2013 Triumph Bonneville Review
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
- A day with a brand new air cooled* Triumph Bonneville gives me the chance to review the bike and tell you what I make of it....pretty good by the way....
(* see if you can spot my mistake re the cooling ;0) )
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Three or four references to it being a "lady's" ride. I love the classic looks and feel of this bike. I have gone on weeks-long excursions with my Yamaha. I can assure you that my genitalia is intact and I would still like to buy a Bonny. What I really like about this bike, is it is so customizable. The basic bike is a perfect platform for creating a bike that will suit the rider/owner.
The Bonneville brings back so many memories of riding in the 60's. I like how they've brought it up to date technologically, while keeping much of the looks. I guess I'll just have to try one day. Thanks for the clear and informative review.
Thanks for your kind words BFTS - give a Bonnie a go, you'll probably like it!
Hi Jose - I know, sorry for the error, I think you're the fifth person to point that out now! ;0) Thanks for watching - TMF
My brother owned a 79 Bonneville, and it was an amazing ride. I have many fond memories of that bike. I hope to pick one up next summer.
I've had an experience at that junction before so now I'm uber-careful (especially on someone else's bike!)....The brakes were rubbish on this bike but I suspect that's because it's used as a dealers hack rather than any major problem with the model, even with the less than sharp brakes I still managed to stop! Don't let that put you off...glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for subscribing ;0) - ride safe TMF
I do miss the triple's raw power and pull. But I was scaring myself with trying to go faster all the time. The Thruxton is just gear fun at any speed and good to go over 100... :-) if you're used to nakeds, then the speed isn't an issue. I put predators on it and they sound amazing...
This is what I wrote about it on a forum:
I made this move in August and am blissfully happy.
I found that I was going too fast on the triple to have fun. I was bored doing illegal speeds because it was too easy to ride. I'd get lower and lower going around roundabouts just to have fun. So I swapped for a new 2013 Thruxton.
I adore this bike. It easily goes over 100. People complain about the wind buffeting but if you are used to a street triple, there is no issue here.
It looks SO much better in my opinion. I customised my Street with twin arrows, carbon bits and loved the speed and handling. Even the fuel consumption.
BUT, the Thruxton is so much more of an 'event' to ride. You have to think more about corner speeds, and braking, but once you are familiar with the bike it is so much fun to ride. I keep up with my friends on their street triples (although admittedly they don't push very hard) and the noise from my (currently) Arrow 2-1 without the baffle in is amazing and my friends are jealous.
I just think that it looks much cooler. I get A LOT more looks from the public, kids in cars, people in the street when I'm sitting at the lights. I like cleaning it, and it is also easier to work on due to not having to remove the effing rad cowls every time you want to work on it! ;-)
They aren't quite as weather proof as street triples, but in the winter, just get it treated with ACF50 and you are laughing.
My advice would be to try one. I found it a totally different feel when I rode it (lean more forwards) but I felt that I could grip the tank better, you can feel the longer wheel base and reluctance to turn in, but you just counter steer with a little more force, and it is more rewarding to ride because of the more effort you have to put in.
I have ridden for 3 hour rides before and WILL say that I got the gel seat almost immediately as the stock seat dug into my inner thighs at the front of the seat.
BUT i find it very comfortable. Fuel consumption so far is around 45mpg. With performance mods you cna get >70bhp, and it's only 30kg or so heavier than the street, so it CAN hustle if you want.
BUT it is no street triple, which I adored as a do anything bike. Unfortunately, I decided that I was going to kill myself on it by constantly pushing myself. The Thruxton is a joy at 60mph on the right roads, but I do go faster if I fancy it. It still does 60mph in less than 5 secs, so you'll still be faster than most cars.
Your call. I went for it really because of image and slowing down. BUT it hasn't really slowed me down, it's just made slower speeds so much more enjoyable. Try one.
