Last kick at can: Triumph Bonneville

B

BNKN

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Stellar site. Lots fun. Already met some groovy people.

Asking about the Triumph Bonneville SE as a last bike (I'm very old) Fair bit of riding experience over 50 yrs. but have not owned in a long time. Scouring the internet and dealers reveals the Bonnie as right up my ally. Any Bonnie riders here?

Regards,

Bnine Knine
 
I ride a Triumph Scrambler and love the bike. I am older as well. I went for the Scram as I like the torque and flexibility. Been a great bike
 
mcduf said:
I ride a Triumph Scrambler and love the bike. I am older as well. I went for the Scram as I like the torque and flexibility. Been a great bike
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I tested the Scrambler as well. Actually prefer the Scrambler engine over the Bonnie. But I want mag wheels.
 
Do it. I have not met anyone who has regretted one of the triumph classic bikes yet. I've heard people comment about "retro" styling, but really, it's like wearing jeans: they haven't changed much in 60 years either. If you are older (60's-70's), avoid the Thruxton because the drop bars are for a more demanding position. Bikes made before 2006(?) have carbs, where the ones after are EFI.

Get the centre stand option put on before you pick it up. Aftermarket pipes (arrow, D&D, etc) are absolutely worth it as well. If in the end you have to, you won't have a problem selling it.
 
I've heard that about the "retro" styling as well. I guess the label's accurate in todays context but it's honest m/c - 2 wheels, motor, seat, petrol tank - simplicity without the leaks, electrical darkness or oscillations.

Whatever happened to the standard motorbike anyway?
 
I dare say there are older riders than you about if you are being shy about the date. :D

The standard bike is alive and well in Honda's 500 series. This is the CB500x and I think an excellent intermediate ride. Are we assuming an around town bike as opposed to doing any touring?

2013-honda-cb500x-preview%205.jpg
 
MacDoc said:
I dare say there are older riders than you about if you are being shy about the date. :D

The standard bike is alive and well in Honda's 500 series. This is the CB500x and I think an excellent intermediate ride. Are we assuming an around town bike as opposed to doing any touring?

Not much of a town here to speak of, but yes, I want to stay away from congested areas. Planning some mild touring, nothing Horizon Unlimited like tho.

The above looks like a promising line of bikes, maybe a bit small in cc. I like to torque around, grunt out of corners etc. The bike that's really interesting is the NC700. On a purely rational level that should be the go to bike for me.
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I have the EFI scrambler. Love the bike for puttering around and taking it easy. No issues to date. But it's still fairly new 5k. I had the carbed '07 version that I took on a US eastcoast trip in '09. 9,000km trip no issues at all.
 
Hi,

Have you considered the Moto Guzzi V7 Racer or Stone over the Triumph? Both are getting good feedback regards performance and looks; I really enjoy my V7R. The small block engine uses a single throttle body design that simplifies setup and maintenance. The MG is at the same price point as the Triumph. The Triumph might have the edge on service as the dealership network is more pervasive than Piaggio's.
 
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The MG cafe racer is about 30 yrs. to late for me and a little too overcooked for my bland taste. The Stone looks great and with all the new engine revamp including single throttle as you mentioned, and especially shaft drive, is right in the ballpark. I had kind of set it aside tho because of the dealer situation. I wonder if a test ride on the Stone would negate that?

And to Joebs comment: I loved the grunty Scrambler on test but can't get past the steel rims. Silly, I know. I could live with tubes in aluminum Thruxton wheels on a Scrambler. Right now it looks like mag wheeled Bonneville.

Thx for the feedback.
 
I'm on the plus side of fifty, and have been riding a Thruxton for the past seven years. They are a well built machine, and although perhaps a little top-heavy, they behave well on the road.
 
