Bonneville T40 (MY2027)

The T40 puts the Bonneville name on a 400 cc liquid-cooled single from Triumph's TR Series platform, and this engine is its own version. Triumph says it gets a revised cylinder head, a Bonneville-specific tune and a lower idle speed, all so clear single-cylinder firing pulses come through the peashooter silencer. The numbers are modest: 31 hp at 7,000 rpm and 27 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm. Around it sit twin rear shocks, spoked wheels with aluminum rims (18-inch front, 17-inch rear) and a round 4-inch color TFT. The outline is classic and the hardware underneath is current. That's the retro brief.

Triumph says the T40 is meant to bring the Bonneville name to more riders, and the spec sheet supports that. The seat is 31.1 in (790 mm) high and the bike weighs 421 lb (191 kg) ready to ride. The standard equipment reads like a bigger bike's: five riding modes, cruise control, lean-sensitive cornering ABS and cornering traction control. Triumph claims that package hasn't been seen before in this category. A center stand comes standard, and Triumph calls the 10,000 mi (16,000 km) service intervals class-leading. On paper, it's built for you if you ride often, want low running costs and like the look of a classic. Everyday miles, weekend back roads. No fuss.