Triumph Bonneville, A few "Rumblings" about adjustments that the owner can make to improve the bike.
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- Опубліковано 17 чер 2024
- Hi.
Today I look back at the last video where It was suggested to me that the tyres are not as good as perhaps they could be.
Other viewers suggest improvements to the bike, most are relatively low(ish) cost and I do wonder why most of these are not sorted by the factory at the manufacturing stage🤔
please leave a comment, let us know what you think.
Give me a thumbs up and if you do get some value off this sort of content please Subscribe to really help support my little efforts.
it would be appreciated.
comments, photos and thoughts to
shottostravels@gmail.com
Most importantly Ride Safe👍 - Авто та транспорт
Quite a few areas to comment on so I'll just pick one. I also have Ceat tires and with the center groove, going over cement bridges that have also been grooved in the same pattern, the tires do wiggle when going over them. (U S). I'll run the tires and just be in Heaven when I change them out. Too old and smart to just change tires (cheap) b4 their time is up. Lol.
Hi John.
I completely agree, the tyres have to be bad to throw them away when there's thousands of miles left in them. they would have to be really bad and who's to say the new ones will be any different.
That's why it's good to share with people who know, like on here!
Ride safe Mate 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍
I have a 2021 T120. I have not experienced any fueling issues at low speed. I did find it snatchy in low speed traffic and 6th gear was of no use below 70mph. I think the issue that most people perceive as being a fueling problem on the T120, may be that the final drive ratio is higher than on the equivalent T100. As the T120 has a six speed gearbox, it did not really need a higher final drive ratio as well. The stock final drive ratio on the T120 is 2.18:1 (37t/17t sprockets). On the 2021 T100, the final drive ratio is 2.41:1 (41t/17t sprockets). Excluding 6th gear on the T120, the primary drive and gearbox ratios on both models are the same. I changed the rear sprocket on my T120 to one having 40 teeth and this greatly improved drivability around town. I still find 6th gear is only suited to motorway speeds, but I don't have to keep hopping between 5th and 6th gear as often.
I did put progressive fork springs in. As I weigh 120Kg, I found that dive under braking would have the forks bottoming easily. The progressive springs prevent this, but I think that rebound damping is now a little soft as a result.
I still have the stock tyres fitted, and I find the rear to be a little unpredictable in fast bends, and steps out easily when taking intersections.
Tracking grooves and seams is also a problem. UK roads are so bad at the moment, that I have the same issue with my H-D Road King.
Apologies that the comment turned into a bit of a novel 🤭😁
Hi Ian.
Absolutely no apology needed.
Unfortunately a bit of it was lost on me,I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
You may well be correct, I don't doubt it.
I just found the T120 at low speed a bit snatchy, for whatever reason.
It did seem to have a bit more up top but I thought that the T100 was sufficient for my needs and being the early one it was " only" 54/55bhp.
That's enough for my peanut brain to work with😉
Thanks for your comments Mate.
Ride safe 👍
Lots to chat about there Keith. Enjoyed that 👍
There was wasn't there.👍
Have a 1200 Thurxton.
Changed seat
rear suspension
front suspension
Replaced Pirelli tyres with chunky Michelin Road 6.
V&H mufflers
Meerkat crossflow.
Mirrors
Grips.
Rear sprocket...smaller.
Did it so the machine was easier to ride on country roads.
Needs stronger lights and heated grips to avoid kangaroos
Thanks for commenting.
Looks like your getting it sorted but makes you wonder why it wasn't sorted at the manufacturing stage🤔
Ride safe Mate.👍
@@shottostravels Well I bought the bike with 2700 KMs in Perth. In the city the sports suspension was very good.
Now I live 200 miles south and west Aussie country roads do not all get the same funding.
So I had put in inexpensive progressive springs / pre loaders and expensive rear shocks ,then extra padding in seat, plus a bump to give it more of a cafe racer look.
The gearing change gave me 65 mph at 3300 rpm instead of 4500. It now has t120 sprocket ratios. It was revving too much on open road, but ok in a town or a Sunday spin, but different needs in open roads no towns countryside.