I am a 55 year old who recently sold an FZ1 and both the Moto Guzzi V7 stone or the Thruxton have been on my consideration list. IMHO the Bonnie looks a bit bland but I do have 2 friends who own and love them. The reports claim that the Triumph has it on power but the small block MG is lighter and handles better. The MG's style, V- twin motor and shaft drive clenches it for me. Both are great retro bikes. These bikes are great for around town and on the back roads but can be tiresome on the 400/401 but factoring that I like to do the odd weekend tour, may force me into a more rational purchase like a V-Strom. Now if only my garage had space for 2 bikes.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/8/147.../Moto-Guzzi-V7-Stone-vs-Triumph-Thruxton.aspx

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/9183730/Moto-Guzzi-V7-Special-review.html
 
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I'm 24 on a Bonneville (4th bike) and I've been enjoying it. With the stock setup it's a pretty tame ride but tons of fun and so easy to ride. I put on the Arrow 2-1 pipe with baffles out and the thing can move when you want it to.
 
Can't go wrong with one of the Triumph classics.

I'd been away from motorcycling for twenty years, had absolutely no intention of returning, until I laid eyes on the Thruxton. Love at first sight. Two seasons and over 20,000km later, it's turned out to be one of my best decisions.

Great for short hops around town, equally competent for the long haul. I can easily put in an 800km day. No problem on the slab, but I find it boring, so I prefer to take the road less traveled.

You'll do well on the SE Bonnie with its mag wheels. Though I have no trouble on the Thruxton, you might prefer the more relaxed ergos of the Bonnie with its higher bars and further forward pegs. The Triumph twins are as reliable as a rock, dealer support is good, and there are plenty of aftermarket bits.

When I'm on my Thrux, I always get the feeling that I'm riding something special. Loaded with so much character and soul. Every ride always ends with a great sigh of satisfaction.

Get the Bonnie, you won't regret it. Your only problem will be having to answer all the questions from admirers in parking lots.
 
robmack said:
Hi,

Have you considered the Moto Guzzi V7 Racer or Stone over the Triumph? Both are getting good feedback regards performance and looks; I really enjoy my V7R. The small block engine uses a single throttle body design that simplifies setup and maintenance. The MG is at the same price point as the Triumph. The Triumph might have the edge on service as the dealership network is more pervasive than Piaggio's.
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Robert, is this your bike?

mgv7102020125.jpg
 
Jayell said:
Can't go wrong with one of the Triumph classics.


You'll do well on the SE Bonnie with its mag wheels. Though I have no trouble on the Thruxton, you might prefer the more relaxed ergos of the Bonnie with its higher bars and further forward pegs. The Triumph twins are as reliable as a rock, dealer support is good, and there are plenty of aftermarket bits.
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Every bike needs to be personalized anyway. I could start with the Thruxton or S.E. Even the Scrambler but would need expensive new wheels.

Short list of mods for the S.E. include: lower, forward handlebars(not extreme), longer shocks (probably 360mm like Scrambler), mufflers (Cone Engineering, Arrow is way expensive), dechromed tailight/turn signals.

The 17in. front rim is a funky size, looks like fatman on twig legs. Will be using 120/80/17 Avon there. Should solve that problem. Can hardly wait for spring.
 
Something to consider and once the best bang for your $ on a retro bike would be to find a used 2007 Ducati GT 1000 Doing all those mods to the Triumph will take you way past the cost of the Duc. They are now starting to ask for more that they sold them as they are no longer in production.



BNKN said:
Every bike needs to be personalized anyway. I could start with the Thruxton or S.E. Even the Scrambler but would need expensive new wheels.

Short list of mods for the S.E. include: lower, forward handlebars(not extreme), longer shocks (probably 360mm like Scrambler), mufflers (Cone Engineering, Arrow is way expensive), dechromed tailight/turn signals.

The 17in. front rim is a funky size, looks like fatman on twig legs. Will be using 120/80/17 Avon there. Should solve that problem. Can hardly wait for spring.
Click to expand...
 
STARSHIP said:
Something to consider and once the best bang for your $ on a retro bike would be to find a used 2007 Ducati GT 1000 Doing all those mods to the Triumph will take you way past the cost of the Duc. They are now starting to ask for more that they sold them as they are no longer in production.
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No.

While the Duc is way more desirable in certain ways I need a brand new underpowered overbuilt standard.
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