Bonneville vs Boulevard?

**Machiavelli** · 19th October 2007, 09:17

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)

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)

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

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** · 19th October 2007, 09:40

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** · 19th October 2007, 09:45

Originally Posted by deanohit

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

Ya gotta love that wank-factor

**magicfairy** · 19th October 2007, 09:46

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** · 19th October 2007, 09:51

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** · 19th October 2007, 09:53

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...

**Tank** · 19th October 2007, 10:05

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

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** · 19th October 2007, 10:20

Originally Posted by magicfairy

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.

Originally Posted by scumdog

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.

Originally Posted by Joni

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

The Thruxton?

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)

Originally Posted by Joni

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.

Originally Posted by Tank

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** · 19th October 2007, 11:27

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

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.

**xwhatsit** · 19th October 2007, 11:57

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?).

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

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

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** · 19th October 2007, 12:15

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** · 19th October 2007, 12:28

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

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'.

And have fun deciding!