I have always rather liked the idea of owning one of these Hinckley twins, especially the Thruxton. However when my old friend Andy rocked up on his recently acquired 2010 SE spec Bonnie I wasn’t too fussy that it was not the exact model that I wanted.
The Bonnie SE is a very good looking bike. In fact, whilst it is a completely new and thoroughly modern model it captures the spirit and look of the last Meridan built originals almost perfectly. Especially the delicate cast wheels, which are very evocative of the 1970’s and reminded me of not just Triumphs but ‘coffin-tank’ Yamaha RD’s in particular.
To ride the Bonnie was an absolute joy. It has to be said that it is by no means fast, but easy going and laid back with just enough performance to have some fun too. The standard pipes are way too quiet, but Andy corrected that later with some suitably fruity Norman Hyde straight through silencers.
So overall the Bonnie is a good looking, charming and fun bike, if slightly undemanding. A real honey of a bike that I have enjoyed riding several times, however the Thruxton remains the Hinckley twin I lust over.
Words and pictures: Tony Donnelly