Completely get what you're saying about the STriple maybe being too performant for legal speed fun....maybe I should check out these Thruxtons......cheers for now - TMF
Thanks for the kind words Chris - glad the picture and sound worked out well for you! The helmet I am using is a Shoei Qwest and the mic is just a £9.99 tie-mount from e-bay (mounted near to my mouth...I think that's the secret)...enjoy the bike when you get it! Don't forget to post vids ;0)
Very kind of you to say so Ericwm - my "top shelf" microphone was bought from E-Bay for £9.99!! Glad it works so well!! Off on the bike this weekend so hopefully some more videos soon.......ride safe! TMF
well said, just got a 790cc t100 carb model [last of the "real" motorcycles] and gonna do a few mods this winter to make it even cooler. on day one I took mirrors off and pulled bars back a couple inches WOW changed the look completely!!! everyone loves it. Always had sportbikes and friends said I would be bored BUT I love it, half face helmet and t shirt for instant feel good factor!! for anyone ready to crawl round under 70mph and chill will love it.just add pipes and enjoy the soundtrack!!
Nice review, I've owned a Triumph scrambler for nearly two years now and have found it to be a great bike, Even more so for me as its my first bike since passing my test. I had noticed two things in your review which is lack off fuel gauge a pain as when I'm about to go anywhere after not riding for a few weeks I'm shining a torch into the fuel tank trying to work out how much I've got. I also reach 5th gear and then forget so sometimes I try and change up again to a gear that isn't their.
I’m on my third SE model, the New Church being one of them. Mags and 17in front wheel. Just so perfect and it’s sounds like the old Bonnie with the 360 crank
Nice video, thanks! I recently learnt how to ride a bike and brought myself a Royal Enfield classic 500 from a expat friend here in India. love the classics.
Glad you enjoyed the video and enjoy riding your Enfield! All the best - TMF
Thanks for the kind words Mark - The lack of 6th gear thing I guess is no really big deal with these bikes, the lack of fuel gauge is a right pain though....I don't have one on my 2012 Street Triple R and it's a real nuisance...I see on the 2013 bikes it's gained one though!
Hi David - Yes, the Bonny is perfect for the shorter rider (I'm a shorty myself), the low seat is very confidence inspiring. I completely agree on the long trip thing, the Bonny would definitely score there......Ride safe! - TMF
Thanks for the comment Rob. Not entirely sure I get the genitalia references but fair enough! Yes the Bonneville is a great bike to start with but really lends itself to customisation, as I mentioned in the video I reckon the pick of the bunch is the Thruxton - I have a feeling it has a slightly different timing characteristic that makes it sound a tad more "traditional" too ;0) I think that's the one I would go for.....
I really love the Bonnie .. thx for the beautiful shoots 😊
You’re welcome!
Very well done review and awesome recording setup. What helmet and sound gear did you use? It sounded perfect!
This is going to be my next bike.
Hi Hec - Thanks for the kind comments and welcome aboard - great to know European bikes are getting interest in South America! Ride safe - TMF
Great review of the bonnie! Very cool videos as well, planes and motorcycles great mix!
Thanks Dave - well a chap needs a hobby or two doesn't he? Glad you liked the videos, stay tuned for more soon...all the best - TMF
Look forward to them! Certainly some awesome hobbies! Would love to get my PPL one day!
Hi Chris, great feedback - thanks! Ride safe.....TMF
As a "shorty" (5' 4") the Bonny is in my opinion the finest bike out there.
Despite its retro looks it does anything you ask of it, its ultra easy to ride
and quick enough for 99% of the time.
They are one of those bikes you only fully appreciate after riding for a while.
I've owned 2 street triples and they are truly brilliant bikes but if I wanted to go on
a long trip Id choose the Bonny every time.
This is a great video! I picked up my '15 Bonnie about 3 weeks ago, and I find much the same (good and bad) with mine. My other bike is an 08 Daytona 675 so I really hear you on the comments about the gear indicator, fuel gauge, peg position, and brakes! Anyway, great review!
Frank KeyboardDevil Cheers Frank - enjoy the bike!
Very good video and commentary, yet another video that tempts me away from my '01 Sprint RS
Thanks John - think I understand!!! - TMF
Beautiful bike! I wouldn't get this for the handling and performance but for the class and beauty!
Great honest review mate. I've hade all the sports bikes, Ninja, daytonna, street triple and the like. They are what they are. I also had a 2009 bonnie, I liked it a lot even with the standard pipes. I then had a 2012 Sprint ST, great bike... but for some reason I loved the bonnie and regreted getting rid of it. I have just traded the Sprint for a brand new bonnie 8 ball custom. I love the fact it has no fuel gauge I love the fact it's basic biking. Sports bikes all look the same these days and its a declining market. Its down to what you want. If anything the bonnie is under rated. Thanks for the review, it was smashing.
