Bonneville vs Boulevard?

[Machiavelli]

Hey all,

I'd be interested to get your most excellent opinions about what you think is better out of the Suzuki Boulevard S83 and the Triumph Bonneville America.

Obviously, these comparisons are very subjective, so I'll make sure to tell you what I might be looking for specifically.

The rough specs of the two bikes (looking at 2008 models) are as follows:

Bonneville America: (website (http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/America_5269.aspx))

Price - approx $16590 new

CC rating - 865cc
Engine type - Air-cooled, DOHC, 270° parallel-twin

Dry mass - 226kg
Seat height - 720mm

Fuel tank - 19.3L

Front brakes - Single 310mm disc, 2 piston calipers
Read brakes - Single 285mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper


Boulevard S83: (website (http://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/motorcycles.html?category=Boulevard))

RRP - $13995 new

CC rating - 1360cc
Engine type - 4-stroke, air-cooled, OHC, 45° V-twin

Dry mass - 244kg
Seat height - 740mm

Fuel tank - 13.0L

Front brakes - Disc brake
Read brakes - Disc brake


I'm not the tallest guy in the world, being 166cm or 5'5", and so I don't want a bike that is going to be much too heavy or too tall for me to handle confidantly.
I enjoy the thought of having the ability to exert decent power through my bike, and this is really the main reason why the S83 is in the picture at all. It seems to have a rather large engine despite being a whole lot smaller than most of the other Boulevards.
I also like the idea of doing decent tours/road-trips on the bike, so the size of the fuel tank or the economy would end up being a factor.
Lastly, I want to be able to offer pillion rides to lady friends :cool: without it being too uncomfortable or problematic for them even over longer periods of riding.

I suppose I should add that i'm a big Triumph fan rather than a Harley fan. For me, owning a Triumph would be awesome.

Cheers!

[deanohit]

I would say go with the Triumph then mate. You like them, it's lighter, got a lower seat height and a larger fuel tank than the Suzuki and it will have enough power to play with, especially if your moving stright up from the mighty GN. Plus you've got the BRAND (wank) factor of a really cool old school looking bike.

[Machiavelli]

Plus you've got the BRAND (wank) factor of a really cool old school looking bike.

Ya gotta love that wank-factor :laugh:

[magicfairy]

My S50 (800cc) has a 12 litre fuel tank which is far too small, and the one thing I would change. 13 litres for a 1300cc bike seems way too small, for that reason alone I'd go with the Bonneville.

[scumdog]

Saw a brand new America at the Pissed Penguin rally - very sharp and what appealed to me was its 'uncluttered' appearance - something a lot of cruiser bikes don't have.

The proud owner was pretty pleased with it too - ex-demo model with a few $$$ worth of extras thrown in.

[Joni]

I like the Bonnie... but even more the Thruxton! I have however heard the Thruxton is a little hard on the body when riding.

Go to Street and Sport in Manchester street... speak to Phil or Glen and ask them about the Bonnie/America... they will help you, answer any questions etc...

:clap:

[Tank]

For me, owning a Triumph would be awesome.

Cheers!

I think that speaks tons - riding a bike is more than what suits you best - its what makes you go "Yeah Baby!" as walk past it in the garage. and puts a grin on your face as you climb on and start it up.

Go for the Triumph !

[Machiavelli]

13 litres for a 1300cc bike seems way too small

Yeah, thanks, that's a good practical piece of advice. I always wonder about the 'tear drop' tanks and their capacities. I suppose getting a bigger bike I'd expect it to have a much bigger range. I'd hate to buy a bigger bike and then still feel restricted by its fuel.


Saw a brand new America ... what appealed to me was its 'uncluttered' appearance - something a lot of cruiser bikes don't have.

Great! One more reason why the Bonnie America is a good choice of cruiser.
In my opinion, Triumphs certainly have a certain cool-factor to them, but I haven't actually seen an America in person.


I like the Bonnie... but even more the Thruxton!

