I received the following email from a follower of triumphbonneville.org, and decided to turn it into a blog post because there are probably others out there asking or thinking a similar question.
Hi,
I was hoping you could lend me some advice. I am considering purchasing a Triumph Bonneville as a second bike. I currently own a Harley XL1200 that I have turned into a “Bobber”. It’s got a small 2.5 gallon peanut tank and is used mostly for around town rides and bar-hopping on weekends with friends. I am looking for something that I can use for long day trips and possibly the occasional overnight trip. I would want the option of throwing a set of soft bags over the seat when needed but I don’t have any interest in a windshield.
I have been riding for 15+ years and have owned only Harley’s. As much as I love Harley Davidson products, I am in the mood for something a little different. I love the history behind Triumph and the classic look of the Bonneville but I’m afraid I will be disappointed with the lack of HP and torque as compared to Harley or Victory. The other issue is I’m only 5′-6″ tall, so finding something that will fit me without having to spend a lot of $$ to make it fit is a challenge as well. Victory makes several bikes that actually fit me perfect while the Bonneville would have to be altered by changing shocks, front springs and the seat.
I guess what I want is for someone to talk me into buying a Bonneville! I’m not afraid to make some modifications to the engine if it will increase the HP and overall performance. The other issue is I really don’t know a lot about Triumph. For example, things like which modifications I can or can’t make. I would hate to buy one, get it home and find out I can’t do certain things I would be able to with a Harley. For instance, can I buy a kit that would allow me to move the controls forward or back on the Bonneville? Do they sell longer risers? These things I know I can do with HD or Victory but with the Bonny I’m just not sure. Â Another consideration is resale. The Bonneville models hold their value much better then the any of the Victory bikes.
So in the end, my head says Triumph and my heart says Victory. Based on the type of riding I described, do you think the Bonny is a good choice? Any other advice you could lend would be much appreciated.
So, good overall questions… and here we go.
Riding Size & Comfort
The modern stock Triumph Bonneville has a 4.2 gallon tank and gets around 40-50 MPG (highway) on regular gas. That means it can handle day trips quite well with a 1-2 hour ride (120 – 180 miles) between gas stops. All models except the Thruxton have a longer seat that can easily accommodate throw over bags or a pack of some kind for longer trips. I use a Triumph/Kriega combo backpack/travel bag (R30) strapped on to the back of the seat with Rok Straps. As far as riding height for a shorter person, I would suggest looking at the Bonneville SE (2012 and earlier) or the current Bonneville (mag wheel model) which has a seat height of 29.1 inches… I think easily handled by a shorter person. You could also buy a Bonneville T-100 (31.5 inches) and change the stock seat to one more like those on the SE or basic model. I don’t think lowered suspension is necessary. Best solution… go test ride a Bonneville SE/Bonneville.
Standard Bonneville SE Black model
Power to Weight
The stock Triumph Bonneville 865cc parallel twin delivers 67 BHP. The bike weighs around 500 lbs. This establishes a power to weigh ratio which is what you really need for comparison purposes.
It’s hard to find HP spec’s for Harley’s online. Harley’s own website does not publish this information. I believe the Harley Sportster 883 engine (closest comparison to a Bonneville) delivers around 53 HP and weighs around 565 lbs.
Standard Harley Sportster Iron 883
Even though the stock Triumph Bonneville out performs a similar sized Harley, many of us Bonneville owners do several things right off the bat to increase power:
- Remove the Air Injection System. Costs about $25 in parts.
- Open up the air intake: remove baffles, airbox, use free-flow air cleaners, etc. This mod can cost up to a couple hundred $ depending on how far you want to go.
- Install free-flow exhaust systems. This costs around $500 to $600. Predators and Dominators are the most popular options.
All of these modifications can be easily handled by bike owners with common tools. The parts required are available from multiple retail sources online, including:
Additional higher performance and racing upgrades include:
- Racing carburetors
- Reprogrammed EFI, or CDI
- Billet manifolds
- Heavy duty clutches
- 2 into 1 exhausts
- Big Bore Kits (995cc, 1100cc, 1200cc)
- High performance heads
- High performance cams
- High performance suspension and braking
I’ve found the best source for these items is Bonneville Performance and a few others. These modifications can add 5-15 HP to the stock 865cc engine right off the bat, or get the total HP up over 100 with the high performance heads, cams and big bore kits. The bottom line is that you can do pretty much anything  you want to this incredible parallel twin engine! I think of it much like a Chevy small block (in the auto hot rod scene) when it comes to performance options… and the available options are increasing every year because of the popularity of this bike!
