As many of you know, the image above is the 'Unpopular Opinion Puffin' meme. I know what I'm about to say may by an unpopular opinion, but let's keep in mind that I'm no expert, I'm comparing apples & oranges and who cares what I think.
I got to take the new Bonneville for a ride yesterday. I went out with a group of folks testing the Tiger and as I've pre-ordered the Thruxton R, I was allowed to 'get a feel for it' on their only Bonnie. We were out for 20-25 minutes over back roads, in town and a little bit of freeway. The bike was the 2016 Bonneville T120 in Cranberry Red and Aluminium Silver.
First what i liked:
Stunningly beautiful
Highest quality build, fit and finish
Beautiful twin analog gauges with LCD info you can toggle through
Seat comfort, ease of controls
All-in-one Kill/Start switch
What I didn't like:
Lack of power - I was stunned at how anemic it felt. Sure... If you're at 3,000 rpm and pin the throttle open, it will zoom ahead*. But if you're going along at 3,000 rpm and open the throttle a bit, or even a moderate amount, not much happens. It just doesn't accelerate - blew my mind!
* Let's define 'zoom ahead' Say you're in 3rd at 3k doing about 45 and pin it, you will soon be up to 60 and need to change to 4th. but if that's red-line, it happened pretty quick without much gain. They asked me to keep it under 5k (keep it under 4k until I was on my way back) and I tried to meet their request, but a couple of times I really couldn't believe that's all there was and may have exceeded that in my checking it out. I can see how you can probably get to 90 or so, as I never got out of 4th, but I really don't think you're going to feel a rush of acceleration or much excitement getting there (my opinion - I honestly hope yours is different, if that's what you're into).
Engine braking - Shouldn't there be some? If you're going along at 4k or whatever in 2nd, 3rd or 4th and roll off, you may as well have pulled in the clutch. It felt like 1973 Ford Galaxy with an automatic transmission. Never once did I feel like there was much slowing down by closing the throttle no matter what gear, rpm or speed.
Lack of sound - Modern bikes crack me up. About the best 'roar' you can hope for is the equivalent of a Honda 90 or a quiet lawn mower and this bike is no different. Certainly this is due to regulation, but for crying out loud - It's a Triumph Bonneville - me and the 5 Tigers I was out with barley turned a head. Who knew we were there?
I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but my Street Triple is so, so much more of a motorcycle in so many ways! If only it looked as awesome as the 2016 Bonnies!
So, without actually riding the Thruxton that's on its way to me or taking the Street Twin out for a whirl, I am confident without a doubt, somebody is in for a fabulous surprise when one of the 'already sold' Diablo Red Thruxton Rs has suddenly become available.
I have become used to the bike I have, and no matter how excited I was to see the new offerings, I can see no compelling reason to trade off my little ripper.