The Thruxton? :niceone: It's a pretty unique little beasty. I think I'd prefer something that doesn't look like I should be driving it around Italy though! (it lives up to it's "café racer" design)


Go to Street and Sport in Manchester street... speak to Phil or Glen

There's a theme emerging, heaps of people seem to suggest talking to these guys for various things. They must be good, nice to know.


riding a bike is ... what makes you go "Yeah Baby!" as walk past it in the garage. and puts a grin on your face as you climb on and start it up

Good point there, I wouldn't want to buy one machine and still be pining for the other. May as well go for the one i'd be happy to jump on when it's raining outside and make *vroom* noises for hours ;)

[Joni]

There's a theme emerging, heaps of people seem to suggest talking to these guys for various things. They must be good, nice to know.They are very good, but they are also firends, so I suppose I am a little biased. :eek:

[xwhatsit]

I think some of you guys are getting confused with the Bonnies and the Bonnie Americas. Here's a photo of the Bonneville America, it's quite a different beast.

Just before you buy it, ask the dealer about the wire wheels (isn't that right, Triboy?).


May as well go for the one i'd be happy to jump on when it's raining outside and make *vroom* noises for hours
No no no no! I should've known from this being in the `Hogs and Cruisers' forum :lol: If it's raining outside you go for a ride anyway! The Trumpy would be better for that anyway -- less extraneous chrome to polish afterwards.

[Paul in NZ]

Essentially there is zero difference between them.... Buy the one you feel the most comfortable with and the one that gives you the biggest bulge in your trousers... Neither are my cup of tea but I'm not going to have to take one home or part with my $$.....

Cheers

[vifferman]

Buy the one you feel the most comfortable with and the one that gives you the biggest bulge in your trousers.
That's the essence of it. Asking other people what they think - while it might expose any shortcomings/pitfalls you'd otherwise be unaware of - is kind of irrelevant. You shouldn't buy a bike based on what others think or might think, or even the sort of reputation a bike has. Use these to whittle down the list, but as Paul says: it's whatever does it for you that is the right one.
I've had several times where I approached bike-buying with a fairly open mind, but influenced by what others had said. I rode various cruisers, some specific models other people lauded (SV650, Bandit 1200, RF900, Triumph Daytona, etc.) but they did nothing for me.

I'm sure there are people who buy a bike just because of what others say, or because of the reputation, but riding a bike is a very visceral thing, so the bike should speak to you on that level. Ride both of them (and widen your selection to give you some comparison!) and see which one 'does it for you'. :niceone:

And have fun deciding!

[The Lone Rider]

Triumph is British isn't it?

Does anyone else think a Triumph America is kinda funny...? :D

[Joni]

There is a Bonnie America at Street and Sport... you should go and check it out! See it in "person"

[The Stranger]

Personally, I would trust Suzuki quality over Triumph.

[Scouse]

Go for the Triumph also when you buy you Bonnie America get an after market exhaust custom chambers make some nice sounding aftermarket pipes you see part of the apeal of the Triumph parallel twin motor is the sound but you need to buy aftermarket cans to realise this.

PS dont listen to the Stranger

[tri boy]

Personally, I would trust Suzuki quality over Triumph.

I sorta agree with you there in some ways.
As Xer mentioned, I have had a shitty run with my front wheel assy, and personally, I think the front brake feels soft and underpowered on the Bonies/Scramblers/ America's etc.
The suspension is basic, and I'm not sure what the Suzis suspenders are like. If you want to upgrade it, add an extra 2K to the price.
Just ask about warranty claims from the Trumpy boys, and watch for shifting eyes.
On the good side, the engines are a lovely lazy donk, and I think that model has the 270 degree crank, that has its owe unique feel.
Try both and get what you feel the happiest on.:rockon:

[Toaster]

Both nice bikes, but at your size I would definitley be doing a good road test on both and go for the one that most feels right, looks right and gives you the bigger smile as you roll down the road.

All the best with your choice, I love bike shopping!