Aftermarket Options
Yes, there are options available to move the foot pegs and controls around, to a limited degree. You can change control styles and materials as well. You can get many different styles of handle bars, controls and risers to get the feel and control you are looking for. What I said about performance upgrades applies to accessories as well. You can do pretty much anything.
Learning about Triumphs
Finally, I did  not know a lot about Triumph’s either when I bought my Bonneville in 2008. However, besides your incredibly helpful local Triumph dealer, there are many great resources and communities online that can help you in this regard. One of my favorites is TriumphRat.net – probably the largest and oldest Triumph discussion forum online. For Bonneville owners I’ve found the Twin Talk section to be the most helpful. I find the participants there to be very helpful, experienced, and willing to educate and share with us newbie’s.
Conclusion
So, should you buy a Bonneville instead of a Harley or Victory? I can’t say for sure what is best for you, but my advice is that if you compare “apples to apples,” consider value for price, and account for the availability of upgrade options, (their high resale value was already mentioned) the Bonneville sure seems like a logical good choice to me!
EXCELLENT! Exactly what I was looking for in terms of advice. Thank you for taking the time! … This is an excellent web site and I will be sure to forward the information to others!
Newbie here also.. just wanted to thank you for this great site and all the work you put into it..
Andrew,
You’re welcome… and thanks for the comment!
Randy
Another question just came to mind. If I make the modifications mentioned in the power to weight paragraph, (AIS, Air box, exhaust, ..) how will that affect the gas mileage?
Jeff,
I have experienced very little change in overall gas mileage performance even after airbox and air injection removal, free-flow exhausts, Mikuni racing carbs, free-flow air cleaners, billet manifolds. I have compensated a bit by adding one tooth to the front sprocket and decreasing the rear by one tooth. Depending on weather and road conditions I get 40-50 MPG highway. I get in the mid to upper 30’s in urban street riding.
Randy
The link to “TriumphRat.net” is broken: http://triumphrat%2Cnet/. Excellent post!
Renato.. thanks for the catch and the kind words. Fixed!
Randy
After 2012, the SE is no longer a model option: there’s just Bonneville and Bonneville T-100. I have the 2013 Bonneville and have done the AI removal, airbox snorkel removal, O2 sensor removal, and opened up the intake, and have fitted some (particularly lovely sounding!) Norman Hyde Togas. I’ve also done the EFI reprogramming (shout out to Mike and his awesome software from triumphtwinpower.com, in the UK — it’s really quite easy). After all that, I’m averaging around 35 MPG for around the town.
I was never a mechanic, before. But, I love tinkering with my Bonneville almost as much as I love riding it!
Now, if only winter would end…
I should add: replacing the stock suspension is a must. I went with Hagons. (http://www.bellacorse.com/bcc012.htm) Your backside will thank you for it.
Yeah – I went with RaceTech custom shocks… but that is not necessary for most people.
Looks as if most people have replied! I am also short, and at one time owned a Triumph Bonneville 1979 T 140v. I sorely regret ever selling it. When the New Triumphs came out, I was determined to have another. I had a seat upholsterer re-contour and lower the seat to probably just below 30 inches. It is comfortable, although I would love to lower some more. I have the Thruxton 2005, and indeed changed the rear shocks to shorter ones. In all I think for me it is a fine bike. Being over 60, too fast a bike or too heavy a bike is not on! I still feel that the original Bonneville felt lighter and more nimble? Perhaps its my memory, I was younger then!
– Mike
Excellent post!
Thank you, Deng!
The best reason to buy a Triumph Bonneville (or any bike) is because you like it. Numbers, statistics, weights, measures….all great on paper, but you can’t ride paper. I was actually contemplating a Yamaha Bolt, but my poking around kept leading me to the Triumph classics. Will the power-to-weight ration put a smile on your face, or will the “feeling” you get when you twist the throttle put that smile ow your face? My Bonnie is the smallest bike in my garage (her roommates are a Yamaha Raider and a Yamaha Super Tenere) but the smile is just as big when I twist the throttle, but for different reasons.
For more on my journey to Triumph ownership, and the grueling decision process, I invite you to visit my blog, http://www.thelifeofdanger.com. The blog isn’t motorcycle-specific, but so far two of my posts deal specifically with exploring and purchasing a Bonneville.
