Starting at 25:34, Britain looks like 3rd world, rife with squalid housings, while boasting to be "1st" world, maybe because of very high cost of living.😂
Freddie if you didn't know already Monika is a keeper. Not many women would offer to push start you then order you a coffee and then wait for over an hour on the side of the road when she could get a £12 Uber to take her home.
I tell you Freddie, bikes break down and come and go, but a woman who offers to push you, is one in a millon. You are a very lucky man.. Well done Monika.. 🙂👍
This is when a mate with a truck or van is pure gold. Two paths ahead of you. One is where you lean into learning more about how these things work and keeping your faithful bonny. The other is you admit that’s not for you - which is totally fine - and sell this to someone who’s more hands on while you have fun with a new toy. No bad choice here and no doubt great content on each path. Good luck Freddie. Love your work!
My personal rule of thumb, after many years of riding, is once the gremlins begin to compound in the electrical system then it is a good time to turn the page and move on. Loss of confidence in a bike is a hard thing to get over. There are many great bikes out there and many, many roads to ride. Thanks Freddy and Monica for a brilliantly produced series of stories.
Bro check the Regulator/Rectifier that's more likely than the alternator. Simple diagnosis - check the voltage of the battery with a multimeter. With the engine off it should be 12.8V (fully charged), then start the engine and the voltage should rise to 13.6V - 14.2V if the charging system is working properly.
Hi Freddie If you're in that situation again (borderline battery/attempting bump start) please turn the lights off - you need to conserve all the volts and amps you can get for the ignition circuit. Good luck mate.
On the hottest day of 2023 I broke down while half way across the New Forest on the A31. I called the AA at @16:00 and even though they text me twice to say they were "on their way" I gave in waiting and at 23:00 called a recovery company. it set me back £700 to get taken back to Warwickshire. I had to begin legal action against the AA to get a full refund of the cost of the recovery. They never once apologised for their abysmal performance. Cowboys.
I can't say I had the same experience with the AA. Had a full oil leak on my Ford Focus the day after my garage did a service on it and the chap came within an hour of me parked at home, drove me to the nearest garage that supplied washers and oil. Fitted em, still leaked, then took me to my local garage after all else failed to which the garage sorted it ASAP the very next day. The guy I had was top class, actually gave a shit. It's a shame that it comes to luck of the draw with companies like AA sadly.
We had very much the same experience with my wifes car shes disabled and was alone and gave up waiting after the constant texts as soon as it got within 20 mins it jumps to an hour again. I was gutted that the renewal was only paid a few days after as well. The dd is cancelled now and even though we have cover we have taken cover out with another company now and wouldn't even bother to try ring them next time
I know I had a bad experience with the rac I broke down 3.15 and was eventually picked up at 11.15 by a sister company and the amount of times they fobbed me off was innumerable so much more to this but I have 0 faith in rac also I was on a perilous stretch of hard shoulder with no lights(battery went dead) they did send me a £100 check tho. Anyway I heard green flag are good.
Freddie, take a close look at your key switch. Can you see any damage? The thieves may have used a screwdriver to break the locking pins. Your electrical gremlins began after the attempted theft. Personally, I don't think it's a coincidence.
It could sure be either, should be easy to distinguish for a tech tough You can't help it with old mechanics and electric. Sometime it just gives up after a little nudge too many. For example, I thought his gasket problem may also have been due to the Bonnie getting a first time professional cleaning around the engine where it never got touched apart from spraying some wd40. Not to blame the pro doing it, but old gasket held by grime + chem dissolving grime = clean and fragile old gasket ridge.
The gasket problem was due to having the cylinder head removed to have a helicoil or insert for the spark plug the other issues relate to the fact that motorcycles are not submarines 😂
Breaking down and figuring out the problem then fixing it is all part of the rich tapestry of motorcycling. Never give up. It's part of the learning curve. It's happened to many of us in the begining. What a wonderful lady the Monika is. Perfect!!
One of the reasons I love your content is because you're always very conscious about budget, very prudent, realistic and relatable, unlike many other youtubers or influencers with seemingly unlimited money to spend on expensive bikes... but since the old boneville it's been giving a lot of issues lately, it seems that is finally time to go for a different ride. Maybe this is the time to get a Royal Enfield, since you've been always very keen to it! a Classic 350 perhaps to keep it budget friendly? I hope everything goes well, cheers!
@@RamblingRuters If Freddie is going to be London based for a while, I'd suggest he get a Himalayan. Hopefully its design heritage will make it tough enough to be the sort of really dependable ride that he needs.
A proper motorcycle video! We’ve all been there and empathise with your pain. On a positive, you both kept positive in a deflating circumstance. Monika you are his rock.
Freddie, you burned up your starter a couple videos back, now the battery has dead cells, might only be prodncing 10 volts or less, due to being drained by a constantly engaged starter motor. Alternator is likely ok. Take it to a mechanic, get the battery tested and find out why the starter was staying engaged.
@@DD-co1zn Between the time he picked it up from the shop to this video, the bike was driven through multiple floods, stood out in pouring rain, had its exhaust changed, someone attempted to steal it and finally had its ECU reset. Not sure how exactly this is the mechanic's fault?
@@rufysufy ... Judging by his latest video, the triumph specialist appears to put it down to a poor rebuild ... Riding through a foot of water isn't the problem, nor being left out in the rain.
As someone who was born in London and spent most of their life abroad, I love how the city keeps reinventing itself. It’s a bit like a phoenix rising back from its ashes over and over again. With the same spirit, I recently renovated an 800 years old home in a medieval town in southern Tuscany. New buildings are perfectly fine, but preserving old architecture is ALWAYS better. Thanks Freddy and Monika for taking me back to England one video at a time.
Yeah you’re so lucky with the devoted and always cheerful Monika. Head up fellah on the Bonny, it’ll get sorted in time for Spring. Well done on keeping the bright side out. Regards from Ireland
I feel your pain Freddie , I have a T100 much older than yours and have had similar problems with a series of batteries recently supposedly far more reliable and powerful , although cannot mention makes but has now settled into a period of unfailing reliability with a quality battery.As has been said below , you cannot sell it as it is , and its time with you and the adventures you've had has earned its preservation.Don't give up just yet !.
Don't just throw parts at it and hope for the best. Test the parts you suspect are faulty. Could be alternator, regulator/rectifier or battery. More likely the charging circuit. Test and replace based on the results.
That Bonnie has served you well but I think it wants you to move on at this point Freddie. Also lucky you, Monica is hands on - a one in a million partner!
I'd just like to say how much I admire the editing and artistry in your video. There are examples all the way through but 7.05 to 7.35 especially stood out in the context of what you were going through at the time. The great soundtrack really added to it too.
Come on man, get a Guzzi V7! As I said on one of your previous videos: "I recall that you liked it and wondered why it wasn't more popular. You can get them for any price and they're true classics, aircooled, reliable, easy to work on, huge fuel tank, shaft drive... "
(Thinks to himself "Let's analyze this.....") "If the battery is dead, what DO we know.......well......I don't know. WHY do I think I'm a mechanic!" Real, humble, and pretty funny! I'm sure he reminds many of us of EXACTLY what we've said to ourselves when tackling motorcycle issues. Worth watching 😃
I know it probably wasn't intended, but when Monika's camera was looking at the new exhausts as she was pushing the bike I swear I could hear her thinking "...and he's juat spent all that money on these bloody things and now the bike has packed in! 🤬" Chin up Freddie, but remember...when a bike goes beyond an economical repair, someone somewhere is trying to tell you something.
Not exactly a Triumph is it 😅 on a more serious note, it’s a salutary lesson that if you don’t look after your bike, it will break down. Yes, failures can happen, especially with age, but this is more heavy and questionable use with little preventative maintenance or mechanical sympathy. Kudos to you for posting this, warts and all!
