A Limited Run Custom Bobber

Last fall we were given the opportunity for a month to ride the 2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber, a bike I had long wanted to sample. We shared a bit of the history surrounding the bobber genre, the 1954 Tiger 500 bobber my father owned in his youth, and what this modern iteration was like to ride and live with for several weeks. It was a motorcycle I very much enjoyed, but not in the ways one might expect. You can read our story on it HERE.

Last year’s Triumph Bobber 1200 that we sampled. Photo by Phil G.

Triumph Motorcycles has a custom bike division, called “TFC” for “Triumph Factory Custom”, not unlike Harley-Davidson’s CVO line. Each year, the brand designs and builds limited edition models for their TFC line, and sent us a few early press photos of a Bobber TFC 1200 they are looking to bring to market in the new year. They’ve made more than aesthetic upgrades for this custom model- they have also made a few significant changes to the overall design and function of the Bobber in general. We’re unsure if these will translate to the base model Bobber, or remain only on this custom version.

2025 Triumph Bobber TFC 1200. Photo by Triumph.

Among the first things we noted was the introduction of Öhlins suspension bits front and rear. Our only real complaint last year with the standard Bobber model was the jackhammer ride the bike gave, due to the single mono shock under the seat. It was awful, dare I say painful, over any uneven pavement. Neither Phil G nor I could ride the bike long without lower back pain due to that shock, and for me the stretched reach to the handlebar. An Öhlins shock out back combined with adjustable front forks should greatly improve the ride of these factory customs.

Öhlins front forks and underseat, with Brembo pinchers. Nice. Photos by Triumph.

The 2023 Bobber had decent brakes, but this 2025 TFC model gets Brembo stopping power fore and aft. They’ve also reduced the overall weight of the bike, with many carbon fiber bits and body parts. Triumph upped the hp slightly with a different tune, making 77 hp at a lower 6000 rpm, and 78+ ft lbs at 3750 rpm for more low-end grunt. Triumph added a “Sport” mode to the existing “Road” and “Rain” modes, and the TFC bike gets a pair of nice Akrapovič exhaust cans for a deep guttural growl.

Akropovič exhaust; the display, tank signature and engravings in the triple tree. Photos by Triumph.

Another interesting note is the fuel capacity. Our 2023 bike held 3.6 US gallons, which afforded about 190 (+-) total miles on a full tank. This upcoming TFC model will apparently have a slimmer tank, trimming total fuel capacity to a paltry 2.38 US gallons. That’s unfortunate, in our opinion. With improved suspension, the previous 3.6 gallons would have meant more comfortable miles. Why trim the tank capacity? That makes no sense to us. The 2025 retains its smooth 6-speed gearbox, and the super slammed low seat height of just over 27 inches remains inviting for a wide variety of rider sizes.

Beautiful accents everywhere. Photo by Triumph.

The overall aesthetic of this bike is absolutely beautiful. The custom gold painted striping and accents on each bike, each signed by it’s custom painter, as well as the number plate set in the triple clamp, set these machines apart in appearance and curb appeal. The more we study the photos, the more we find. Definite eye candy, with performance to back it up.

Coming or going, this bike is captivating. Photo by Triumph.

We’d love to get a ride on one in the coming year, but given the limited run (only 750 being built), we’re doubtful of any seat time to check out the ride difference. Looks like they’ll be available stateside in early February, but in the meantime, if you’d like some more photos, footage, and specs on the 2025 Triumph Bobber TFC 1200, check it all out here:

Triumph Bobber TFC