Second Hand Bonneville Advice

Discussion in 'Newbies Hangout' started by brecht, Sep 18, 2023.

  1. brecht

    brecht New Member

    Sep 18, 2023
    0
    1
    Belgium
    Hi there,
    I've decided, I am gonna buy a Bonneville T100 or T120 in the near future. Just need to get my hands on the money first :) Anyways, it will have to be a second hand one. I was wandering if there are huge changes, in terms of specs, with the older models (2010-2015) vs the new models. Can anyone help me out there?
    I have checked out the new ones and they seem really nice for taller guys like myself, but I can not afford a new or recent one. Too bad.
    I am 6ft2, so I would like to be sure that the 'older' models are similar in terms of ergonomics. (not smaller)
    I suppose I can switch the seat, but the ergonomics, length, wheelbase, width, wheel size, etc need to be at least the same or bigger, taller.
    Can't seem to find the proper info on this topic. All advice is welcome! Thanks! Also, any other major differences between those older models vs the new ones? 2010-2015 vs later?
     
  2. brecht

    brecht New Member

    Sep 18, 2023
    0
    1
    Belgium
     
  3. brecht

    brecht New Member

    Sep 18, 2023
    0
    1
    Belgium
    I'm new on the forum btw. Hi to all and thanks for the advice to come!
     
  4. Boothman

    Boothman Noble Member

    Jul 26, 2023
    660
    443
    Wigan
    Hi and welcome to the forum :cool:
     
  5. MightyBoosh

    MightyBoosh Active Member

    Mar 29, 2023
    92
    28
    Uk
    Pre 2015 or so engine is 865cc. Bike is physically smaller too. For you l'd advise newer style T120. Price difference is worth it for twin disc, centre stand, bigger engine. Saying all this l bought a 2010 as l prefer the sound and feel of the 360 degree crank engine. I had other bikes that gave me my power fix. Now it's my only bike and l feel like Forrest Gump on his motor mower....
     
  6. brecht

    brecht New Member

    Sep 18, 2023
    0
    1
    Belgium
    Would love the new T120, but budget is insufficient. I was aiming for a T100, perhaps T120 prior to 2015. I could probably afford that, but ain’t gonna do that when the size of the bike is smaller. Currently riding a honda cb500f, and I feel cramped. Do not want that again
     
  7. MightyBoosh

    MightyBoosh Active Member

    Mar 29, 2023
    92
    28
    Uk
    T120 only became available in 2016. 1200cc engine only. Earlier bikes will all be 865cc, T100 or Bonneville SE, or Newchurch. I'm 15cm shorter than you and l think they're small. I guess you need to look elsewhere
     
  8. Wire-Wheels

    Wire-Wheels Elite Member

    Apr 26, 2019
    2,497
    800
    California - USA
    The older models are air-cooled [790, 865 engines]. I have an air-cooled 790. Been the best bike I have ever owned. If you can spring for one of the newer water-cooled bikes, you have that option. Frankly, I like my air-cooled well enough I am not looking to replace it. ...J.D.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  9. brecht

    brecht New Member

    Sep 18, 2023
    0
    1
    Belgium
    From what I am reading online, and watching some videos, I understand the T120 should fit a 6ft2 guy.. but you seem to think otherwise. Not interested in Tall adventure bikes..
    Anyways, before buying, I will rent one to be sure.
     
  10. jackyma09

    jackyma09 Member

    Aug 10, 2023
    22
    18
    New York, USA
    The older Bonneville T100 and T120 models (2010-2015) have similar ergonomics and specs to the newer ones. Happy riding
     
  11. ManInTheJar

    ManInTheJar Member

    Feb 4, 2023
    30
    18
    Scotland
    Greetings

    Adding a additional layer of foam to the seat might help. The cover on my T100 was stapled to the plastic seat base so should be an easy DIY job. Rotating the bars in the clamps or changing them should help get the reach right.

    I am of the school of thought that the manufacturer builds a bike to suit the average rider and it is my duty to improve it and make it do what I want.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  12. MightyBoosh

    MightyBoosh Active Member

    Mar 29, 2023
    92
    28
    Uk
    I think you misread. I advised a newer T120 rather than the older twins precisely because they would be better ergonomically for a taller rider. Far better bike all round, in truth, as they should be. I'm considering one, but I do like the Speed Twin.
     
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  13. brecht

    brecht New Member

    Sep 18, 2023
    0
    1
    Belgium
    I will change the seat height. Perhaps I can do this myself. First I need to purchase one :)
     
  14. MightyBoosh

    MightyBoosh Active Member

    Mar 29, 2023
    92
    28
    Uk
    I fitted a different seat, the original was beyond awful.

    20190419_083735.jpg
     
  15. learningtofly

    learningtofly He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy!
    Subscriber

    Sep 25, 2018
    2,084
    1,000
    Hertfordshire
    That looks plush. What seat is it?
     
  16. MightyBoosh

    MightyBoosh Active Member

    Mar 29, 2023
    92
    28
    Uk
    Company in Redditch. Forgot the name, something like British Bike Spares. Only suitable for pre 2016 models, the air/oil cooled types. Maybe they have similar for later models. It was 210 quid but far superior, rode that bike from St Malo almost to Valencia no problem. I did make two overnight stops like but that trip was a real pleasure.
     
    • Thanks Thanks x 1
  17. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
    11,623
    1,000
    North West England
    Hi and welcome….
     
  18. Bonnie2014

    Bonnie2014 Well-Known Member

    Aug 25, 2014
    39
    68
    Hi , avoid the alloy wheel models as they are much lower than the T100 or T120. Not certain on the ergonomics, but best bet is to have a sit on a few , and get a test ride where you can.
     
  19. Cornelii

    Cornelii Active Member

    Aug 8, 2019
    147
    33
    UK, Notts/S.Yorks
    I'm 6' and have a 2012 865. Find it really comfortable including a period when I was commuting 130 miles every day (I did need to put a decent screen on it though).
    Why don't you find one and take it for a test ride?
     

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