Every year Triumph Motorcycles organizes a competition to discover the most mindful custom bike design which is purely based on the legendary Bonneville range. The competition dubbed ‘Bonneville Build-Off Challenge’ (debuted in 2019) requires the custom motorcycle to be powered by a 900cc or 1200cc engine. It tests the skills of creative Triumph dealers who have to craft their own version of the iconic bikes that the company has built since its inception in 1983. The best custom builds are finally voted by Triumph fans who choose their favorite dream machine crafted from the bespoke engineering and off-the-shelf aftermarket parts.

This year the nine stunning bikes submitted by the Triumph dealers across UK are equally impressive but one outshines them all because of its perfect fusion of classic with the modern cruise bike aesthetics. This desirable machine created by the Fowlers Motorcycles from Bristol commemorates the 75th anniversary of VE Day in 2020, draped in British army green color is based on the Bonneville Bobber cruiser motorcycle. The bike put together by master technicians Tony Crocker & Sam Upton traverses one back to a time gone by when girder forks, canvas bags, and big bars were a necessity and also style statement. The Bristol-based Triumph dealer has blacked out the engine section for a contrast look and the addition of commemorative badges on the cases goes all with the theme. Of course, there are clocks with genuine World War 2 accessories like a compass so that you never get lost on adventure trips.

Votes for the competition will run up till 14 October which has a grand prize for the overall winner and there will be separate sub-categories including the Design Award judged by TV presenter George Clarke, Inspirational Award chosen by Olympian and Scrambler owner Victoria Pendleton, and the Paint and Custom Award adjudged by custom bike builder Jody Millhouse. The Retail Choice Award will be scrutinized and judged by Triumph UK general manager Devron Boulton who expressed that “The diversity and quality of the custom build this year really showcases the boundless possibilities we have to personalize this classic bike, using our huge range of genuine Triumph accessories.”

Our pick is obviously the VE Day commemorative bike which embodies the brand’s nostalgic history back from the golden era of the 1970s!

Designer: Fowlers Motorcycles