Dear Freddie! I feel your pain about the Bonneville... 💗💗💗 On the other hand this may be the best content on your channel that I've seen so far. I'm looking forward the see the successor of the Bonneville. 😉😜
Sorry to hear about all these troubles. I really hope you get it sorted, at least even to sell the bike and move onto something a bit newer and hopefully more reliable. You can see in the comments that everyone genuinely cares and wants to help in some way. Good luck and we will all be hear waiting to see what happens.
Oh dear 😔 definitely time for another Freddie, you've had a good run with it and it's covered many miles and no doubt created many happy memories, but time for a new direction and something more reliable.
Yes and believe me you don't want to be breaking down on a major motorway and possibly end up waiting for the AA on the side of the motorway in the dark with no lights because of dead electrics.
Monikas amazing cinematography skills! I know exactly where you were when you broke down and the Woolwich market area and she still managed to make it look good. But yes you right 'new' development has made.a difference
I feel gutted for you Freddie. The bike has given you such amazing memories. You need to get it checked out thoroughly to see where it's gone wrong. It can be fixed of course, but only you can decide on the cost/benefit ratio of that fix. I pray it works out for you buddy, good luck.
Sir Freddy you epitomize the true Triumph rider , resilient, knowledgeable, eye for style and history, rye sense of humor, goodness mate hang on to that fantastic bonny...from crash on a T120 in Ballarat Australia
I've been following you for a while now and I do enjoy watching your videos. First reason is that I lived in London for nearly 20 years and following you through familiar places is quite nice and relaxing (I had so many meals in this pub you are sitting on). And the second point is, about three month ago I purchased a Classic 350, and your videos helped me a lot on making this decision. Well, as some people mentioned in the comments already, get a 350 to be your city bike, I'm for sure loving my one.
This was a hard watch, only because most of us have been there on the side of the road , waiting for breakdown. At least it wasnt raining and you got coffee ☕
Hi Freddie, had you considered when the thugs tried to steal your bike they may have tampered with the ignition/wiring? When you initially tried to start it after the attempted theft the bike sounded like the starter motor was permanently running with the engine.
Don't give up on it yet Freddie. Firstly the whole situation is making for great content as I'm sure you have both already discussed. Secondly, clearly an electrical gremlin in there which can be easily, perhaps not cheaply, but easily none the less to fix. That bike isn't ready for the scrap heap She will live again and it will be glorious once it does!
Exactly this. Replace the charging system and I reckon other issues will resolve themselves. Certainly once the battery is charged. Bikes hate a low battery! The bonnevilles tend have something in them that stops them starting when below a certain charge (annoyingly) Also our back the Air injector if not already done now you are back to standard exhausts
Thanks.. Hey Fred, not having much luck mate, That bike hasn't been the same since the head was done, water did not help either., My advice, put a new battery on and grab a new rectifier, these things aint too expensive but they control your electrics and whether your batter will charge as it controls the voltage to all parts of the bike. I can almost guarantee that the rectifier is at fault. Once you put it on and a new battery , start the bike and go trade her in mate. Meanwhile you and your lovely other half go have a decent coffee on me.. Thanks for the videos mate and always remember, if Yous travel to Australia Victoria then pop in,, you both are more than welcome and use my bikes and Jeep to run around,,
Hi Freddie. Hope you read this. Disconnect your battery. Take off the tank, seat, side covers and anything else that gets in the way of getting to your electrics. Now pull apart every connector. Clean them with abrasive paper (wet and dry, but only use it dry) Spray with contact cleaner, and reassemble EXACTLY AS YOU PULLED IT APART. ONLY DO ONE CONNECTOR AT A TIME SO THAT YOU DON'T GET CONFUSED AS TO WHAT GOES WHERE. Also check the earth lead (the big black wire that goes from the battery to the bike frame) clean that too. I bet you you'll fix the problem.
My breakdown cover for the bikes is done through Carole Nash, as part of the insurance package. They use local subcontractors who are bike specialists, so they always come with a van capable of carrying the bike.
Truly great teamwork with Monica and yourself, lovely to see the support win over frustration. I would be curious to know how many miles you have done on the bonny since Morocco, at least all these issues happened once you were home. ✌️❤️
Fortunately, I have workshops both here in Spain and Norway that take such things on the day...last time it was a charger for a GPS that shorted out...I changed the alternator once, less than 10 minutes. Buying a new, used bike is usually only new challenges.
Freddie - had the same thing with my 2013 SE. I was travelling and had my charger with me (I'd noticed I'd needed it on occasion). But after a particularly cold night it was dead as a door nail and the charger failed. In my case I was fortunate to see some tough looking blokes in a nearby shop and they gave me a push start, which worked. Then I went to the local Triumph dealer and got a new battery - and never had an issue with the battery after that. One of the first mods. I had on it was a Mustang seat - the most amazing motorcycle seat I have ever ridden on. Literally ride it all day in absolute comfort, and without any need for running in. The great pity is they no longer make them for Triumphs.
I used to ride Triumphs fm Meridien equipped with Lucas electrics, "The Prince of Darkness", so I did my fair share of pushing and bump starting back in the '70s. However, I also had 3 modern classics and they are excellent motorcycles. I'd suggest to go thru the electrical equipment, repair/replace anything that doesn't test up to specs and keep it. Those are strong motors and the bikes are well put together. Worth repairing in my humble opinion. Ride safe, my friend!
So much to take in Freddie. I feel so sorry for you both. Firstly, let's thank the Bonnie for the faithful companion she's always been all these years to you and Monika. Also, let's thank Monika for helping you feel less flustered through your ordeal and being so 'present' in the moment as to think of ordering some nice coffee as you waited for AA to show up. Now Freddie, you are a biker...as opposed to a mechanic, that's where your heart is. Sure, you can change brake pads, batteries, exhausts, maybe even do the shock absorbers etc and other stuff which a lot of us can't and that makes you very hands-on in my eyes, but right now you need to take a call -- Do you wish to remain more of a biker? Or do you wish to foray into becoming slightly more of a 'tinkerer'? Because electrical faults, sadly, they can go away temporarily but sooner or later they are bound to resurface unless you've had the incredible luck of bumping into a superman of a mechanic, which is rare these days. And you ride with Monika quite a lot. Also, it's your primary mode of transport. You want it to be reliable. Also, don't AA have a thing where they only support vehicles up to 15 years old? So even if you did spend a fortune fixing the Bonnie, how many more years do you think you can get out of her before roadside recovery is taken off of you? These are all questions to ponder over. There is no right or wrong. But a part of me is saying - thank the bonnie for her service, retire her with grace, and life is too short Freddie, why not enjoy another (or another type of ) bike going forward? Perhaps Monika can pick the next one :) Good luck whichever way you choose for things to go! We are right here, eagerly waiting as always for the next episode in your and Monika's lives :) @FreddieDobbs
Good comments. Yes, Monika is amazing and yes, big love to the old Bonnie, but... Having owned a 1958 Ariel and done European rallies, though I wasn't the mechanic, I appreciate that with an old bike at least half, if not more, of the experience is the 'fun' of keeping it going and even then you always have to bake into every planned trip the possibility of a break down. Freddie's Bonnie is not that old, but it is of an age where you aren't just a biker you are an amateur mechanic too or you will be calling the AA more and more. I also had a modern scooter for reliable travel, but when my step-dad died (who was doing all the Ariel fettling) there was no way I could keep it running and safe. Not with my skills or with the constant large cost of a decent mechanic for an old bike. I made the decision to sell both Ariel and scooter and bought a Triumph Speedmaster. New bike, but old 'ride'. As much as I miss being a fully fledged member of the classic bike fold, they don't suddenly shun you or anything hehe. Now I have a trouble-free relaxing but characterful biking experience every time and I can still wax lyrical with the other old boys about 'the day the engine seized on that back road in East Germany' etc...
