Triumph’s big bike build off – Bobber V Scrambler

Following the unveiling of two factory customs at this year’s EICMA (Milan, 4^th– 9^th November) exhibition, Triumph Motorcycles is calling for riders across the world to vote for their favourite model in their big bike build off.  With the winner set to be announced at Motorcycle Live in Birmingham (22-30 November), the custom competition will finally resolve one of biking’s biggest battles – Bobber v Scrambler.

The Bobber

The competition began with two sets of volunteers from within the Triumph factory in Hinckley being tasked with creating the ultimate custom bike from a standard Bonneville base.  Combining minimalistic style with a stripped-back riding experience, the first team’s custom Bobber is a feast for the eyes of any committed bike lover.

Incorporating a low, sinuous stance into their Bonnie base, girder forks have been completely redesigned to give better handling than traditional an all-together smoother ride.  The incredible engineering design has been rolled out across the bike, with a traditional solo seat wired with Radianz LED lights to demonstrate exceptional attention to detail.

The innovation isn’t just evident in the bike’s exterior, however.  Using a ’69 Bonnie US Export fuel tank, the team successfully overcame the issue of incorporating modern electronics, looms and sensors that usually beset custom bike-builds.  By splitting the tank in two – one half being used for electrical components and the other for fuel – the team managed to maximise the efficiency of the bike without compromising its overall on-road efficiency.

This is just scratching the bike’s surface.  Countless other details are coupled with truly staggering engineering flourishes to create Triumph’s custom Bobber – a bike that calls back to the firm’s pioneering heritage.

To see the Bobber in action, watch the video on YouTube here. 

The Scrambler

Having won a legion of loyal fans thanks to their status as purposeful, powerful and aggressive off-road alternatives to stock road bikes, scramblers set the pace for custom-bike builders.

Using the standard Bonneville base, the second factory team wanted to reduce weight but maximise power, so set about streamlining the bike to bring it closer in line with a scrambler-style motocross model. To achieve this, the team replaced the existing steel frame with a bespoke aluminium and titanium chassis and incorporated a bespoke carbon fuel tank to give the bike a sportier overall look.

In order to add some spark to the Scrambler, the team completely modified its twin engine, engineering a one-off set of high-lift cams.  Overall, the impressive range of engine mods gave the custom Scrambler a mighty 25% boost in overall power, bringing the bike roaring into life and more than matching the sleek new exterior.

To take a closer look at the Scrambler, check out the video on YouTube here.

Your vote counts!

The result of hours of skill, craftsmanship and some industry leading genius, both bikes represent the very best of custom design and reflect the vision and passion of the Triumph factory.  But who is your overall winner? To have your say, visit http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/triumphfactorycustom and share your favourite bike through social media.  The bike and team with the most shares by 9am, Wednesday 26^th November will be declared the winner at Motorcycle Live 2014.