So you’ve got a recent-model Triumph Bonneville. A great base bike, but how do you give it a different look without breaking the bank or compromising its reliability? The twelfth build from CRD of Spain shows how: it’s a 2009 Triumph Bonneville with a strong café racer slant.
A few well-thought-out tweaks to the Hinckley twin have had a radical effect on its appearance—and desirability. The biggest change is the rear subframe, which has been modified to accommodate a slimline custom seat and a more elegant rear fender. That fender is wrapped around a wider 18” wheel to give a slightly bobber-ish look, and the stock shocks have been upgraded to Hagon items.
The engine now breathes through K&N filtration and the fuel injection has been reprogrammed to suit the exhaust system—which is stock on the outside, but de-catalyzed and freed up on the inside. A custom CRD headlight is mounted on Renthal Ultra Low bars, and the electrics have been simplified—with the ignition key slot moved to the chassis.
The engine has been repainted, and also the tank, with a subtle two-tone satin effect. In keeping with the retro look, the tires have been swapped out for a certain brand that will remain nameless.
To our eyes, this is the perfect look for a Triumph cafe racer, and a nod to the machines of yore. Perhaps Triumph should consider a restyle along these lines the next time the range is refreshed?
Images by Cesar Serrano. Head over to the Cafe Racer Dreams website for more builds.
