The biggest difference between the two motorcycles is their appearance. The standard Bonneville T40 gets a more traditional Bonneville look, with bright chrome and brushed-metal finishes that highlight its retro styling. It is available in three two-tone colour schemes: Aegean Blue with Fusion White, Meriden Blue with Tangerine Orange, and New England White with Jet Black. These paint schemes also feature hand-painted coach lining, giving the bike a more premium and traditional appearance. The T40 Black, as its name suggests, gets a darker and more understated design. It is finished in Matt Pewter Grey and Matt Phantom Black, giving it a more modern and purposeful appearance while retaining the same classic Bonneville silhouette.
The standard T40 gets chrome-finished mirrors and grab hoop, along with brushed aluminium heel guards and a brushed steel exhaust system. These bright finishes give it a more traditional look.
The T40 Black replaces most of these bright elements with blacked-out components. Its engine casings are powder-coated black, while other components also get darker finishes. Interestingly, the T40 Black still uses bright steel spokes, which contrast with its gloss-black aluminium wheel rims.
There are no major mechanical differences between the two motorcycles. Both use the same liquid-cooled 350cc single-cylinder TR Series engine, producing 29 PS and 31.2 Nm. Both also get the same 4-inch TFT display, smartphone connectivity, navigation, cruise control, five riding modes, lean-sensitive cornering ABS and traction control.