Anyone remember how he treated the brand new 900 scrambler triumph lent him? If u treat a bike as a submarine then ur asking for trouble. After all the trouble folk took to get him that gasket too. Be careful Freddie your not drifting from loveable clown to idiot.
I feel for you. Had almost the same symptoms with my old honda deauville. Tried 2 mechanics, kept failing and sold it. Old electrics are mystifying. I got a newish scooter, burgman 400. Never looked back, such a gem dor the urban environment and dead cheap to run. Helmet and jacket etc under the seat and you’re ready to go. Best of luck to you!
I understand the frustration you experienced with an old bike; it can really spoil a beautiful morning. Thankfully, my bike is fully serviced now, and I haven't encountered any issues since that day, probably for about two years. I hope you can get yours up and running smoothly again. Don't lose hope! Have a great day! The weather here in Thailand is fantastic, so I'm also planning to go for a ride this morning too!
Old bikes indeed… New Battery? $125 Roadside Starbucks? $25 Impromptu Picnic-on-the-gravel and a loving Partner to share it with? Priceless! I admit enjoying your day even as it went south for you! All the Best!
As a channel about the experience of bike riding and ownership, this video hit spot-on the occasional reality of being stuck in the middle of urban no-man's land with a broken bike, waiting on help. Staking claim to a small patch of gravel and brick wall - a little bubble of temporary residence with the vague not-quite-panic of the possibility of leaving the bike parked in the shadows of the dark as the goal then becomes getting yourself home let alone the bike. The difference these days is the backstop of mobile phone and Uber. But still that "wasted-day in a place you wouldn't choose to be" feeling was well illustrated here.
Hi Freddie, bad luck with the Bonnie, my recommendation would be to find yourself a Honda CB1100RS. The RS has the benefit of cast wheels and tubeless tyres, less maintenance than spokes. It still has classic looks plus the Honda reliability, I've not had a single issue with mine. Good luck.
I feel your pain Freddie. Like many, I’ve been through some irritating situations with bikes, which makes me appreciate having a new (reliable) one. I hope my Royal Enfield Super Meteor continues to make me smile. Good luck in finding a suitable replacement. Keep up the brilliant videos. Best regards, Graham.
As you have given Triumph so much free publicity riding the bike all over Europe and beyond. You would think they might reach out to you. It would certainly give them a heap more free good press. I had constant problems with a '08' Street Triple not liking to start. Sold it in the end. Buy an Interceptor, I'm 3 years in, no issues as at all. Bless Monika
Please give the Triumph another chance. Modern bikes/cars are not happy with poor batteries and especially alternator issues which can upset the ECU and 'learned' settings. So spray with WD40, get a new alternator and if needed a battery (a necessary investment even if you want to sell it for a reasonable price), and see what happens.
Yes, I had all sorts of weird issues with my BMW; battery had enough humph to start the bike but it had a couple of dead cells. Problems with fuelling, lights, instruments. All cured with a new battery.
Paused at 24:30, or so, that almost got me choked up, to see Freddie pushing his bike alongside traffic. Freddie, I know it costs, everything costs, hang on to your Bonneville, you love her, she's been with you this whole way, time to consider another motorcycle. But keep that Bonneville! Geez, am I going to make it through this video without watery eyes?
As an Italian motorcycle enthusiast you get used to electrical gremlins (Moto Guzzi - turning motorcyclists into electricians since 1921). Have you considered buying a second Bonneville of the same vintage and using this one for parts? Back in the day part of owning a British twin involved a shed full of parts and a lot of time spent with the bike in pieces.
Sitting here watching this in the US on Thanksgiving day an though things are bad, I cant stop thinking how good you have it. That woman stayed with you. She helped you push that bike. An she sat on the ground with you an waited. I dont know if you thought about how extraordinary that is, but its huge. In today's world, most guys would find themselves sitting alone while she caught a ride home. Shes a gift from god an he just gave you a reminder how blessed you are. The bike doesn't matter. Its just a replaceable toy. But shes a rarity.
Hi Freddie, The hill you were on was just about good enough to bump start the bike, if a battery is flat (I know the issue with the Bonnie was worse) the best way to bump it is to get free wheeling as fast as you can while standing on the foot pegs, then put it into 2nd gear and drop your backside onto the seat letting the clutch out, the backside drop will help the back tyre lock better on the road surface and you will have a better chance of getting it started, Not this time as the problem was compounded but just a tip for any future mishaps, best wishes with the hunt for a new bike, make it British.Regards Mark J. Isle of Man.
As someone that has had some older cheap bikes over the years issues were a regular thing. It definitely gets frustrating so I feel your pain. One tip though. It is much much easier to ptart a bike running beside it than on it. First gear , clutch held in, get it rolling at speed and then dump the clutch and push with all your might. As soon as it fires clutch in and rev it up.
Yes, need to be running by the side of the bike. But, never use 1st gear. Needs to be 2nd, possibly 3rd. But you'll need to be ready to jump aboard when she fires up and/or snap in the clutch. Had a bad spell one winter with a CBF1000 - that't a big lump to be pushing around and could never do it in 1st gear.
Hey mate, lots of advice in the comments here. Personally I'd start by making sure the wiring all looks how it should after the theft attempt. Does anything look damaged or jerry-rigged? They very likely tried to bypass the normal ignition system so they could start without the key. Just look over the wiring harness for any cuts, stripped wires etc. Then I'd test the alternator. Plenty of videos on UA-cam of doing so, I think Revzilla have a particularly good one. You'll need a multimeter - if you don't have one these are an invaluable tool that you should buy, and they're pretty cheap. Honestly I'm amazed your starter motor still works because in that video where the bike tried to crank as soon as you turned the key it sounded like the starter motor was continuously running even after the engine was firing (normally the starter motor should stop as soon as the engine is firing under its own steam). It really sounds like your alternator just isn't charging. Could it be due to riding through floodwater? Yeah maybe. But I also wouldn't discount the thieves having messed with your wiring. Visual check on wiring first, multimeter test of alternator second. Best of luck from Newcastle, Australia (Steel City).
I feared the worst when you charged through that flood. No need to go that fast. If the water is hitting you in the face your bow wave is excessive...persevere with it. Everything can be fixed
@@foggyrf9 no, I've never had a bike which didn't need maintaining, but that's a blanket statement for any vehicle full stop, my point is that not withstanding routine maintenance, you want to be riding the thing, and not repetitively fixing one fault after another, it's very frustrating when you want to ride but it turns into a fix fest, we've all experienced the odd issue, but Freddie seems to have been dropped into bike hell over the last few months 🤷🏻♂️
@@kevindarkstar you've succumbed to his manipulation. He's had to wait for a head gasket and now he's drowned his electrics - and for a fella who regularly gives out advice about bikes he appears to know remarkably little about basic fault finding/troubleshooting. He happily used the jump pack expecting the underlying fault to fix itself instead of getting a multimeter out and testing to find the problem. Makes for plenty of melodramatic "content" and random outpourings of sympathy from blocked on the internet who believe it's all completely genuine...
@@foggyrf9 Ahhh now yes that's another point, I will admit his mechanical skills seem limited, but then again I believe he's said he's not very adept in this area, but I see your point, but I succumbed to nothing, I'm old enough to understand that a lot of people on here play to the audience ect 😉
Freddie,I don't understand how you can speak with authority on all things motor bike when you obviously don't know how they work,if you did you could fix your own, having said that I like your polite manner and envy your patience,I particularly liked your take on the Honda transalp, they are fantastic and reliable and I've just done a bolt n nut rebuild on mine 600 1997, maybe you should buy one of those!, thought watch out for the weak point /the pinion shaft.... good man!
