Triumph Bonnie - opinions please.

[rosie631]

Hi all. I may soon be in the market for a new bike. Not through choice but shit happens.
Anyway, my current bike is/was a 95 customised Superglide with a 1450cc S&S motor, screaming eagle air cleaner, drag pipes. And I LOVE her.
In an ideal world I would probably get a similar bike but newer. So basically I am trying to choose between another older Harley or a new Trumpy. I have always loved the Bonnies but I have never ridden anything other than Harley so will have to take one for a test ride obviously.
Anyway, the thing I want advice about is if I go from the harley to the Bonnie. How much will I notice the loss of size and power?? The salesman assures me the Bonnie will sit on 120 all day but in reality the motor is half the size I have now. I'm not looking to break any land speed records but I intend to do some BIG rides over summer and just wondering if the bonnie will be up to it and will it keep pace with the bigger bikes?
All opinions appreciated.

[Molly]

I've owned a couple of Hinckley Bonnies and Harleys so feel qualified to comment.

The Bonnies were fine mechanically. No problems at all. However, to me they felt 'insubstantial' after riding a Harley. The switchgear, for example, seems flimsy and is cheap looking, finish on the frame isn't as good as a H-D (not even close) and I had problems with corrosion creeping up behind the engine lacquer (covered under warranty). The air injection will need to be removed but that's easy enough. Finally, the clincher for me now, new Bonnies for our market are assembled in Thailand not the UK. Maybe that won't bother you but it did me.

Have to say the local Triumph dealer is great to deal with. Phil's improved the dealership immeasurably and he's a genuinely good bloke. Happy hunting.

[Scouse]

Wait until the new Triumph Thunderbird comes out then make your decision they are due out in July - August
http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/ThunderbirdHome.aspx

[tri boy]

If you compare a standard Bonnie to a S+S big block, then you'll be disappointed.
Bonnies are a totally different bike. More flickable, more friendly, but learn to ride them in a spirited way, and many bikes will be in your rear view. (Like the two Guzzies that tried it on with the scrambler).
test and decide. MHO

[Big Dave]

>>How much will I notice the loss of size and power??<<

Metaphorically speaking: You can ride the S&S & I'll ride a stock Bonneville SE and I'll still school you around the Port Hills. A drag race to Ashburton a different story.

[Big Dave]

If you are comparing fit & finish - Road King to Bonneville you should also make allowance that Bonne costs around 50% less.

I haven't checked - what are we talking - $14k V $28k ?

[rosie631]

In my case would be 14k v 18k. If I go for another superglide it will be an older one like I had. But if I get a Bonnie would be new. That is the other thing I need to factor in.

[Molly]

Y'know, $22k gets you a brand new Dyna. Just a thought.

What's up with the S&S Harley by the way? Sounds to me like a fine bloody bike!

Take the point about fit and finish versus price but was actually thinking about my wife's Sportster and my Scrambler. Side by side the Bonnie was just disappointingly finished. Still like them though and she's keen for me to find an early one to do-up in an old, classic style - if y'know what I mean.

[rosie631]

Y'know, $22k gets you a brand new Dyna. Just a thought.

What's up with the S&S Harley by the way? Sounds to me like a fine bloody bike!



She is an awesome bike. But I had a bin at the weekend :shit: and I'm just waiting to hear back from insurance. The bike shop has checked her over and pretty much told me not to be surprised if she is written off. If that happens I will be gutted. :bye: Have been trying to console myself by dreaming about possible replacements.

[Headbanger]

She is an awesome bike. But I had a bin at the weekend :shit: and I'm just waiting to hear back from insurance. The bike shop has checked her over and pretty much told me not to be surprised if she is written off. If that happens I will be gutted. :bye: Have been trying to console myself by dreaming about possible replacements.


