Featured Garage Find Bonneville

Welcome ! Got a 2002 I plucked out of a garage a few years back as well. It had been sitting for a few years according to the owner. I have rode that thing all over. No problems. These old carburetted twins are bullet proof. Done a lot of
upgrades to mine. I spent so little for it. Why not ? ...J.D.

 

That's an early 790cc America.
Nearly all Bonneville parts 790/865 will fit the motor ! Most of the running gear is generic too ! Back wheel , seat and fuel tank are only common to Speedmaster or America. Buy second hand parts off eBay , Triumph Bonneville variants , buy the cheapest , don't understand why Thruxton parts are dearest , but they are all comen ... IE interchangeable ... Carburettors only variances is jetting.

 

I'd be glad to help where ever I can. Post your questions on the America thread. In short there was an early and late air cooled America/Speedmaster. Americas and.Speedmasters are quite similar. ...J.D.

 

Just said that above

 

The early bikes (I've had 5 now) have a fatal flaw, whereby if they kick back during starting will split the idle gear boss. Make sure you install a TPP Safe Start, a bit of prevention now could save you the cost of a replacement engine!

I know from personal experience that there are a lot more America's (and the used parts network much better) in the US than UK and the on-line guys like Bike Bandit can usually supply anything you want from stock.

Two of my previous bikes are now own by a friend in NJ (I only bought my 2001 back from Boston last Dec) so I know there are several bikes within riding distance.

 

Wow! Great find on a nice-looking bike.

 

No suprise there are more America's found in the U.S. than elswhere.They were conceived for the U.S. market, although they were sold all over. Kevin made me think to check mine. Although it is registered as a 2002 model, it is tagged "10/1" on the steering head. Interesting bikes seeing the factory went up in smoke in early 2002 , these two America's had to have been in the pipeline or sold before the fire. ...J.D.