What Happens When Engineered Elegance Meets Human Artistry?
In December 2025, Oceanside, California became the stage for something extraordinary: The Bonneville Experience. This first-of-its-kind, weeklong pop-up celebrated the legacy of Triumph’s iconic Bonneville motorcycles - true originals that never settle.
By invitation only, 95 influencers and media insiders stepped into a world where timeless craftsmanship met cutting-edge engineering. They witnessed first-hand why the Bonneville remains the benchmark for modern classic motorcycles.
THE LEGACY LIVES ON
The event supported the 2026 key updates to the iconic Bonneville line-up. Leading the category with motorcycles that blend timeless appeal and modern innovation, this meticulous evolution includes the Bonneville T100, T120, T120 Black, Speedmaster, Bobber, Scrambler 900, and Scrambler 1200 XE. Each bike has been refined with targeted enhancements – from improved chassis components and styling details to upgraded technology - which amplify the performance and rider experience while preserving the distinctive character and heritage that define the Bonneville name.
The Modern Classics feature Triumph’s legendary Bonneville twin engine. Famously named to celebrate Triumph’s 1956 land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, the Bonneville was the original British superbike and a race-winner straight out of the crate, chosen by famous motorcyclists of the past for its handling, style, and character.
INSIDE THE EXPERIENCE
The event opened at the Oceanside Museum of Art with a private gallery tailored entirely to demonstrate the premium style, authenticity and brand legacy of the Bonnevilles.
The ground floor was a tribute to Triumph’s heritage, featuring multiple movie bikes including ones owned by Steve McQueen and the Scrambler from James Bond: No Time to Die.
Adding to the star power of the event, Triumph partnered once again with Gibson to showcase a piece of music history alongside motorcycle heritage. Supporting the bikes featured in the Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere and the Bob Dylan epic A Complete Unknown, Gibson displayed both artists’ personal guitars - an iconic pairing of sound and speed.
The exhibit drew significant attention to Triumph’s rich history, with an extensive archive of vintage advertising and brochures on display. Visitors were immersed in the brand’s story through an evocative audio track featuring the voices of Triumph staff and passionate riders, sharing heartfelt stories about their beloved Bonnevilles.
The second floor was an emotive experience to showcase the new bikes and tell the story of the Bonneville’s engineering excellence and modern innovation.
ART IN MOTION
Over the following two days, media guests hit the road on curated routes designed to reveal the soul of each new Bonneville. From coastal curves to open highways, riders experienced the legendary twin engine, rider-focused technology, and enhanced comfort that define the 2026 models.
By the end of the week, 110 motorcycles covered 48,475 miles of California’s finest roads - a testament to the enduring spirit of the Bonneville. This was an incredible and memorable event that asserted the Triumph Bonneville’s reputation as THE authentic modern classic motorcycles and served as inspiration for those to come.