Super Meteor for you and Monica, Freddie. Then you'll surely become an Ambassador for RE. I bought a classic 350 much because of your videos and appreciate it as much as you did.
Thanks Freddie love your travel videos. It almost motivates me to leave the Gold Coast beaches in Australia and come over and rent a motorbike and do some touring!!! Watch this space....only in summer though.
These bikes are fairly reliable. Im a mechanic i do keep an eye on battery and charging curcuit. If you goimg to buy another bike get another lower mileage Bonneville and then slowly go through this one sorting out the issues. Its possibly fair wear and tear. They are a reliable bike
Most of us have been where you are Freddie so you have our sympathy. You struck gold with Monica though, what a trooper. Park the Bonnie for a bit and get your RE 350 Classic. Revisit the Bonnie later and see if you can sort it. Testing for faults first, I'm sure your community can come up with the 'whats' and 'hows'. Good luck.
Start with a new wiring harness, and then diagnose and replace electrical sensors as they fail. Put copious amounts of dielectric grease on any electrical connections that may have wiring exposed to the elements. The bike will be fine, it will just take some time, $$, and frustration to sort it all out.... but you're already used to that, so just have at it. Best wishes.
Evening Coast Rider so true what you said about our special little Community. When we are out and someone says Hi I'm one of your subscribers, priceless. Great video loved it 👍
It may be the floods you drove through recently. If the dirty water got into your wiring harness connectors you’ll have all sorts of issues. I say this because the bike started itself with just turning the ignition on. Take it to a bike mechanic, it may just be a bad or burnt out connector 🤔 …. didn’t watch you vid before I commented 🤣 However, watch Teapotone’s last vid about his Suzuki repair, he uses a mobile mechanic that covers south London. Knows his stuff!
I agree. You need to remove the guess work and have a professional with diagnostic equipment and the know how determine what the root cause is and repair accordingly.
get a multimeter to check the charge from the alternator. Start the bike. Use the multimeter to confirm that the alternator is charging at 14.4 volts from the connection on the battery. This proves its either the alternator or the battery. If you are not getting 14.4 volts when being revved, you need a new alternator - possibly
Feel for you. Been there. Many years ago I broke down on a very wet and windy M1 motorway at about 11pm coming home from visiting my parents. Bloody nightmare. Still gives me chills. This was before mobile phones even existed and I still had hundreds of miles to go. Best of luck with it. Get an Interceptor and bin that old Triumph. It’s knackered.
Think i would do what you said, park the bonnie up in Ipswich and get a new bike, then next summer a few videos of you fixing the bonnie or trying too. It may need another part which takes 4 months to turn up again.
Hi Freddie, I had a feeling this was going to happen. Riding through those floods has very possibly done damage to your electric circuits, alternator, reg/rectifier and if your bike has them lambda/ 02 sensors. Hope you get it sorted
@Lookup2WakeupI used to work in the waste water industry, trust me salt is the least of your worries in flood water, raw sewage is a given along with animal poo and farming chemicals. Yuk
@@the.communist I know salt water is not good for any vehicle. I was thinking more along the lines of the health risk to a rider. If you ride through flood water you cant see if manhole covers have lifted. Just imagine your front wheel disappearing done a hole and getting thrown into a potential health hazard water.
Looks like dry-storage for your Bonny in Ipswich. Contemplate something in the region of a full restoration/rebuild, especially in the electric region. Some of us have been down the same road as you Freddy and we sympathize deeply with you. Entertaining vlog but also sad.😢 Was the proud owner of a 1982 Suzuki Gsx750 until helping a friend fix his roof. After turning the ignition to ride home it caught fire! In that moment I said this has to go and have been a happy owner for the past 7years of a Honda Vfr750f. Good luck with your future plans, Greetings from Germany
Freddie, love your videos and Monicas camerawork. Don't despair, the bonnie can be fixed. There are a number of things I could list for you to do/check but honestly you do not have the workshop facilities and there is the time factor, I am lucky being effectively retired. This is what I would do in your situation, as you live in the city ride outs can be relatively local, buy another cheap used commuter bike, nothing flash, just enough to get you about whilst you book the bonnie in for investigation and go from there? Good luck!
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
You can try Readly, with my link you can get 2 months free, which can be cancelled at any time: www.readly.com/freddiedobbs-nov
You have a blackish prime minister in a supposedly white country. Makes sense!😂
A "smartphone" has a screen too small for comfort.
Starting at 25:34, Britain looks like 3rd world, rife with squalid housings, while boasting to be "1st" world, maybe because of very high cost of living.😂
@@truthadvocacy that's just London it's probably the worst part of the country
It’s only 2 weeks not months free, it’s the second time you said months not weeks……..
Freddie if you didn't know already Monika is a keeper. Not many women would offer to push start you then order you a coffee and then wait for over an hour on the side of the road when she could get a £12 Uber to take her home.
I'll second that🥃😁
My missus would. If yours wouldn't why are you with her?
@@foggyrf9...spot on 👍
@@geebee6737 mine would get the bus, anyway!
Well said, Shaun. And let’s not forget the Fiat.
you ability to stay positive when nothing goes your way, is amazing. full credit to Monika for her support as well :)
Yes, Freddie, when are you going to marry this wonderful lady?
The fuck, he literally spent the last vid ranting about how pissed off he was 😂 wtf is wrong with people
I tell you Freddie, bikes break down and come and go, but a woman who offers to push you, is one in a millon. You are a very lucky man.. Well done Monika.. 🙂👍
This has become such a sad story. Hope wee see you back on two wheels again pretty soon.
This is when a mate with a truck or van is pure gold. Two paths ahead of you. One is where you lean into learning more about how these things work and keeping your faithful bonny. The other is you admit that’s not for you - which is totally fine - and sell this to someone who’s more hands on while you have fun with a new toy. No bad choice here and no doubt great content on each path. Good luck Freddie. Love your work!
My personal rule of thumb, after many years of riding, is once the gremlins begin to compound in the electrical system then it is a good time to turn the page and move on.
Loss of confidence in a bike is a hard thing to get over. There are many great bikes out there and many, many roads to ride.
Thanks Freddy and Monica for a brilliantly produced series of stories.
My experience exactly!
Absolutey, when a bike leaves you for dead, time to move on.
Bro check the Regulator/Rectifier that's more likely than the alternator. Simple diagnosis - check the voltage of the battery with a multimeter. With the engine off it should be 12.8V (fully charged), then start the engine and the voltage should rise to 13.6V - 14.2V if the charging system is working properly.
Hi Freddie If you're in that situation again (borderline battery/attempting bump start) please turn the lights off - you need to conserve all the volts and amps you can get for the ignition circuit. Good luck mate.
On the hottest day of 2023 I broke down while half way across the New Forest on the A31. I called the AA at @16:00 and even though they text me twice to say they were "on their way" I gave in waiting and at 23:00 called a recovery company. it set me back £700 to get taken back to Warwickshire.
I had to begin legal action against the AA to get a full refund of the cost of the recovery. They never once apologised for their abysmal performance. Cowboys.
Overpriced everything, but 3rd world type of service. The whole "developed" West is like that!
I can't say I had the same experience with the AA. Had a full oil leak on my Ford Focus the day after my garage did a service on it and the chap came within an hour of me parked at home, drove me to the nearest garage that supplied washers and oil. Fitted em, still leaked, then took me to my local garage after all else failed to which the garage sorted it ASAP the very next day.
The guy I had was top class, actually gave a shit. It's a shame that it comes to luck of the draw with companies like AA sadly.
