Designed for both racing and everyday riding, the 1966 Triumph Bonneville was one of the most popular and successful motorcycles of its era. Featuring a 650cc parallel-twin engine, the Bonneville was known for its power, reliability, and stylish good looks.
The Bonneville was first introduced in 1959 and quickly became a favorite among both professional racers and everyday riders. The 1966 model was a particularly significant year for the Bonneville, as it marked the introduction of several new features, including a redesigned frame, a new suspension system, and a more powerful engine. These upgrades made the Bonneville even more competitive on the race track and even more enjoyable to ride on the street.
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville remains a popular motorcycle today, both among collectors and riders. It is a classic example of British engineering and design, and it continues to be one of the most iconic motorcycles of all time.
1966 Triumph Bonneville
Unveiled in 1966, the Triumph Bonneville remains an iconic motorcycle celebrated for its blend of power, style, and versatility.
- Engine: Parallel-twin, 650cc, air-cooled
- Power: 46 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 42 ft-lb @ 5,000 rpm
- Top speed: 115 mph
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
- Fuel economy: 50 mpg
- Styling: Classic British design with chrome accents
- Handling: Neutral and responsive
- Brakes: Single front disc brake, rear drum brake
These specifications showcase the Bonneville's strengths as a well-rounded motorcycle that excels in various riding conditions. Its combination of power, handling, and style made it a favorite among both professional racers and everyday riders. The Bonneville's legacy continues today, as it remains a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Engine
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville's engine was a significant factor in its success. The parallel-twin design provided a good balance of power and torque, while the 650cc displacement gave it plenty of power for both racing and everyday riding. The air-cooled design was simple and reliable, making the Bonneville easy to maintain.
The Bonneville's engine was also very efficient, getting up to 50 mpg. This was important for riders who wanted to use their motorcycles for everyday transportation. The engine's reliability and efficiency made the Bonneville a popular choice for both professional racers and everyday riders.
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville's engine is still considered to be one of the best motorcycle engines ever made. It is a powerful, reliable, and efficient engine that helped to make the Bonneville one of the most popular motorcycles of its era.
Power
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville's power output of 46 horsepower at 6,500 rpm was a significant factor in its success. This gave the Bonneville a good balance of power and torque, making it suitable for both racing and everyday riding.
- Acceleration: The Bonneville's power-to-weight ratio gave it good acceleration, making it a quick and responsive motorcycle.
- Top speed: The Bonneville's top speed of 115 mph was impressive for a motorcycle of its era.
- Reliability: The Bonneville's engine was known for its reliability, making it a good choice for both professional racers and everyday riders.
- Efficiency: The Bonneville's engine was also very efficient, getting up to 50 mpg. This was important for riders who wanted to use their motorcycles for everyday transportation.
The Bonneville's power output of 46 horsepower at 6,500 rpm was a key factor in its success. It gave the Bonneville a good balance of power, torque, and reliability, making it a popular choice for both professional racers and everyday riders.
Torque
Torque is a measure of the twisting force produced by an engine. It is important for motorcycles because it determines how well the motorcycle can accelerate and climb hills. The 1966 Triumph Bonneville had a torque of 42 ft-lb at 5,000 rpm, which was a significant amount for a motorcycle of its era.
The Bonneville's torque gave it good acceleration and hill-climbing ability. This made it a good choice for both racing and everyday riding. The Bonneville's torque was also important for its reliability. A high torque output means that the engine does not have to work as hard to produce power, which reduces wear and tear on the engine.
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville's torque of 42 ft-lb at 5,000 rpm was a key factor in its success. It gave the Bonneville good acceleration, hill-climbing ability, and reliability, making it a popular choice for both professional racers and everyday riders.
Top speed
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville had a top speed of 115 mph, which was impressive for a motorcycle of its era. This top speed was due to the Bonneville's powerful engine and efficient aerodynamics.