Good luck to all on your decision, as for me, I LOVE my Bonnie!
Kerry
Kerry,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this comment. You’ll get no argument from me!
Randy
Hi Randy,
Names Griff, based in England, nice site, very interesting.
As regards buying a ‘bonnie’ could I add that a carb model is the best to go for if you want to tinker. I know early ones are the smaller engine (mine is 2001) but you don’t have to worry about mapping etc, I am a bit old school, fuel injection…heresy!
As regards supplies a couple of UK ones;
Norman Hyde
Burton bikebits great for seats especially gel, which I use
Triumph online
All send to the states and even though they carry American made parts there is a great aftermarket scene here in Europe.
Cheers
Griff
Thanks for your comments Griff. Sorry for the delay in approving… I was on a week long moto road trip that I will post about very soon! I agree with you about preferring carbs… although I wouldn’t mind owning a newer fuel-injected Bonnie to play around with and learn more about. Perhaps a Thruxton? I’ll keep my eyes open for a good deal on a used one!
Randy
Hey Randy! Very nice post… much appreciation coming all the way from India. Triumph came into India last year and I was seriously considering upgrading myself to a Bonnie after riding my Royal Enfield for 10yrs.
You have answered many questions i had and help convince me to go for it.
Srikanth,
Great to hear from you! Thanks for commenting! I am happy that sharing my experiences an knowledge have helped you in some way. You know Royal Enfield’s are now available in the US… but still hard to find. The dealer network is still very small. The Triumph America organization is very strong and growing rapidly. I think they are doing a great marketing and customer service job here in the states. Please let me know what you end up with, and send a photo!
Randy
Hi Randy,
Thanks for the great post, most probably I will be buying a Triumph Bonneville by end of this month.
My rides include another classic, Yamaha RD 350, 1984.
I have made a decision on Bonnie after having a test ride on Harley Street 750, Bonnie is miles ahead compared to HD 750 when it comes to performance, handling, engine refinement and most important the brakes !! BTW I am from India.
Thanks again,
Sarun
Sarun,
Thank you for your comment and information on your riding experiences. I *THINK* Triumph is going to be launching a twin powered Triumph model for the India market! You’ll have to keep us posted on that!
Randy
Hi Randy,
Yea, its an air-cooled, DOHC, 865CC parallel-twin, got 68PS with 68Nm of torque at its peak.
Sarun
Great post Randy. I love the Triumph brand and the information on your site (so much so that I’ve linked to you from my site – hope you don’t mind) 🙂 .
Craig,
Thanks for the comment and the link! Links are always accepted!
Randy
As the original poster of this question I am happy to let you all know that I purchased a 2006 Bonneville in White/Tangerine last week. It has only 2500 miles on it and was well taken care of. I love the cafe racer look so I think a lot of my changes will be made with that style in mind. … Any suggestions??? I would love to hear them!
Jeff,
Congratulations on the purchase of your Bonneville! Sounds like you got a really nice bike… and I like that retro color scheme!
I’ve had the best customer experiences dealing with these three vendors: Bonneville Performance, BellaCorse and New Bonneville. Between them, you should be able to get anything you need to “cafe” your T-100.
Let us know how it goes… and send photos!
Randy
Well, .. some sad news. Only 3 weeks and 3 rides after buying the Bonny, I had a wreck last week. As I was pulling out of a parking lot and on to a main street, the bike slid out from under me and I over-corrected causing me to go over the handlebars and kiss the pavement. Since I don’t wear a helmet (no comments please) my eye was completely shut for a few days and I tore up my hands (no goves either .. what can I say, I’m a Harley rider – no comments please). The bike suffered mostly deep scratches and gouges but thankfully, the tank is okay. In the end it was $3400 worth of damage, only $300 away from being a total loss. I am looking for some used parts in case anyone has them lying around and wants to sell them. It’s a real bummer since I was enjoying the bike and based on the compliments I received, everyone seemed to like it as well. I am trying to replace the original parts even though I plan on changing most of them since there may come a time when I want to go back to the stock-retro look. Anyway, I just thought I would share my story. ….. I love this web site! It has been a great source of information for the short time I have had my Triumph!
Jeff,
Sorry for the delayed response… it’s been a busy weekend.
First of all, thank God you weren’t more seriously injured! I dropped my Bonnie one time on a slick driveway going maybe 5 MPH, so I know the feeling!