Thanks for the kind words secretspyfrog, glad you are enjoying the bonnie - I just saw the video for Triumph's one off Ace Café Thruxton....quite like the look (and sound) of that.....
TheMissendenFlyer Your not wrong with the Thruxton, I need to watch the new Ace video once a day.... I asked my dealer about getting one but there is a long lead time on them.... still nevermind keep making the vids I think they are great.
Nice vid! I believe you are on a base model Bonneville - I got an SE as my first motorcycle last year. I thought about a Scrambler (same 865 twin tuned to 270degree) but the seat was two inches higher and I wanted both feet firmly on the ground with my first bike. If you're wanting that 6th gear, go for the T100 which is tall like the Scrambler - this might alleviate that cramped feeling with the foot pegs too.
Thanks for the comment kpb96m1 - I have little else to compare it with as I ride a Street Triple, completely agree that they are for different purposes, I don't think I ever said they were for the same market. We're all entitled to our opinions and this video is mine. Courtesy doesn't cost anything though does it? Ride safe - TMF
Hi pgod1960 - glad you liked the vid, thanks for the kind words....and noted re the air cooling (whoops!). Would love to get my hands on a Thruxton with some after-market pipes, think that's the Bonnie for me! Ride safe and thanks for the sub! TMF
Hi Flyer. Thanks for the prompt reply! The Bolt has too much vibe (no engine counter-balancer). At top speed, the mirrors are a blur. If I wanted unwanted engine vibration, I'd buy a new Sportster (which I've owned in the past). I appreciate the smoothness of the new Triumphs. The Triumph's handling is second-to-none. I might take my Speedmaster on a cross-country ride to California (where my eternally-beloved late wife, Barbra, was from). Again, ride safe. God keep The UK! Cheers - Walt
Im on my second Bonneville, the newest one is a 2014 model and the exhausts have larger bores and are much more throaty. Try one out...you may like the newer version!
Sounds like an excellent improvement Ian - I look forward to trying one! Enjoy the bike and ride safe.....TMF
Very happy with this review Cheers
+derrick felix Glad you approve! ;0)
Thank you for the quick review, good job! New sub here from Mexico. Cheers.
Great vid, nice sound equipment. One small mistake, if you mean liquid cooled as in watered cooled, you are in error. It is an air cooled bike with an oil cooler.
Other than that, nice review.
I knew it was still in the Cambridge area where it was registered.I sold it back to the original owner after 15 years in 1996 after he kept pestering me to sell it back to him.Being hard up at the time, I gave in very reluctantly !.2 years later in 1998, he offered it back but I was till unable to buy it.Having passed to it's 3rd owner, he kept it until last October, and amazingly traced me and wondered whether I would like it back - there was no way I would miss it this time, although a struggle to buy it !.Sadly, the original owner died 3 years ago.I also ended up buying the 2002 Bonnie the 3rd owner had bought new - they also match being in Pacific blue & silver, cannot wait for the Spring !.
Glad you liked it ;0)
Understood - thanks for the clarification Tim...ride safe - TMF
Not very = 5' 8" - wasn't sports bike cramped, just that the pegs are set relatively high compared to say my Triumph Tiger (a larger bike all round) so my legs felt a bit more "tucked up" than I'm used too....
On lacking both a tachometer and a gear position indicator: If you have a tachometer you can use the combination of speed and revs to determine what gear you're in, once you've derived those values from experience. For example, on my Ducati if I'm travelling at 35 MPH and the tachometer indicates about 3500 RPM, I know I'm in third gear. I'm considering buying a Bonneville next year, and if I do I will get it with a tachometer.
Nice review there, cheers.
I'm doing my big bike test in the next couple of months - I'm planning on either a Bonnie or W800 after I pass, fingers crossed! Ride safe. :-)
Glad you enjoyed the video - thanks for your kind words - best of luck with the test! - TMF
Nice, objective review. Maybe it's an age thing, but I have to say I love my 04 T100. It's the 20th bike I've owned, ranging from cruisers to sports bikes, and the first one I can honestly say I'll never get rid of.
Unless you ride with real headcases it will keep up fine on normal roads, though the rev counter helps here, need to use the gears and stay above 5 grand for serious progress. Which is fun. But on a sunny day, when the blossom is out and the birds are singing, it can be he most relaxing bike in the world as you bimble down the lanes to a country pub.
