Bonneville T100 Downshift Problems

Discussion in 'Bonneville' started by kips39, Dec 19, 2018.

  1. kips39

    kips39 New Member

    Apr 30, 2018
    23
    3
    London
    I have read a few threads regarding downshift problems on the Bonneville, my 8 month old Bonny from new is now going back to dealership for the 4th time, they have tried to sort this problem to no avail, cannot shift down at all, they have told me this is a known problem, has anyone else come across this and what was the outcome, I am now beginning to think it needs a recall or replacement bike as am getting mightily pi**ed off!
     
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  2. Ken walburn

    Ken walburn Noble Member

    Jun 28, 2017
    889
    300
    Essex
    If it's a known problem, why can't they fix it? Four visits to your dealer for the same fault is not acceptable. Me thinks it's time to ask Triumph for a replacement.
     
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  3. Angus

    Angus Noble Member

    Mar 19, 2017
    935
    300
    South Africa
    Hi Kips, first time I read about this. What do they reckon is the problem? Have to agree with Ken on this, why can’t they sort it then.
     
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  4. RussDC

    RussDC New Member

    Mar 31, 2019
    0
    1
    Long Island, NY
    HI
    Just found this forum. I have 2018 T 120 Black with 225 miles on it. Yesterday during a ride with my buddies, I noticed that everytime I would slow down when i came to the stop and if I am in the 4th or 5th gear, as I was trying to downshift, the bike wouldn't let me. Initially I could not do anything about it and then I discovered that if i let off the clutch slightly , it would downshift on its own without me pushing down on the lever!!! Anyone else experienced anything similar? Let me know
    Thank you
     
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  5. Ken walburn

    Ken walburn Noble Member

    Jun 28, 2017
    889
    300
    Essex
    I think you’ll find that this is not uncommon with any motorcycle transmission. You need to change down through the gears I.e. 2nd gear,prior to coming to a stand still. Flicking up to neutral or down to first should not be an issue. Also if you are prone to sitting at traffic lights etc in gear with clutch engaged, this will create drag on the clutch causing issues with gear selection. SO, use gearbox for engine braking approaching junctions/ lights etc therefore you will be in the correct gear & pop box into neutral & give the clutch plates a rest at traffic lights out in queues. I think you’ll find this will help, unless of course you have already been doing that, in which case I don’t know what the f**k I’m talking about. :worried:
     
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  6. kips39

    kips39 New Member

    Apr 30, 2018
    23
    3
    London
    Hi Russ,

    Look at these 2 threads.

    https://www.triumphrat.net/water-cooled-twins-talk/901562-wont-shift.html

    https://www.triumphrat.net/water-cooled-twins-technical-talk/945568-2016-t120-wont-downshift.html

    I took my brand new T100 back to garage 4 times over 8 months, same problem, in the end I traded in for a Tiger 800 as the couldn't sort it.
     
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  7. RussDC

    RussDC New Member

    Mar 31, 2019
    0
    1
    Long Island, NY
    Thanks man
    I appreciate your input
     
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  8. RussDC

    RussDC New Member

    Mar 31, 2019
    0
    1
    Long Island, NY
    I saw your post and it made me think... hopefully they can sort it out and I dont have to take a beating trading it in.
    I live the bike and would want to keep it for a long time.
    How’s the Tiger?
    I am thinking about taking it for a test ride as well
    Thank you
    Russell
     
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  9. kips39

    kips39 New Member

    Apr 30, 2018
    23
    3
    London
    Hope they can, it seemed to happen every 1,000 miles or so, the dealership were very good but even after speaking directly with Triumph they still couldn't sort it.

    I loved the Bonnie, but in the end with the downshift problems and the fact that it wasn't practical for long rides 2up I tried the Tiger, brilliant bike, so easy to ride and a lot more power, plus with panniers and back box means it is much more practical for trips.
     
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  10. RussDC

    RussDC New Member

    Mar 31, 2019
    0
    1
    Long Island, NY
    My thinking as well. I need a bike for long trips with my boys and an occasional ride with my better half. So, definitely see Tiger as a possibility . Please share your experience with it.
    Be safe.
    Thanks again
     
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  11. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    I would check clutch cable adjustment. You sound like you have some drag. Common on a new bike.
     
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  12. kips39

    kips39 New Member

    Apr 30, 2018
    23
    3
    London
    I use it mainly for commuting, West London to Central London, perfect for nipping in and out of traffic, also used it for long motorway trips and days out on country roads, it really is an all rounder, perfect for me, my partner loves it too, said it is far more comfortable than the Bonnie, plus it has heated seats which a godsend in winter!

    DSCF0415 copy.jpg
     
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  13. Ken walburn

    Ken walburn Noble Member

    Jun 28, 2017
    889
    300
    Essex
    Check chain correctly adjusted. Too loose will have a detriment affect to gear shift
     
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  14. RussDC

    RussDC New Member

    Mar 31, 2019
    0
    1
    Long Island, NY
    Great looking bike!!!! How’s the wind buffering on longer highway commutes?
    Enjoy it in good health
     
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  15. Tom S

    Tom S New Member

    Jun 3, 2024
    1
    3
    Flat Rock NC
    My 2023 T100 has had three shift shaft assemblies replaced under warranty in 10,000 miles by two dealers. The dealers and Triumph "tma.aftersales" have been very good about removing and replacing parts, but no one has made an effort to find the root cause, or at least tell me about it. I heard some talk that Triumph has a batch of improperly heated treated pawls, but that was not repeated by anyone. Also, at about 10k, a fuel line collapsed: again, remove and replace with no root cause. The T100 is in the shop so much that I bought another bike (Guzzi :neutral:) as a spare to ride. Aftersales has talked about a replacement as well as "trade assist" for another Triumph.
     
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  16. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,270
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    Well this is one to beware of. I though Triumph were undamageable now i stand corrected. I had a 2010 Bonnie was a nice bike but kept fouling the plugs. I did all the usual bits to it then took it to a dealer £500 later had enough of it and traded for my 660
     
  17. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,270
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    Lovely bike great colour
     
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