Why don’t you make a list of parts you are looking for and post them back here… maybe I or some of the blog followers have them! Again, I’m glad you’re OK and already thinking about rebuilding and getting back on the Bonnie! I’m sure you’ll learn whatever lessons you need to learn from the incident!
Best Regards,
Randy
Hi Randy and thanks for the reply. In cae anyone has some of the following parts lying around that they would like to sell, I would be interested. … They are all stock (OEM) parts for a 2006 T100. .. Thanks in advance!
Chrme clutch (primary) cover
Chrome headlight housing
Stainless speedometer/tachometer bracket
Speedometer housing (black plastic – I only need the housing I have the rubber seal)
Handle bars
Tank Badge (left side)
Jeff,
I have a pair of stock handlebars. If you want them, they are yours. Email me your address info.
Randy
Thanks Randy! … The front end is off by about 10 degrees. The insurance adjuster thinks the bars are bent. If he is right I will take you up on your offer! I will know in a few weeks. …
Thanks again!
Dear,
I’ve had BMW (F800R and GS800) and Kwasaki ER-6. Today I have a Bonneville. I walk 100 kilometers a day with her on the way home-work-home, rain or shine! It’s the best bike I ever had. More comfortable and more sturdy!
Marcelo – Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
Thank you Marcelo for commenting and sharing your excellent experience! Rain or shine… that’s dedication!
Randy
Hi Randy
Would you mind taking a look at a video I posted and sending me some feedback? I am looking for some ideas on changes to the Bonny. I love what you have done but with my tank being white, changing things to all black might not work so well. … Any way if you have a few minutes and could lend some feedback I would appreciate it.
Jeff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5L992hVj7M
Jeff,
Thanks for sharing your video on YouTube.
Going by what you say in your video several times “I like the classic look, but want to take it a bit more modern…” I would make the following suggestions.
Really, you can and should do whatever you like… that’s kinda the point and the fun of owning a Bonneville, to make these bikes unique and personalized.
I’d love to keep track of what you decide. Please feel free to comment or send me photos… I’ll be happy to share them.
Randy
Hi Randy
Thanks for the advice. … I ended up buying a rear fender taken from a Scrambler. I was told they are shorter. However, looks to be almost the same size as the stock Bonny fender. I am going to experiment with cutting both fenders since I have the originals packed away. Do you have any pictures and/or dimensions of you fender? I would like to cut mine like you did yours, I’m just not sure exactly where to begin. … The front fender is easier. I know where to cut that.
I will look into tail light options and possibly into reupholstering the stock to make it a little lower in the front half.
Thanks again for the suggestions. I will let you know when I post another video.
Jeff
Jeff,
I think your info is correct. The Scrambler rear fender looks shorter that the T-100 based on photos I found online. It does not have the reflector section that extends below the taillight. It looks very much like the rear fender from the Bonneville SE (mag wheel version).
As far as how I bobbed my rear fender, you can read and see the process here: http://triumphbonneville.org/bobbed-rear-fender/ Basically, I used the same curve of the stock fender and traced it off about 4″ shorter, so that it extends down a little below my license plate. I essentially removed the section where the reflector mounted. It’s a little different than the short fender produced by Triumph.
On the front fender, I traced the same curves just behind the mounting holes for the upper and lower fender stays. See: http://triumphbonneville.org/bobbed-front-fender/
Excellent blog Randy! Brimming with useful information for the Bonneville owner. Keep it up!
Hi randy
I have made great progress but I think I may have an issue during start up. Would you mind checking out this video and giving me your thoughts?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rHXYupTxFU&list=UUkYwX6czUImGCxp3tfH2_hw
Thanks!
Jeff
Jeff,
Nice bike! I watched your video. To me, it sounds like your battery may not be fully charged, or it is not putting out the normal amps on the starter cycle. Once running it sounds completely normal. I have installed 2 batteries since my original OEM battery. The first was just a middle of the road replacement from Batteries Plus because my battery died while I was on a road trip, and that we the closest place that I could get a battery. Since then I installed a Lithium battery. You can read a post about it here: http://triumphbonneville.org/are-lithium-batteries-ready-for-the-real-world/ The Li battery is noticeably stronger and has more cranking power than a standard battery. Because I pretty much ride year round, I need that extra power especially in the cold Chicago winters, to get my bike going after it has been sitting out all day at my office in downtown Chicago.
So, I’d start by load testing your current battery.
