Air Cooled Vs Water Cooled Bonneville T100

Hi,

I'm not sure on the differences, but I'm due to take delivery tomorrow of my brand new 2020 Bonneville T100 and quite excited

All I can recommend is perhaps you should test ride one and see the differences yourself. From all the online reviews, I understand the newer one is refined in every way, the engine, electronics, fit and finish.

 

the newer models have less power but more torque, otherwise I assume everything is in theory better on the newer models.

watercooled;
Max Power EC 55 PS / 54 bhp (40.5 kW) @ 5,900 rpm
Max Torque EC 80 Nm @ 3,230 rpm

air cooled;
Maximum Power 67PS (66bhp) at 7,200rpm
Maximum Torque 71Nm (52ft.lbf) at 6,000rpm

 

Hi Mate,

Thank you for the best wishes, and yes, I'm really excited and don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight!

I'm new to Triumphs and the retro scene, so my comment regards to fit and finish was simply based on some respected journalists and YouTubers I watch and listen to. However, you can't beat first hand owners experiences, so I take your feedback on board.

I must say, from what I can see on the new ones, everything seems to be very well put together, it's neat and the quality of materials used seems high and the paint finish it top notch. Hopefully I don't get any issues with mine, but I suppose I've got the peace of mind of the warranty should I need it. Thanks.

 

Yes, I didn't take your post in a negative way at all, every day is a school day so I've learnt something new today .

Thanks for the tips regards to care, I've specifically bought some GT85 and Muc-Off protective maintenance spray, not sure which is better but will give them both a go. I understand they're not quite as strong as ACF50 but they leave less mess apparently. I've not really had to worry about this kind of stuff on my Sportbikes, so this is new territory for me!

 

My 2002 790cc still runs strong. It's an old carburetted version, so there is no wierd issues with EFI. She just GOES ! At 18 years old, it has a few scratches [I'm the 3rd. owner] and a little patina. At 28k miles I'd ride it coast to coast with no worries. ...J.D.

 

Going back to the original question. As far as I am aware there is little difference between the production years of the water-cooled models, mechanically they are all the same. Just depends on the extras any previous owners have fitted.
The differences in power/ performance has been indicated in earlier posts, as has the apparent differences in quality of the fit and finish. One big thing that has not been mentioned is that a newer bike will lose money by way of depreciation far quicker than your 2014 air cooled Bonny!

I seem to recall also that the service intervals are different, the original air-cooled models are every 6,000miles, or 1 year whereas the water-cooled models have a service interval of 10,000 miles or 1 year. So that is only a benefit if you do more than 6,000miles a year.

 

And, much as I understand the reasons for it, I still think that water-cooling a motorcycle makes as much sense as air cooling a submarine.

 

It’s just to satisfy Europe!! Air cooled is alive and kicking, smell and sounds better and nearer to the original real bonneville

 

Looks beautiful, well done in keeping it looking that mint!

 

I'd have to say, in the end it boils down to would I replace my air cooled with it's new equivalent ? I would have to say no. Too heavy. To much frills. Too expensive. Just not the experience I want. Not the experience I would pay for. ...J.D.

 

I'm new to Triumph but must say I'm really loving my new addition. So different to what I'm used to but yet so nice

 

Have to say my friends and I eagerly awaited the the speedmaster ( we rode Bonneville America's and loved them but wanted a little more oomph)
We were so disappointed when it finally came out
' When's the full sized version coming out?'

 

This has been brought up in the past,

https://www.thetriumphforum.com/threads/bonnie-air-cooled-vs-water-cooled.22143/#post-374480

I still stand by my thoughts made in post 13, but as has been said do a test ride on each and go with what feels right for you.

 

I picked my '02 America up back in 2013 for a slim $2700. I intentionally bought an older model so I would have "play money" to modify it. It has, and still is, fun to take out, even though all my buddies have almost new bikes. A lot of chrome, a little loud. Fun when you are in that kind of mood. But I am glad it is not my only bike. ...J.D.

 

And I sold an HD switchback ( what a pain of a bike) to buy mine( my 3rd one altogether) ......put the change in the bank and had a good few years of pure joy with mine.
Currently considering another one.

 

Dozers Dad. My bike is exactly the same colure and all, Ive just posted a thread reg your type of engine bar, My question is how do they fit at the bottom near the exhaust, do they send a fixing plate, I personally think they look great.