What To Know
- The Bonneville was a popular choice for both street and racing, and it quickly became one of the most recognizable British motorcycles in the world.
- The Bonneville is a better choice for riders who want a more versatile bike that is suitable for a wider range of riding styles.
- Whether you’re looking for a sporty bike for riding fast or a more versatile bike for a variety of riding styles, the BSA Lightning and the Triumph Bonneville are both excellent choices.
The world of classic British motorcycles is a rich and storied one, filled with iconic models that have captured the hearts of enthusiasts for generations. Among these legends, the BSA Lightning and the Triumph Bonneville stand out as two of the most beloved and enduring machines. Both bikes have a long and illustrious history, and they continue to be highly sought-after by collectors and riders today.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the BSA Lightning and the Triumph Bonneville, comparing their specifications, performance, and overall appeal. We’ll also provide some insights into their respective histories and legacies.
History and Legacy
BSA Lightning
The BSA Lightning was first introduced in 1964 as a sportier version of the popular BSA A65 Star. The Lightning quickly gained a reputation for its impressive performance and handling, and it became a favorite among British rockers and cafe racers. The Lightning was produced until 1973, and it remains one of the most iconic BSA motorcycles of all time.
Triumph Bonneville
The Triumph Bonneville has an even longer history than the BSA Lightning, dating back to 1959. The Bonneville was named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where Triumph motorcycles had set several land speed records. The Bonneville was a popular choice for both street and racing, and it quickly became one of the most recognizable British motorcycles in the world. The Bonneville is still in production today, making it one of the longest-running motorcycle models of all time.
Specifications
Engine
The BSA Lightning was powered by a 650cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine. The engine produced 50 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque. The Triumph Bonneville was also powered by a 650cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine. However, the Bonneville’s engine produced slightly more power, with 55 horsepower and 45 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission
Both the BSA Lightning and the Triumph Bonneville were equipped with a four-speed gearbox. The Lightning had a chain final drive, while the Bonneville had a shaft final drive.
Suspension
The BSA Lightning had a telescopic front fork and a swingarm rear suspension with twin shocks. The Triumph Bonneville also had a telescopic front fork, but it had a duplex rear suspension with twin shocks.
Brakes
The BSA Lightning had single-disc brakes front and rear. The Triumph Bonneville had single-disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear.
Performance
The BSA Lightning was a quick and agile motorcycle. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and had a top speed of over 100 mph. The Triumph Bonneville was also a fast bike, but it was slightly slower than the Lightning. The Bonneville could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and had a top speed of around 95 mph.
Handling
The BSA Lightning was known for its excellent handling. It was a very nimble bike that was easy to maneuver through corners. The Triumph Bonneville was also a good handling bike, but it was not quite as nimble as the Lightning.
Overall Appeal
The BSA Lightning and the Triumph Bonneville are both classic British motorcycles that offer a unique blend of style, performance, and handling. The Lightning is a more sporty bike that is ideal for riders who enjoy riding fast and taking corners. The Bonneville is a more versatile bike that is suitable for a wider range of riding styles.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The BSA Lightning and the Triumph Bonneville are both excellent motorcycles, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Lightning is a better choice for riders who want a sporty bike with excellent handling. The Bonneville is a better choice for riders who want a more versatile bike that is suitable for a wider range of riding styles.
Takeaways
The BSA Lightning and the Triumph Bonneville are two of the most iconic British motorcycles of all time. Both bikes have a long and illustrious history, and they continue to be highly sought-after by collectors and riders today. Whether you’re looking for a sporty bike for riding fast or a more versatile bike for a variety of riding styles, the BSA Lightning and the Triumph Bonneville are both excellent choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which bike is faster, the BSA Lightning or the Triumph Bonneville?
A: The BSA Lightning is slightly faster than the Triumph Bonneville.
Q: Which bike has better handling, the BSA Lightning or the Triumph Bonneville?
A: The BSA Lightning has better handling than the Triumph Bonneville.
Q: Which bike is more versatile, the BSA Lightning or the Triumph Bonneville?
A: The Triumph Bonneville is more versatile than the BSA Lightning.
Q: Which bike is more expensive, the BSA Lightning or the Triumph Bonneville?
A: The Triumph Bonneville is more expensive than the BSA Lightning.
Q: Which bike is more popular, the BSA Lightning or the Triumph Bonneville?
A: The Triumph Bonneville is more popular than the BSA Lightning.