We had very much the same experience with my wifes car shes disabled and was alone and gave up waiting after the constant texts as soon as it got within 20 mins it jumps to an hour again. I was gutted that the renewal was only paid a few days after as well. The dd is cancelled now and even though we have cover we have taken cover out with another company now and wouldn't even bother to try ring them next time
I know I had a bad experience with the rac I broke down 3.15 and was eventually picked up at 11.15 by a sister company and the amount of times they fobbed me off was innumerable so much more to this but I have 0 faith in rac also I was on a perilous stretch of hard shoulder with no lights(battery went dead) they did send me a £100 check tho. Anyway I heard green flag are good.
Freddie, take a close look at your key switch. Can you see any damage? The thieves may have used a screwdriver to break the locking pins. Your electrical gremlins began after the attempted theft. Personally, I don't think it's a coincidence.
It started after it got ridden through a flood....
It could sure be either, should be easy to distinguish for a tech tough
You can't help it with old mechanics and electric. Sometime it just gives up after a little nudge too many. For example, I thought his gasket problem may also have been due to the Bonnie getting a first time professional cleaning around the engine where it never got touched apart from spraying some wd40. Not to blame the pro doing it, but old gasket held by grime + chem dissolving grime = clean and fragile old gasket ridge.
The gasket problem was due to having the cylinder head removed to have a helicoil or insert for the spark plug the other issues relate to the fact that motorcycles are not submarines 😂
The starter motor engaging with the key switch occurred after the attempted theft.@@andychurches7280
Some people are not meant to ride
Breaking down and figuring out the problem then fixing it is all part of the rich tapestry of motorcycling. Never give up. It's part of the learning curve. It's happened to many of us in the begining. What a wonderful lady the Monika is. Perfect!!
One of the reasons I love your content is because you're always very conscious about budget, very prudent, realistic and relatable, unlike many other youtubers or influencers with seemingly unlimited money to spend on expensive bikes... but since the old boneville it's been giving a lot of issues lately, it seems that is finally time to go for a different ride. Maybe this is the time to get a Royal Enfield, since you've been always very keen to it! a Classic 350 perhaps to keep it budget friendly?
I hope everything goes well, cheers!
Definitely agree with you, although for Freddie's adventures he needs something a bit bigger motor wise for those longer expeditions.
@@RamblingRuters If Freddie is going to be London based for a while, I'd suggest he get a Himalayan. Hopefully its design heritage will make it tough enough to be the sort of really dependable ride that he needs.
Maybe spend the 60-80 quid on a battery when it regularly fails?
Isn’t there a Classic 650 on the way or did I imagine that? May be a perfect blend for Mr Dobbs
A proper motorcycle video! We’ve all been there and empathise with your pain. On a positive, you both kept positive in a deflating circumstance. Monika you are his rock.
Freddie, you burned up your starter a couple videos back, now the battery has dead cells, might only be prodncing 10 volts or less, due to being drained by a constantly engaged starter motor. Alternator is likely ok. Take it to a mechanic, get the battery tested and find out why the starter was staying engaged.
He just collected it from a mechanic. Shambolic service or a shambolic bike.
Spot on. The starter is burning out and draining
@@DD-co1zn Between the time he picked it up from the shop to this video, the bike was driven through multiple floods, stood out in pouring rain, had its exhaust changed, someone attempted to steal it and finally had its ECU reset.
Not sure how exactly this is the mechanic's fault?
@@rufysufy ... Judging by his latest video, the triumph specialist appears to put it down to a poor rebuild ... Riding through a foot of water isn't the problem, nor being left out in the rain.
As someone who was born in London and spent most of their life abroad, I love how the city keeps reinventing itself. It’s a bit like a phoenix rising back from its ashes over and over again. With the same spirit, I recently renovated an 800 years old home in a medieval town in southern Tuscany. New buildings are perfectly fine, but preserving old architecture is ALWAYS better. Thanks Freddy and Monika for taking me back to England one video at a time.
'Triggers new broom' city.
Yeah you’re so lucky with the devoted and always cheerful Monika. Head up fellah on the Bonny, it’ll get sorted in time for Spring. Well done on keeping the bright side out. Regards from Ireland
I feel your pain Freddie , I have a T100 much older than yours and have had similar problems with a series of batteries recently supposedly far more reliable and powerful , although cannot mention makes but has now settled into a period of unfailing reliability with a quality battery.As has been said below , you cannot sell it as it is , and its time with you and the adventures you've had has earned its preservation.Don't give up just yet !.
Don't just throw parts at it and hope for the best. Test the parts you suspect are faulty. Could be alternator, regulator/rectifier or battery. More likely the charging circuit.
Test and replace based on the results.
A simple multimeter would help answer a lot of these questions.....
Performing some simple tests and actually fixing the issues doesn't make for good click bait titles though does it.
@@ofmyownaccordbut Fred doesn’t understand them but easy tutorials on here
You can buy simple LED battery voltage tester to see if voltage is too low or charging work or not, by colors.
Trouble is Freddie doesn’t have a clue…..better for him to take the bike to a competent bike mechanic
That Bonnie has served you well but I think it wants you to move on at this point Freddie. Also lucky you, Monica is hands on - a one in a million partner!
I'd just like to say how much I admire the editing and artistry in your video. There are examples all the way through but 7.05 to 7.35 especially stood out in the context of what you were going through at the time. The great soundtrack really added to it too.
Come on man, get a Guzzi V7! As I said on one of your previous videos: "I recall that you liked it and wondered why it wasn't more popular. You can get them for any price and they're true classics, aircooled, reliable, easy to work on, huge fuel tank, shaft drive... "
I agree - sold my Bonnie; keeping my V7iii!
(Thinks to himself "Let's analyze this.....") "If the battery is dead, what DO we know.......well......I don't know. WHY do I think I'm a mechanic!" Real, humble, and pretty funny! I'm sure he reminds many of us of EXACTLY what we've said to ourselves when tackling motorcycle issues. Worth watching 😃
I know it probably wasn't intended, but when Monika's camera was looking at the new exhausts as she was pushing the bike I swear I could hear her thinking "...and he's juat spent all that money on these bloody things and now the bike has packed in! 🤬"
Chin up Freddie, but remember...when a bike goes beyond an economical repair, someone somewhere is trying to tell you something.
A lesser man would have rage quit. You're always a champion of positivity Freddie!
Not exactly a Triumph is it 😅 on a more serious note, it’s a salutary lesson that if you don’t look after your bike, it will break down. Yes, failures can happen, especially with age, but this is more heavy and questionable use with little preventative maintenance or mechanical sympathy. Kudos to you for posting this, warts and all!
It's a Riumph 😂
@@MrUled😂
No jumping that bad boy!
Surely a multi meter is on Freddie's Christmas list.
Omg...Monika loooooves you! She's beyond special!
Gutted for you Freddie. Always impressed by your positivity & Monica’s support & positivity too! 👍
Not gonna lie, Monika's boots in the foreground are just too precious!
I hope Monica finds the humor in your struggles.
So sorry to see your hassle Freddie. The lovely Monika needs a hug & pat on the back for such stoic support. Good luck guys.
Dear Freddie! I feel your pain about the Bonneville... 💗💗💗 On the other hand this may be the best content on your channel that I've seen so far. I'm looking forward the see the successor of the Bonneville. 😉😜
Sorry to hear about all these troubles. I really hope you get it sorted, at least even to sell the bike and move onto something a bit newer and hopefully more reliable. You can see in the comments that everyone genuinely cares and wants to help in some way. Good luck and we will all be hear waiting to see what happens.