Bummer....:(

[SDU]

I am thinking off going from my V11Sport to the new thruxton- sure after a test ride to Kaikoura & back I realised I'll miss the guzzi lurch to the left & the power a little on hte straights but I won't miss the clunky gear box & the heavy weight of moving the ole gal around, but the Thruxton was so flickable, & was faster to throw around the hills & never I missed the power thing at all there. Was still easy to overtake the cars on the straights & able to sit at a comfy fast pace (not telling) no problem. The new fuel injected bonnies will probably be not too different. Heard after market pipes will make a difference.
The boys will look after you if you wanna test ride one- (maybe we can borrow demos off bothe & swap so you can see )

[mossy1200]

I purchaced new bonnie last year after riding big sports bikes and love the bonnie.I added cr race carbs and did some mods but with the price of the bonnie had change to do mthe mods.Power is quite good and fun to ride and handles good with sports suspension added.Not sure how hard to mod the 09 fuel injected model.More fun to ride at moderate pace than a big sports bike that wants to travel 150plus.

[YellowDog]

Hey Rosie, sorry to hear about your bin. Glad you are not hurt enough to not get another bike. I don't know the price however i sat on a Bonnie SE the other day. Very nice quality finnishing and comfort. You should plant yourself on one and see if you like the feel.

Moving from an HD riding position to a more conventional Bonnie will take a bit of adjustment. You'll find the Bonnie a great deal more nimble and easy to ride around corners. The one I rode a couple of years back before I bought my Tiger seemed to rocket to 150kph very easily, so I am not sure of the relevance of the 120Kph thing. I didn't sit at 150Kph for long however top end power didn't seem to be an issue.

Enjoy the test ride and I would be very interested to hear your feedback.

[mossy1200]

Hey Rosie, sorry to hear about your bin. Glad you are not hurt enough to not get another bike. I don't know the price however i sat on a Bonnie SE the other day. Very nice quality finnishing and comfort. You should plant yourself on one and see if you like the feel.

Moving from an HD riding position to a more conventional Bonnie will take a bit of adjustment. You'll find the Bonnie a great deal more nimble and easy to ride around corners. The one I rode a couple of years back before I bought my Tiger seemed to rocket to 150kph very easily, so I am not sure of the relevance of the 120Kph thing. I didn't sit at 150Kph for long however top end power didn't seem to be an issue.

Enjoy the test ride and I would be very interested to hear your feedback.I ran mine in quarter miles at carterton at 197kmph in flying average speed with cr carbs and one tooth higher on front sproket so they can go quickish.Ran out of rpm before power.well into redline.

[Big Dave]

That's because the Tiger has arguable the best engine slung in a road-going motorcycle so far.

The 120kph is relevant because there are a number of bikes on the market where that is the speed that they start to get 'interesting' - and they are kinda boggy below it.

Subsequently they are not good road bikes in the current circumstances.

[Winston001]

More fun to ride at moderate pace than a big sports bike that wants to travel 150plus.




The 120kph is relevant because there are a number of bikes on the market where that is the speed that they start to get 'interesting' - and they are kinda boggy below it.


Wash your mouths out. :gob:

[Big Dave]

Wash your mouths out. :gob:

Why? <tenchars> </tenchars>

[Molly]

I am thinking off going from my V11Sport...

No! Don't do it. Every time I walk in my garage I think what a fine looking bike the V11 is. It's got SO much character, great handling and suspension. Second hand they don't seem to attract much interest or money either so it'd be a shame if you didn't get much for it.

[Molly]

She is an awesome bike. But I had a bin at the weekend

Oh, I see. Sorry to hear that. So long as you're OK. I'm guessing I must've seen your bike around from time to time. Only seen two S&S motor Harleys around that I can remember. A green stretched tank one that was in Eric Woods for a bit and one Lyndsey Williamson was selling not long back. Sounds like a good winter project to me. Shame I'm skint...

I binned my Springer a few years ago. Didn't take long for the insurance repair bill to reach $10k. It was just under 50% of the value and I wanted to keep it so they paid for the repairs.

