Does anyone own a Triumph Bonneville?

[shaun_04]

As in one of the newer ones, not an ancient version.

First off, do you like it?

Could you tell me about how it performs, and also, have you ever been touring on it?

Any problems?

Thanks.

[kawashima]

I remember BWW bought T100 but I haven't seen his post for a long time.
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=1144490#1144490
I own W650, and have rented T100 once. T100 is more powerful, and has better front brake compared to W650. I could enjoy on a winding road. On the other hand, on a motorway, I wanted longer gear ratio for top gear of T100.
W650 revs 3500rpm at 100km/h but T100 revs about 4000rpm.
Some T100 owners change drive sprocket to larger one for comfortable cruising.
T100 is DOHC but I felt it very torqy at low range, and not so revvy at high range(for an image of DOHC). W650 is flat at all range, and not exciting.
Comparing both engine sound, T100 have more interesting sound when slowing down. W650 is generally boring and powerless.
T100 drinks more petrol than W650, so regarding tank milage, W650 is better than T100.
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own:2020 Serow 250
owned: 2012 YB125SP, 2008 TDM900, 2005 W650, 2002 LS125R, 2002 CB400SF, NS50F, C50 / Trip to UK(2009), Hokkaido touring(2013)

[bigwill]

my local trumpet shop have lent me a t100 and the updated version of the standard one with the bigger 865cc?? engine.
I love these bikes, really comfy and the engines are great, really nice n smooth power delivery, all be it a little on the not so powerful side. But coming off an FZ1 to one of these is gonna be a bit of a step down in power!

Great bikes, if i could afford to have one as a weekend bit of fun i would have one straight away. Probably the Thruxton version though
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2006 Yamaha FZ1 - the comfy R1

[neatbik]

I test rode a Thruxton once, and i loved it. Because the suspension is quite basic 80mph felt fast enough, in a fun way. The engine was nice and punchy, sounded nice (but they sound awesome with loud pipes on) and it was easy to throw around.
I couldnt have one as my only bike (keeping it clean would be a nightmare) but i would love one as a second toy.

https://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q399/beatnck2/DSC00117.jpg

[Bendy]

I had one as a courtesy bike for the day, quite liked it. The brakes were pretty lame compared to what I was used to, but it was quick enough (a bit deceptive actually cos it's very quiet as standard and I tend to equate noise with speed somewhat) and was a good laugh in the local twisties. Very comfy, quite low, easy to handle. Couldn't help but feel quite cool, it looks like a 'proper' motorbike.

Didn't ride it for more than 40 miles though, so not gonna be much help.

If you haven't tried one yourself, get a test ride - Triumph dealers generally seem quite happy to give you decent length tests and should have one of every model available as a demo bike.

[McJamweasel]

I don't own one but I do work with them and have ridden a few.

Performance is pretty good, depending on what you're used to. The first time I rode on I was still on sportsbike mode and tried to ride it like my ZX-6R - it didn't work and I hated it. The next time that I rode one I managed to leave my sportsbike head in the fridge and ride the thing for what it is, a laid back semi-cruiser with oodles of character. The 865 engines are much better than the 790's, and the new EFI is smoother and more efficient than the carbs.

Stick a set of the aftermarket pipes on, they are far to quiet as standard. If you want to do any decent mileage get a King & Queen seat as well, very comfy. Don't forget the sissy bar if you're going to be doing much 2-up. There are loads of performance tweaks about too, from jet kits and fork springs to fat-bastard carbs and steering dampers.

As for touring, it's not the best machine but with the King & Queen seat, a screen and some panniers it will be more than up to the job. They are a little cramped for 2-up work. Hepco & Becker do hard pannier kits, they fit OK but look a bit gash as they have to sit quite far out. There are a few different fabric & leather pannier options, don't fit throwovers without support bars though as they will fall into the wheel.

Reliability-wise they are pretty bomb-proof. The engines are fine, keep the oil changed and they will go for ages. Servicing is a minor (oil & filter, plugs, checkover) at 6k and a major at 12. The major service every 12k includes valve clearances, brake fluid, air filter and should cost around £250, a minor will be half that. Front discs have been known to warp however this will be covered on warranty, even outside of the warranty period if there is low mileage and service history. There have been reports of broken spokes, but they have been blown out of all proportion by MCN. We've sold probably a couple of hundred of the Bonny range and I can only think of 2 bikes with broken spokes.

The finish is pretty good and is improving all the time, although as with anything else it will suffer if not looked after. ACF50 is your friend. The lacquered engine covers can suffer with spider webbing around the bolt holes where water gets in underneath, again this will be covered by the warranty. The black and chrome covers don't suffer with this. The exhaust downpipes all blue, it is the nature of the bike. However, this bluing shouldn't extend past the 2nd bend in the pipe, if it does then it indicates that the bike has been run too hot (i.e. left on choke for ages).

As Bendy says, go and give your local dealer a poke and take their demo for a spin. Every dealer should have at least one of the range on demo and they won't mind you having a run.
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BCF: Be yourself, just don't be an arse.

[NickD]

Can't speak about them directly, but a bloke in our block of flats has had one since just after I moved in about 2 and a half years ago. He rides it to work all year round and parks it outside the front of the flats, and it's still in great nick, no real corrosion to speak of. The finish must be pretty good.
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I was only doing what it said on my licence officer....
Tear along the dotted line!