The Michelin's are way better in absorbing uneven roads surfaces and wet weather than stock Pirelli Angels, plus very very confident inspiring cornering
I’m happy with the simplicity of the Beeline navigation that lasts for many hours of battery life and doesn’t take much out of linked phone as no display on phone.
On the subject of apps I’d love to see details of route as this looked a great ride. I normally use Relive that shows route on a 3D video map which I attach to end of my ride video. Looked like great lanes on here 😊
Thanks for commenting.
I do like a map really.
I will have a look at the app you suggested. Thanks.
Ride safe👍
@@shottostravelswhat was the (approximate) route here?
@derbyshireruralrider9398 Macclesfield towards Whaley bridge, turn right, Goyt Valley, across the Leek to Buxton Rd, past Buxton Bangor racing, to Longnor, to Leek past mermaid.
If that makes any sense🤔
@@shottostravels good, thanks
Hi Keith, as mentioned before, I am really enjoying your content and discussion items. Thank you and Mike for supplying close up picture of ‘P’ clip ref Mudguard mod.
Thanks Mark, I'm glad you get something of value out of it.
Ride safe👍
@@shottostravels Thanks Keith, just to reiterate loving your content, keep up the good work. I have the wireless charging Quadlock with damper on my handlebars purely for GPS on the phone, could not live without it now, wired it in with a long lead under the tank/seat to under seat USB. Other UA-camrs had mentioned an app called Calimoto I tried the free trial and was sold ! Apparently it is designed by bikers for bikers as a route planner and turn by turn Nav app. I find it fantastic, whenever I go anywhere I utilise it and am discovering fantastic lanes and roads I never new existed almost free of cars in this densely populated ‘ Down South’ bit of the country, I am guessing it is almost using an anti google maps algorithm. In my opinion absolutely brilliant, give the trial a go, not affiliated at all, promise! As for listening to music, not for me, for no other reason than I find the ‘music’ of those pipes the only symphony I want to listen to 😀 especially as that symphony is on borrowed time if you get my drift 🤔. Very interested in the tyre debate watching and listening on the sidelines with great interest. Once again keep up the good work, Thanks
Hi Mark
That's wonderful, I will give it a go.
I'm really pleased that you can find something of interest in my rumblings.
I find the best bit of all this UA-cam malarchy is the interaction between our little community that is beginning to develop.
Not just me, but others interacting with each other.
There is also in the early planning stages a possible trip to Normandy to the landind beaches next year sometime.
If we can sort it out.
There's time.
I do like to get suggestions like yours about the Calimoto app, great idea, and I can feel a vlog coming on!
I sometimes struggle to come up with ideas for content, I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer but people ( like you) suggesting stuff keeps me going.
So thanks for that.
Normandy for a few days?
Ride safe Mate👍
@@shottostravels Hi Keith, Normandy is unlikely for myself due work and life commitments, however if all of the stars were to align🤔never say never !
I look forward to hearing all about it 😀
Regards Mark
@@markwood9755 No probs, it was just a thought. I am lucky enough to be past all that, it's good, I recommend it!
It's a bit like my camping trip, when I was at work I would book a week's holiday and keep my fingers crossed that the sun shines.
Now I can just wait till the sun shines and go.
Guaranteed good weather, even in the UK
Wonderful.
Ride safe Mate👍
I love the difference in my bike since I did all my mods (tyres, forkspings, seat farkles) Triumph cheap out on stock parts but as you say, "they are a business trying toake a few quids"
Thanks for your thoughts Richie.
Ride safe👍
I fitted the progressive fork springs and it did make a difference. Triumph are continually cost cutting their products, the centre stand used to be standard equipment. To make the bikes lighter they removed several things but kept the price the same a few years ago and now the centre stand is an expensive extra. I never fitted the boaster plug so cannot say what the difference is, but mine was okay at low speeds. On my recent trip to Madrid I used my iPhone stuck in a quad lock type holder and connected to the USB port and the maps section on the phone worked great for my journeys with any sound. I just followed the signs etc on the phone - very simple even for me as an older codger than you.