The spoked wheeled bikes have a higher seat than the one you tested, I believe the Scrambler is highest of all the range if that's an issue.
So true! I think is the only bike I would keep.
+sql-lover Completely agree - there's a lot to be said cruising along taking in the view in no particular hurry.....riding bikes doesn't just have to be about speed.....
Hi Flyer. I'm chosing a Triumph Speedmaster over a Yamaha Bolt. The aftermarket has more to offer regarding engine performance parts for the Speedmaster. I have yet to see any engine performance parts (other than pipes, EFI tuners and air cleaners) for the Bolt. The Speedmaster is far more distinctive over an in-line v-twin-powered bike. I took both machines for a ride. I loved the smoothness and styling of the Triumph. Great video here. Ride safe over there in the UK. Best. Cheers -- W
Great test ride, just bought a ' 02 Bonneville with the Norman Hyde conversion to 902cc, bigger front disc,' peashooter' exhausts, twin dials from the original owner and 7.5k miles.' Sorned' for 2 years, I'm looking forward to the Spring..The owner ( the 3rd only )had my ' 65 Bonnie that I bought from the original owner in 1980, and have bought back after neally 20 years, so looking forward to trying them both !
How great is that to get your old bike back! I assume you stayed in contact with the chap concerned or was it a fluke that you managed to track it back down??? Nice one....TMF
+TheMissendenFlyer Funny to read about you all thinking how slow a 70hp bike is nowadays. I decided to give up my tuned 600 Dommie when I was 27 after surviving six years. Seemed a simple choice at the time - age gracefully or die soon, just couldn't cruise. How fast are you riding these modern 100+ hp bikes? I mean they must top out around 150/160 or something. My 600 seemed incredibly fast sweeping through bends at 90 or so, although it might have been the sound of the high compression Hepolites blasting through the empty pipes that added to the sensation. (bit of poetry there :) No-one seemed to give much of a shit about the row. Bikes were just loud. The brakes were a bit of an improvement on sticking your boot behind the front tyre and anything in the way had to be dodged. I understood opposite turn even then. Wouldn't have missed a minute of it but can't knock the extra years, so far, so fart! Ps, always wanted a Bonnie Triton. shhhhsh
Nice review, thanks!
Spot on mate bloody hell
Sorry Jigrorigues but I love mine. I've done the basic mods with the Predators and AI removal and Hagon shocks and just love riding it. Road it on a trip of 1600 miles an never let me down. The wind wore me out thought with out a wind shield.
Excellent video. Went from a STreet Triple to Thruxton in August. Love it. Got the mandatory after market pipes! ;-) you're forgiven about being liquid cooled as it's oil cooled, which I believe is still a liquid? ;-)
I commute on the A413 every day. Pity that they haven't dealt with the potholes!
Anyhoo, ride safely!
Thanks cfdh1 - glad you enjoyed it. How are you finding the Thruxton? Not missing the triple sound too much? What about pace??? Ride safe - TMF
Agreed - I only got stopped by the plod once - and that was because the Sgt who stopped me had once owned a T140 Bonnie and wanted a look at a Triumph that didn't leak or vibrate (his words!)
Howdy, Missenden Flyer. Oh geez! The English and the Scottish! LOL! My grandmother was from Manchester, England. She moved here to the states shortly after WWII. She never left. Maybe you should tour the States, someday (before gas keeps going up). The western US is magnificent. Cheers and best -- W
Nice review. Am deciding between a '15 T-100 Black and a '14 Thruxton as my 2nd kick-around-town/backroads bike. Tough decision for me but wanted to know if you have ridden a late model Thrux recently and your thoughts on it. Thanks TMF!
thehexter1 Hi - No I haven't ridden a Thruxton but if it were my choice I certainly would! The Thruxton sounds much better due the 270 degree crank (I think it is) + the bike looks better in my opinion - sorry I can't be of any practical help though on that other than a subjective like!! Enjoy....TMF
I wonder why, even though that's a bonneville, it doesn't have a tach? I've watched many videos of triumph bikes since I got my 2005 t100, and noticed that some have the tach, even newer like the one you are riding, and some do. Makes u wonder. Thanks for the video.
Nice one Hack - thanks for the comment....TMF
A good review. I have ridden the T100, albeit briefly, and it is not short of torque either.
Thanks for the kind words Troya....and yes a nice balance of power I reckon, perfect for country lanes in the Summer.....