Oh dear 😔 definitely time for another Freddie, you've had a good run with it and it's covered many miles and no doubt created many happy memories, but time for a new direction and something more reliable.
It’s a painful realisation for me, Dale. Very painful
Yes and believe me you don't want to be breaking down on a major motorway and possibly end up waiting for the AA on the side of the motorway in the dark with no lights because of dead electrics.
@@Lar308 waiting 4 hours, that is.
Monikas amazing cinematography skills! I know exactly where you were when you broke down and the Woolwich market area and she still managed to make it look good. But yes you right 'new' development has made.a difference
I feel gutted for you Freddie. The bike has given you such amazing memories. You need to get it checked out thoroughly to see where it's gone wrong. It can be fixed of course, but only you can decide on the cost/benefit ratio of that fix. I pray it works out for you buddy, good luck.
Sir Freddy you epitomize the true Triumph rider , resilient, knowledgeable, eye for style and history, rye sense of humor, goodness mate hang on to that fantastic bonny...from crash on a T120 in Ballarat Australia
Oh, Freddie...been there (not battery issue) chain broke in the middle of nowhere... decisions, decisions...decisions...and always the wrong one. 😢❤
I've been following you for a while now and I do enjoy watching your videos. First reason is that I lived in London for nearly 20 years and following you through familiar places is quite nice and relaxing (I had so many meals in this pub you are sitting on). And the second point is, about three month ago I purchased a Classic 350, and your videos helped me a lot on making this decision. Well, as some people mentioned in the comments already, get a 350 to be your city bike, I'm for sure loving my one.
This was a hard watch, only because most of us have been there on the side of the road , waiting for breakdown.
At least it wasnt raining and you got coffee ☕
Hi Freddie, had you considered when the thugs tried to steal your bike they may have tampered with the ignition/wiring? When you initially tried to start it after the attempted theft the bike sounded like the starter motor was permanently running with the engine.
Don't give up on it yet Freddie. Firstly the whole situation is making for great content as I'm sure you have both already discussed. Secondly, clearly an electrical gremlin in there which can be easily, perhaps not cheaply, but easily none the less to fix. That bike isn't ready for the scrap heap She will live again and it will be glorious once it does!
Exactly this. Replace the charging system and I reckon other issues will resolve themselves. Certainly once the battery is charged. Bikes hate a low battery! The bonnevilles tend have something in them that stops them starting when below a certain charge (annoyingly)
Also our back the Air injector if not already done now you are back to standard exhausts
Thanks.. Hey Fred, not having much luck mate, That bike hasn't been the same since the head was done, water did not help either., My advice, put a new battery on and grab a new rectifier, these things aint too expensive but they control your electrics and whether your batter will charge as it controls the voltage to all parts of the bike. I can almost guarantee that the rectifier is at fault. Once you put it on and a new battery , start the bike and go trade her in mate. Meanwhile you and your lovely other half go have a decent coffee on me.. Thanks for the videos mate and always remember, if Yous travel to Australia Victoria then pop in,, you both are more than welcome and use my bikes and Jeep to run around,,
Hi Freddie. Hope you read this. Disconnect your battery. Take off the tank, seat, side covers and anything else that gets in the way of getting to your electrics. Now pull apart every connector. Clean them with abrasive paper (wet and dry, but only use it dry) Spray with contact cleaner, and reassemble EXACTLY AS YOU PULLED IT APART. ONLY DO ONE CONNECTOR AT A TIME SO THAT YOU DON'T GET CONFUSED AS TO WHAT GOES WHERE. Also check the earth lead (the big black wire that goes from the battery to the bike frame) clean that too. I bet you you'll fix the problem.
Love how you spent your time waiting for the AA doing a sponsorship piece with a starbucks. What a pro!
My breakdown cover for the bikes is done through Carole Nash, as part of the insurance package. They use local subcontractors who are bike specialists, so they always come with a van capable of carrying the bike.
Truly great teamwork with Monica and yourself, lovely to see the support win over frustration.
I would be curious to know how many miles you have done on the bonny since Morocco, at least all these issues happened once you were home. ✌️❤️
Sorry about the Bonnie! I actually was already sure it was the submarine action that killed it. Happy bike hunting!! 😂
submarine🤣
Yup, I wanted to suggest just that. The flood water was fun to watch but...
@@mjk1320 Yes he just went way too fast, the water was coming over the handlebars.
Goodbye Triumph......hello Royal Enfield.
@@willyrackham2957I sure hope so too! Very few long term royal enfield owners, I want to see if they've got what they're claiming they've got!
Freddie! So sorry for your bike issues. Appreciate all you and Monica do for us mc enthusiasts….
Good luck with everything! GS- from Long Island NY
Fortunately, I have workshops both here in Spain and Norway that take such things on the day...last time it was a charger for a GPS that shorted out...I changed the alternator once, less than 10 minutes. Buying a new, used bike is usually only new challenges.
Agreed. So little effort given before throwing the towel in and putting more money into a new set of problems.
Freddie - had the same thing with my 2013 SE. I was travelling and had my charger with me (I'd noticed I'd needed it on occasion). But after a particularly cold night it was dead as a door nail and the charger failed. In my case I was fortunate to see some tough looking blokes in a nearby shop and they gave me a push start, which worked. Then I went to the local Triumph dealer and got a new battery - and never had an issue with the battery after that.
One of the first mods. I had on it was a Mustang seat - the most amazing motorcycle seat I have ever ridden on. Literally ride it all day in absolute comfort, and without any need for running in. The great pity is they no longer make them for Triumphs.
I used to ride Triumphs fm Meridien equipped with Lucas electrics, "The Prince of Darkness", so I did my fair share of pushing and bump starting back in the '70s. However, I also had 3 modern classics and they are excellent motorcycles. I'd suggest to go thru the electrical equipment, repair/replace anything that doesn't test up to specs and keep it. Those are strong motors and the bikes are well put together. Worth repairing in my humble opinion. Ride safe, my friend!
‘Prince of darkness’ - I’d forgotten that, brilliant 😂😂😂
Decisions caused by earlier decisions can be a bit painful but you have time to remedy the situation and make the best choice. Good luck!
So much to take in Freddie. I feel so sorry for you both. Firstly, let's thank the Bonnie for the faithful companion she's always been all these years to you and Monika. Also, let's thank Monika for helping you feel less flustered through your ordeal and being so 'present' in the moment as to think of ordering some nice coffee as you waited for AA to show up. Now Freddie, you are a biker...as opposed to a mechanic, that's where your heart is. Sure, you can change brake pads, batteries, exhausts, maybe even do the shock absorbers etc and other stuff which a lot of us can't and that makes you very hands-on in my eyes, but right now you need to take a call -- Do you wish to remain more of a biker? Or do you wish to foray into becoming slightly more of a 'tinkerer'? Because electrical faults, sadly, they can go away temporarily but sooner or later they are bound to resurface unless you've had the incredible luck of bumping into a superman of a mechanic, which is rare these days. And you ride with Monika quite a lot. Also, it's your primary mode of transport. You want it to be reliable. Also, don't AA have a thing where they only support vehicles up to 15 years old? So even if you did spend a fortune fixing the Bonnie, how many more years do you think you can get out of her before roadside recovery is taken off of you? These are all questions to ponder over. There is no right or wrong. But a part of me is saying - thank the bonnie for her service, retire her with grace, and life is too short Freddie, why not enjoy another (or another type of ) bike going forward? Perhaps Monika can pick the next one :) Good luck whichever way you choose for things to go! We are right here, eagerly waiting as always for the next episode in your and Monika's lives :) @FreddieDobbs
Good comments. Yes, Monika is amazing and yes, big love to the old Bonnie, but...