Shame isn't that they are penny pinching but good to know that improvements are there to be had.
I do did enjoy the first Ride out with the Quadlock on.
Music and sat nav.
Loved it.
But I understand I the wouldn't be for everyone.
👍
Thanks Keith good video
Thanks for commenting
Ride safe Mate👍
Couldn't agree more about mudguards, and the mounting method for the plastic guard on the T120 is really stupid. But that apart, one used to be able to buy lengths of Aluminium mudguard that one then cut to length....dead simple.
Progressive fork springs (TEC)...abolutely. Transformational. Shame on Triumph for not fitting as OE.
For all that, I really love the T120.......
Thanks for commenting Laurie.
I didn't know about the lengths of Aluminum mudguards.
Interesting to hear about the tec springs. As you say, why did Triumph not fig them as standard, it would have cost them very little.
Ride safe 👍
@@shottostravels Spot on.....the aluminium mugguard lengths is probably showing my age.....that was in the late 60s/early 70s....I remember getting some with my brother for his Guzzi 125 Stornello...........
Hi Keith, great video again, I have the Quadlock wireless charger unit mounted on a rubber mount to stop vibration on the handlebar clamp. This is from evotech. When I bought my bike it already had the Triumph power outlet fitted near the clocks. This is useful when using sat nav on phone as it’s quite thirsty on power. I fitted the TEC springs and it has made a difference to the handling. I read that the booster plug simply tricks the computer into thinking it’s colder than ambient and therefore fuels it richer. You may know from previous comments about my Tramlining issues with the Pirelli’s, but I’m am going to wait until they are worn before changing, probably the Bridgestones. Typical Yorkshireman eh. Ride safe mate
Hi Mate,
Thanks for commenting.
Well, I'm not from Yorkshire but I'm not in the habit of throwing perfectly good tyres away either!
They'd have to be really bad, and these don't tick that box.
I've just fitted my Quadlock, looks good, now I've got Satnav, music and all manor of rubbish on my phone to contend with.
I believe I have a charging point under the seat, I may need a long wire🤔
I wasn't aware that's how the booster plug works, so thanks for that, makes sense.
Thanks again for your input.
Ride safe👍
Great content mate seems to be a few niggles there but personally wouldn't worry to much as knowing you as well as I do you will soon be changing it again 🫣😂😂
Keith. I don't like the booster plug. To me, it's a bit of a bodge and is the equivalent of leaving your choke out a bit (in the days of such a device 😅). My T100 was one of the sweetest fuelled bikes I've ever had since fuel injection replaced carburettors.
Thanks for commenting Philip, ride safe 👍
The best tires I've ever had on a bike were a set of Metzelers. They seemed to be the ultimate compromise between handling, comfort, and durability. I had them on an Interceptor (Honda!!! - not Royal Enfield), and I got @12,000 miles of solid service from them. The CEAT tires on my Classic 350 are very well-behaved; I have zero complaints about them. Also, I have a Benelli Leoncino Trail that came with Pirellis as standard, and while they seem to handle pretty well, they are showing some signs of wear after only 170 miles. The pressures are correct, of course. I have admired, but never ridden, a Bonneville, and thought it might be a contender as a stable-mate for the others, but it looks like it shakes quite a bit at low revs. Is this the case, or is it a sort-of camera glitch? They are very attractive bikes! Thank you for another very entertaining video!
Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for the info on tyres.
I don't think my bike "shakes" at low revs
Maybe the camera as you mention.
I would suggest a test ride of the Bonnie, try both a T100 and aT120.
They are similar but ride different.
Even if you don't end up buying you will have a flavour of what they are about.
Thanks again and Ride safe.👍
Morning bud, I bought a new Speed Twin 900 2 weeks ago and it came shod with michelin road classic tyres and they seem ok now i have done 300 miles, they did seem to follow imperfections in road surface to begin with but i suppose time will tell, also i had the oem centre stand fitted and the heated grips, not cheap but well worth it i reckon, i am a new viewer to your channel and enjoying your content.
