Triumph Bonneville, No Centre stand, poor seat? Poor mudguards, Is it good enough?
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Viewers have suggested that they are disappointed that they have to start fitting parts or upgrading parts that are fitted as standard after they have just purchased their new motorcycles.
Is there a reason or is it just blatant profiteering?
A few viewers have suggested that the original Pirelli Phantoms that are fitted to the bike are not really the best and again need to be replaced.
What do you think?
please feel free to comment, and subscribe if you find any of this of interest!
Leave your comments below it would be good to hear your thoughts.
photos, comments, thoughts and anecdotes to
shottostravels@gmail.com
Ride safe👍
My 2016 T120 black came with a centre stand and heated grips as standard. A couple of years ago Triumph updated the T120 by making it lighter, they spent some money on slightly lighter wheels, saved some money by deleting the centre stand and removed the really heavy heated grips, and then put the price up to boot!
Ha, indeed, when they fitted my heated grips they had to be bought into the workshop with a fork lift truck and some guys in the warehouse next door popped around to help my "technician" to fit them.
I guess they are always telling us that they are in a quest to reduce weight but never seem to mention how much money it saves them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Ride safe Mate 👍
😂😂
They added cruise control though which is actually quite useful
@@TriumphantTraveller I have never had a bike with cruise control and can’t get my head around why we need it, I like operating the throttle, it isn’t difficult. However I’ve noticed lots of people think they are an important feature on new bikes so maybe it’s just me. I’m not a complete Luddite but I am very analog 😂!
Suppose I need to try it first👍
@@rowland5442 I felt much the same. I was a 'been riding for 35 years , never felt the need for cruise control' person... until i got a bike with Cruise control.. I only use it for sticking to 30 in silly 30mph zones that go on for miles... and for giving my right hand a rest and a shake out on a long trip... but it is amazing how good that is .
Manufacturers can make front mudguards with a removable black 6" plastic extender. Then if a fashion victim wants to get their legs and the bike covered in crap they can take it off. That's fairer than making the rest of us have to buy a complete replacement mudguard for a brand new machine
Seems fair.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Ride safe Mate 👍
Like RE did on the Interceptor 650 😊
Excellent comment 👌
Hi Keith great video
I think triumph is the UK version of Harley Davidson ie. Charge ridiculous prices for average add-ons.
Take care
I think you are onto something.
Just look what is happening to Harley.
Triumph need to take stock,!
Ride safe Mate👍
I put a black carbon fender extender on my black 865 and Avon Roadriders tires .
Ive tried almost all the tires out there and the Avon Roadriders are extremely good in wet conditions, excellent tire.
@@mikerider58 thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Ride safe 👍
Hi there, just subscribed. I've got a 2017 T120 that I've had for just over a year now and I'm very much in love with it. It came with Pirelli Phantoms and although I've got no major issues with them they do have a tendency to tramline a bit and I will be changing them probably for Michelin Road Classics. I think you are definitely making the right decision having the genuine Triumph stand fitted and it sounds like the dealer is more than fair, many wouldn't even work on non-genuine parts. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I definitely prefer the look of the standard Bonneville mudguard over the RE Classic which, to me, looks old fashioned. I have got a fender extender but that is as far as I'm willing to go to compromise the looks. As far as the seat goes it is really individual, I've got the standard seat and find it superbly comfortable even doing 1500 miles in a week on it I had no issues with comfort. I hope you have many happy miles on your new bike.
Hi Mate and thanks for Subscribing and for sharing your thoughts.
I can't disagree with anything you have said, I m with you, the tyres will have to be worn out before I change them.
I took have a fender extender and the stand is coming on Wednesday.
As you say I think they have been fair.
I actually do not mind the look of the classic 350 on the Bonnie but that is just a personal view.
Ride safe Mate, good to have you on board.👍
Morning Keith, thanks for showing the pictures of my T100 and airing my Pirelli tyre issues. I am just like you with the never ending quest for the next bike or new addition to the current bike. I have had the Bonny for 2 months and am already looking at selling it and getting a Speed Twin 1200. Maybe this is an illness but as one of your subscribers said “you only live once “ 😂😂😂😂
I'm just glad I'm not alone!
