Classic British motorcycle brand Triumph has announced that it will be producing a special edition of its iconic Bonneville model in 2020, paying homage to legendary American motorcyclist Bud Ekins.

Ekins was responsible for the iconic scene in the Hollywood blockbuster The Great Escape, when he doubled for leading man Steve McQueen for the famous jump scene, but his fame stretched beyond his stunt work in films, being a leading competitor in motocross, enduro and desert racing. He was also the owner of the biggest Triumph dealership in the United States for a while in the 1960s.

The two special editions are based on the 900cc T100 and 1200cc T120s, which have been modified with a host of official Triumph accessories and unique paint work.

One of the most eye catching and significant details on the Ekins editions is the use of the old Triumph ‘heritage’ logo, applied to a Hinckley-era Triumph for the first time. The bikes all have a two tone paint schemes. The T100 running a red tank and mudguard with white detailing and hand painted coachlining, while the T120 reverses the paint work and has white as the main colour. Both have unique logos on the mudguard, tank and side panels, as well as a Monza-style filler cap, LED indicators, posher handlebar grips, bar end mirrors and engine badges which are unique to the Bud Ekins edition.

As has become the case with Triumph special editions, each bike will come with its own certificate of authenticity. These are signed by Triumph boss Nick Bloor and Ekins’ daughters, Susan and Donna.

Ultimately the special editions are a cosmetic makeover for the ever-popular Bonnevilles. Beneath the fancy paintwork, which will undoubtedly appeal to fans of classic Triumphs, lies the standard Bonneville T100 and T120. That’s no bad thing at all, as the current Bonnies remain the benchmark among the current range of modern retros. 

The Bud Ekins special editions will command a £300 premium over the base models, coming in at £9,200 for the T100 and £10,900 for the T120.