Moto entheusists, what do you think about the older oil/air cooled (2000’s) Triumph Bonnie and its variants? Is it a fun bike? They are getting to be dang affordable.

I’ve been considering replacing my SV650S with a Triumph. I’ve found a few Thruxtons locally that look incredible. I probably put less than 200 miles on the SV last year. The main thing holding me back is that the SV has been my only 100% reliable bike and I feel like I’d regret selling my first sportbike.

Would you part with a clean low mile Candy copper SV650 for one of these? I’m considering one that looks just like this. It’s pretty close to the SV in power but looks like a more laid back ride which would be nice.

The new ones are phenomenal. I have one of the new Bonneville variant and love it.

I've owned a 2003 and 2005 Bonneville America. Both were fun, comfortable bikes.

I just didn't like the maintenance on the chain drive.

I like the way they look but not sure I would actually want one as my reliable bike. However if you only put 200 miles on your bike last year it’s really not like it will leave you strandsed on a cross county trip. I say go for it because sometimes you just have to scratch an itch. I have been looking at 2001-2005 BMW R1100S’s and dirt bikes like WR 450’s and KTM 350-450’s. That’s been my itch the last year.

The newer triumph bikes are very reliable with a pretty wide service interval schedule. 10,000 miles between service.

The only thing I can add is that I had a T140 750cc Bonneville in the early 70's and I loved that thing. It required a lot of tinkering and maintenance to keep it running smoothly and reliably but hey, it was the 70's.

Jim

Everything I've read about the new Triumphs has been positive so I don't think you'll have any issues. If your current bike is paid for theres nothing wrong with having 2 motorcycle's.

IMO, the Triumph vertical twins are some of the most beautiful motorcycles ever built. And the older ones (1960s and 70s) also sounded great! I know those older ones suffered with bad electrics (Lucas) but hopefully that has been corrected in the later models. They still look good!

My first real rides (as a passenger) on a motorcycle were in 1967 on a 650 Bonneville--I had befriended a guy at my apartment complex who had one and he took me for rides. Fabulous!

flashguy

Dont think I would let go of the SV. Versatile bike with proven reliability and huge aftermarket.

I have a ‘13 Bonneville SE that is a hoot to ride and has been totally bulletproof. However, I am jonesing for a Thruxton R. They are a blast and a capable sporting bike. I like the newer style ones over the older ones that look more like a Bonnie.

If I was to get a Scrambler it would probably be a Ducati. I have not heard anything bad about Triumph’s Scrambler just prefer Ducati’s.

Your SV is a great bike but, there is something about a Triumph, Ducati, or even a Moto Guzzi that sparks something special over a Suzuki for me..

My Triumph leaked oil about as fast as I could pour it in.

If your wanting a new bike, get an adventure bike.

I test rode an ‘05 Bonnie. I had expected a different riding experience. Maybe the Thruxton is more fun, but the Bonnie was too comfortable, quiet, and smooth for me. It felt long, narrow and a bit underpowered. I’d still like one if I had the room.

I had a 70 bonnie, they are finicky as a Diva and the carbs have to be perfect.
They are a mutha to start cold. BUT when it ran it was a rocket
I beat a hemi cuda in a 1/4 mile drag race.

I love my Indian and lust after a Bonnie. If I can make more time to ride I'll add one to the garage.

I'm a bit of a Triumph nut. I own 15 650CC Trumpets from 1960-1969, but also 4 of the air cooled new Triumphs:
2006 Scrambler, 2007 T100 Bonneville, 2009 T100 Bonneville and a 2009 50th Anniversary (s/n 327) Bonneville. All great bikes, and the new ones don't drip oil and have an electric starter.

Absolutely great bikes-I routinely ride with some guys that have newer models. Awesome bikes, if I could afford a second bike I’d get a Scrambler in a NY minute. It’d be a fun compliment to my Road King.

In 1976 I had a’67 Bonnie-pretty beat up when I got it but still have a few fond memories of it-despite being stranded a time or two lol.

How is the Scramblers 270° crank compared to the Bonnie’s 360°? It’s the only major difference I could find. Scramblers are a bit harder to find but I do like the different sound of the 270° crank....it sounds like a V-twin.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
How is the Scramblers 270° crank compared to the Bonnie’s 360°? It’s the only major difference I could find. Scramblers are a bit harder to find but I do like the different sound of the 270° crank....it sounds like a V-twin.

The 270* motors have more bottom end torque, and rev a bit slower. The cam grind on the 270 is a little milder. I prefer the 360* crank and cams for the sound, but I've been riding 360* Triumphs since 1965.

I've done many demo rides on recent Bonnevilles, Thruxtons, and Scramblers. ( One of the benefits of Bike Week in Daytona Beach.) I helped put 500 breakin miles on a Bonneville to get it ready for magazine writers trials, too.
Yes, they are fun bikes!


Not what you asked, but the new Royal Enfields got a glowing writeup in RoadRacingWorld.

RichardC,

How did you like the power delivery, torque and mid range- top end power of the Bonnie verses the Scrambler?

I’m leaning towards a Thrux but the 270° crank Scrambler is intriguing.