I've never met anyone who changed their bikes ( or cars) as much as me.
Makes me feel better that I'm not alone.
Do you ever think it's the chase as much as the bike?
Pleasure showing the pics and airing your thoughts, again regarding Pirelli, you are not alone!
Ride safe👍
Morning Keith. A few years ago, I did a long term owners review of my RE Interceptor 650, and chat about some of the things you mentioned here (ok, it’s not Triumph, but still applicable). The Interceptor was fitted with the Pirelli Phantoms, and yes they did “track” a bit, but I didn’t mind, as they gave excellent feedback, and I always knew where I was with them. Now I had BT23’s on a Yamaha MT07, and thought they were rubbish. They felt vague, and I just didn’t trust the front at all. I also had a rant about standard plank seats, basically accusing motorcycle manufacturers not producing bikes that are fit for purpose, in the interest of making more profit by selling a “comfort” seat option……that is so wrong on so many levels 🤬. Back in the day, there wasn’t any such devious money making tactics going on, except on some of the larger distance tourers, like Goldwings, but even then, the “comfort” seats were made by 3rd party companies, like Corbin. By and large, the manufacturers made the seats comfortable out of the crate. I agree with you about the mudguard too, mind you, the Interceptor didn’t have that issue as it came with removable fender extenders 😂
Hi Ian, many thanks for taking the time to comment.
I can't disagree with anything you have said.
I just think most of the stuff could be resolved at the manufacturing stage at little extra cost but there it is again.
It's like they under engineer knowing that lots of us know it should be better and atd happy to put our hands in our wallets to sort things out.
Someone pointed out that most of the stuff I was rumbling about was already sorted on a R E Super Meteor!
😉
Thanks again Mate and ride safe👍
Nice one Keith, enjoyed that 👍 Thanks for the shout out too. See you soon mate
Pleasure Mate, enjoy your holiday👍
Good video interesting points a bike should come with a centre stand especially one with spike wheels 👍
I can understand maybe leaving them off sport bikes but classics?
Thanks for commenting
Ride safe Mate 👍
I had bud ekins t100 now have a speed 900. The pereli tyres on the the t100 were never a problem wet or dry. Once get what you want then you always look to the next level 😂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts..
Ride safe Mate 👍
Another great video! You better hope the missus doesn’t find out about that magic tunnel! 😂
Thanks mate.
Or the bike lift that's coming next week when she's out!
Ride safe👍
@shottostravels 😂 like you said, just keep the door locked.
Had Pirelli Phantoms on my 2019 Interceptor and totally agree with the tracking ruts issue and also tipping into corners too much. Just didn’t feel right and made me question the handling of the Interceptor. Bike had 5000 miles on it when I bought it and although there was still enough tread left I opted to put Bridgestone BT46 on front and back. What a difference, night and day
Thanks for commenting Martin.
There does seem to be a pattern emerging, like I said from those in the know!
Begs the question of why they fit them in the first place.
I reckon they must get them a pound cheaper than the Bridgestone so that's good enough for them!
Thanks for commenting and ride safe Mate 👍
Had the Pirelli phantoms on my Street Twin…I guess they suit the retro style of the bike..no issues if you’re just bimbling about or light touring….wet or dry …..if you want to hoon around the back roads and tear around corners at speed then of course there are always going to be better tyres ….but I had no issues and used mine till they wore down ….eventually replaced them with Avon road classics…mainly because they were cheaper and better value!…..😎👍….safe riding bud…great video 👌
I'm with you Mate, I am a fair weather bimbler. So there is no urgent need to make changes in some departments. Tyres being one of them.
I was really just airing the thoughts of others who are not particularly keen on them.
Ride safe bud👍
Morning Keith, had to laugh about the bike lift, don’t worry you’re not on your own, I’ve been thinking about getting one myself 😂 as you say it’s the getting back up again that’s getting more difficult 😂 it’s got to be worth getting one just to save the knees 😂. Tell your wife it’s purely for medicinal reasons 😂 all the best buddy 👍
@@PeterHolland-mu7yn afternoon Peter, just managed to sneak out on the bike for a hour between shower’s ☔️🙄🤣👍
Bike lift won't be long.
