Triumph brings Bonneville name to 400cc range with new T40

Triumph has unveiled the Bonneville T40 and T40 Black, bringing its best-known classic name to the brand’s growing 400cc line-up. The new models combine traditional Bonneville styling with a single-cylinder engine, cruise control and lean-sensitive braking and traction control.

These new models are expected to arrive in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2027 with pricing to be announced closer to local arrival.

Power comes from a dedicated version of Triumph’s liquid-cooled TR Series engine. A revised cylinder head and Bonneville-specific tune produce 23.5kW at 7000rpm and 36Nm at 5000rpm, with the emphasis on torque delivery at everyday riding speeds.

Triumph has also given the engine a lower idle speed and developed the peashooter exhaust to produce a distinctive single-cylinder soundtrack. The intention is a relaxed riding character to match the familiar silhouette.

That silhouette includes a teardrop fuel tank, round headlight, longer mudguards, twin rear shocks and spoked wheels. The wheels measure 18 inches at the front and 17 at the rear, combining aluminium rims with steel spokes. Rubber knee pads and Triumph’s three-bar tank badge add further heritage touches.

The traditional-looking circular instrument housing contains a four-inch colour TFT display. Riders can select a Heritage Mode that gives the screen an analogue-style appearance, while five configurable widgets provide quick access to commonly used functions through the backlit left-hand switchgear.

Full-map navigation is standard, using the new Triumph Navigation App. Riders can plan routes, add waypoints, import GPX files and share journeys, with maps and speed-limit information displayed on the bike’s screen. Smartphone connectivity also provides access to calls, contacts and music controls.

Road, Rain and Eco riding modes are joined by two customisable settings, each adjusting throttle response, traction control and ABS. Preferred modes can be added to a quick-access menu on the display.

Cruise control is standard on both versions, alongside Optimised Cornering ABS and Optimised Cornering Traction Control. The lean-sensitive systems take the motorcycle’s angle into account when managing braking and available traction.

The front brake uses a twin-piston calliper, with braided brake lines also fitted. LED lighting includes a daytime running light, while self-cancelling indicators and an emergency deceleration warning add convenience and visibility. The latter flashes the rear light during heavy braking. A USB-C charging socket is included.

The T40 has a ready-to-ride weight of 191kg and a standard seat height of 790mm. An accessory low seat, offered in black or brown, reduces that to 770mm. Upright ergonomics and a padded bench seat are intended to accommodate both rider and pillion.

A centre stand is fitted as standard, making parking, cleaning and routine chain maintenance easier.

The regular T40 pairs chrome mirrors and a chrome grab hoop with brushed aluminium heel guards and a brushed steel exhaust. Three two-tone colour schemes are available: Aegean Blue and Fusion White, Meriden Blue and Tangerine Orange, and New England White and Jet Black. Each features hand-painted coach lining.

The T40 Black receives Matt Pewter Grey and Matt Phantom Black paint, gloss-black wheel rims, powder-coated engine casings and a black header and silencer. Bright steel spokes provide some contrast to the darker finish.

Triumph chief product officer Steve Sargent says the new models were developed with Bajaj, with particular attention paid to retaining the details associated with the Bonneville name.

“From the outset, our ambition for the T40 and T40 Black was not simply to create a smaller Bonneville, but to create a motorcycle that delivers the style, character and ownership experience riders expect from a genuine Bonneville.”

Triumph says its 400cc platform has already accounted for more than 60,000 motorcycle sales across over 50 countries. The T40 joins the Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X, Scrambler 400 XC, Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400, extending the range into more traditional roadster territory.