Triumph previews limited-edition ‘DGR’ Bonneville T120

When the very first Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was held in Sydney in 2012, few could have imagined how big the fundraising ride would become, but the enthusiasm to ‘dress dapper’ and support prostate cancer research and men’s health programmes struck a chord with motorcyclists, leading to it becoming a global event that has raised in excess of $33 million and now sees more than 90,000 riders in 800+ cities take part annually.

While rider enthusiasm for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) has been there from the outset, one of the earliest corporate supporters was Triumph Motorcycles, who came on board in 2014 as the event’s motorcycle partner. In the decade since, Triumph have provided resources and financial support to help grow the profile of the event, while also donating motorcycles from their Modern Classics range to the event’s highest fundraisers. Amongst these, there have been production models, as well as one-off bikes like a Thruxton RS, ‘1959 Legends’ Bonneville T120 (and matching Gibson Les Paul guitar) and the ‘Dapper Bonnie’ Bonneville T100.

Celebrating 10 with 250

To mark their decade of DGR support, Triumph have upped the ante and will release a special version of the Bonneville T120 Black this year – the DGR Limited Edition – defined by a unique paint scheme and special graphics. As with past DGRs, this year’s highest fundraiser will receive a T120 Black DGR Limited Edition, but they won’t be the only one.

Triumph will build 250 examples of the Bonneville T120 Black DGR Limited Edition for worldwide release. Build #001 will go to this year’s top fundraiser, with the remaining 249 units to be available to purchase from this September.

"We are delighted to be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of our unique relationship with the DGR, which is an incredibly important partnership for Triumph and the thousands of Triumph DGR fans across the world," said Triumph CCO, Paul Stroud.

"With the launch of the new DGR edition of our Bonneville T120 Black, our ambition is to mark this wonderful occasion with something truly special which, for me, epitomises the spirit of the DGR and delivers a new way to delight riders and celebrate this incredible cause."

DGR founder Mark Hawwa added: "If anyone had said 10 years ago that we’d be celebrating a decade of partnership with Triumph Motorcycles, I would have laughed. That first year of signing with Triumph has always been a highlight for me. It felt exciting, and that excitement still carries on every year.

"That excitement and passion has now been brought together in a product that speaks to our journey together. We are beyond proud to release the Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Limited Edition motorcycle, to celebrate what we have achieved together and to continue doing more of what we love."

DGR Limited Edition – Dapper Style

Defining the Bonneville T120 Black DGR Limited Edition is a unique two-tone colour scheme that’s inspired by a dinner suit. On the Phantom Black metallic fuel tank, a Crystal White chevron creates the impression of a white shirt under a black jacket, with the white treatment continuing onto the front mudguard.

The black-and-white tank is edged with a hand-painted gold coachline that’s repeated on the sidecovers, with the inspiration here said to come from accessorising a suit with a gold tie pin or pocket watch. A Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride logo tops the tank and is also added to the sidecovers.

The finishing touch is a dark brown version of the classic Bonneville T120 saddle with pillion strap.

While there’ll be no individual numbering on each of the 250 bikes to be produced, every Bonneville T120 Black DGR Limited Edition will be supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity from Triumph detailing its VIN and build number, signed by Mark Hawwa and Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor.

DGR Limited Edition - T120 Base

Under its dapper styling, the DGR limited Edition is unchanged from the Bonneville T120 Black, which was significantly updated in 2021 (including a 7kg weight reduction) and runs a 1200cc “high torque” parallel twin producing 58.8kW and 105Nm.

With a 270-degree firing interval and distinctive soundtrack delivered though classic-look ‘hot dog’ silencers, the liquid-cooled twin is matched to a six-speed gearbox with torque-assist clutch and chain final drive.

The steel twin cradle frame features a 41mm tele fork front end and twin shock rear with preload adjustability. Braking includes premium Brembo two-piston floating front calipers on dual 310mm discs, with a Nissin two-piston floating caliper gripping the 255mm rear disc.

While elements like the wire-spoke wheels, exhaust design and twin analogue gauges give the Bonneville T120 Black a classic look, there’s a lot of modern tech, too. A ride-by-wire throttle, two selectable riding modes, switchable cruise control and traction control, ABS, LCD inserts in the gauges, LED head/tail lights, immobiliser and underseat USB charger are all fitted as standard.

T120 Black detailing touches that carry over for the limited edition include a blackout treatment for the engine and exhaust, black rims and black fork legs.

DGR Limited Edition – September arrival

The Bonneville T120 Black DGR Limited Edition is due for local release in September. Pricing had not been confirmed at time of writing, but the Bonneville T120 Black that the limited-edition is based on lists for $21,490 ride away, so a premium in the region of $1,500 - $2,500 is likely.

Pricing will be announced closer to local release, but expressions of interest are open now via the Triumph website - triumphmotorcycles.com.au

DGR Limited Edition – Clothing Range

In addition to producing 250 motorcycles to mark their decade of DGR support, Triumph have also become the official clothing supplier for the event. A limited-edition range of short- and long-sleeved t-shirts bearing the DGR logo and ‘Sir Remington Silversteed’ graphic will be offered, but pricing, sizing and other details were unconfirmed at time of writing.