Rolling Thunder have bit of a do this Saturday for 4th July. Maybe see you down there shopping for a new Harley? :yes:

[AllanB]

Street & Sport will send you of on a Bonnie. Go see them and tell them of your worries - you'll end up on a long test ride and be able to decide between the two.

Is there anything better than a brand new bike?

[laRIKin]

Street & Sport will send you of on a Bonnie. Go see them and tell them of your worries - you'll end up on a long test ride and be able to decide between the two.

Is there anything better than a brand new bike?

Been there and done that for her.
I can get you the bike, a Bonnie A1 for the whole weekend to test.
I have PM-ed you about it ring land line it is in my profile.:niceone:

[rosie631]

I'm guessing I must've seen your bike around from time to time. Only seen two S&S motor Harleys around that I can remember. A green stretched tank one that was in Eric Woods for a bit and one Lyndsey Williamson was selling not long back. Sounds like a good winter project to me. Shame I'm skint...



Pre bin pics of mine on my profile page.

[mossy1200]

Wash your mouths out. :gob:
When I go round corner at 100 my mez3 tyres squeel,sparks leep off the pegs and trucks dont buffer me with wind i buffer the trucks.Are we having fun yet.

[Indiana_Jones]

Get the Triumph.......it's a Triumph

-Indy

[SDU]

No! Don't do it. Every time I walk in my garage I think what a fine looking bike the V11 is. It's got SO much character, great handling and suspension. Second hand they don't seem to attract much interest or money either so it'd be a shame if you didn't get much for it.

To me they are both sexy looking beasts.
Would love to keep It & still get the Thruxton.
It is a reluctant sale but if I keep it, I need to set the suspension up on the V11 for me as I can't get it right -I need to get lighter springs & -blah blah- very doable I know but I have a new love - a shock to me, But I still get my Guzzi fix with the MKIII lots off character there.

Hey Rosie heres to finding something you'll love

[Molly]

To me they are both sexy looking beasts.
Would love to keep It & still get the Thruxton.
It is a reluctant sale but if I keep it, I need to set the suspension up on the V11 for me as I can't get it right -I need to get lighter springs & -blah blah- very doable I know but I have a new love - a shock to me, But I still get my Guzzi fix with the MK111 lots off character there.

Fair enough. Did see your V11 outside the hospital a few months ago. Looks really clean. Love mine. Could see a day when the Harley might go but not the Guzzi.

[SDU]

Fair enough. Did see your V11 outside the hospital a few months ago. Looks really clean. Love mine. Could see a day when the Harley might go but not the Guzzi.

I have it Just Motorcycles at the moment & find myself caressing it whenever I visit the crew at the shop :wacko:- I miss it -especially the heated grips at this time off year.

[Trumpess]

I am thinking off going from my V11Sport to the new thruxton- sure after a test ride to Kaikoura & back I realised I'll miss the guzzi lurch to the left & the power a little on hte straights but I won't miss the clunky gear box & the heavy weight of moving the ole gal around, but the Thruxton was so flickable, & was faster to throw around the hills & never I missed the power thing at all there. Was still easy to overtake the cars on the straights & able to sit at a comfy fast pace (not telling) no problem. The new fuel injected bonnies will probably be not too different. Heard after market pipes will make a difference.
The boys will look after you if you wanna test ride one- (maybe we can borrow demos off bothe & swap so you can see )



You've had that Thruxton out a few times now, and ya keep going back for it.
says it all really ... and suits ya!

[martybabe]

Sorry about your bin, hope you're OK even if your bike isn't.

It's entirely my own biased opinion but the superglide is a clear winner for me, you'd get a fairly new one for that kind of money wouldn't you, 2002 ish?

