by Gabrielle DeSantis

You can’t get a Suzuki Jimny just about everywhere due to emissions issues. And Suzuki hasn’t sold cars in the US forever. But the Jimny LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) is still being sold in some countries. That’s because emissions for commercial vehicles are slightly more lenient in many places. Playing up the LCV’s commercial aspects is the Jimny Beans Cappuccino Coffee Bar.

Suzuki’s Jimny Beans is a coffee bar and promo vehicle too

And why not? Since it is no longer sold with the passenger bench seat, Suzuki had to hype the space in the back for something. The Jimny Beans will be touring throughout the UK at Suzuki events for the next year.

In place of the seat is a 57-liter water tank. It is tied into a 3M filtration system. There’s also an LPG tank under the floor. This necessitated reworking the exhaust system which now features a side exit. All of the coffee mods were done by Coffee Latino.

The Jimny Beans can either be run on gas or electricity

Powering the coffee bar is done either with the gas engine or electricity. Two large capacity batteries with 125A/H 12-volts can power the system for several hours. The engine is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated 101 hp banger with 96 lb-ft of torque. 

Brewing up the coffee is a machine made by Fracino. It is tied into a custom-made aluminum countertop. A 12-volt Waeco refrigerator keeps things cool. There is also a hot water dispenser for brewing up tea. 

We’ve lamented not getting the Jimny in the US before. Suzuki cut bait in the US in 2012. It was one of the many casualties of the Great Recession. In all, 10 brands have gone since 2000. All Suzuki cars are now built in Japan. 

Suzuki bailed on North America in 2014 when it shut down Canadian operations

At the time Suzuki laid the blame on low sales, the truncated model lineup here, and foreign exchange rates. In 2014 it closed down operations in Canada as well. But in other parts of the world, Suzuki automobiles sell very well. 

Its Wagon R was one of the top-selling cars in Japan. India is another bright spot for Suzuki where cheap transportation is what most seek out. Looking back, Geo, Isuzu, Yugo, Eagle, and Daihatsu have all collapsed in the US. The common thread with these brands is they’re all small, imported economy cars. 

If you’re dying to see the Jimney Beans in person it makes its first appearance at the Southampton International Boat Show running from September 10-20, 2021.

RELATED: Report: Jeep Doing Baby Renegade Version of Suzuki Jimny

The post US Needs This Suzuki “Jimny Beans” Cappuccino Coffee Bar appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re in the market for a modern motorcycle with classic style, the Triumph Bonneville is an oft-recommended choice. However, while the bike has retro looks, Triumph hasn’t let it stagnate. It’s received regular updates over the years, most recently for 2022. But how much has the ‘Bonnie’ changed since the 2009 model I recently rode? To answer that, I took the latest Triumph Bonneville T120 for a ride at the 2021 Chicago International Motorcycle Show.

What’s different between the 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 and the 2009 Triumph Bonneville?

Spec	2022 Triumph Bonneville T120	2009 Triumph Bonneville
Engine	1200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin	865cc air/oil-cooled parallel-twin
Power	79 hp	67 hp
Torque	77 lb-ft	51 lb-ft
Transmission	Six-speed with torque-assist clutch	Five-speed
Front suspension	Cartridge forks	Cartridge forks
Rear suspension	Twin RSU shocks with preload adjustment	Twin shocks with preload adjustment
Seat height	31.1″	30.5″ (Motorcyclist)
Curb weight	520 lb	506 lb (Motorcyclist)

Back in 2009, the Triumph Bonneville was available in three trims: base, SE, and T100. But these days, the T100 is the base trim, with a smaller engine and fewer features than the range-topping T120. That’s been the case since 2016, the last time Triumph significantly overhauled the Bonneville lineup.

But besides the larger engine, extra gear, and slightly taller seat, what else does the 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 have that the 2009 model doesn’t? For one, dual front Brembo disc brakes, rather than a single disc. Secondly, the 2022 T120 has standard ABS, traction control, cruise control, and LED lighting. Plus, two riding modes, an under-seat USB outlet, and adjustable brake and clutch levers.

Also, while the 2009 Triumph Bonneville only has one gauge, the 2022 T120 has dual gauges with an LCD screen. The latter feature means the modern bike has a fuel gauge, while the older Bonneville just has a low-fuel light. And speaking of lights, the 2022 T120 has separate turn-signal indicators. In addition, while the 2022 Bonneville T120 has non-adjustable cartridge forks like the 2009 bike, they’re now inverted forks. Finally, the 2022 bike’s spoked wheels and engine are lighter than on the 2021 model, Motorcyclist notes.

Riding the T120 at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021 showed what 13 years of refinement looks like

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Even before its 2022-model-year updates, the Triumph Bonneville T120 was already “perhaps the most rounded Bonnie yet,” MCN says. And those recent updates—more responsive engine, lighter wheels, better brakes—enhance it even further, Motorcyclist reports. But really, how much has the Bonneville improved since that 2009 model I rode?

Admittedly, I didn’t get as much time with the 2022 T120 as I did with the 2009 Bonneville I rented. But even so, after taking the new bike on a multi-mile country road ride at IMS Outdoors Chicago 2021, I can confirm Motorcyclist’s and MCN’s reports. It’s as if Triumph took every aspect of the Bonneville and improved it.

While the 2009 Bonneville resisted leaning into corners somewhat, the 2022 Bonneville T120 turns in easily. The frame also feels stiffer, further enhancing the handling and stability. And despite being slightly heavier on paper, the 2022 bike feels lighter and easier to maneuver than the 2009 one. Part of that might be due to the standard tank pads, as well as the suspension, chassis, and engine revisions.

Speaking of the engine, the 2022 Bonneville’s 1200cc parallel-twin responds more readily to throttle inputs. And unlike with the 2009 Bonneville, there’s no need to activate a high-idle switch during cold starts. Plus, even less engine vibration makes it through the new bike’s seat than the old one’s seat.

In addition, while the 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120’s clutch is still forgiving, it has more feedback than the 2009 version. And that extra front disc means you don’t have to pull as firmly on the brake lever to stop.

Is the 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 a good beginner bike?

ICYMI: We've been riding the 2021 updated @UKTriumph Bonneville T120. Is this still the best modern retro on the market?https://t.co/lAXof4BU28

— Motor Cycle News (@MCNnews) August 1, 2021

All these improvements do come at a price. The 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 starts at $12,300 before options. But while it’s pricier than it was in 2009, the Bonneville T120 is even easier to live with and ride than the old bike, which was already a friendly machine.

However, do all these things make it a good choice for a beginner? When it comes to used Bonnevilles, Motorcyclist says yes. As for a brand-new one, I’m tempted to say the same. To be sure, it depends on a rider’s personal level of experience and comfort. And the 2022 Bonneville T120 is heavier and more powerful than, say, a Honda Monkey. But for a rider with a few months’ experience under their helmet, it would make for a great all-around machine. Plus, riding in Rain Mode does lower the power output, MCN notes.

13 years later, then, the Triumph Bonneville’s spirit hasn’t changed. But it does shine even brighter.

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RELATED: The Triumph Speed Twin Gets Even Speedier for 2022

The post IMS Chicago 2021: 13 Years of Triumph Bonneville Progress appeared first on MotorBiscuit.