Gearbox was fine - much better than my Tiger, I don't think you'll have any issues at all, especially if you're coming from something a little "clunky".....TMF
Hi ya DS - having not ridden an original Bonnie (or indeed Norton) I'm not really in a position to comment. I suspect the modern Bonnie is actually a far better bike to live with....that is unless you like dealing with oil leaks and carb tickling! I feel for you with the short season, in reality it's much the same in the UK with the odd days riding snatched when weather permits once the "official" Summer months have gone :0(
How was the gearbox? I'm coming from a Buell X1 which has the infamous clunky Harley transmission, but I'm looking for something much smoother.
Thanks for the kind words gremmann - apologies for the mistake, you're the fourth person that's pointed that out now - a thousand apologies...... ;0)
Thanks. Great video, I have been looking at the Bonnie as my next bike and grew up in Wendover so the familiar scenery was great fun.
I was willing you to go at the Butlers Cross junction ... but as always, better safe than sorry. :)
You said that the front brakes were poor on this bike. Did you mean that in absolute terms? or compared to your tigger and triple?
I only ask as this is the only review that I've heard that comment.
Call me old fashioned but front brakes matter on a bike :)
Agreed, there's a lot to be said for being able to use a bike's full potential, legally, on the road.....
I have the 790 and the 865 plus the Scrambler. I do love these bikes, one thing people never think of is , How's your license?? I find I can enjoy these bikes and not really worry about the endless parade of local police, sheriff's and highway patrol.
They never give me a look while the rockets get pulled everywhere, shame.
They aren't "partly functional", the engine is air cooled. The radiator is just an oil cooler.
That's really the reason it doesn't have much power. The engine is air cooled and thus has lower compression.
.....I think I'm done with the cooling debate! ;0)
I'll have to take a closer scan through, I did a quick look and saw little mention of it.
I'm just going off all my bikes being air cooled and having oil coolers.
Is it carburated?
How do you account for my 1972 CB 450 twin pumping out 45 horses then? That's 100 per litre! Just saying .... I too am done with this debate!
@@mark.e.p You're 5 years late to the "Debate" :P But I will say, the ~400 cc parallel twins of the time were a particularly nice package, though don't forget it puts out much less toque.
It's more fare to compare this Bonneville to the CB750 to get a more even comparison of the tech advantage on the modern Bonnie. When you realize this Bonnie makes the same or better numbers at much lower RPM despite being choked out by emissions, the figures don't look bad at all.
Emissions do a lot to choke a bike. I have an air cooled 750 making 106hp and 54lb-ft, the later version of that engine lost 14hp and 7lb-ft to emissions regulations.
Edit: also a note, the modern water cooled version of my bike puts out 150hp with a 12.5:1 compression ratio and 12800RPM vs my 10.9:1 and 10500RPM... despite the, even stricter, modern emissions standers.
Chris - the T100 has a 5 speed gearbox not 6 (sadly). Unless things have changed and they've introduced another ratio. My 2005 T100 could use the extra gear actually, cruising at 70 - 80 mph is a wee bit frantic. I agree about the Scrambler - too tall, and I'm 6 ft 2in.
reallly great review
im looking for a fist time bike. and i love the retro look. i really like this bike but poor brakes and no fuel gauge is of putting. i was wondering if you had any reccomendations. i can only go for A2 bikes at the moment. i dont mind getting it restricted? thanks
No fuel gauge is a nuisance but shouldn't be a deal breaker (I use the trip counter to monitor fuel usage on my Triumph) + the brakes are OK for the sort of bike it is - ie not a lethal track weapon. I think the Bonnie would be an ideal starter, or if you don't fancy that then one of the new Yamaha MT's (07 or 09), the Kawasaki ER6f or Yamaha XJ6 would be my recommendations. Good luck and enjoy your biking!
Hey Walt - A Triumph has to win over a Yamaha any day surely! Glad you enjoyed the video :0) - TMF
If I had a few BSA's, Nortons and Bonnies available, they'd be staying in my garage!!! ;0)
My 140 didn't leak but it did vibrate, thankfully a friend bought it and took it to NY, he's an artsy fartsy photographer and it was the perfect poser bike, It did run sweetly.
I remember having a bonie its was around 1980ish it was the American version I think it was called the special limited edition it had Mag wheels and a sidewinder exhaust I thought the handling was really good for a bike back in those days had to change the tyres though. Dunlop red arrows if I remember. It got stolen wish I still had it. Gonna buy a street triple next year cheers again for the vid.
