Triumph Bonneville Advice Please?
Discussion
I am new to motorbikes, not having had one before and coming from sports cars. I have had Caterhams and a Lotus Elise & Exige.
I like the idea of a Harley Fatboy having been to the States, but in talking to people I realise that it really is not the best of ideas on English roads. but it did get me thinking and when I was young (Now almost 42) Everyone where I lived hankered after the Triumph Bonneville.
I know the modern version is an improvement on the original,
But is a Triumph Bonneville still a good first bike?
Would a Triumph Bonneville easy to look after?
Would a Triumph Bonneville be reliable?
I don't want a fast Jap sports bike, but I like the idea of a Classic looking bike as a Sunday cruiser or for a bit of touring?
I have not got my licence yet and was looking to do a week long course. Any Advice on this?
Any other advice, fore and against a Triumph Bonneville would be gratefully received.
I like the idea of a Harley Fatboy having been to the States, but in talking to people I realise that it really is not the best of ideas on English roads. but it did get me thinking and when I was young (Now almost 42) Everyone where I lived hankered after the Triumph Bonneville.
I know the modern version is an improvement on the original,
But is a Triumph Bonneville still a good first bike?
Would a Triumph Bonneville easy to look after?
Would a Triumph Bonneville be reliable?
I don't want a fast Jap sports bike, but I like the idea of a Classic looking bike as a Sunday cruiser or for a bit of touring?
I have not got my licence yet and was looking to do a week long course. Any Advice on this?
Any other advice, fore and against a Triumph Bonneville would be gratefully received.
A mate of mine (and a bike instructor) had the use of one for a day, when his FJR was being serviced.
Me and another mate went with him on our bikes and we did a 200 mile trip round some of the lovely Welsh roads.
He was really impressed with the bike. It had loads of torque and was very nimble and flickable.
It also drew lots of attention wherever he went.
I'd have put a louder can on it but otherwise thought the general view was really good.
Try one and have a decent test ride....
Me and another mate went with him on our bikes and we did a 200 mile trip round some of the lovely Welsh roads.
He was really impressed with the bike. It had loads of torque and was very nimble and flickable.
It also drew lots of attention wherever he went.
I'd have put a louder can on it but otherwise thought the general view was really good.
Try one and have a decent test ride....
Edited by Davel on Friday 2nd November 22:41
Hi Snapper, hopefully some of this will be useful.
I passed my test about 2 Months ago and have done almost 2000 miles on a 2001 (790cc) Bonnie - I even took my test on one so felt pretty comfortable with it from the off. I find it a very easy bike to ride, despite weighing 200+kg dry it's not difficult to manoeuvre and always feels planted. For me there is just the right amount of power to beign with. Although I'm sure this will change as I get used to it. That Wiseco big bore kit is calling
The only thing I find is that the standard seat is a little hard for long distances - I went to Snowdonia on it the other week and found that by fill-up time (~140 miles) I had a bit of a numb arse. I may also look at upgrading the suspension at some point as I'm a biggish fella it can feel a little wavy when pushing on. But 99% of the time it more than copes with what I do.
Having not ridden an original I couldn't compare - although my dad has had many over the years and says that while the new one has the character of an original it is better in every area, power, brakes and of course reliability. We've had this one for 6 years now and it's been faultless - barely used a drop of oil.
Being a classic looking bike it is a bit more of a hassle to look after - you do have to keep the shiny bits shiny or they will corrode. There was some word about spokes breaking on some wheels, but I have never seen or heard from anyone who has had this happen and can only imagine that it would be due from a heavy impact or letting them rot.
I have been absolutely chuffed with the bike and am loving every minute of it - thankfully the weather has been on my side. I think I will look into getting a winter hack though as I don't fancy having to polish it every day when the roads get covered in cack.
On the plus side there are loads of bits to modify/customise the Bonnnie on the market now - it really seems to have taken off in the States and what with the freindly exchange rate there are some seriously tempting bits appearing...As well as Brit parts form Norman Hyde and the like.
I did my DAS in one week with Ultimate Rider Training in Ashford, near Staines, which would be a bit of commute if you are in Birmingham! Not only are they great guys but as I said- all the 'big bike' training was on a Bonneville which really helped. Could be worth looking to see it there's anyone near you whao does the same.
So in summary - Do it!
I'm sure you'll love it.
Let me know if there's anything else I can help with - although I'm sure there are some on here with more experience.
Cheers
J
Edited to add that yes get a loud can - not only does it add a few more ponies it sounds great - Even the offical Triumph aftermarket one. And prepare to be stopped and asked questions a lot a petrol stations etc.