Here are a couple helpful threads on TriumphRAT.net
http://www.triumphrat.net/speed-triple-forum/104504-charging-system-diagnostics-rectifier-regulator-upgrade.html
http://www.triumphrat.net/twins-technical-talk/200790-testing-battery-decosse-forchetto.html
You might just take the battery out and take it to a mechanic/garage you may know in your area and have them load test it.
Hope this helps…
Randy
Thanks Randy. Thanks for posting to FB as well. … The battery is new as of last week. I charged it for 24 hours before I installed it and it has been on a continous trickle charge ever since. I had not started it in over 24 hours and today, after it had been charging for all 24 hours, I started it and it sounded much better. I took it for a short ride and shut it down. I tried to start it again and it went back to turning over like it did in the video. ….. Very strange for sure.
I am going to take it to the Triumph stealer tomorrow and let them sort it out.
Thanks again!
Jeff
Took it to the dealer today. I had purchased a rear tire and wanted them to mount it so I figured I would have them look at the start up issue I was having. After a 25 minute ride I pulled into their garage and shut the bike down. I explaind what was happening and when I started it, it sounded completely normal! Made me look like an idiot! .. Anyway, the starter still had a “whine” to it and they all believe it’s because when I replaced the clutch cover I had to also replace the wave washer on the starter gear shaft. I used a slightly thicker washer than what Triumph recommends so they think this is the issue. They are going to replace this washer while it’s there. Hopefully that’s the cure!!
Hi Randy, congratulation for your great blog, just discovering it today and going through all the posts. A lot of ideas, technics and great pictures. I myself just launched a blog where I am trying to talk a bit on my Bonnie and Motorcycle (but far from your level: http://www.dom-in-nyc). Please continue the great job ! A new reader, Dom.
Dom,
Thanks for your comment and welcome to the site! I started to check out your site as well… I think you meant it is located at: http://www.dom-in-nyc.com/
Nice Bonnie!
Randy
Thanks for correcting the address Randy ! Long live Bonnies 🙂
Hi Randy/ guys! This is exactly the sort of info I was after. I’m based in hk and the triumph dealership here is closed, I am told, till they find a new backer. I have to rely on either dealers to order 1 individually for me (expensive) or I can buy a used one. I’m sure getting parts/repairs won’t be a massive issue.
I’ve always wanted a Triumph and keep swaying between the Bonnie and the Thruxton. Have also been killed before for calling them ‘pretty much the same thing’ given the specs. Of course, my heart leans the way of the Bonnie a lot more.
I have the flowing issues/concerns really. I haven’t really had a ride like a Bonnie or a Harley, even a royal enfield before. I have used some, but never owned one. I’m a little skeptical on whether this really is the bike for me. Here’s also why – I am 5’5″ and not very well built. Have had the 150-250 cc type urban commuter bikes. Not a speed junkie but love a good ride and those bikes just can’t give them to you.
Given Hk’s slightly hilly terrain, narrows roads, I just want to know (and this can be just your opinion) whether I would be biting more than I can chew/swallow. I do really love Te bike though.
Hi
I ended up buying a Bonneville t-100. I am 5′-6″ tall and I had to drop the rear and front with lower shocks/springs. I also bought a Thruxton seat and had it shaved down by almost 1/2″. I fit pretty well and I can get all but my heals on the ground. If you are a short ass like I am, I would suggest the Bonneville SE since the wheels are smaller. You should be able to fit on that pretty well. The Thruxton has a higher seat height than the Bonneville. That would be a tough fit for you.
Good luck!!
Arjun,
I think if you go with an SE or a Bonneville with a less tall seat, you will be able to handle the Bonnie quite well. With any new bike, you will need to get used to it and take safety and riding lessons if possible. As your experience and confidence builds, you will be able to handle this bike. It is a very well mannered bike for curvy and hilly terrain, in fact it excels in that area!
Good Luck!
Randy
I fell for the Bonnie last march (it was a really cold march). My third bike after 2 customs. Did the TORS, air injection and high flow air filter. Also have a gel seat. This bike rocks, if youre not into racing or if you dont intend to circle the world in 80 days. But let me tell you that; I gets so much thumbs up while riding it, Young ones are curious, older up to elders look at it with stars in their eyes while remembering their past, they even make some confessions 😉
Gus,
Your experience is very similar to mine! I get stares and comments all the time with stories thrown in for good measure!
Randy