Great idea, I'll say Dr Hatswell has insisted that if I'm messing with the bike at my age it's a must.
Perhaps I can get it on a prescription🤔
I just need to make sure it's delivered when she's out.
Did you see the comment regarding fixing the Enfield mudguard at the bottom.
A close up picture of that is required if possible?
Take care Bud👍
I have noyiced a bit of tracking on my T100 with std Pirelli tyres.....but its a none event....but I am going to try the Michelin Road Classics....As fitted by Triumph now.
Just about wore the front tyre out at just under 7500mls....rear has loads of meat on it.
Fronts are X-plys...rear is a radial....still not found out the reason for that combination.....Triumphs are not alone in such a fitment.
Yes glad youir fitting the Triumph Ctr Stand....I have one...the OOOOzzz quality.....and have a sort of axle to spread the load.....hope your frame is ok after the TEC Part.
I can understand why Triumph my not fit the item.....one to keep costs down as many owners now would not dream of getting there hands dirty doing maintained.....I do all of my own....always have.
I have the comfort seat....TBH.....I found the std seat fine for the use I have with the bike.....usually max 70 radius.
The comfort seat is also comfy well on the miles I do.
Yes the front excuses for a mudguard.....crazy.....seems to be a fasion thing....very odd....but some peple like short mud gaurds.....not for me....I hate all the crap being thrown over the rad and motor.
Made my own fender extender......and reinforced the front guard.....be warned avoid drill holds in it.....can cause cracks.....Love to see your Pals lower brackets with his RE Mudguard....what a great mod.
So please if you have a close up of his lower bracket please let me know.....
Nick from Cheshire.
Hi Nick.
Can't disagree with any of that, I did post a pic of the lower fixing, he used a simple 50mm ( I seem to remember) P clip( off eBay)
It worked well.
I can do 200 miles plus in a day, by then I'm crippled on the standard seat but have just 'acquired' a Corbin seat, it's like night and day. Much better.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Ride safe Mate 👍
I have 2022 T100. I swapped out the tires, fitted an aftermarket center stand, and ordered a new seat before the run in was complete. I am going to check the lugs and make sure they are ok. Either way, the after market center stand is going to come off and I'll install the OEM stand. I agree on the front mudguard. I'll probably fit one of the extenders when I get a chance. I do like my T100 however. Very happy with the bike.
Ha! Nice pic of my home state, Vermont. Great riding here. Bay of Fundy is amazing. Might have the biggest tides in the world? Certainly close.
Hi Rob, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Tyres as well, another fella that's not too pleased with Pirelli s then!
I agree with the T100, despite my moans I do love it.
The extra power it gives over my Enfield is very welcome.
I bet you have some wonderful riding over there.
Ride safe Mate👍
Hi Keith, as far as tyres are concerned the general consensus of opinion over here is Bridgestone BT 46 for general road use on the Enfield's. Couple of the triumph boys swear by them. Cheers mate enjoy the new ride.
Thanks for that David.
Another vote for Bridgestone then.
The new bikes grand.
Ride safe Mate👍
I bought a RE- GT and added the center stand that comes on the Int. Same frame but now an added expense to me. I guess " looks over function " applies here. Sure is nice to have the proper center stand.
I agree John, worthwhile investment but it should be on in the first place.
Leaves a bit of a sour taste.
Ride safe Mate👍
I've got Pirelli Phantoms on my T100, also had them on an Interceptor (terrible seat as well). They do track and follow road imperfections. Comfort seat at £310 is a joke but necessary as the stock seat is awful. It's better but far from perfect. Mine came with a triumph centre stand and heated grips. It's a heave to get it in the stand but makes chain maintenance so much easier. I fitted a booster plug to reduce the snatchy throttle and slow speeds and it has helped.
Thanks for commenting, can't argue with any of that.
I have heard of others mentioning the booster plug, and I have noticed the odd "snatchyness" at very low revs. So that might go on the list too🤔
Another thing that Triumph maybe should of sorted?