Thank you Nigel. Great that you enjoy my "rumblings".
Funny enough I was in the dealership this morning having the centre stand fitted ( it's much better than the previous aftermarket one that was fitted) and noticed that all the new ones were fitted with Michelins.
To be fair to Triumph they have reacted quickly to my concerns because the video only came out this morning around 8 pm😉
Enjoy your bike Mate, any issues or comments let me know and I'm happy to air them on here for people who have owned their bikes longer than us.
Ride safe👍
Lovely ride out bit windy by the sound of it I’ll remember about a booster plug if I get the T120 change fork springs and if I’m on my knees doing something to the bike I’d take 10/11/12/13mm spanner’s on a rag and drag it round the bike with ya😂😂😂 all the best take care ride safe
Hi Nicholas, thanks for commenting.
Great idea about the spanners on a rag, I ve only been at it for 50 years and I never thought of that.
If you are considetingva Bonnie my advice is ride both. The T100 and T120.
You may find that the T100 will tick all your boxes and save you a heap of money in the process.
Ride safe👍
@@shottostravels yes you said that and I’ll give both a go see what I think and feel with both machines many thanks for the advice take care ride safe
A bit late to the party I know Keith, but I thought I'd put my four pennorth in.
Before I bolted the chair on my T100, I ran mine on Avon Roadriders, which I also ran on my Interceptor, and found them to be really good. Also the progressive front springs in both the T100 and the Interceptor were probably the best improvement I made - well worthwhile.
I know what you're saying about these improvements being made at source, but there's a lot of us who thoroughly enjoy doing a bit of farkling! 😂
Quadlock? I bought a couple of cheap 'uns a couple of years ago for the Himalayan and the T100, and they're just fine, and a brilliant way of mounting the phone.
Great video again anyway Keith, keep it up mate. 👍
Thanks for sharing Mate.
I agree, we do like to mess don't we, to make "improvements".
Interesting about the forks, that's a definite then. If you haven't already have a look at the vid I just put on. The rear shocks rode so much better with my camping stuff all strapped to the back of the bike.🤔
So maybe rear shocks too?
Thanks Mate👍
Just watching your latest (laid up just now with a twisted knee, so plenty of catching up to be done!). So far as rear shocks are concerned, I've got experience with YSS on my Interceptor and they were brilliant Keith. Just going back to Rocstraps v Bungees, have a look at Moto Giant's latest few videos - his sleeping bag slipped out of their bungees, jammed in his back wheel and fetched him off, as a result of which he lost his right foot! No more bungees no never no more!
Oh dear, it doesn't get much worse does it.
Lost his foot. Poor fella.
I think we try to keep an eye on the load but that just demonstrates how important it is.
I've not used Rok straps before but am impressed, simple but effective. They go through straps on my bag too so it's pretty secure.
I've heard other mention yss shocks.
Where will it end though, how much money have I got to throw at it to get it right🤔
Sorry to hear of your twisted knee, hope you make a speedy recovery.
👍
I've got bt46 tyres on my speed twin 900,they are a good tyre but mine will need replacing by 5000 miles ,the front tyre is down to 2mm on the edges at 3000 miles,my next tyres will be dunlop mutants.
Thanks for commenting Brian.
4000 doesn't seem much but what do I know?
Ride safe Mate👍
So many criticisms and negative points on your T100 doesn't give me any ambition to change my GoldStar for one, that's for sure, and that's on a bike which costs many thousands less.
Minor moans Mate.
They are wonderful.
Have a test ride and then make your mind up.😉
If you lend me your Gold star I bet I'll find similar stuff?
I'm not saying for one second that's a bad bike, I have little to no knowledge of it.
I don't think the perfect bike exists.🤔
Ride safe👍
Thanks for commenting
@@shottostravelsSorry to say but the problems I had with my 900 Triumph Street twin were anything but minor. It was an early model, I hope wiring loom, gearbox selector and snatchy throttle problems have been addressed with your later T100.