The Bonneville's engine was a 650cc parallel-twin that produced 46 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. This gave the Bonneville a good power-to-weight ratio, which contributed to its impressive top speed.
In addition to its powerful engine, the Bonneville's aerodynamics were also designed to reduce drag. The Bonneville had a streamlined shape with a low profile and a steeply raked front end. This helped to reduce wind resistance and increase the Bonneville's top speed.
The Bonneville's top speed of 115 mph was a significant advantage in both racing and everyday riding. In racing, the Bonneville's top speed allowed it to stay ahead of the competition. In everyday riding, the Bonneville's top speed allowed riders to travel long distances quickly and easily.
0-60 mph
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville's 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds was impressive for a motorcycle of its era. This acceleration was due to the Bonneville's powerful engine and lightweight chassis.
The Bonneville's engine was a 650cc parallel-twin that produced 46 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. This gave the Bonneville a good power-to-weight ratio, which contributed to its impressive acceleration.
In addition to its powerful engine, the Bonneville's chassis was also designed to reduce weight. The Bonneville had a lightweight frame and suspension, which helped to reduce overall weight and improve acceleration.
The Bonneville's 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds was a significant advantage in both racing and everyday riding. In racing, the Bonneville's acceleration allowed it to get off the line quickly and stay ahead of the competition. In everyday riding, the Bonneville's acceleration allowed riders to quickly and easily merge into traffic and overtake other vehicles.
Fuel economy
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville was known for its impressive fuel economy, achieving up to 50 mpg. This was a significant advantage for riders, especially during a time when fuel prices were rising.
The Bonneville's fuel efficiency was due to several factors, including its efficient engine design and lightweight chassis. The parallel-twin engine was designed to minimize fuel consumption, and the lightweight chassis reduced overall weight, which also contributed to better fuel economy.
The Bonneville's fuel economy was a major selling point for the motorcycle. It allowed riders to travel long distances without having to stop frequently for fuel. This was especially important for riders who used their motorcycles for commuting or touring.
The Bonneville's fuel economy remains impressive even by today's standards. It is a testament to the engineering prowess of Triumph Motorcycles that the Bonneville was able to achieve such high fuel efficiency over 50 years ago.
Styling
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville's styling was a major factor in its success. The classic British design with chrome accents gave the Bonneville a timeless look that appealed to riders of all ages. The Bonneville's styling was also functional, with the chrome accents helping to protect the motorcycle from the elements.
The Bonneville's styling was influenced by the cafe racer culture of the 1960s. Cafe racers were stripped-down motorcycles that were used for racing on public roads. The Bonneville's styling incorporated many of the features of cafe racers, such as a low, sleek profile and a single headlamp. However, the Bonneville was also designed to be comfortable for everyday riding, with a more upright seating position and a larger fuel tank.
The Bonneville's styling has been copied by many other motorcycle manufacturers over the years. However, the original 1966 Triumph Bonneville remains the definitive example of classic British motorcycle styling. The Bonneville's styling is a key part of its appeal, and it is one of the reasons why the motorcycle remains so popular today.
Handling
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville was renowned for its neutral and responsive handling, a combination of traits that made it a pleasure to ride on both the street and the track. This handling was the result of several factors, including the motorcycle's frame, suspension, and weight distribution.
- Frame: The Bonneville's frame was made of lightweight steel tubing, which gave it a good balance of strength and flexibility. This allowed the frame to absorb bumps and shocks without sacrificing stability.
- Suspension: The Bonneville's suspension was also well-tuned, with a telescopic front fork and a swingarm rear suspension. The front fork provided good damping and control, while the rear suspension kept the rear wheel planted firmly on the ground.
- Weight distribution: The Bonneville's weight was distributed evenly between the front and rear wheels, which gave it good stability and handling. This weight distribution also helped to reduce the amount of effort required to steer the motorcycle.
- Brakes: The Bonneville's brakes were also very good for a motorcycle of its era. The front brake was a single disc brake, while the rear brake was a drum brake. Both brakes provided good stopping power and feel.