Ride safe Mate👍
I find the seat absolutely fine but the phantoms are pants. I put Avon roadriders on mine and it's like night and day. De-cat and standard silencers will give you the fizz as well.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Trev.
Ride safe 👍
Great content again mate get that lift bought 😏🤫🤣
Thanks. Now I've got your permission I will.
👍
Morning Keith
Enjoyed that again definitely issue with these motorcycle companies charging extra for basics mental 😮
Great natter the bikes looking cool 😎
Sounds great 😊
Have a great weekend
Atb Phil Green
Hi Phil, thanks for commenting.
You too.
Ride safe👍
Hi from Montana, Keith. Bought a T120 a few weeks ago and agree with all your points, especially the lack of a centre stand. Makes you wonder what they’ll leave off next to save a few pennies. I’d already purchased a radiator guard, sump guard and centre stand before the bike even arrived. Then got the King and Queen after it arrived because the stock seat was plain awful after a hour. Next is the grab bar so I can more easily hoist this beast onto the stand. Bit of a money pit so far, but loving the bike nevertheless. Nice wide, fast, empty roads here in Montana, so I’m glad I opted for the T120 over the T100.
That said, it’s nice to see the English country lanes!
Wonderful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
A nice picture showing the T120 in Montana is definitely called for.
I'm sick of English country lanes!😉
Do you find the king and Queen to be a worthwhile upgrade then, I am on the lookout for One but would prefer to get a used one off eBay rather than pay Triumph prices.
Thanks for commenting and Ride Safe mate 👍
Hi Keith,
The King & Queen is well worthwhile to me for longer distances. And distance we have aplenty over here! Think I prefer the look of the brown bench seat, but when sitting on it I don’t see it anyway! And with titanium pins in my spine I need the comfort. I don’t bounce like I used to!
Got a couple of videos and Community photos at UA-cam.com/@LimeySMJ
Help yourself, Keith.
Weather turned crappy again. Winter Storm watch tomorrow!
On the T120 the comfort seat is a quilted bench seat and looks (and feels) totally different to the standard seat, I thought it was the same on the T100?
Hi Mate, thanks for sharing, I'm sure you are correct.
But I haven't seen one yet. A viewer of the channel may have a solution. A Corbin seat that he no longer has use for so I'll give that a go soon hopefully.
Ride safe and thanks for commenting 👍
Thanks very much for the requested photos of the RE mudguard on the Triumph. I really am liking the whole concept of this modification. At the risk of being a pain 🥴 please could I ask Mike to send you a close up of the fitting at the bottom of the fork leg. It would appear I am not the only one wanting to go in this direction🤔 Great Job Mike, looks great 😀😀
No probs Mark, I'll ask if he hasn't already seen your comment.
It does look a great job.
Ride safe👍
@@shottostravels Thank you 😀👍
Ref your stand, I would definitely go for a cost price original, I guess the most expensive option, however in my mind the peace of mind is priceless 🤔
Agreed Mate, being fitted on Wednesday.
👍
@@shottostravels 👍👍😀😀
I have an Enfield Interceptor that came with Ceat tires as original equipment. Everyone said they were poor tires and should be replaced immediately. I didn’t have any issues with them rain or shine, and i commented as much on a few UA-cam sites. However, on one ride with my wife as pillion we encountered a section of highway that had been grooved prior to repaving. I’ve never had such an uneasy feeling in my life! I tried slowing, but the bike was just frightening as it slewed side to side. I think I nearly scared my wife off riding with me. I did replace the tires (at about 6000 miles since I’m too cheap to remove tires with usable tread), with Bridgestone BT46’s. They are definitely an improvement. They also improved high-speed handling of the bike which had been less than ideal. I’d add that many OEM tires are not the same quality as the same tire in the aftermarket. Pirelli Phantoms may be fine tires as replacements, apparently just not the original equipment ones (like Ceats).
You've taken the right option with the centre stand, looks like the company you bought the bike is really genuine, unusual in this day and age. Ditch the Pirelli tyres at the first opportunity, they're rubbish, I went to Avon Roadrunner (if memory serves) and they were far better, admittedly mine was a T120 but it did follow road imperfections with the original tyres on.
