Best Bonnie ever?

**Big Dave** · 4th April 2009, 23:51

Poll and Jenk's SE test

http://kiwirider.co.nz/jenkse/jenkse.html

Comments for inclusion and theories as to which one is best can be posted here :-)

**Bonez** · 5th April 2009, 08:07

The US speced ones were stunners

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/tri03081900.html

The TSS T140W probably deserves a mention too. After all it had a 4 valve head like the new Bonnies.

**Paul in NZ** · 5th April 2009, 08:14

What a daft question Dave.... Best? Best in what way?? Fastest around a track? Most expensive or sought after, most reliable?

Modern technology and design learnt from the mistakes of the past and produced on todays computer controlled engineering equipment makes a new bike 'better' in many ways. Even a cheap 250 now is 'better' in many ways. The british industry failed because it lacked the ability (not the right word, they had the ability, just not the cash to invest) to leap into more modern designs that people wanted. So yes, a modern Bonne is better in many ways as a commercially profitable motorcycle - but is it better at being a bonneville, erm nope.... Even Triumph call it a retro bike so its really just a shadow of something that was great.

The true test is, would it sell if it was made by Honda? Yes, but it would sell in W650 numbers (ie not many)....

So what IS the best bonnie? Again, hard to say because production covered such a time of social change. 1959 was a very diferent time than 1969 or 1979, far more so than from 1997 to 2007.

Pre unit bonnies make it onto the 'best' list because they were wild and wicked and arrived at the time when they were needed. Motorways arrived and austerity was ending, people bought motorcycles as toys and they no longer had to go to work in the pit evey day and take the family on holiday to Blackpool with a huge sidecar, a Mini did that cheaper and better. Motorcycles started to be less general and more specialised sports bikes, tourer, scrambler etc

By 1967 the handling was sorted and 68 to 70 they stopped OK too. A 68 to 70 are the years in the period when the bonnie still mattered.

73 saw the T140V which was a better bike in many ways but it from around 72 you could get the last 650's as a 5 speeder as well, the T120V is a brilliant bike to ride!

The T140V is a better bike (more developed) and justly loved by the alternate biker underground who wouldnt buy japanese but it's not a bad ass fastest thing on two wheels anymore, it's becoming like its owners, safe and secure and moving to the suburbs.... It does not make it onto my list....

The new ones, nope... Sorry, loved by chicks with fringes and born agains having a mid life crisis. Acceptable to your wife (who lets you buy it cos it's nice) and about as bad as a nice cup of tea at your mother in laws, you are not going to scare anyone at the local dance on one of these. Its clumsy looking engine looks almost embarassed to be carry the name.

My list....

1960 to 62 (forget the 59's, they were first but had fat guards and the horrible nacelle thing). With difficult handling these bikes were super exciting to ride.

69 / 70 - well I have to.... They are the best combo of looks and go.

1973 T120V Wonderfully effective bike, under rated and RARE.

um......

Thats it....

**Big Dave** · 5th April 2009, 08:42

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

What a daft question Dave....

Oh - Daft because it won't elicit an answer you mean? :-)

**YellowDog** · 5th April 2009, 08:51

IMO - The early models were just meant to be retro with minor modern niceties. They were still old bikes.

The 2009SE is an excellent modern bike and competes well in the present market.

**Paul in NZ** · 5th April 2009, 08:55

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Oh - Daft because it won't elicit an answer you mean? :-)

I liked my attempt at an answer...

However - because the answer is subjective and n be argued in many ways hence daft because its not a question that can be answered...

**AllanB** · 5th April 2009, 09:07

Looking for the perfect Bonnie I did a Google image search to ensure I got the one with the best lines and classic styling.

I am pretty sure I found a satisfactory ride that most on KB would agree is very special and it appears to be in a most excellent condition - possibly only used on Sunday mornings.......

Many, many hours could be spent gently buffing the body work, adjusting the headlights and rear sub-frame to ensure it purrs along and howls when given a good old fashioned trashing.

Being a Bonnie it may require a drip tray after a ride ........

**Big Dave** · 5th April 2009, 09:17

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

I liked my attempt at an answer...

However - because the answer is subjective and n be argued in many ways hence daft because its not a question that can be answered...

Job

**Big Dave** · 5th April 2009, 09:18

Originally Posted by AllanB

Looking for the perfect Bonnie I did a Google image search to ensure I got the one with the best lines and classic styling.

I am pretty sure I found a satisfactory ride that most on KB would agree is very special and it appears to be in a most excellent condition - possibly only used on Sunday mornings.......

Many, many hours could be spent gently buffing the body work, adjusting the headlights and rear sub-frame to ensure it purrs along and howls when given a good old fashioned trashing.

Being a Bonnie it may require a drip tray after a ride ........

I can't quote that without the image. :-(

**Owl** · 5th April 2009, 09:47

The 09 Bonneville SE (black) is what my missus desires when she completes her class 6 licence. Who am I to say no!

**Motu** · 5th April 2009, 10:03

Each Bonnie had pushed the design to it's limits - the modern ones don't do that.The 60/62 was a fire breathing monster,this was as much as you could stretch a pre unit to - too much bike for the frame,forks and brakes.The 69/70 was as far as the unit design could be pushed - frame,forks and brakes again....it was getting scary to ride it fast.The design limit of the oif bikes was getting enough performance out of them - by the end of their era (more 10 years before the end) they were so restricted and overweight any 250 would blow right past them.

When the modern Bonnie is so developed things keep breaking,and riders are too scared to get on - it'll be the best Bonnie ever....

But all they develop are new paint jobs.

**Paul in NZ** · 5th April 2009, 10:16

Originally Posted by Motu

But all they develop are new paint jobs.

Hey! Thats not fair, don't forget the accessories and the clothing range....

**Big Dave** · 5th April 2009, 10:22

And the fuel injection and different wheel sizes and geometry.

What do you want them to do - fix it till it breaks?

Clothing and accessories are mint btw - and the web site works very nicely.

**tri boy** · 5th April 2009, 14:27

Originally Posted by Motu

When the modern Bonnie is so developed things keep breaking,and riders are too scared to get on - it'll be the best Bonnie ever....

I'm very happy with the modern Bonnie engine/bike, that has an engine that is strong as an anvil, and needs tuners to double it's horse power before the first minor flaws show up. (usually clutch springs, n plates).
Best Bonnie they may not be, but I wouldn't swap it for anything. Truly.