If it's the newness that's drawing you to the bonnie, you'd get a new XR1200 for the same kind of money and it would be far more capable than your s+s or the Bonnie. It may or may not be your style but a brand new HD for circa $17,000, faster and better handling then any Harley before it has got to be worth a look surely.

Good luck whatever you choose. ;)

[Big Dave]

faster and better handling than any Harley before it


Unless it was a Buell :-P

[martybabe]

Unless it was a Buell :-P


As recently quoted by world famous American racer and tester of motorcicles, Doug Meselfahole, " Buells ain't Harleys son, they's spelt with a B"

Linky here ' :bleh: ' ;)

[Big Dave]

As recently quoted by world famous American racer and tester of motorcicles, Doug Meselfahole, " Buells ain't Harleys son, they's spelt with a B"

Linky here ' :bleh: ' ;)

Aye - You should see the vehemence that senior Buell folk react to that sort of inflammatory remark with.

I decided not to mention that the my owner's manual came sealed in a Bar & Shield Logo wrapper.

[laRIKin]

I have it Just Motorcycles at the moment & find myself caressing it whenever I visit the crew at the shop :wacko:- I miss it -especially the heated grips at this time off year.


You've had that Thruxton out a few times now, and ya keep going back for it.
says it all really ... and suits ya!

Yes it does and I hope to see SDU on it by this summer.

If work picks up again etc.....maybe just maybe.......who knows??

[Mr Triple]

Yes it does and I hope to see SDU on it by this summer.

If work picks up again etc.....maybe just maybe.......who knows??

Yes SDU does deserve a new ride and nothing like a Trumpy!!

Sorry to hear about your off Rosie:(

[rosie631]

Sorry to hear about your off Rosie:(

Thanks. Yeah, bit of a bummer. Still waiting on the insurance verdict. Be good when it's all sorted.

[brentmc]

My veiw on all this is, ive owned Harley's of and on for the past 10yrs, ive tryed all sorts of other makes and models and have always ended up back on a dirty old Harley (i bloody love it), Going by what your saying your hoping your FXD will be repaired if so im thinking you will regret moving away them.
if you get paid out $18k you will buy a good late model replacement Harley.
if you are looking at the Trumpy i would recommend you test ride the Speedmaster or the America with the forward controls. Only Idea's, But if you do go away from the old Hogs im thinking within 2yrs you will own another one!!!!.

[Molly]

... if you do go away from the old Hogs im thinking within 2yrs you will own another one!!!!.

I can relate to this. The wife and I sold our Harleys and went working away for a year. Bought the Guzzi whilst in the Isle of Man (Harley wouldn't have made sense - you'd never get it out of fourth and there aren't any there anyway). Was back in NZ a week and took our Bonnie Scrambler out of mate's storage and traded it for a Road King. Was like swapping a toy for a real, and really <i>substantial</i> bike. :-)

No offence Bonnie lovers. Cool bikes but, for me, not a 'main' bike.

[Big Dave]

The key word in all that is 'our'.
A Bonne is a serviceable main bike if you pretty much ride solo or fancy spank-me type wimmens maybe.
Wouldn't work for me either. I'd have a Scramb as my ADV bike though.

[Molly]

The key word in all that is 'our'.
A Bonne is a serviceable main bike if you pretty much ride solo or fancy spank-me type wimmens maybe.
Wouldn't work for me either. I'd have a Scramb as my ADV bike though.

Wife hates pillion. 'Our Harleys' referred to her Sportie, the Road King and my recently rebuilt Evo Springer. Take your point though. Not sure I'd want to be two-up on a Bonnie for any length of time. She liked the Bonnie more I think so it went from our bike to her bike. Then I traded it... I still owe her a replacement :-(

[mossy1200]

Wife hates pillion. 'Our Harleys' referred to her Sportie, the Road King and my recently rebuilt Evo Springer. Take your point though. Not sure I'd want to be two-up on a Bonnie for any length of time. The Scrambler was our only form of transport for a week or so as it happens. We didn't travel far...My wife likes the back of mine.After market shocks though.I got flat bars so im not leaning back which gives her more room.we plan to go down South at xmas two up for 2weeks.