Having owned a 1958 Ariel and done European rallies, though I wasn't the mechanic, I appreciate that with an old bike at least half, if not more, of the experience is the 'fun' of keeping it going and even then you always have to bake into every planned trip the possibility of a break down.
Freddie's Bonnie is not that old, but it is of an age where you aren't just a biker you are an amateur mechanic too or you will be calling the AA more and more.
I also had a modern scooter for reliable travel, but when my step-dad died (who was doing all the Ariel fettling) there was no way I could keep it running and safe. Not with my skills or with the constant large cost of a decent mechanic for an old bike.
I made the decision to sell both Ariel and scooter and bought a Triumph Speedmaster. New bike, but old 'ride'.
As much as I miss being a fully fledged member of the classic bike fold, they don't suddenly shun you or anything hehe.
Now I have a trouble-free relaxing but characterful biking experience every time and I can still wax lyrical with the other old boys about 'the day the engine seized on that back road in East Germany' etc...
Tough to see, Freddie, hope you are able to find something soon…so many great options out there, best of luck
Anyone remember how he treated the brand new 900 scrambler triumph lent him? If u treat a bike as a submarine then ur asking for trouble. After all the trouble folk took to get him that gasket too. Be careful Freddie your not drifting from loveable clown to idiot.
You know, one reason I really like this content, other than living vicariously through this couple, is the music selection. Nice tunes.
Well, the mood of the tune contrasted nicely on pushing the bike uphill multiple times. Could have used sped up video and Benny Hill ending theme!
I feel for you. Had almost the same symptoms with my old honda deauville. Tried 2 mechanics, kept failing and sold it. Old electrics are mystifying. I got a newish scooter, burgman 400. Never looked back, such a gem dor the urban environment and dead cheap to run. Helmet and jacket etc under the seat and you’re ready to go. Best of luck to you!
I understand the frustration you experienced with an old bike; it can really spoil a beautiful morning. Thankfully, my bike is fully serviced now, and I haven't encountered any issues since that day, probably for about two years. I hope you can get yours up and running smoothly again. Don't lose hope! Have a great day! The weather here in Thailand is fantastic, so I'm also planning to go for a ride this morning too!
Old bikes indeed…
New Battery? $125
Roadside Starbucks? $25
Impromptu Picnic-on-the-gravel and a loving Partner to share it with? Priceless!
I admit enjoying your day even as it went south for you! All the Best!
As a channel about the experience of bike riding and ownership, this video hit spot-on the occasional reality of being stuck in the middle of urban no-man's land with a broken bike, waiting on help. Staking claim to a small patch of gravel and brick wall - a little bubble of temporary residence with the vague not-quite-panic of the possibility of leaving the bike parked in the shadows of the dark as the goal then becomes getting yourself home let alone the bike.
The difference these days is the backstop of mobile phone and Uber. But still that "wasted-day in a place you wouldn't choose to be" feeling was well illustrated here.
Hi Freddie, bad luck with the Bonnie, my recommendation would be to find yourself a Honda CB1100RS.
The RS has the benefit of cast wheels and tubeless tyres, less maintenance than spokes. It still has classic looks plus the Honda reliability, I've not had a single issue with mine. Good luck.
I feel your pain Freddie. Like many, I’ve been through some irritating situations with bikes, which makes me appreciate having a new (reliable) one. I hope my Royal Enfield Super Meteor continues to make me smile. Good luck in finding a suitable replacement. Keep up the brilliant videos. Best regards, Graham.
As you have given Triumph so much free publicity riding the bike all over Europe and beyond. You would think they might reach out to you. It would certainly give them a heap more free good press.
I had constant problems with a '08' Street Triple not liking to start. Sold it in the end.
Buy an Interceptor, I'm 3 years in, no issues as at all.
Bless Monika
Freddie you are so lucky to have Monika she is a star turn!
Please give the Triumph another chance. Modern bikes/cars are not happy with poor batteries and especially alternator issues which can upset the ECU and 'learned' settings. So spray with WD40, get a new alternator and if needed a battery (a necessary investment even if you want to sell it for a reasonable price), and see what happens.
Yes, I had all sorts of weird issues with my BMW; battery had enough humph to start the bike but it had a couple of dead cells. Problems with fuelling, lights, instruments. All cured with a new battery.
Modern? Thats not his bonneville
Paused at 24:30, or so, that almost got me choked up, to see Freddie pushing his bike alongside traffic. Freddie, I know it costs, everything costs, hang on to your Bonneville, you love her, she's been with you this whole way, time to consider another motorcycle. But keep that Bonneville!
Geez, am I going to make it through this video without watery eyes?
As an Italian motorcycle enthusiast you get used to electrical gremlins (Moto Guzzi - turning motorcyclists into electricians since 1921). Have you considered buying a second Bonneville of the same vintage and using this one for parts? Back in the day part of owning a British twin involved a shed full of parts and a lot of time spent with the bike in pieces.
Sitting here watching this in the US on Thanksgiving day an though things are bad, I cant stop thinking how good you have it. That woman stayed with you. She helped you push that bike. An she sat on the ground with you an waited. I dont know if you thought about how extraordinary that is, but its huge. In today's world, most guys would find themselves sitting alone while she caught a ride home. Shes a gift from god an he just gave you a reminder how blessed you are. The bike doesn't matter. Its just a replaceable toy. But shes a rarity.
I 100% agree....,she's an amazing girl and Freddy is a truly blessed and fortunate man to have her......,she's gold..!
Hi Freddie, The hill you were on was just about good enough to bump start the bike, if a battery is flat (I know the issue with the Bonnie was worse) the best way to bump it is to get free wheeling as fast as you can while standing on the foot pegs, then put it into 2nd gear and drop your backside onto the seat letting the clutch out, the backside drop will help the back tyre lock better on the road surface and you will have a better chance of getting it started, Not this time as the problem was compounded but just a tip for any future mishaps, best wishes with the hunt for a new bike, make it British.Regards
Mark J. Isle of Man.
If the battery voltage is low modern ECUs switch the ignition off so you can’t ’bump start’ no matter how hard you push or how fast you roll 😐
Really sorry to hear. I must say though seeing Freddie being pushed by that stranger was quite funny 😅😂
Been debating my 2nd bike after my Meteor, Bonnie vs INT 650 so far….this is adding points to the INT not gonna lie
If any bike, including an INT, gets neglected like this one you will have problems. Nothing runs on a wing and a prayer.😅😂
As someone that has had some older cheap bikes over the years issues were a regular thing. It definitely gets frustrating so I feel your pain. One tip though. It is much much easier to ptart a bike running beside it than on it. First gear , clutch held in, get it rolling at speed and then dump the clutch and push with all your might. As soon as it fires clutch in and rev it up.
Yes, need to be running by the side of the bike. But, never use 1st gear. Needs to be 2nd, possibly 3rd. But you'll need to be ready to jump aboard when she fires up and/or snap in the clutch. Had a bad spell one winter with a CBF1000 - that't a big lump to be pushing around and could never do it in 1st gear.
Hey mate, lots of advice in the comments here. Personally I'd start by making sure the wiring all looks how it should after the theft attempt. Does anything look damaged or jerry-rigged? They very likely tried to bypass the normal ignition system so they could start without the key. Just look over the wiring harness for any cuts, stripped wires etc. Then I'd test the alternator. Plenty of videos on UA-cam of doing so, I think Revzilla have a particularly good one. You'll need a multimeter - if you don't have one these are an invaluable tool that you should buy, and they're pretty cheap.
Honestly I'm amazed your starter motor still works because in that video where the bike tried to crank as soon as you turned the key it sounded like the starter motor was continuously running even after the engine was firing (normally the starter motor should stop as soon as the engine is firing under its own steam). It really sounds like your alternator just isn't charging. Could it be due to riding through floodwater? Yeah maybe. But I also wouldn't discount the thieves having messed with your wiring.