[Macktheknife]

The speedmaster is essentially the same bike but has dual front discs, much better option if you go for the Triumph.
My pick would have to be the Triumph from what you have said you want, but you could always get a bigger tank on the suzuki if that was your only issue with it.

[Mom]

Personally, I would trust Suzuki quality over Triumph.

You know I used to be a Suzuki gal, still am really but....there is something about the Triumph


Go for the Triumph also when you buy you Bonnie America get an after market exhaust custom chambers make some nice sounding aftermarket pipes you see part of the apeal of the Triumph parallel twin motor is the sound but you need to buy aftermarket cans to realise this.

PS dont listen to the Stranger


You are just biased!

Suzuki's rule, but....Triumphs have soul!

[Scouse]

You are just biased!

Suzuki's rule, but....Triumphs have soul!Me? I am the most unbiased person that I know I have owned Kawasaki's, Honda's Yamaha's and Suzukis so I think that what I am is Qualfied to advise

[Mom]

Me? I am the most unbiased person that I know I have owned Kawasaki's, Honda's Yamaha's and Suzukis so I think that what I am is Qualfied to advise


Pardon me.........:bleh:

[Scouse]

Me? I am the most unbiased person that I know I have owned Kawasaki's, Honda's Yamaha's and Suzukis so I think that what I am is Qualfied to adviseAnd the most unsanctimonious prick that I know aswell

[Bonez]

Purely on fuel range alone I'd pick the Bonnie. If its quality of build I'd pick the other one even though it's a Suzuki.................

[jafar]

Hey all,

I'd be interested to get your most excellent opinions about what you think is better out of the Suzuki Boulevard S83 and the Triumph Bonneville America.

Obviously, these comparisons are very subjective, so I'll make sure to tell you what I might be looking for specifically.

The rough specs of the two bikes (looking at 2008 models) are as follows:

Bonneville America: (website (http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/America_5269.aspx))

Price - approx $16590 new

CC rating - 865cc
Engine type - Air-cooled, DOHC, 270° parallel-twin

Dry mass - 226kg
Seat height - 720mm

Fuel tank - 19.3L

Front brakes - Single 310mm disc, 2 piston calipers
Read brakes - Single 285mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper


Boulevard S83: (website (http://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/motorcycles.html?category=Boulevard))

RRP - $13995 new

CC rating - 1360cc
Engine type - 4-stroke, air-cooled, OHC, 45° V-twin

Dry mass - 244kg
Seat height - 740mm

Fuel tank - 13.0L

Front brakes - Disc brake
Read brakes - Disc brake


I'm not the tallest guy in the world, being 166cm or 5'5", and so I don't want a bike that is going to be much too heavy or too tall for me to handle confidantly.
I enjoy the thought of having the ability to exert decent power through my bike, and this is really the main reason why the S83 is in the picture at all. It seems to have a rather large engine despite being a whole lot smaller than most of the other Boulevards.
I also like the idea of doing decent tours/road-trips on the bike, so the size of the fuel tank or the economy would end up being a factor.
Lastly, I want to be able to offer pillion rides to lady friends :cool: without it being too uncomfortable or problematic for them even over longer periods of riding.

I suppose I should add that i'm a big Triumph fan rather than a Harley fan. For me, owning a Triumph would be awesome.

Cheers!

$2,500 more for the Triumph & it is half the cc rating:shit:
Both only have single stoppers on the front to pull up a wet mass in excess of 300kg. 400kg with a pillion :shutup:
Also to consider is that both Suzuki & Triumph have been having issues with warranty claims.
Suzuki were not honouring warranty claims for Chrome etc:nono:
Triumph's were for safety related issues. (triboy being the latest).

It's your hard earned money they are wanting to take , widen your search & take your time in deciding.

[scumdog]

It's your hard earned money they are wanting to take , widen your search & take your time in deciding.

And buy a Harley???:pinch::whistle:

[Robbo]

Go British Buddy, you can't beat the simplicity of the parallel twin and the handling is superb. The Suzuki is a nice bike but the Triumph will always turn heads wherever you go.

