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One the fence... Street Triple and Bonneville

4K views 38 replies 22 participants last post by  rockand0rroll 
#1 · (Edited)
On the fence... Street Triple and Bonneville

Hey Guys,

I'm still a bit on the fence between the (now old) air-cooled Bonneville and the Street Triple. I like both for very different reasons. Mainly I'd be commuting to work and riding the canyons and I know either would be a blast.

To my surprise, AAA quoted me a higher rate on the Bonnie than the Striple! Is that common?

Anyway... I'd love to hear some opinions about why you think your bike is better than the other, or from anyone who has both.

Thanks!
 
#3 ·
Really depends what you're after. I have a 2014 mag-wheel Bonnie, and a 2012 Speed Triple R, and I've test-ridden Street Triples and Street Triple Rs multiple times.

The funny thing is, I'd rather ride the Bonnie than the Speed Triple R. The Speedy is just too much. It's like drinking espresso all the time. It's incredibly fun, but I find / found myself doing very hooligan things on it. Because you can.

The Street Triple isn't far behind. It's actually better balanced, I think, then the Speedy. Lighter, more nimble. More stable too, less top heavy. But I still found myself doing 85 or 90 on one on a test ride.

The beauty of the Bonnie is that it's fun to go around a curve at 25 on it. It's also fun to go around a curve at 65 on it, but that's about where the fun factor starts to diminish, IMO.

Also, the Street has a very responsive, instant rev feel to its engine. Almost no flywheel effect. The Bonnie is nearly the opposite. Slower to build revs, but will also keep going with its significant flywheel inertia. You can take both hands off the bars on a Bonnie, and coast. In gear. On a Street Triple you'd better be in neutral if you're going to try that.

For me, the Bonnie is more relaxing.

Depends what you're after.
 
#4 ·
Very informative. Thank you. I have been riding a cruiser for years, and the Bonnie is what got me over to the dealership to begin with. I love the aesthetic and wanted something that handled better. I thought it felt light and quick on demo ride.

When I test rode the street triple it was just an amazing thrill. My wife is afraid that I'll ride too aggressively without even realizing it... I can understand that fear... But that bike is stuck in my head.

It sort of feels like looks vs performance. I ride every single day and I think it will really come down to another test ride. My mind (and wife) say the Bonnie is a smarter choice, but something is pulling me towards the triple. Both can be had for roughly the same price here so I can't even rationalize that way. Decisions, decisions.

Oh yea... Last thing making this a little harder... I'm getting my wife a Bonnie, so I would be able to ride it occasionally, but she rides 4 days a week and we often ride together, so it wouldn't be often.


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#5 ·
You're welcome! Glad to help.

I say go with your heart. If one bike calls to you, then by all means, listen to the siren song... Bikes aren't meant to be dispassionate. Just the opposite. Go with the one that makes you grab your helmet & keys. That's my vote.

Good luck!
 
#9 ·
Street Triple, no doubt. It's lighter, handles better, suspension is light years ahead, the sound of triple is intoxicating, and it can be ridden relaxingly with some minimal self discipline. Replace the headlights with a single round one, and you got the retro thing nailed.
 
#10 ·
If I were getting a Bonnie, I'd wait for spring. I'm in love with the '16 lineup that was just announced. They have all the nostalgia and riding position...with more giddyup. The new T120 black is calling my name....as is the Thruxton R. :D

But that's me. :) You can't go wrong either way. What it comes down to is whether your purchase makes you smile every time you step into the garage and look at it. There's nothing worse than having spent money on something and then having immediate regrets.
 
#11 ·
I'll throw a vote in for the Thruxton R too. High end brakes, shocks, usd forks. Close to 80 lb ft. Of torque from a parallel twin making close to 100 hp??? As long as it's not a super porker, that bike is going to be fun!! I also already have a triple in the lineup. Everyone needs a triple at some point. Get the Street. Especially if theres going to be a Bonnie in the garage anyway. I test rode a new street and ended up getting a used Speed. Cheaper, bigger(i'm not a small guy) I don't find the Speed harder to handle or cumbersome as much as it feels planted. The street is of course lighter. What really sold me was the torque. Just twist and go! If you haven't tried a Speed along side the Street, you're doing yourself a disservice. Either way, your garage is about to be a hell of a lot more fun.


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#13 ·
Then again, if you go with two Bonnies- or a Bonnie for her and a Thruxton for you- you've got a lot interchangeable parts and similar tool and maintenance needs. With those, you can ride together and she won't be dragged along or you slowed down- a happy medium.
 
#14 ·
I really appreciate everyone's thoughts. I have considered waiting for the new models, but I don't like the idea of being the guy that gets the first model year and of course I'll be the one that has problems... I've done that with a car before and it wasn't particularly fun.

I have also thought about what it would mean to ride together on more similarly matched bikes... would definitely be smarter in many ways, but 75-85% of my riding is on my own.

I found yet another dealer who has even more stock of 2014 and demos of both Striples and different Bonnie variations. Hopefully we make it up there in the next week and I'll let my instinct decide when I sit on and ride both again.

Thanks again for all the input and keep it coming!!! It has helped me find more perspective than I could have hoped.
 
#17 ·
Do you need to get new? My vote would be buy a used example of each, spend less than either new one. I love having two different bikes (Thruxton and Speed Four). That way I'm not compromising
 
#19 ·
I have owned a Bonnie and now a Street Triple R. I would LOVE to have another Bonnie or a Thruxton R in the garage, but would I would never give up the Street Triple R for another Bonnie... the Thruxton R? Only time and a test ride will tell :)
 
#20 ·
I haven't ridden a Bonnie, though I would like to just to see what the fuss is about. I have the Street Triple. Less weight, more power, and the sound. If there's going to be a Bonnie in the garage anyway, go ahead and get the triple.
 
#21 ·
I had a 12 Street Triple, super nice, handled like on rails, great gas mileage . I have a 14 Thruxton, like it more. It more suits me as a older guy (grew up with Bonnies), Handles nice, sounds great with the BC Preds. Insurance is a ton cheaper than the Striple as in NY it is listed as Sport. If I had the $$$, I would have both, plus I got more compliments on the Thruxton.
 
#22 ·
Went to a dealership today... Still a little torn. Bonnie is really beautiful, but I'm fairly certain I'm gonna go with the triple. I feel like I'll keep wondering what I'm missing if I don't go for it, but I'll still get to ride the bonneville when my wife isn't using it.

Still gotta see what kinda deal I can work out. Thanks to everyone for their posts. I'll let you all know what happens.... That said, it's not done yet so keep posting opinions for me!


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#26 ·
I have a '13 Street Triple, a '14 Bonneville, and an '07 Honda 919. The one I like best is the one I happen to be riding--but different reasons for each. I'd say you could go with either the Street or the Bonnie and be happy with your choice. Flip a coin if you have to!
 
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