The air-cooled Bonneville T100’s reputation for aftermarket components has led to an astonishing proliferation, transforming it into a darling of the “new wave” custom motorcycle scene. Unexpectedly, a customized Bonneville T100 made an appearance in Beijing, China – a location that didn’t initially come to mind when envisioning this iconic motorcycle’s travels.
With its striking appearance, this exceptional Bonneville T100 cafe racer is a masterpiece crafted by Luo Hao and his team at Mandrill Storage, a renowned Chinese customization workshop.
“As the sleek, water-cooled Triumph Bonneville series makes its debut, owners of the classic, air-cooled models can’t help but feel their rides are showing their age.” “So, rather than customizing an outdated model, many people prefer to buy a newer one.”
While we appreciate the nostalgia surrounding air-cooled engines, their dated design actually detracts from our ability to optimize performance through modern modifications. Offering a cost-effective solution and a tailored build option, this alternative proves to be a shrewd decision for those seeking a customized structure at an affordable price. The construction of an outdated mannequin can be made easier and modified more concisely.
Luo’s riding skills were elevated by acquiring an air-cooled Bonneville T100, which he transformed into a stripped-back cafe racer in collaboration with Mandrill Storage, yielding a sleek, no-frills motorcycle.
Following the closure of its manufacturing facility, Madrill sought ways to reduce the weight of the Bonneville’s bodywork by eliminating any non-essential components. The logical starting point was the airbox itself. As the project neared completion, the bulky airbox was carefully disassembled from the vehicle’s frame and promptly discarded into the waste container. As the design intended for a solo rider, the passenger footrests were subsequently removed along with the supporting framework that anchors them to the main structure. All the metal fenders, plus the large entrance and rear mudguards, were stowed away in the components bin, followed by the inventory rear sprocket cover, footpegs, handlebars, mirrors, gauge cluster, and exhaust system. As the weight of destruction lifted, it was imperative to start envisioning a comprehensive rebuild strategy.
Mandrill’s innovative approach to setting the tone for the mission involved designing and building a bespoke gas tank and tail unit, a unique creation tailored to this specific endeavour. Crafted from high-quality aluminum, the sleek and innovative tank was undeniably inspired by Ducati’s iconic 2006 Paul Smart 1000LE model. With precision-crafted geometry designed to harmonize seamlessly with the T100’s robust chassis, the tank sits comfortably atop the Hinkley parallel twin engine.
As a result of meticulous trimming and welding efforts on the subframe, Mandrill’s arduous labor has yielded a seamless fusion of the alloy wasp tail cowl, culminating in a distinctively cohesive finish. The finishing touches on the bodywork include a sleek, lightweight entrance fender and a supple leather-wrapped seat pad.
In its standard configuration, this T100 typically produced a moderate 64 horsepower. To amplify their cafe racer aesthetic, Mandrill has undergone significant transformations, seamlessly integrating the parallel twin’s gentle hum into a menacing roar.
With the airbox out of the best way, Mandrill match the carbs with free-flowing Ok&N air filters. On the noisy conclusion of the combustion cycle, a sleek 2-into-1 Zard exhaust system takes center stage. To optimize their performance gains, they recalibrated the fueling system accordingly. While this upgrade notably boosts the Triumph’s performance metrics, its most significant advantages are likely linked to substantial weight reduction.
While the air-cooled Bonneville T100 tips the scales at a substantial 205kg, its heft does little to diminish the bike’s impressive performance credentials. With weight already significantly reduced through previous modifications, Mandrill aimed to eliminate additional kilos by implementing further tweaks.
Reducing unsprung weight can yield significant benefits in terms of handling and efficiency, prompting a replacement for the heavy inventory wheels. The sleek features of these bikes include tubeless CNC aluminium rims and hubs crafted by the renowned brand Kineo. The wheel swap also provided an opportunity to reassess the braking system, with the Bonneville now equipped with twin front discs featuring four-piston Brembo calipers.
Despite initial appearances suggesting a conventional setup, subsequent inspection reveals that these entrance forks are actually something quite unusual. By incorporating lightweight LSL CNC alloy triple clamps, the forks feature entirely revamped internal components. The newly designed configuration features intuitive preload and damping adjustments via easy-to-use knobs located at the top of the fork’s stanchions.
Behind the scenes, the transformations become more pronounced. The Mandrill’s installation of piggyback Ohlins shocks results in a mere 0.1-inch increase in the rear suspension, posing negligible concerns regarding ride height and overall performance.
Dependable rubber is crucial for good suspension performance. To meet the requirements, Mandrill opted for the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 tires specifically designed for Chinese roads, collaborating seamlessly to ensure a smooth ride.
The culmination of the build process focused on selecting the perfect aftermarket components to elevate their Bonneville T100 cafe racer. Although Britain has departed the European Union, Mandrill appears oblivious to this development. The Motogadget-branded chrono-classic gauge and M-Blaze LED flip alerts on the bike boast a distinctive white face, showcasing German engineering precision. Coming from Germany, the LSL brand offers a range of aftermarket components, including clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, and a chain guard. From Italy comes the renowned combination of Brembo levers, paired with a precision-crafted Domino fast-motion throttle and grips.
Wrapped in a sleek Paul Good-inspired palette of silver and blue hues, this Bonneville has shed its vintage veneer to emerge as a stylishly modern marvel. With the Mandrill’s construction of a fundamental cafe racer, they’ve reaffirmed the enduring appeal of the air-cooled Bonneville T100 as an iconic foundation for motorcycle customization.