[Machiavelli]

There is a Bonnie America at Street and Sport... you should go and check it out! See it in "person"

I know how this works, they pay you 5c every time you mention them, don't they? :bleh:

It's like sponsored ad links, but on forums.

Go on, you can tell us :msn-wink:

But seriously, I didn't know that. I'll pop in and check it out.

[Machiavelli]

The speedmaster is essentially the same bike but has dual front discs, much better option if you go for the Triumph.

And it has "speed" in the title so it sounds faster!

Unless the 'S' in 'S83' stands for 'speed'...

[Machiavelli]

widen your search & take your time in deciding.

Given that I'm looking for a smaller / stylish cruiser type, what would people recommend if neither of these two (or a Speedmaster, that's already part of the calculations)?

I can't say I'm too familiar with the well liked cruiser models.

I don't particularly want to go Harley. I just... find them... a tad ugly... :sick::shutup:

:innocent:

[Bonez]

Given that I'm looking for a smaller / stylish cruiser type, what would people recommend if neither of these two (or a Speedmaster, that's already part of the calculations)?

I can't say I'm too familiar with the well liked cruiser models.

I don't particularly want to go Harley. I just... find them... a tad ugly... :sick::shutup:

:innocent:I'm sure you'll pick what suits in the end. Kawasaki Mean Streak is another bike to consider.

[nallac]

I know what i'd buy if i was lookin for a middle weight crusier

one of those ugly harleys you mentioned

A Nightster........

[The Lone Rider]

Given that I'm looking for a smaller / stylish cruiser type

Have you thought of trying a virago? They are very nice bikes, loved the one I had but sold it as I'm over 6 feet and it was too small. The S model is particularly flash, with the extra chrome fittings the standards don't have.

[Bren]

Just outta curiosity....what about resale values? Am I right in believing that the trumpies would have a better resale value over the Suzuki? worth considering...

[johnnyflash]

Not that I am biased..:devil2: but I have owned both trumpy and Suzi and I would still say buy a Boulevard, reliable,value for money, and good resale, I cant say the same to all three points for Trumpy's in the last 5 years.. Yeah I still like the OLD trumpy's as a classic machine.
Edit... as said by others, rtest ride em all and THEN decide what you like..

[NZsarge]

After what i've just seen of Tri boys trumpy scrambler wheel rims (quite rusty), buy the Suzuki. What about a XVS1300?

[jafar]

I know what i'd buy if i was lookin for a middle weight crusier

one of those ugly harleys you mentioned

A Nightster........

Don't remember him saying he had won lotto :blank:

[jafar]

Given that I'm looking for a smaller / stylish cruiser type, what would people recommend if neither of these two (or a Speedmaster, that's already part of the calculations)?

I can't say I'm too familiar with the well liked cruiser models.

I don't particularly want to go Harley. I just... find them... a tad ugly... :sick::shutup:

:innocent:

As your original post stated that you were looking at a Trumpet America or a S83 how did you get them confused with a "smaller" cruiser ????:doh:

Have a look @ the Honda VT750c2 , VT750 classic http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/index.asp
Kawasaki VN900 custom & VN900 classic. http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/kawasaki_custom.cfm?class=streetbikes
Yamaha have the XV series that are well worth a look.http://www.yamaha-motor.co.nz/index.asp?main.asp
Harley 883 sportster is in a similar price range http://www.roadandsport.co.nz/harley%2Ddavidson/
Hyosung GV 650 also looks a nice bike.

Take your pillion with you when you check bikes out , the passenger accomodations vary widely on different models & some are just painful after a few k's.

Have fun shopping :devil2:

[Shadows]

I'd go for the Trumpy myself. A no brainer from my point of view.
Bear in mind that parts for the Trumpy will be a lot dearer though, a small drop could potentially write it off.

[xwhatsit]

Triumph is British isn't it?