I passed my test about 2 Months ago and have done almost 2000 miles on a 2001 (790cc) Bonnie - I even took my test on one so felt pretty comfortable with it from the off. I find it a very easy bike to ride, despite weighing 200+kg dry it's not difficult to manoeuvre and always feels planted. For me there is just the right amount of power to beign with. Although I'm sure this will change as I get used to it. That Wiseco big bore kit is calling
The only thing I find is that the standard seat is a little hard for long distances - I went to Snowdonia on it the other week and found that by fill-up time (~140 miles) I had a bit of a numb arse. I may also look at upgrading the suspension at some point as I'm a biggish fella it can feel a little wavy when pushing on. But 99% of the time it more than copes with what I do.
Having not ridden an original I couldn't compare - although my dad has had many over the years and says that while the new one has the character of an original it is better in every area, power, brakes and of course reliability. We've had this one for 6 years now and it's been faultless - barely used a drop of oil.
Being a classic looking bike it is a bit more of a hassle to look after - you do have to keep the shiny bits shiny or they will corrode. There was some word about spokes breaking on some wheels, but I have never seen or heard from anyone who has had this happen and can only imagine that it would be due from a heavy impact or letting them rot.
I have been absolutely chuffed with the bike and am loving every minute of it - thankfully the weather has been on my side. I think I will look into getting a winter hack though as I don't fancy having to polish it every day when the roads get covered in cack.
On the plus side there are loads of bits to modify/customise the Bonnnie on the market now - it really seems to have taken off in the States and what with the freindly exchange rate there are some seriously tempting bits appearing...As well as Brit parts form Norman Hyde and the like.
I did my DAS in one week with Ultimate Rider Training in Ashford, near Staines, which would be a bit of commute if you are in Birmingham! Not only are they great guys but as I said- all the 'big bike' training was on a Bonneville which really helped. Could be worth looking to see it there's anyone near you whao does the same.
So in summary - Do it!
I'm sure you'll love it.Let me know if there's anything else I can help with - although I'm sure there are some on here with more experience.
Cheers
J
Edited to add that yes get a loud can - not only does it add a few more ponies it sounds great - Even the offical Triumph aftermarket one. And prepare to be stopped and asked questions a lot a petrol stations etc.
Edited by RumpleFugly on Friday 2nd November 18:49
Edited by RumpleFugly on Friday 2nd November 18:50
I've ridden long distances on Bonnies and they are great. They do need the loud pipes to sound like a proper bonnie, and the 865 is a bit more refined than the 790 and is better at high speed (although it's all relative on a bonnie). I have friends who can ride better than me that can keep up with anything riding a bonnie on a twisty road.
They are a great first bike coz they're easy to ride
They are totally reliable, but you need to keep the shiney bits clean
They attract a lot more admiring comments than either a Harley or a fast Jap sports bike.
Get one.
S..
They are a great first bike coz they're easy to ride
They are totally reliable, but you need to keep the shiney bits clean
They attract a lot more admiring comments than either a Harley or a fast Jap sports bike.
Get one.
S..
Snapper7 said:
I like the idea of a Harley Fatboy having been to the States, but in talking to people I realise that it really is not the best of ideas on English roads.
You've been talking to the wrong people then.......
As the bike is clearly going to be a weekend toy from what you wrote, a Fat Boy or any other Harley (except a Sportster) is going to be no problem at all. Don't dismiss it at all.
Don't believe the anti-Harley crap.....just don't put any bloody tassles on it....
Snapper7 said:
Everyone where I lived hankered after the Triumph Bonneville.
I know the modern version is an improvement on the original,
But is a Triumph Bonneville still a good first bike?
A new Bonnie would make a great bike, and there are no reliability problems from what I've heard.I know the modern version is an improvement on the original,
But is a Triumph Bonneville still a good first bike?
My best mate who nows lives in California, has just bought a new Bonnie last month, and he loves it (he used to have a Ducati Monster) and I had a go on it a few weeks ago when I was out visiting him. I was quite impressed with it and found it a doddle to ride, but then I used to own an old BSA.
ive got a classic bonnie, is a great sunday toy. build it properly (as i did after a so called restoration) & even the old ones dont fall apart that often.
put some decent pipes on the new ones & they do sound nice as well as looking the part.
id say 75% of how good you think a bike is down to how you feel when you look at it. if you can walk in your shed, look at a bonnie & go wow everytime you'll love riding it.
put some decent pipes on the new ones & they do sound nice as well as looking the part.
id say 75% of how good you think a bike is down to how you feel when you look at it. if you can walk in your shed, look at a bonnie & go wow everytime you'll love riding it.
Hi Snapper, if you are in the Birmingham area I highly recommend John Cracknel rider training at Cradley Heath Kawasaki (01384633455), he would guide you through the DAS in a week no problem. He is the most experienced and competent rider I have come across, and it's a first hand recommendation.
No experience of the Bonnie I am afraid, but I heard that the Kawasaki W650 is a very good version, but obviously not a Triumph.
Best of luck
No experience of the Bonnie I am afraid, but I heard that the Kawasaki W650 is a very good version, but obviously not a Triumph.
Best of luck
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