The all-new entry-level Triumph Bonneville series comprises the T40 and T40 Black are priced at Rs. 2.80 lakh – putting both Rs. 25,000 above the T4 at Rs. 2.55 lakh (ex-showroom). The price difference does not change the engine, gearbox, dimensions, brakes or suspension bits. Instead, Triumph separates the T40 through electronics and instrumentation, and the T40 Black comes with a darker factory treatment.
The new T4 and T40 use the same 349cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine which is rated at 29 PS at 7,000 rpm and 31 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The motor is coupled with a six-speed gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch. The claimed top speed is listed at 132 kmph for both motorcycles. Mechanically, they are set to deliver similar performance but what else?
The electronics create the main functional separation. The T40 boasts a cornering dual-channel ABS system, cruise control, configurable traction control and a circular TFT instrument display. The T4 uses a standard twin-channel ABS and a colour LCD equipped for turn-by-turn navigation. Both offer traction control, navigation, USB charging and ride modes, so the Rs. 25,000 premium primarily pays for the additional rider aids and TFT.
These motorcycles use a tubular steel hybrid spine/perimeter frame, 43 mm conventional fork and twin rear shock absorbers that provide seven-step preload adjustment. The suspension travel measures 130 mm at both ends while braking comes from a 310 mm front disc and ByBre two-piston caliper alongside a 255 mm rear disc and single-piston caliper.
The dimensions also match. The T4 and T40 measure 2,140 mm long, 823 mm wide and 1,093 mm tall, and both have a 1,415 mm wheelbase. The seat height stands at 790 mm, ground clearance at 165 mm, kerb weight at 195 kg and fuel capacity at 14 litres. The tyre sizes are 100/90-18 at the front and 150/70R17 at the rear on spoked wheels.
The Bonneville T4 and T40 share the same teardrop fuel tank, round LED headlight, wire-spoke wheels, twin rear shock absorbers and peashooter exhaust. The main styling differences concern their paint schemes and finishing details. The T4 comes in Phantom Black, Carnival Red and Competition Green with single-tone finishes. The T40 receives three dual-tone options comprising Aegean Blue with Fusion White, Meriden Blue with Tangerine Orange and New England White with Jet Black.
The T40 also features hand-painted coachlines with additional detailing on the fuel tank. The T40 Black gets a separate Matt Pewter Grey and Matt Phantom Black treatment, blacked out engine components, dark exhaust finishes and a brown seat. It is a styling derivative of the regular T40 as we mentioned above. The TFT, cruise control, cornering ABS, configurable traction control, engine and chassis specifications stay identical to the regular T40.
The T4 is the better value choice for riders who want the shared engine, suspension, brakes and dimensions at the lower price. The T40 may justify its Rs. 25,000 premium through the TFT, cruise control, cornering ABS and configurable traction control. The T40 Black, on the other hand, is purely a styling preference!
