2015 · Retro Classic · Buyer's Guide
Custom Style, Factory Born
The 2015 Bonneville Spirit is the classic Bonneville recipe dressed up for a special occasion. Underneath sits the air-cooled 865 cc parallel twin in a steel double-cradle frame, on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, the proportions a purist wants to see. What sets the Spirit apart from the standard T100 is the finish. It gets two-tone Spirit Blue and New England White paint, blacked-out engine covers and rims, and stubby silencers that give it a subtle custom edge. There is no bulky radiator anywhere to spoil the lines. This is retro done honestly, and that is the whole point of the bike.
The twin makes 67 hp and 50 lb-ft, and it does its work quietly and without drama, which suits the unhurried pace this bike likes. Traction control and ride modes are not fitted, and on a bike like this you won't miss them. The core engine holds up well. The known weak spots are small electrical ones, and a well-kept example ages gracefully. The honest caveat: at 505 lb (229 kg) wet it is no featherweight, and the fork has no adjustment at all. Buy it for the style and the easy pace, not for speed or cutting-edge tech.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 67 hp (50 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| Displacement | 865 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 130/80-17 |
| Seat height | 30.5 in (775 mm) |
| Wet weight | 505 lb (229 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 gal (16 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
ECU recall: potential fuel injector activation without warning
On certain 2014–2015 Bonneville models, the ECU may inadvertently activate a fuel injector, causing a cylinder to flood and potentially not start. Triumph recalled affected units to replace the ECU.
Neutral switch may cause intermittent starting issues
Some owners report that the neutral switch can fail, causing the bike to not recognize neutral and preventing starting. The issue is typically an annoyance and remedied by switch replacement.
Starter low-voltage cutout frustrates some owners
The ECU's low-voltage cutout feature can prevent the engine from turning over when the battery is slightly low, even if there is enough power to crank. This is designed to protect the electrical system but can be bothersome on cold starts.
Regulator/rectifier prone to failure
A known weak point on many early Hinckley twins, the regulator/rectifier can fail, leading to charging issues. Symptom: battery not charging, dashboard lights dimming. Replacement with an upgraded unit is a common fix.
Cam cover gasket may leak oil
A minor oil weep from the cam cover is reported by some owners, usually appearing after a few thousand miles. The fix is straightforward: replace the gasket and apply proper sealant.
Where this Triumph Bonneville Spirit pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Bonneville Spirit is actually built for.
This is your bike. It has the classic looks, an unhurried twin, and a 4.2 gal tank that's made for the Kancamagus and long, slow days between small towns.
Made for Acadia National Park · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show · Blue Ridge Parkway
It will turn heads at any rally, but it's a British parallel twin, not a big V-twin cruiser. If you're after a heavy, thumping sound, ride one first.
Made for A1A — Florida Atlantic Coast · Black Hills / Sturgis Rally Hub · Daytona Main Street / Bike Week
It's a lovely companion for a relaxed Saturday loop to BBQ and live music. If your weekends are about sporty pace on the twisties, 67 hp and a basic fork will hold you back.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Twisted Sisters · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
