Any thoughts on a new Triumph Bonneville?

[mark bennett]

Now that Triumph has bumped the plain jane black Bonneville to 865cc motor, I'm thinking on getting one as a 2nd bike.
I demo'd a new T100 Bonnie at Americade 2005 and loved it, had ( what I think ) really good power for an 865cc twin.
I ride a 1998 Honda ACE Tourer 1100cc V-twin that I bought new May of 1998.
It's a great bike for me and the wife but I would like to get a bike that weighs less.
My Honda with the tour pack on weighs in at 730lbs on truck scales.
The Bonnie weighs in under 500lbs.
Anyone here have one or had experience with one?

[tex1230]

I love my '06 Bonneville (I have the 790cc twin) - doesn't the current T-100 have the 865cc?
The Bonneville has more power than I need..plenty of accelleration...great brakes...cruises comfortably around 65-70mph
My only complaints (and they are very minor) are the absence of a tachometer and center stand (you can get them as options but I really think those should be standard on all bikes), and I would like a little more power/response in 5th gear.

[jstark47]

I have a 2005 790cc (standard) Bonneville. From what I've heard, the difference in performance between stock 790 and 865 engines is minimal. What will make more effect is changing out the rather restrictive stock pipes and rejetting the carbs to match.

I'll have to disagree with tex, I find the brakes a tad weak. The bike is built to a price point, the engines are great, but the suspension and brakes are kinda generic. It's no big problem, as upgrades to both are readily available.

The engine has a very smooth torque curve right up to the top. It likes to pull at any speed, and doesn't mind revving. It's got a lot of grunt for a twin its size. Handling is docile and predictable - I can't imagine an easier handling bike for a newb.

I bought a standard Bonneville because the T100's were sold out when I was buying. I thought the lack of a tach was going to bother me, but it actually hasn't. It's very easy to tell by sound and feel when to shift. Standard Bonnevilles come with a 17 tooth front sprocket. That makes them pretty zippy off the line, at the expense of high revs on the slab. Some people change out for a 19 tooth sprocket, something to think about if you're going to spend a lot of time on the highway.

[RUDE-MKM]

I ride an '06 Bonneville America & I love it. I get tons of looks & complements on it. I looked at a Black Bonneville first but when I saw the America it was all over. Good luck with it if you do decide to get it.

[xsyamahadg]

Have you guys that already own the new Triumphs experienced any oil leaks ? When I was shopping for a new bike in 03, the dealer had 4 of the Triumph twins on the floor, two of those had oil leaks. One was leaking front fork oil and the other was leaking engine oil. That was alarming to me as you seldom see bikes these days leaking fluids while still on the showroom floor. XS

[jstark47]

Have you guys that already own the new Triumphs experienced any oil leaks ?

Nope, not that would leak on the floor. I replaced the cam cover gasket on my Bonneville at 9200 miles because of slow oil seepage that was annoying me... it was basically just messy on the outside of the engine.

The Bonnevilles seem to use no oil at all. Every time I check the level, it's exactly the same. I've heard similar things from other Bonnie owners.

[MotoF150]

I think its a P.O.S. plus it costs more than most bikes in its class. Buy a Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha you can't go wrong!

[Sev]

I thought Kawaski made PoS's as well as Suzuki?

[rapidblue]

Ahhh, I missed moto's trolling ways.

Triumph's have a style all their own, modern retro. I think they are georgeous bikes. The bonnieville is a great bike from what I hear, plus there is a huge following and tons of aftermarket part to customizes the bike however you want.

I lust for the thruxton my self but samething.

[jstark47]

Mark Bennett, just be aware that MotoF150 is the forum klown. He may have never seen a Bonneville, let alone owned one. Filter his opinions accordingly.

I've owned a Bonneville since July 05 and put 9700 miles on it.