Oh Dear, sounds like you had a bad one, sorry to hear Mate.
I hope you have more luck with whatever you currently ride.
👍
fitted progressive forks spring ,made no difference as late model front springs have been upgraded, booster plug rubbish had on other bikes ,t100 like butter,best addition avon trailrider tyres ,uphostered seat ,gar risers,hand gaurds,slash cut pipes dropped 8 kgs 21 model t100
Thanks for commenting Geoff.
That's interesting, it seems you have yours the way you want it.
Slash cut pipes sound like they may be a bit noisy to my delicate ears .
Ride safe Mate 👍
Morning Keith, I agree with you that the 900 is a much nicer ride than the 1200, the 12 has more power yes but there’s not that much difference in torque, if like me you mainly ride in the lower end of the rev range the 900 is smoother and still has more than enough pull to get you up to “interesting “ speed quickly 😂 The same can also be said about suspension mod’s, yes you can improve it but while ever you’re enjoying it as it is you don’t “need” to change it, after all you didn’t buy it to use as a sports bike. Compared to the bikes we grew up with the ride is great 😂 any way if you’re going to go camping your going to need a soft, comfortable ride afterwards 🤣🤣🤣 All the best buddy 👍
Hi Mike, thanks for commenting.
Can't disagree, you are pushing an open door!
As for Camping, well, who knows, but i will give it a go now. Don't know how long it'll last, but maybe next week, as the weather seems to be improving at long last.
I thought the T120 was a bit quicker with a few more gizmos but not sure how often you would need the extra power but it was lumpy at low revs.
I guess the booster plug would benefit that more than the T100?
Ride safe Mate.👍
I've had a lot of bikes over the years and find that if you don't notice the suspension, then it's probably absolutely fine. Any improvements to any aspect of a bike really do need applying incrementally rather than just throwing everything at it in one go - that's just a waste of money.
@@PhilipBallGarry couldn't agree more, slow and steady wins the race!
When you are sorting out your quad lock system consider whether it might make sense to make use of the auxiliary power lead that is sitting under the tank in most of these bikes. There is a "Cockpit Auxiliary Power Socket Kit" available from Triumph that puts a power outlet just next to and under your clocks on the Bonneville. Another version of the kit puts the power outlet behind the motor under the tank easily accessible. I'm in the process of installing version that goes up by the clocks.
Thanks Rob, that's great..
Absolutely.
I think a long cable might be in order initially but thanks for reminding me.
Someone else mentioned the triumph one by the clocks.
Oh no, is that something else for me to moan about?
Why wasn't it there in the first place🤔
Ride safe Mate👍
Sounds to me like a Super Meteor would have addressed all these issues from the get go. Hardware , seat, tyres, fenders, sat nav and etc.. 🙃
Sounds to me like there's some bloody know it alls on here!!! 😉🤔😯👍
( Can't really argue👍)
Ride safe Mate👍
(Oh, and what's a Fender?😉)
@shottostravels Sorry it's Canadian for mud guard 😁
@lancerbiker5263 Hey, I knew. It was tongue in cheek👍🇨🇦
@shottostravels sorry my tongue is stuck to by cheek.
Morning Keith, l bought my T120 back in January and it came with the original Pirellis which iv'e found ok on dry roads but a bit sketchy on wet corners, i'm going to run them for the summer then change later in the year ready for Autumn Winter probably Bridgestone's or Avon's. l also fitted a booster plug but it hasn't sorted the poor running at low revs l find feathering the clutch is the only way round it for slow corners. l am with you on these upgrades, for an expensive bike they should come with better parts from new and run a lot sweeter than they do. Take care bud 👍
Thanks for commenting Mark.
It seems a bit like spoiling the ship for a ha porth of tar doesn't it.
I had my stand fitted today and noticed that the new ones had Michelins fitted!
My vid only came out this morning, I didn't realize how much power I had!🤔😉
I'll not change mine until I'm running on the metal carcass😉
Have you still got your big Kawasaki rocket ship or am I confusing you with someone else?
