ECLIPSE ON THE COAST: TOMMY’S TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BOBBER STEALTH EDITION
From avoiding Island traffic to capturing coastal solar eclipses—how a former motorcycle skeptic transformed a 2024 Triumph Bobber Stealth into an island-cruising masterpiece.
Sometimes the most passionate riders start out as total skeptics. For Thomas (Tommy), based on the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England, buying a bike was initially meant to be a purely practical decision to bypass island traffic jams. But from the very first moments of his training, the bug bit hard—turning a practical commute plan into an all-consuming passion for two wheels.
Thomas Triumph Bonneville Bobber Stealth Edition
„I timed it perfectly so I could ride the length of Military Road in the run up to the eclipse, reaching a local beauty spot just as the eclipse was at its peak.“
Thomas
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Choosing a brand-new 2024 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Stealth Edition—featuring factory paint that shifts from deep pitch black to rich purple under direct sunlight—Tommy immediately began refining the machine. Upgrading to a custom Tom Hurley Springer Seat, hand-painted side pod race numbers by a local artist, and the legendary Thornton Hundred Twisted exhaust system, Tommy has built an island cruiser with genuine character. Documenting his entire journey on his YouTube channel Two Wheels Tommy, he captures what makes riding on coastal roads so unforgettable.
THE RIDER
Name: Thomas
Base: Isle of Wight, UK
Garage / Life: YouTuber (Two Wheels Tommy), mountain biker, gym enthusiast, husband, and father.
THE MACHINE
Model: 2024 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Stealth Edition
Spec & Mods: Thornton Hundred Twisted Exhaust, Tom Hurley Springer Seat Kit, hand-painted side pod race numbers, and color-shifting factory Stealth tank paint.
IN CONVERSATION WITH TOMMY
RWN MOTOZINE: Who are you, where are you based, and what do you do when you’re not out riding or in the garage?
Tommy: I'm Tommy, I live on a small island called the Isle of Wight, which is part of the UK. When I am not on my motorcycle I'm hitting the trails on my mountain bike or spending time with my wife and my lad Sam (13). Aside from that, I also enjoy gym/swimming. I enjoy shooting, editing and posting motorcycle videos on my YouTube channel.
RWN MOTOZINE: What is the exact make, model, and year of the bike, and how did you get your hands on it?
Tommy: I'm riding a 2024 Triumph Bonneville Bobber. Mine is a special edition 'Stealth' model with a fancy factory paint job on the tank (it looks black until the sun hits it then it is a lovely purple colour that fades into black)! I bought it brand new from my local Triumph dealer when I passed my bike test in 2024.
RWN MOTOZINE: What have you modified, restored, or tailored on the bike? Was there a specific challenge along the way?
Tommy: I have changed quite a lot, the main modification people notice is my Thornton Hundred Twisted exhaust which I love, but the mod I could not live without is my Tom Hurley Springer Seat Kit. My hand painted race numbers on my side pods are another favourite of mine, painted by a very talented local painter. We are blessed to have some awesome businesses in the UK that make some brilliant modifications for the Bobber so I use these wherever possible. I'm going to enjoy it as it is for a bit now, but more mods are on the cards.
RWN MOTOZINE: Is there a specific memory, road trip, or moment with this bike that stands out to you?
Tommy: Everytime I swing a leg over it is an experience, but my favourite ride was during the recent solar eclipse. We have an amazing road here on the island (Military Road) that hugs the south coast - the views are amazing. I timed it perfectly so I could ride the length of Military Road in the run up to the eclipse, reaching a local beauty spot just as the eclipse was at its peak. I was very pleased that I managed to catch that ride on camera as it cannot be repeated!
RWN MOTOZINE: What does motorcycle culture mean to you? Feel free to share anything else you’d like our readers to know.
Tommy: I'll be honest, I've never been a fan of motorcycles but I fancied getting a motorcycle as they are perfect for island life as nowhere is far away, but traffic can suck. As soon as I did my CBT I was hooked and it became all-consuming. My idea to use a motorcycle to save money has backfired somewhat! I have met some great people through riding, everyone who rides seems to be nice! I have documented my riding journey from day 1, and covered the fitting of all of the modifications on my Bobber on my YouTube channel, Two Wheels Tommy.
RWN MOTOZINE: Tommy, thank you for the craft, the time, and for keeping the raw spirit of the culture alive.
Photos by Thomas - Story by Sascha Köhmstedt