Does anyone else think a Triumph America is kinda funny...? :D

Sort of, but then again the Triumph Bonneville (the original has been around since... what... 1959? And stopped in the early 80s. Paul can tell you :D), is named after the Bonneville Salt Flats, and we all know where they are.

[klingon]

I just went for a test ride on a Bonneville - that is so my next bike when I upgrade. :2thumbsup It's comfy for rider and pillion, easy to handle and stylish. mmmm yummy trumpy! :hug:

[tri boy]

I just went for a test ride on a Bonneville - that is so my next bike when I upgrade. :2thumbsup It's comfy for rider and pillion, easy to handle and stylish. mmmm yummy trumpy! :hug:

Kanny also likes the Bonnies:cool: Seems Volty girls have an eye for retro cool:2thumbsup.

Ooh. Just realised I have cracked a 1000 posts. Yayyy. Beer for me.

[klingon]

Kanny also likes the Bonnies:cool: Seems Volty girls have an eye for retro cool:2thumbsup.

It's no coincidence! Put a Bonnie and a Volty beside each other and you'd swear there's a family resemblance. Sitting on the Bonnie was like sitting on a slightly bigger Volty. I felt right at home :D


Ooh. Just realised I have cracked a 1000 posts. Yayyy. Beer for me.

You do realise that makes you a whore, don't you? :whistle:

[tri boy]

You do realise that makes you a whore, don't you? :whistle:

But I can't survive on earning a $5 a week:crybaby:

[The Lone Rider]

Have a look @ the Honda VT750c2 , VT750 classic http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/index.asp


He can have a squat on mine, VERY comfortable and Geek prefers it over the others I've had as a pillion.

NOT a small bike, so so for short people I reckon, and weighs about 250kg dry.

[nallac]

Don't remember him saying he had won lotto :blank:

the nightster is about the same money as the trumphy $16kish

[devo]

Like someone said, others opinions dont mean shite.
If your looking at buying new, any dealer worth a damn will offer a decent testride.
Ride them both and buy the bike that floats your boat.
BTW I ride a Speedmaster (same motor and tank size as the america) and I can get 300k out of a tank, if thats any use to you.

[ukusa]

this thread seems to have stalled, but as I have an America, I thought I'd put my 2 cents worth in as my first post.
Can't really comment on the Suzi, as have never ridden one, but handling wise the America is pretty damn good.
If you want a head turner, you can't stop people staring at the America. I get heaps of comments while stopped at the lights, or in car parks.
Speedmaster or America? The America is a little more passenger friendly than the Speedmaster, has different wheels & more chrome, wider bars.

[Machiavelli]

as I have an America, I thought I'd put my 2 cents worth in ... handling wise the America is pretty damn good.
If you want a head turner, you can't stop people staring at the America ... Speedmaster or America? The America is a little more passenger friendly than the Speedmaster, has different wheels & more chrome, wider bars.

*+1 bling*

Thanks for that, that's a few really useful points coming from a person who should know! Yeah I was wondering about the Speedmaster. I know it has better front brakes but I can't get myself as excited over a Speedmaster than over an America, and I think Americas are less expensive too...!

There is a lot of food for thought in this thread. In fact, I've even been re-looking at some of the Harley Sportster range with new eyes... the 1200 Nightster (XL1200N) looks pretty sweet and is about the same price as we're all discussing.
The 883 Low would probably suite my hobbit-legs too ;) although I hear that it feels noticeably (and uncomfortably) harder going across rough ground as a compromise for its shorter suspension.

Looking at ukusa's Bonnie America, though, I'm reminded about what somebody has said earlier in this thread about how it is a rather 'uncluttered' cruiser... it's a good looking bike!

[Shadows]

The 883 Low would probably suite my hobbit-legs too ;) although I hear that it feels noticeably (and uncomfortably) harder going across rough ground as a compromise for its shorter suspension.


You wouldn't need a Low, I'm sure. A standard Sporty wouldn't be much higher than your GN, if at all. Go to a dealer and have a sit on one for size.