Visual check on wiring first, multimeter test of alternator second.
Best of luck from Newcastle, Australia (Steel City).
Hope your bike is fixable ! Just tried readily and it’s great. Thanks for this 👍😀
I think it's time for a new bike, time for the old horse to enjoy the retirement
I thinks it's only a battery issue
Sorry to hear about your continuing troubles Freddie -- time to buy that Guzzi Stone perhaps?
I feared the worst when you charged through that flood. No need to go that fast. If the water is hitting you in the face your bow wave is excessive...persevere with it. Everything can be fixed
Mmm that's as maybe, but you want to spend time riding the bike, not fixing it 🤷🏻♂️
@@kevindarkstar have you ever owned a bike that needed no maintenance? It's hardly riding weather for vloggers now anyway.
@@foggyrf9 no, I've never had a bike which didn't need maintaining, but that's a blanket statement for any vehicle full stop, my point is that not withstanding routine maintenance, you want to be riding the thing, and not repetitively fixing one fault after another, it's very frustrating when you want to ride but it turns into a fix fest, we've all experienced the odd issue, but Freddie seems to have been dropped into bike hell over the last few months 🤷🏻♂️
@@kevindarkstar you've succumbed to his manipulation. He's had to wait for a head gasket and now he's drowned his electrics - and for a fella who regularly gives out advice about bikes he appears to know remarkably little about basic fault finding/troubleshooting. He happily used the jump pack expecting the underlying fault to fix itself instead of getting a multimeter out and testing to find the problem. Makes for plenty of melodramatic "content" and random outpourings of sympathy from blocked on the internet who believe it's all completely genuine...
@@foggyrf9 Ahhh now yes that's another point, I will admit his mechanical skills seem limited, but then again I believe he's said he's not very adept in this area, but I see your point, but I succumbed to nothing, I'm old enough to understand that a lot of people on here play to the audience ect 😉
Freddie,I don't understand how you can speak with authority on all things motor bike when you obviously don't know how they work,if you did you could fix your own, having said that I like your polite manner and envy your patience,I particularly liked your take on the Honda transalp, they are fantastic and reliable and I've just done a bolt n nut rebuild on mine 600 1997, maybe you should buy one of those!, thought watch out for the weak point /the pinion shaft.... good man!
Lovely melancholy filming of the birds, while you were waiting for the AA, nicely done, Monika!
I thought it was meant to symbolise vultures circling the 'dead' carcass of the bonny.
Super Meteor for you and Monica, Freddie. Then you'll surely become an Ambassador for RE. I bought a classic 350 much because of your videos and appreciate it as much as you did.
Good idea. I bought a 350 too lol
It’s seems it’s never been right since the base gasket was fitted. Time for a Harley Freddie 👍
This is on my mind, Neil🇺🇸
What makes you think a Harley is the answer.?
Never the right answer to a question
No, no, my friend, you are totally ready for a Norton. Nicolas 🇫🇷
A Harley is always the answer. But I think in this case you got to keep the old Triumph.
Thanks Freddie love your travel videos. It almost motivates me to leave the Gold Coast beaches in Australia and come over and rent a motorbike and do some touring!!! Watch this space....only in summer though.
These bikes are fairly reliable. Im a mechanic i do keep an eye on battery and charging curcuit. If you goimg to buy another bike get another lower mileage Bonneville and then slowly go through this one sorting out the issues. Its possibly fair wear and tear. They are a reliable bike
Most of us have been where you are Freddie so you have our sympathy. You struck gold with Monica though, what a trooper. Park the Bonnie for a bit and get your RE 350 Classic. Revisit the Bonnie later and see if you can sort it. Testing for faults first, I'm sure your community can come up with the 'whats' and 'hows'. Good luck.
Start with a new wiring harness, and then diagnose and replace electrical sensors as they fail. Put copious amounts of dielectric grease on any electrical connections that may have wiring exposed to the elements. The bike will be fine, it will just take some time, $$, and frustration to sort it all out.... but you're already used to that, so just have at it. Best wishes.
Evening Coast Rider so true what you said about our special little Community. When we are out and someone says Hi I'm one of your subscribers, priceless. Great video loved it 👍
It may be the floods you drove through recently. If the dirty water got into your wiring harness connectors you’ll have all sorts of issues. I say this because the bike started itself with just turning the ignition on. Take it to a bike mechanic, it may just be a bad or burnt out connector 🤔
…. didn’t watch you vid before I commented 🤣 However, watch Teapotone’s last vid about his Suzuki repair, he uses a mobile mechanic that covers south London. Knows his stuff!
I agree. You need to remove the guess work and have a professional with diagnostic equipment and the know how determine what the root cause is and repair accordingly.
I have full coverage insurance with roadside assistance and I have never waited more than a hour. Greatest customer service from GEICO.
get a multimeter to check the charge from the alternator. Start the bike. Use the multimeter to confirm that the alternator is charging at 14.4 volts from the connection on the battery. This proves its either the alternator or the battery. If you are not getting 14.4 volts when being revved, you need a new alternator - possibly
or regulator
Feel for you. Been there. Many years ago I broke down on a very wet and windy M1 motorway at about 11pm coming home from visiting my parents. Bloody nightmare. Still gives me chills. This was before mobile phones even existed and I still had hundreds of miles to go. Best of luck with it. Get an Interceptor and bin that old Triumph. It’s knackered.
Royal Enfield calling
I'd go for the 350 Classic.. just for the look... and the sound!
Classic 350 would be my choice🖤
@@FreddieDobbs go for it! The 350 is such a beautiful bike 😍
It's painful to watch a fun person like Freddie sad 😢
Time to get a new bike Freddie
Think i would do what you said, park the bonnie up in Ipswich and get a new bike, then next summer a few videos of you fixing the bonnie or trying too. It may need another part which takes 4 months to turn up again.
Hi Freddie, I had a feeling this was going to happen. Riding through those floods has very possibly done damage to your electric circuits, alternator, reg/rectifier and if your bike has them lambda/ 02 sensors. Hope you get it sorted
@Lookup2WakeupI used to work in the waste water industry, trust me salt is the least of your worries in flood water, raw sewage is a given along with animal poo and farming chemicals. Yuk
@@alexanderclarke2774 in a bike, salted water is the worst
@@the.communist I know salt water is not good for any vehicle. I was thinking more along the lines of the health risk to a rider. If you ride through flood water you cant see if manhole covers have lifted. Just imagine your front wheel disappearing done a hole and getting thrown into a potential health hazard water.
Poor you (both)
Monika is a KEEPER lol.
Fingers crossed you get something reliable, keep the Bonny as a project maybe. Good luck to you both.
Looks like dry-storage for your Bonny in Ipswich. Contemplate something in the region of a full restoration/rebuild, especially in the electric region. Some of us have been down the same road as you Freddy and we sympathize deeply with you. Entertaining vlog but also sad.😢
Was the proud owner of a 1982 Suzuki Gsx750 until helping a friend fix his roof. After turning the ignition to ride home it caught fire! In that moment I said this has to go and have been a happy owner for the past 7years of a Honda Vfr750f.
Good luck with your future plans,
Greetings from Germany
I think the Bonneville exercise program will be a hard sell.
Freddie, love your videos and Monicas camerawork. Don't despair, the bonnie can be fixed. There are a number of things I could list for you to do/check but honestly you do not have the workshop facilities and there is the time factor, I am lucky being effectively retired. This is what I would do in your situation, as you live in the city ride outs can be relatively local, buy another cheap used commuter bike, nothing flash, just enough to get you about whilst you book the bonnie in for investigation and go from there? Good luck!