The combination of these factors gave the 1966 Triumph Bonneville its neutral and responsive handling. This handling made the Bonneville a popular choice for both professional racers and everyday riders.
Brakes
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville was equipped with a single front disc brake and a rear drum brake. This combination of brakes was common on motorcycles of the era, and it provided good stopping power and feel.
- Front disc brake: The front disc brake was the primary source of stopping power on the Bonneville. Disc brakes are more effective than drum brakes because they generate more friction and are less susceptible to fading. The Bonneville's front disc brake was a single disc, which was sufficient for most riding conditions.
- Rear drum brake: The rear drum brake was used to supplement the front disc brake. Drum brakes are less effective than disc brakes, but they are also less expensive and easier to maintain. The Bonneville's rear drum brake was adequate for most riding conditions, but it was not as powerful as the front disc brake.
The combination of a single front disc brake and a rear drum brake gave the 1966 Triumph Bonneville good stopping power and feel. This braking system was more than adequate for most riding conditions, and it was also relatively easy to maintain.
FAQs about the 1966 Triumph Bonneville
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 1966 Triumph Bonneville, along with their respective answers:
Question 1: What engine does the 1966 Triumph Bonneville have?
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville has a 650cc parallel-twin engine.
Question 2: What is the horsepower of the 1966 Triumph Bonneville?
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville produces 46 horsepower at 6,500 rpm.
Question 3: What is the top speed of the 1966 Triumph Bonneville?
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville has a top speed of 115 mph.
Question 4: What are the brakes on the 1966 Triumph Bonneville?
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville has a single front disc brake and a rear drum brake.
Question 5: What is the fuel economy of the 1966 Triumph Bonneville?
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville gets up to 50 mpg.
Question 6: What is the weight of the 1966 Triumph Bonneville?
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville weighs 420 lbs.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1966 Triumph Bonneville. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
We hope this information has been helpful. Thank you for your interest in the 1966 Triumph Bonneville!
Next Article Section: The 1966 Triumph Bonneville: A Detailed Review
Tips for Maintaining Your 1966 Triumph Bonneville
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville is a classic motorcycle that requires regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. Here are 5 tips to help you maintain your Bonneville:
Tip 1: Change the oil and filter regularly.
The oil and filter should be changed every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This will help to keep the engine clean and running smoothly.
Tip 2: Check the tire pressure regularly.
The tire pressure should be checked every month or before each ride. The correct tire pressure will help to improve handling and stability.
Tip 3: Clean the carburetor regularly.
The carburetor should be cleaned every 6 months or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will help to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently.
Tip 4: Check the brakes regularly.
The brakes should be checked every month or before each ride. The brake pads should be replaced when they are worn down to 1/4 inch. The brake fluid should also be flushed and replaced every 2 years.
Tip 5: Store the motorcycle properly.
When storing the motorcycle for an extended period of time, it is important to take steps to protect it from the elements. The motorcycle should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. The battery should be disconnected and the fuel tank should be filled with gas to prevent condensation.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your 1966 Triumph Bonneville in top condition for many years to come.
Summary:
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your 1966 Triumph Bonneville running smoothly and safely. By following the tips above, you can help to extend the life of your motorcycle and ensure that it is always ready to ride.
Conclusion:
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville is a classic motorcycle that is still enjoyed by many riders today. By following the maintenance tips above, you can help to keep your Bonneville running in top condition for many years to come.
Conclusion
The 1966 Triumph Bonneville is a classic motorcycle that is still enjoyed by many riders today. It is a well-rounded motorcycle that is suitable for both racing and everyday riding. The Bonneville's combination of power, handling, and style make it a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
If you are looking for a classic motorcycle that is both stylish and fun to ride, the 1966 Triumph Bonneville is a great option. With proper maintenance, your Bonneville will provide you with many years of riding enjoyment.
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