As for the centre stand, the bikes are heavy and its difficult to get them onto the stand, I always grabbed the frame bracket where the passenger foot rest is to assist lifting, but the T120 is quite a bit heavier than the T100.
Triumph are making out that they are a premium brand and at the same time, corner/cost cutting all the time. When the water cooled models came out they had a centre stand as standard, now it's a very expensive extra, as for the so called comfort seat, as I said before to me its worse than the original.
I liked the look of the Bonneville and at the time was very upset to sell it but now Im glad it's gone, except for the extra power over and above the R.E. 350 Classic.
Hi Morgan, thanks for commenting.
Can't disagree with that, thanks for adding your voice to the anti Pirelli brigade.
My dealer is Staffordshire Triumph and they have been very good all round.
I'm hoping the genuine stand will be easier to get up on the stand, I'll have to wait and see.
Thanks again
Ride safe 👍
This is very bad, Keith. I literally just finished servicing my Classic 350 tonight, and am still feeling the accompanying aches and pains of bending and twisting to access the necessary areas, and you throw the photo of the motorcycle lift into your video. Now I must have it, along with 4 sets of panniers, bar end mirrors, side stand extender, rear luggage rack, Trip Machine tank bag, right side grab handle, 2 tool rolls... Where does it end? It wasn't like this when I was younger - I just bought a motorcycle and then rode it, having fun and not thinking about much else. I fear that this is an age-related affliction for you and I and other old farts. By the way, my measuring cup/funnel device, used oil collection pan, and tools are all completely cleaned and shiny - like new - after the servicing. Who the Hell have I become?
Hi George, I'm just glad that I'm not alone.
To be honest I'm not too bad with accessories buying (normally), my issue is not keeping bikes for long.
I am always looking for the next one. Despite there being absolutely nothing wrong with the one that I have.
I am with you on the bike lift though, it would be a wonderful addition to the garage and save all this scrabbling about on the floor.
Where's the summer, I would like to do a bit of a camping trip but I need a bit of decent weather first.
See how that goes with my aching limbs🤔
Thanks for commenting
Ride safe Mate 👍
Another good video Keith.....no direct experience of thd phantoms...but if memory serves me rightly, way back in the dawn of time, the phantoms were not exactly the bees knees.....
I recall they were dubious in the wet...probably down to the fact they had less tread than now,.....like a racing intermediate. Also they had terrible wear rates....seem to remember press articles about only being good for a thousand miles!
Thanks for commenting Mate.
Do you know, I seem to remember something similar but I would have thought they should of evolved since then.
Who knows, most people seem to think that Bridgestones are the answer.
Ride safe 👍
Hello mate...yes I should think tyres have evolved...certainly Bridgestones...if you remember they and Yokahamas were terrible in those long lost days....can remember some of the ads in MCN offering tyre packages as an additional cost to your OTR price of your Yamazukikwonda 250!!!
But I noted one of the replies cited Dunlop TT100s.....I had the originals on one of my bikes....bloody good tyres and more in keeping with the bonny!
maybe you should have stayed with RE lol , try dunlop tt100 i found them to be very good and they look the part.Its just a shame that triumph still has thier hand in your pocket.I hope you get it sorted,the front mudguard fixi is brilliant well done that man.
Thanks Alan, agreed.
A vote for Dunlops!
Most seem to be going for the Bridgestones.
I never noticed the Ceat tyres on the R/E but let's be honest they didn't have to cope with too much.
Ride safe Mate 👍
I’ve got a street twin and have the same tyres as your bike and would like to change them so very interested in what others may recommend
Thanks for commenting.
Ride safe Mate 👍
My (new to me) 2017 T120 has Avon Spirit ST's on it. It's too early to say how good they are but they seem ok. Avon Roadriders seem to be the best choice for the T100 according to reports. But wear your Pirellis out first Keith. It's better for your wallet and the environment 😉
Agreed. The fronts nearly done though🤔
Great video. I'm with you regarding fashion verses practicality, Triumph v Enfield! Lovely to see that triple with an Enfield mudguard. Bet it's off a 2020 Bullet. Made me chuckle. As a matter of interest, if you don't mind telling us, what will you actually pay for the Triumph stand? Maybe it would be cheaper to fit an Enfield stand!! 😅
If you do get an Enfield mudguard, look at purchasing a red and chrome one like mine! It will match the rest of your bike.
