2005 Bonneville America - Thoughts?

[monkeywright]

I found a decent price on this bike (new at dealer). I think it's between this and an M50/C50T...
I would prefer the M50, but price may dictate otherwise. The Bonny is about a grand less, and I like that it has a 2 year warranty. Not too excited about tube tires, and it has a little more plastic than I'd like...

Anybody here ride a Triumph? Thoughts?

[blues2cruise]

Which one fits you the best? That should be your first criteria.

[jstark47]

I've had a standard (non-cruiser) Bonneville for three years, can't say tubed tires have ever been an issue. Cleaning chromed spokes is of course a major PITA..... The 790cc vertical twin engine is a solid and reliable piece of machinery.

[shalihe74]

Absolutely love Triumphs. Only thing negative I have to say about them is that getting parts is usually a long process. At least here in AZ, unless the part is a frequently-used bit (oil filter, levers, etc.), it takes a week or so for the dealership to order them and get them in.

[RockBottom]

I don't know if it matters to anyone but I was looking at Bonneville T100 at the recent Carlisle, PA Bike Fest, and it was made in Thailand.

[HYPERR]

I don't know about the new Bonnies but no Twin sounds as good as the old British Parallel Twins. Nortons probably sounded the best out of the Brit Twins, however....

[jstark47]

I don't know if it matters to anyone but I was looking at Bonneville T100 at the recent Carlisle, PA Bike Fest, and it was made in Thailand.

The OP is looking at an '05 TBA. It was made in the UK.

It shouldn't matter, though. Triumph has had their plant in Thailand for several years now, making components. The only change is the Thai plant has recently begun doing final assembly of Bonne's.

I don't know about the new Bonnies but no Twin sounds as good as the old British Parallel Twins. Nortons probably sounded the best out of the Brit Twins, however....

Unfortunately, the new one don't sound quite the same. I think the counterbalancer is too efficient...... and in stock form the exhaust is all plugged up ('though that's fixable... )

[HYPERR]

I don't know if it matters to anyone but I was looking at Bonneville T100 at the recent Carlisle, PA Bike Fest, and it was made in Thailand.

The OP is looking at an '05 TBA. It was made in the UK.

It shouldn't matter, though.

True. As long as they are not using Amal carbs and Lucas "electronics".

I don't know about the new Bonnies but no Twin sounds as good as the old British Parallel Twins. Nortons probably sounded the best out of the Brit Twins, however....

Unfortunately, the new one don't sound quite the same. I think the counterbalancer is too efficient...... and in stock form the exhaust is all plugged up ('though that's fixable... )

Yeah I heard a Thurxton with loud pipes and it sounded awesome but did not have the raw bite that the old Bonnies had. The old Bonnies always sounded like it was on the verge of blowing up at redline and that somehow added to the appeal.

I don't know how anyone can have a Brit Twin and keep the stock exhaust on it......

[NewGuy]

I think it's between this and an M50/C50T...
I would prefer the M50, but price may dictate otherwise.

Well I think the Triumph America is one of the best looking cruisers out there. However, when compared to the M50/C50, you're giving up some things. The Triumph uses a chain, rather than the easier maintenance of the shaft drive of the M50/C50. The Triumph still uses carbs vs. the EFI on the M50/C50. Also, as has been pointed out parts and maintenance could be a bit more difficult for the Triumph.

[jstark47]

Well I think the Triumph America is one of the best looking cruisers out there. However, when compared to the M50/C50, you're giving up some things......

Yeah, you're giving up about 80 lbs of weight. E.g. Suzuki Marauder = 456 lbs, M50 = 544 lbs. Very similar bikes, exact same engine. Marauder was chain drive, M50 is shaft. I'll take chain any day for the weight savings.

Chain maintenance is a non-issue: adjust once every 5,000 - 10,000 miles, clean once per year, spray on some chain lube (a 20 second operation) every 500-1,000 miles.