[rosie631]

A Bonne is a serviceable main bike if you pretty much ride solo or fancy spank-me type wimmens maybe.


I do ride solo. I hate pillioning so if the bike gives me an excuse not to do it, all the better.
What are spank-me type women??

[Big Dave]

I do ride solo. I hate pillioning so if the bike gives me an excuse not to do it, all the better.
What are spank-me type women??

Our host has a publicly expressed penchant for slightly built, attractive Asian ladies.

[laRIKin]

Yes SDU does deserve a new ride and nothing like a Trumpy!!

Will be doing all I can to help her get one.


I do ride solo. I hate pillioning so if the bike gives me an excuse not to do it, all the better.
What are spank-me type women??

Strange people say that they are not a good two up bike.
As more than a few old boys turn up on RAT rides with there partners on the back.
They do not seem to mind one bit and look like they are having fun on the back.

[mossy1200]

Will be doing all I can to help her get one.



Strange people say that they are not a good two up bike.
As more than a few old boys turn up on RAT rides with there partners on the back.
They do not seem to mind one bit and look like they are having fun on the back.
The stock rear shocks are not flash for two up but thats easy fix.
I got long arms so the bars were replaced to increase passanger room by moving me forward instead of leaning back.Had for over a year now and wife loves the back.Maybe King queen seat before we go on holiday as the seats hardish.

[Blackbird]

Food for thought with all this discussion about Bonnies. I was thinking of easing back on hyper velocities in maybe a year, selling the 'bird and getting a Monster or a Street Triple. However, after seeing these discussions and looking at on-line brochures, a Thruxton could be a serious consideration. I grew up on Triumphs and going full circle (minus the oil leaks) could be a good thing to do.:yes:

[mossy1200]

Food for thought with all this discussion about Bonnies. I was thinking of easing back on hyper velocities in maybe a year, selling the 'bird and getting a Monster or a Street Triple. However, after seeing these discussions and looking at on-line brochures, a Thruxton could be a serious consideration. I grew up on Triumphs and going full circle (minus the oil leaks) could be a good thing to do.:yes:
Its funny.i went sp1,blackbird,zx12r,bmwr1200s then bonny and i finding the bonny as fun as any of the prior bikes to ride.it just feels great to ride at licence safe speeds with character to burn.

[Blackbird]

Its funny.i went sp1,blackbird,zx12r,bmwr1200s then bonny and i finding the bonny as fun as any of the prior bikes to ride.it just feels great to ride at licence safe speeds with character to burn.

I love my wife's MazdaSpeed MX5 for the same reason - great fun at semi-legal speeds. Have had the 'bird for 8 years, done nearly all the twattish things it's possible to do on something like that and am quite comfortable to ease up now. I'd actually like to have a lengthy retirement now I've reached that age:yes:

[laRIKin]

The stock rear shocks are not flash for two up but thats easy fix.
I got long arms so the bars were replaced to increase passanger room by moving me forward instead of leaning back.Had for over a year now and wife loves the back.Maybe King queen seat before we go on holiday as the seats hardish.

Not sure if they had after market shocks.
Will have to look harder next time.


Food for thought with all this discussion about Bonnies. I was thinking of easing back on hyper velocities in maybe a year, selling the 'bird and getting a Monster or a Street Triple. However, after seeing these discussions and looking at on-line brochures, a Thruxton could be a serious consideration. I grew up on Triumphs and going full circle (minus the oil leaks) could be a good thing to do.:yes:


Its funny.i went sp1,blackbird,zx12r,bmwr1200s then bonny and i finding the bonny as fun as any of the prior bikes to ride.it just feels great to ride at licence safe speeds with character to burn.