Oh god it's raining again, when will I ever get out on "Ruby" ?
Take care. Pete
Hi Pete, I don't think the Enfield stand would fit.
The Triumph stand is £180 fitted.
(I rang another dealer to check, they wanted £300.)
Mike has certainly done a good job with the mudguard.
I'll just see how it goes with my fenda extender for now!
Ride safe Mate👍
@@shottostravels That's not a bad price Staffs Triumph are charging you for the stand but I do agree that it should come as standard. My first bikes only had a centre stand, you had to buy the side stand!
You do confirm my thoughts, Keith. Without laughing or saying " I told You so". I simply think quite some bike brands have to seriously consider some aspects of almost "evident" features Royal Enfield offers. I do like Your Triumph and I am quite sure You'll appreciate it over the time and with some personnalisation all along with Your personal needs. And they should be standard for a Premium brand Triumph is. Ride safe and enjoy all good moment in life. And thank You for publishing the pics of my two machines.
Hi Jean Marie.
A pleasure putting your pics on.
I am pleased with my Triumph. I just can't understand the penny pinching that they do.
Ride safe👍
Being a year round rider most bikes have something about a foot long useless. Same at the rear stupid bit of plastic that looks crap and does nothing.
Fair enough, thanks for commenting.
Ride safe👍
They always did fit a centre stand, why they (Triumph) don't fit a centre stand now is nuts.....and as for the front mudguard, not just the lack of length, but the attachment system??????
The lack of useable mudguards on motorbikes is a bete noire of mine 👿🤬
ps really love riding my t120 (2017)
Hi Laurie, I admit to googling Bete Noir!
why on earth they can't stop crap getting all over the front of the engine and up the radiator goodness knows.
You have to conclude they don't want to?
It ain't rocket science.
Thanks for commenting
Ride safe Mate 👍
@@shottostravels My apologies, but you're spot on!
Best bit is Triumph charging nearly £250 for the centre stand. Must be making a tidy profit on that I reckon.
Indeed, money for nothing.
Leaves a bit of a sour taste all this penny pinching!
Ride safe Mate👍
Spoked wheels with tubed tyres
not for me.
Fair enough, ride safe 👍
Classic 500 all the way mate. It is a far better bike than the all new 'Plastic' 350. 30%+ more power and 30%+ more torque. Way better built than many youtubers would have you believe. Solid metal side boxes, instead of just metal fronted. Glass and polished alloy dials, not plastic glass and plastic chrome. A kick start back up in case of low battery power, as well as full electric starting too. Self adjusting hydraulic tappets, so no tank off job at service time. Euro 4, so far more scope for tuning improvements. Oh and then there's the genuine sprung saddle on the 500. When RE needed to put a fake one on the all new 350, then you may realise that they have a poorer product perhaps...
I think you have made a wonderful case for my next bike.
I have completely overlooked this, don't know why but I clearly shouldn't have.
I do intend to get another Royal Enfield when I can.
This has just jumped up to the top of my must investigate list.
Many thanks.
Can you tell me what years I need to be looking at?
I did have an old bullet many years ago and to bad honest it wasn't very good, but can't remember whether it was a 350 or a 500.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Ride safe👍
All tyres are rubbish depending on who you listen to.
Fair enough. Thanks for commenting. Ride safe Mate 👍
You want the extras? Buy the T120. Much better bike.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Ride safe👍
I’m the same I get a bike then straight away looking for extras to put on good extras mind that help the bike or I’m looking for another bike to go with it I like having 2bikes but I’ve got get some add ins for my rocket yet crash bars fender extender higher screen and extra lights then might look at a T120 shotgun or meteor 650 for them two then I’ll want to add onto them boys and there toys😂😂😂 your a long time dead and you only live once take care
Thanks for commenting Nicholas.
My missus would love you!
(Not.)
But as you say, It's a boys and their toys thing.
To be fair probably some girls too.
Ride safe Mate 👍