, not for racing a sport bike. If you want a bigger frame of reference, our look at new motorcycles worth watching this month covers the other end of the market.

The tech is the surprise

For a 30 hp classic, the electronics list is long. Triumph gives the T40 a 4-inch circular full-color TFT with Triumph Navigation and phone connectivity (navigation, calls and music), five riding modes and cruise control. Safety hardware includes lean-sensitive Optimised Cornering ABS and Optimised Cornering Traction Control. Cruise control and cornering ABS are features riders usually expect on much pricier bikes. The round screen is also styled to look like an old analog gauge, so the cockpit stays period-correct.

T40 versus T40 Black

The standard T40 is the heritage one. Triumph lists Meriden Blue, Tangerine Orange, New England White and Jet Black, each finished with hand-painted coachlines on a teardrop tank, with a round headlight and a brushed peashooter silencer.

The T40 Black is the stealth version. Triumph describes a two-tone tank in Matt Pewter Grey and Matt Phantom Black split by a silver coachline, black engine casings, black knee pads and badges, and a brown bench seat. It is the pick for riders who like their bikes dark but want something calmer than a streetfighter.

Who it is for

A new rider, or a returning one, who wants the Bonneville look and the badge without the weight and power of the bigger Bonnevilles. A 790 mm seat is approachable, and the optional low seat brings it to 770 mm. At 421 lb wet it is light for a bike with real road presence. Compare that with the 472 lb curb weight of the Suzuki GSX-S1000, and the appeal for city riding is clear.

The catch

Triumph has not named a price. Its pages say "Price coming soon", and they give no US arrival date either, so there is nothing to budget around yet. A single-cylinder with 30 hp will also feel modest on a highway with a passenger. Wait for the price and for independent road tests before you commit.

What is next

Triumph says order inquiries are open and that you can sign up for updates on pricing and dealer availability. We will update this page when the price is announced. For more bikes making news, see our motorcycles hub, the Benda Dark Flag 950 V4 cruiser and the rest of Motors.