Similar to me, after years on old Guzzi's then a newer one, a Daytona 955i and then a new Sprint.
I found the America is a giggle to ride.
Rode a Bonnie and like it, it cornered a lot better but thought I would like to try a Cruiser, so bought the America.

[shrub]

obviously I'd like you to buy a Bonnie because it would be me selling it, but it's more important that you wake up on a Saturday morning, open your shed and go "F#@k yeah, that's my bike, and I'm about to ride it!". In many ways comparing a Harley like yours with a Bonnie is like comparing a Jap sports 600 with a BMW adventure bike - they're completely different and do things in a very different way.

I haven't ridden many Harleys, so I won't voice an opinion on them because I'm just not qualified to do so, but I have ridden a lot of Trumpies. The Bonnie is a nimble, agile bike, and a lot of fun to play in the hills with, but it's also a really nice bike just to cruise along and cover big ks on. It's not a big bore cruiser and doesn't pretend to be - in the same way a Harley doesn't pretend to be a sports bike. To compare a bike with your Harley you'd really need to look at either a Rocket Touring or a new Thunderbird, but Rick's America is probably the best compromise. For around $17k you can get a brand new America or Speedmaster that will give Sportsters a good run for their money, but they're lighter and smaller than a Sportster, also you're talking a bike that was designed from scratch in 2000 whereas the Sportster has been around a while.

Good luck Rosie, and if you want to take the Bonnie for a spin on a fine day, come in and grab it. Whatever you decide, make sure you choose the bike that makes you grin the most. I can't imagine owning anything other than my Thunderbird, and every time I look at it or ride it I get a big arse grin and realise that I have found true love. Take your time and ride our bikes as much as you want. I won't mind if you end up buying a Harley as long as you look me in the eye and say "this is it, this is MY bike and I love it".

D

[rok-the-boat]

Keep your bike - they just get better with age.

[rosie631]

Keep your bike - they just get better with age.

I agree with you there. Unfortunately I binned my old girl and she has been written off. Otherwise I wouldn't even have been looking at anything else.

[rosie631]

obviously I'd like you to buy a Bonnie because it would be me selling it, but it's more important that you wake up on a Saturday morning, open your shed and go "F#@k yeah, that's my bike, and I'm about to ride it!". In many ways comparing a Harley like yours with a Bonnie is like comparing a Jap sports 600 with a BMW adventure bike - they're completely different and do things in a very different way.

I haven't ridden many Harleys, so I won't voice an opinion on them because I'm just not qualified to do so, but I have ridden a lot of Trumpies. The Bonnie is a nimble, agile bike, and a lot of fun to play in the hills with, but it's also a really nice bike just to cruise along and cover big ks on. It's not a big bore cruiser and doesn't pretend to be - in the same way a Harley doesn't pretend to be a sports bike. To compare a bike with your Harley you'd really need to look at either a Rocket Touring or a new Thunderbird, but Rick's America is probably the best compromise. For around $17k you can get a brand new America or Speedmaster that will give Sportsters a good run for their money, but they're lighter and smaller than a Sportster, also you're talking a bike that was designed from scratch in 2000 whereas the Sportster has been around a while.

Good luck Rosie, and if you want to take the Bonnie for a spin on a fine day, come in and grab it. Whatever you decide, make sure you choose the bike that makes you grin the most. I can't imagine owning anything other than my Thunderbird, and every time I look at it or ride it I get a big arse grin and realise that I have found true love. Take your time and ride our bikes as much as you want. I won't mind if you end up buying a Harley as long as you look me in the eye and say "this is it, this is MY bike and I love it".

D

I enjoyed riding the bonnie. Certainly very nimble and easy to handle. But have come to the conclusion that I am a Harley girl at heart. That is what I've always ridden and probably what I always will. Was awesome to have a chance to test ride something different tho. Thanks for that.
Have sealed the deal on the new bike but STILL waiting for insurance. Picking her up when I get insurance payout and will be posting pics then.