Few names carry as much weight in the motorcycle world as the Triumph Bonneville.
For more than six decades, the Bonneville has represented everything riders love about British motorcycles: timeless styling, effortless torque and an unmistakable personality.
While the original Bonneville became an icon during the 1960s, Triumph achieved something remarkable in 2001. Instead of simply reviving a famous name, they built one of the most successful modern classics ever produced.
The result wasn't just another retro motorcycle.
It became the benchmark.
Even today, almost every manufacturer building heritage motorcycles is compared to the Bonneville.
If you're considering buying one in Switzerland, here's everything you need to know.
Current Swiss Market (July 2026)
The Triumph Bonneville remains one of the most sought-after retro motorcycles on the Swiss used market. Early carburetted 790cc and 865cc models continue to offer excellent value, while newer liquid-cooled versions naturally command higher prices.
At the time of writing, MotoScout24 features a healthy selection of Bonnevilles, with asking prices starting at approximately CHF 4,900 for early rider-quality examples and climbing beyond CHF 12,000 for newer low-mileage motorcycles. Most well-maintained carburetted Bonnevilles currently change hands between CHF 5,000 and CHF 7,500, making them one of the safest buys in the retro segment.
🔍 View Current Triumph Bonneville Listings on MotoScout24
Quick Facts
- Production: Since 2001
- Engine: 790cc / 865cc air-cooled parallel twin (early models)
- Power: 61 hp (790) / 67 hp (865)
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Drive: Chain
- Weight: Approx. 205 kg
- Best for: Touring, Café Racers, Daily Riding, Weekend Escapes
- Swiss Market: CHF 5,000–7,500
Our Verdict
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Character
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reliability
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Parts Availability
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Custom Potential
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Touring Comfort
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Smiles per Mile
The Motorcycle That Saved Triumph
When Triumph returned to production in the 1990s after the collapse of the original company, many enthusiasts wondered whether the legendary British manufacturer could ever recapture its former glory.
The answer arrived in 2001.
The new Bonneville wasn't an attempt to recreate the past bolt for bolt. Instead, Triumph carefully blended classic styling with modern engineering.
The result was a motorcycle that looked unmistakably British while delivering the reliability expected from a contemporary machine.
Chrome mudguards.
Twin rear shocks.
Spoked wheels.
A beautifully proportioned fuel tank.
Everything looked familiar.
Everything worked better.
Almost overnight, the Bonneville became one of the most desirable motorcycles in the world.
Why Riders Still Love the Bonneville
The Bonneville does something very few motorcycles manage.
It appeals to almost everyone.
New riders appreciate its forgiving nature.
Experienced riders admire its balance.
Collectors recognise its historical importance.
Custom builders see endless possibilities.
And commuters simply enjoy riding it every day.
The engine produces smooth, usable torque from low revs, making it effortless to ride through towns or along winding country roads.
Unlike high-performance motorcycles that constantly encourage you to ride faster, the Bonneville rewards relaxed, flowing riding.
It's one of those rare motorcycles that somehow makes every road feel scenic.
How Does It Ride?
Exceptionally well.
The seating position is upright and natural, the handlebars fall perfectly to hand and the parallel twin delivers power in a wonderfully predictable way.
The suspension isn't sporty by modern standards, but that's exactly the point.
The Bonneville is built for real roads.
It absorbs poor surfaces with confidence and remains comfortable for hours in the saddle.
Whether you're riding through the Swiss Alps, exploring Tuscany or simply taking the long way home after work, the Bonneville always feels completely at ease.
It's difficult to ride one without smiling.
Reliability
One of the biggest reasons behind the Bonneville's popularity is its exceptional reliability.
Early carburetted models have proven incredibly durable, while routine maintenance is both straightforward and affordable.
Major engine problems are rare.
Most owners simply ride them.
Year after year.
Regular servicing, oil changes and valve inspections are usually all that's required.
It's exactly the kind of motorcycle that inspires confidence before a long tour.
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Common Problems and What to Look For
Although the Bonneville is widely regarded as one of the most reliable modern classics ever built, every used motorcycle deserves a careful inspection.
Fortunately, there are very few serious concerns.
Instead, focus on finding the best-maintained motorcycle rather than the cheapest one.
- Look for a complete service history.
- Check for corrosion on exhaust headers and chrome components.
- Inspect the chain and sprockets for wear.
- Ensure the carburettors (on early models) idle smoothly and respond cleanly.
- Check fork seals for leaks.
- Inspect wheel bearings and steering head bearings.
- Look carefully at any custom modifications.
The Bonneville has become one of the world's favourite custom motorcycles.
That means there are thousands of beautifully built café racers and scramblers on the market—but unfortunately also plenty of poorly modified examples.
Whenever possible, ask whether the original parts are included.
Even if you prefer the customised appearance, factory components usually help preserve long-term value.
Parts Availability
This is one of the Bonneville's greatest strengths.
Because Triumph continues to build modern classics and because the Bonneville platform has become so popular worldwide, sourcing parts is remarkably easy.
Original Triumph components remain widely available, while the aftermarket is enormous.
Whether you're searching for luggage systems, upgraded suspension, stainless exhausts, aluminium mudguards or complete café racer conversion kits, you'll have no shortage of options.
Very few classic motorcycles enjoy this level of aftermarket support.
Should You Leave It Original?
Twenty years ago, almost everyone modified a Bonneville.
Today, opinions have started to change.
Early carburetted Bonnevilles are gradually becoming classics in their own right.
Clean, unmodified motorcycles are becoming harder to find each year, and many enthusiasts now believe they deserve preservation rather than transformation.
That's not to say you shouldn't customise yours.
The Bonneville remains one of the finest café racer and scrambler platforms ever built.
But if you happen to find a low-mileage, completely original example, think carefully before reaching for the angle grinder.
Is the Bonneville a Good Investment?
We always encourage buying motorcycles to ride first and invest second.
Fortunately, the Bonneville allows you to do both.
Demand remains consistently strong throughout Europe, depreciation has slowed significantly on the early carburetted models, and collector interest continues to grow.
Will it become as valuable as a genuine 1960s Bonneville?
Probably not.
Will a well-maintained early Bonneville continue to hold its value while providing thousands of enjoyable kilometres?
Almost certainly.
Our Rottweiler Motors Recommendation
The Bonneville embodies everything we admire about heritage motorcycles.
Simple engineering.
Timeless styling.
Motorcycles designed for real roads rather than spec sheets.
That's exactly why our 1969 Riding Jersey feels like such a natural companion. Inspired by the clean aesthetic of late-1960s motorcycling, it captures the same understated elegance that makes the Bonneville such an enduring design icon.
Complete the look with our Italian-made 1969 Rebel Motorcycle Goggles, combining vintage style with modern anti-fog optics and lightweight comfort for warm summer rides.
Final Verdict
The Triumph Bonneville succeeds because it never tried to reinvent motorcycling.
Instead, it reminded riders why they fell in love with motorcycles in the first place.
Comfortable.
Reliable.
Beautiful.
Full of character.
Whether you're commuting through the city, exploring Alpine passes or spending a Sunday morning discovering forgotten back roads, the Bonneville feels equally at home.
More than twenty years after its modern rebirth, it remains the benchmark against which almost every heritage motorcycle is measured.
If you're searching for a motorcycle you'll still enjoy owning ten years from now, the Bonneville should be at the very top of your list.
Some motorcycles become classics because they're rare.
The Bonneville became a classic because it simply got everything right.