You'll love the Street Triple - a missile compared to the Bonnie.....
Good bike. I have a Bonneville T100 and It's a beautiful motorbike and a close cousin to this one. Pea-shooter exhausts would make her sound perfect
Yeah agreed.....
Understood - apologies for the error!
How tall are you, that you felt a bit cramped on the bike?
Very nice review.
Thank you :0)
Missen : Good review. You know your bikes, man. The Bonnie seat height might worry me on a long haul. My old Z650 is still running fine, despite being a wee bit difficult to start. I do get tempted to go for a Bonneville, one day. What's the fuel economy like, I wonder. Triumph are claiming about 65 mpg (UK) at a steady 56 mph, and about 55 mpg at 75 mph. What do you think of those claims? My Z650 can manage about 57 mpg at about 55 mph. Not too bad.
Hi Troya - Glad you liked the video (cheers). I reckon those fuel figures sound about right given the sort of bike it is. The bonnie is very comfy by the way, I wouldn't let the low seat worry you, might feel a bit slow after your Z650 though - the Trumpet is a great bike but a bimbler rather than a racer of course.....
Enjoyed the ride! Small point of correction - the bonneville is air cooled - the radiator you refer to is an oil cooler.
Glad you enjoyed the video Droyd, thanks for watching - and correction noted, I think you're the seventh person to mention it :0) Ride safe - TMF
This is the most British guy ever. He's fun to listen to.
I'm glad you approve Sir! (I think you'll find David Niven was a smidge more British....)
from Canada: ..Flyer...how do think that retro compares to original?.....We have a 3-4
mos. season here....and it actually really sucks for Bikering....but I gotta know..thx.
...and is the old Norton much different? DS.
Thinking of getting a used 2012- 2013 Bonneville or so. Is the Interceptor 650 similar at all? How would you compare the riding experience?
The Inteceptor is a much nicer bike in all respects IMO....looks better, rides better, feels lighter, just better than the old Bonnevilles (not the current ones though)....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Good to know.
Hiya. Just watched the video is it water cooled or just oil cooler Radiator?
Water cooled I think...
great review
Thanks ozjuice - glad you enjoyed it!
Tried to hire one in Vegas....ended up with the tiger instead sadly. was great though but not what i was after. Love my STriple
I have this exact bike, so I was very interested to see your review. I don't have much to add, but it's performance compared to my last bike is not good (Buell White Lightning). It is much more comfortable, however, but does anyone know if there are any high performance options available for this bike?
JONATHAN LYLE-PURDY Hi Jonathan, I agree - I was trying to be polite on the review, but there is no doubt the standard Bonnie is not what you'd describe as quick! Still a great bike though for the purpose for which it was designed (poodling around the countryside looking retro cool)...I'm sure an after market exhaust would help the engine breath a little and maybe a dose of nitrous would pepp it up a bit :0)
JONATHAN LYLE-PURDY Triumph themselves recommend the Arrow 2:2 or 2:1 exhaust setup which will save you some weight, but I think a Bonnie would look kinda odd with those on. I have Norman Hyde Toga silencers on my 2014 T100, they look identical to the stock peashooter exhaust but are louder and breath a little better so there is a slightly noticeable difference in performance (ie. acceleration). But the Bonnie isn't really meant to be about performance as TheMissendenFlyer said in his review. If anything it's about looking cool and being loud :)
Very Nice review - My Bonnie is on order and will replace my Kawasaki VN900. I know - what a change!! Can't wait!!
Thanks Ed - how exciting! Enjoy the new bike...TMF
Ed - hope you enjoy it! I love my Bonnie and after a long list of sportsbikes rate it as one of the best "real world" bikes you'd need for about 80% of riding, especially after a few engine / handling mods.
Gunther Von Klinkenberger Thanks for the comments Gunther. I picked up my Bonnie on Wednesday and am not disappointed!! It's a great ride and I look forward to getting out on it as much as possible in the future.
Lovely video! I really like your comments on your own comments...if you see what I mean!
The idle control is needed when it won't start. Weird how that works.