[ukusa]

*+1 bling*

Yeah I was wondering about the Speedmaster. I know it has better front brakes but I can't get myself as excited over a Speedmaster than over an America, and I think Americas are less expensive too...!



I've ridden both Speedmaster & America, in fact my test ride was on a Speedmaster as the only America was the brand new one in the shop (which I ended up buying). Same power obviously, slightly different feel due I think mostly to the bars, but it still made people stare.
It's really mostly a "looks" thing, although as you said a speedmaster is slightly more expensive for the '08 range (although when I bought my '07, they were the same price for some reason). Speedmaster also has as standard a tacho (none, but optional extra on the America - mine has one).

[nallac]

The 883 low is probably the same sort of height as the nightster the nightster has 11" shocks.
I put some off a 2006 custom on my 92 and they were 11 3/4" down from 14"
I'm 5' 10 and even with the 14" shocks had no probs with it.
My old DR650 was a heap taller..

Ps I'd go for the 1200 as the 883 leaves ya wanting more power..
i know that ive got a 1200 kit coming from the states for mine now.
For more sporty info visit www.xlforum.net

pps i do like the truimphys thou. very nice

[Autumn]

Like someone said, others opinions dont mean shite.
If your looking at buying new, any dealer worth a damn will offer a decent testride.
Ride them both and buy the bike that floats your boat.
BTW I ride a Speedmaster (same motor and tank size as the america) and I can get 300k out of a tank, if thats any use to you.
heck ive only ever squeezed 260k out of my tank on the america..... :whistle: interesting huh

[MD]

heck ive only ever squeezed 260k out of my tank on the america..... :whistle: interesting huh

I owned one briefly in 2004 and got 350km on a tank. I spluttered to a gas station and the motor died as I got onto the forecourt. It was a scorching hot day so I was just enjoying the scenery riding in jeans and T shirt..so relaxing. But 350km per tank can be done.

[AllanB]

Ah a choice of three now.

Suzuki
Triumph America
HD Nightster

Like the Suzuki
The America leaves me cold - something is wrong with the look (to me) Bonnie is sweet.
HD Nightster - nice - but you will most likely wait 6 months for one!

Flag the 883 - it is severely underpowered and you'll spend two times the difference between that and the 1200 on Screaming Eagle bits to turn it into a 1200 (Harleys cunning plain I suspect).

[Griffin]

I was going to reply with an abundance of wisdom and revelation to help the original poster in his quest to buy his perfect bike but then I realised that this was an issue for him 8 Months ago (original post) so one assumes that by now a decision has been made...

WHAT DID YA BUY????

:wait:

[chubby]

His last activity was before Christmas 2007. You can make your own mind up on what that says. I don't think we'll get a response quickly but it would be nice to end the mystery.

[Griffin]

Yeah I noticed that after I posted so I have sent an email via the KB link in his profile to see if there is any possibility of an answer... cos Im such a NOSY BUGGER :yeah:

[chubby]

It'd be nice to wind up the story one way or another. I too am curious as to which way he went.

[raftn]

Was thinking the same thing! Wat happened to him and his bike? The mystery continues......

[sidecar bob]

heck ive only ever squeezed 260k out of my tank on the america..... :whistle: interesting huh

Just wonder if youre using 91 or 95 octane fuel, You will go a bit further on 95.

[Autumn]

i use 95... probably the way i ride maybe.... but gonna really see how much i can get out of it now ha... a challenge!

[Autumn]

Triumph is British isn't it?

Does anyone else think a Triumph America is kinda funny...? :D
cant say it sits right with me either.... i realise why they named it an america but still... takes away from the british.... maybe 'bonneville cruiser' would have sounded better...apart from that 'america' scribbled on the side cover, brilliant ride!

[Padmei]

Anyway of putting a search & rescue team out to find out what he ended up buying? What about a sweepstake? I reckon he got a suzuki!

[Ange!]

Neither the Nightster with its retro bobber look or the sporties are designed for pillions - probably scared the hell out of his pillion, and is now never to be seen again!