Thanks for supporting my humble efforts
Ride safe👍
@@shottostravels Glad you've got the stand sorted and that's interesting they now use Michelins you're being too modest Keith you have plenty of power 😜and yes l still have the Kawasaki that's me and the wife's tourer, l bought the Triumph with my retirement money as a treat for myself, all the best bud 👍
Another reason for fitting a booster plug, if my research is correct, is that it will allow the engine to run cooler. I had a fuel x lite fitted from new on my meteor purely for that reason. I know they work in different ways but the result should be similar. Euro 5 bikes are set to run ridiculously lean !
Absolutely David, can't disagree.
Ride safe Mate👍
Super video mate. Where did you start your ride and what was the lake you passed early in the video? I've recently bought a Quadlok for my Metoer - its a good bit of kit but make sure you buy the anti-vibration gizmo that goes with it. Cheers, Pete
Hi Pete, I fitted my Quadlock today with the anti vibration damper, I've yet to try it out.
The start was at Cheddleton Flint Mill, the lake was the Goyt Valley.
Are you local to me?
North Staffs?
I'm thinking already of a Meteor maybe in the not too distant!
Just don't tell the missus.
Ride safe Mate👍
@@shottostravels I'm the Pete from Stoke that moved to Marple! The Meteor is a cracking bike - let me know if you fancy meeting up for a brew and you can have a test ride. 😄
@psackett62 I'm sorry Pete, I didn't realize. I get quite a lot of comments and mails now and my brain can't cope!
I wouldn't ride you're bike, in case I dropped it, but that's a very kind offer.
I have met up with another subscriber and intend to have another little ride out.
Do you work, just wondering if a weekday was a possibility?
Or do you work?
I can let you know and we could do a meet up on the Peaks for a brew and a chin wag if you want.👍
Morning mate, just had a vision of triumph riders queuing out the door of RE dealerships 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I may be wrong but I understand Ceat tyres are a subsidiary of Pirelli ? I read this in the RE literature ? Funny cos when I was a lad Pirelli were the danglies, smoothness and twins the BMW R65 R80 were far smoother to ride than the R100. Me and camping 🥴 I could get in the tent, in me bag sort of sleep, but I reckon I would need rescuing from it in the morning, 🤣🤣🤣 my Dukes and Buells all of them delayed before the starter motor girded it’s loins enough to turn that crank and push those pistons up and down the bores, can’t wait to change out my tyres on the classic. Go steady mate …. Pete 🇫🇷
AFAIK ceat and pirelli are two completely different companies no relation to each other
Yeah, there might be a run on them now.
Yes I took remember the two smaller BMs being smoother than the bigger version.
I too saw something that said Pirelli and Ceat had some sort of distant ownership link.
As for Camping, we'll, weather is set to improve at last, I'm getting the stuff together and i'm off, hopefully soon but how long it'll last is an entirely different matter.
I thought of going to France but it's a long way if I only last one night!😉
Ride safe👍
@@Kamarov2090 cool, stand corrected I thought I read it somewhere, 👍
@@shottostravels Keith what about glamping tents most sites over here have them, last year mate of mine stayed in one and loved it 😊, not 100% sure I’d not be a bit broken in the morning and unable to move, I think I would have to drink extra beer before turning in 😴 if I had the best possible self inflating camping mattress which inflates as big & deep as a quality double but rolled up to the size of a rolling pin I’m yer man 🤣🤣🤣🤣👍… Pete 🇫🇷
Ceat was originally an Italian company. When the company folded, Pirelli bought and owned the trading name and eventually sold the co to RPG....the current owners.
Hi again watch the bloke one guy a Harley and a drone when he tried the new rocket 3gt out about starting it so funny I’ve been following him for about a year or more now he is comical watch his vids if you don’t follow him you’ll have a laugh 😂😂
Thanks Nicholas, will do.
Could do with a good laugh!
Ride safe Mate👍
Thanks Mate, very good.
He's from near me too.
See, I'm not the only one with the clutch issue!
👍