Thanks for the add to the forum. I am coming to biking after many years of car driving ( prior experience is Sports moped of the late 70s) and am strongly attracted to British classic look. So I am thinking of a Bonny or related model. I was after a model guide to be able to understand what changes happened over the years and which model is probably closest to what I am after... Is there a model guide by year somewhere ? I've yet to get licensed - that is on the cards early next year... Grateful if someone can point me to a model year guide ..thank you...
Welcome in to our madhouse. This is the best forum just to let you know. Any of the modern ‘retro’ Bonnevilles are good from the last sixteen years to new with mainly differences on electrics and visual looks. They are all in our ‘family’ on here and the earlier retro ones can be tinkered with more than the very new ones.
You are thinking along the right lines. You may find this link very useful. https://www.tomcc.org/Triumph/Models I bought my Bonneville SE 6 months ago and it was my first Triumph after over 50 years of biking and I love it. So much that I have now bought a Speedmaster as well and I love that too. Not quite as much as Bonnie though. Enjoy your planning project. Sometimes as much fun as actually buying.
Welcome to the forum docjohn. The Bonnies are great bikes, all of them. If you are on the shorter side, the 17" cast wheel is a good choice. If you plan on touring or a lot of 2 up riding the T120 For sporty, the Thruxtons Definitely take as many test rides as you can. Last point: Ride safely and take your time getting to know the bike, massive step up from the sports mopeds.
Hi Docjohn and welcome in to the Triumph Asylum - buying a modern classic Bonneville will be the very best thing you do in your life, honestly. The people you will meet, the rides you will make all very special. Potted history of modern Bonneville : 2001 - 1st Hinkley Bonneville twin cylinder 790 cc carburreteurs About 2005 - Bonny changed to 865 cc still with carbs 2009 - Bonny changed to fuel injection 2016 - fundamental changed the Bonny almost completely. Was air/oil cooled, now water cooled. From now on 270° crankshaft giving a different more characterful feel to the bike. There has always been a range of Bonny based models, for example with the 865 cc bikes there is a Bonneville, Bonneville SE, Bonneville T100, Bonneville America, Bonneville Speedmaster, Bonneville Thruxton and finally Bonneville Scrambler. I reckon that'll be enough for now - get reading
the web has tons of info on all models i used to pass my break time on nightshifts on the web,millions of videos from different folk reviewing lots of bikes some great YouTube channels worth watching,let's you see lots of opinions good and bad on models plenty to help you decide but test rides will be last thing before you decide when what you choose.
Great to have so many responses and pretty much all positive and helpful, I will avoid the models and look for real one ! ( good advice Sir Trev - thanks) ( I am 6ft 3in tall ) I went to a dealer yesterday and sat on the latest Bonnies, T100, T120 and a Thunderbird ( I think?).. All really great bikes. I am homing in on a 865 carb equipped type ( not model !) which I also see will be aircooled if I read correctly. The wife says I am obsessed - I haven't even bought it yet...! Thanks for all the advice - can't wait to get licensed and riding ..!
Another way of approaching this is to give us your budget and we can collectively give you an idea of what it would run to.
Looking through the classifieds and Ebay the sports bikes seem to be very good value, low prices for a lot of bike. But to be honest not the type of bike I am after. Something more in the line of cruiser is what I had in mind.. Budget wise I can probably stretch to 5-6K. I am not going to be a daily user - more a a case of high days and holidays , weekends etc. Probably not in wet conditions as well.. I know - sissy...! Because of this I feel I shouldn't push the budget too much.. I think this means I can probably get a good T100 865, or maybe an America? I think I need to see more in the flesh and talk to some owners - probably test ride before I finally buy. Are there regional meets of owners - ?
Welcome in Docjohn ! Exciting times ahead sourcing a bike after so many years. I bet you will be pleasantly surprised once you start test driving. Just my opinion - Bonneville
Hi and welcome, I would suggest you go to your local Triumph dealer. They will be able to give you a run down all models and which ones you should test ride..... Wessa
Hi and welcome. I am also new to the forum. I just purchased a new 2018 Street Twin. Just love it and highly recommended. A blast to ride. I did also get bags as well as a touring wind screen. The wind screen is a must and makes thee ride effortless!!