Despite the bevy of modern classics hitting the market lately, the Triumph Bonneville can still hold its own. Maybe a few technical improvements wouldn’t go amiss, but that’s where folks like Maria Motorcycles come in.
Luis Correia and his crew have turned wrenches on several Bonnevilles already, and like this one, most have vibrant color schemes that wouldn’t look out of place in a modern surfing or BMX catalogue. It’s the ultra-crisp design on this 2005 spec Triumph that immediately caught our eye—especially those powder blue highlights.
The Lisbon-based outfit took inspiration from 50s and 60s-era motoring for the blue color. It’s combined with subtle blacks and greys, gold suspension components, and a hand-made, tan leather seat. As outrageous as the idea of blue rims on a Triumph Bonneville custom sounds, the overall effect is refreshing rather than garish—and we dig it.
The look of this Bonnie is quintessentially Maria, but the team approached the project with a fresh mindset for the technical details. Their goal: source the best possible aftermarket parts to make the Bonneville lighter, faster and better handling.
The most obvious upgrade is the burly new suspension setup. It’s now equipped with Öhlins components at both ends, with upside-down forks mated to a set of LSL triple clamps.
There’s a Brembo braking system up front, which turned into quite a chore to install, due to the wheel’s offset in the new forks. There’s also a Brembo hydraulic clutch system, and both the clutch and brake levers are paired with Rizoma reservoirs. As if that doesn’t make the cockpit appealing enough, it’s all mounted to a set of LSL carbon fiber handlebars.
Other refinements include a smaller headlight and speedo, a new tank filler cap, and an LSL rear fender with an integrated tail light. The side covers have been ditched, the airbox replaced by K&N filters, and the wiring is now packed into a discreet, bespoke battery box—containing two tiny Lithium-ion batteries.
Maria also fitted an aluminum rear sprocket from Renthal, off-road foot pegs, a Triumph bash plate and an appropriately brawny set of Continental TKC80 tires. The exquisite underslung exhaust is a full two-into-one system from Zard.
According to Maria, ‘El Carmen’ is the most kitted bike they’ve produced to date. And it’s miles ahead of the stock Bonneville in performance.
We reckon it’s a prime example of a well-judged nip and tuck, with top-shelf upgrades. With a sublime color scheme and audible extra grunt from the exhaust, it’ll be turning heads as it tears up the busy streets of Lisbon.