76bhp ? weren't they 67hp (claimed ,with most producing around 60 on dyno-reviews ), 50-ish rear-wheel ? couldn't see kawi w650's equaling or beating them o/wise (as they Do) But it is a pretty-bike and a great riding-experience like bikes 'of-old' Dave NZ
California is what cruiser motorcycles where invented for, do it!....I'd love to ride over there, maybe one day.....I don't think God can do too much to keep the UK, it's the Scottish we have to be worried about! ;0)
Its 67 not 76 BHP. Oil Cooler up Front.
Is it carburated?
Excellent video, thanks. I also have the Bonneville T100 an excellent easy retro bike to ride (former ride was a BMW GS650) Louder throaty exhausts would be great and I agree why not a have hidden fuel gage? PS Check out what Nick Serrano has done to a T100, >>>Café racer>> sounds truly fantastic!!
Glad you liked it Paul - thanks for commenting....ride safe! - TMF
sounds like a super dream lol.
There's a blast from the past! :0)
Just when you think you've seen every tmf video, this pops up on your timeline.
A classic!! I remember filming it well!
Who'd have thought. I wanted a review of the Bonneville 865 and this was the 2cnd review of the video list. 9 years ago must've been an early TMF bike review.
I think this was the first bike review (of a bike that wasn'tmy own) I ever posted!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I've been looking at your earliest flying videos. At near lake level in a light aircraft. I bet the locals love that!!
@@simonchilli2088 Not sure I understand what you mean by "near lake level"??
@@TheMissendenFlyer There's a 1:07 video of you in a plane over Lake Como. It's actually a flying boat as there's also another video of landing on the Lake. They are your earliest vids.
@@simonchilli2088 Ah yes a great fun flight that - technically the cessna is a float plane (a flying boat has a hull like the PBY Catalina for example)....
There's a competition running this summer to win a one-off special edition Triumph Bonneville painted in a unique Stranglers colour scheme and graphics. The left sidepanel has been signed by the band members (and lacquered to preserve their autographs). The bike was commissioned by Jack Lilley Ltd to celebrate the Stranglers anniversary this year. Closing date for the competition is 31 August 2014. Take a look at www.jacklilley.com/stranglers
They're lovely bikes, personally the T100 or the scrambler would be my choice, there are some seriously cool custom Bonnies out there now. Google Bonnefication for some serious bike porn :-)
Nice review, very fluent. One thing, they're air cooled with a oil rad at the front, no water in that engine. Clever the way they've disguised the EFI in mock carburettors although I'd rather have one of the pre 2007 carbed models personally. Twin clocks on all except the base model that you rode. +1 sub
ahh the head nod
Guys can somebody tell me how turn the hazards on this Bike?
Even though a Triumph and Harley are fantastic looking bikes, I wouldn't buy one as a daily rider. Parts and service are possibly outrageous. I bought a used Honda 550 Four in 1983 and still have it. I don't think I've spent more than $200 total in parts and service...
Someone makes, or did make, peg extenders that lower the pegs 2 full inches, if that is a problem for anyone.
OMG hate what they are doing to a great bike , after 2005 they are made in thailand with fuel inj instead of carbs and lots of cheap looking parts BUT this model takes the biscuit!! looks horrible!!!! i had a 69 bonnie and made an oil cooler like what you called radiator, lol to help cooling in town. loved it and i am gonna get an 04 790cc model soon [carbed and wire spoke model] nothing cooler, with a t shirt n half face helmet!!! ace
To be fair this is (I think) the most basic Bonnie in the range and IMO in the least best colour....so don't hate it too much. I love the retro/classic thing and reckon these are great bikes - practical too. Ride safe! - TMF
You're kidding of course...I thought that you were in England...
If you have no experience with riding original Bonnie, Commando,
or BSA...then kindly pack a few up and ship them here...
Thanks in Advance..DS
Why would anyone want the exhaust sound to be loud? I think the stock pipes sound perfect.
Everyone to their own cynic! I personally like a motorbike to sound like one...and to me a retro style Triumph should sound, as well as look, like Triumphs used to. All down to personal preference, if I were thinking of doing a long ride or touring on one then perhaps the quiet pipes are best. Ride safe and thanks for commenting - TMF
TheMissendenFlyer I'm with you on this one. My T100 sounded pretty anaemic without the Triumph "loud" pipes. These add a certain character to the bike and make you grin every time you open the throttle. That said, below 3000rpm they are fairly quiet so prevent "curtain twitching" from the neighbours!
It's air cold there's no radiator on the 13