Triumphrat

Confused · 06-05-2007

Hi all, new here, just doing some research of bikes that I am considering as my next bike. I am nearing 40 (in a few months) and have been riding since July '05. My current bike is a Kaw Vulcan 500 LTD. No real issues with it, 6 speed tranny, parallel twin, aprox 45 hp, 30 lbft torque, 8k redline.

Handles great, dependable as the sun rise.

But I want a slightly bigger bike. I have sat on a Speedmaster, and like the spec sheet of the bonnie. Since I prefer chain drive, and parallel twin these are the only two I am considering. Price of the two is close enough not to be an issue.

Which one is quicker, handles better ? Can the foot controls be relocated on the bonnie? :???:

Thanks for any replies

badrufus · 06-06-2007

In unmodified form, the quickest would likely be the Bonnie (T100) since it weighs about 50 pounds less, and is rated at 66 hp (not rear wheel)/52 ftlb torque; while the Speedmaster is rated at 54 hp (not rear wheel)/ 51 torque. Both will feel plenty fast, with a significant amount of torque.

In handling, they are different beasts. The Bonnie has an upright seating position, unless you get the Thruxton with clip-ons; while the Speedmaster is a cruiser and is much more laid back. The rake on the Bonnie is 28 degrees, while it's 33 on the Speedmaster, so the Bonnie will be quicker in the turns, but the Speedmaster is no slouch. The Speedmaster has two front brake rotors which should theoretically translate into better braking than the Bonnie, with one disc.

I have a T100, so I'm biased toward the Classics. I like the more upright seating position rather than the cruiser style, but that's simply a matter of personal taste, not which is better. You need to try to get a test ride on each. Another thing to consider is that the Bonnie is a 360 degree parallel twin and the Speedie is a 270 degree. The Speedie therefore has more of a loping feel while the Bonnie feels like a standard parallel twin. Re the foot controls, the only modification that I know of is to install rear-sets. A lot of riders combine lower bars and rear-sets on the Bonnie.

If you go the Bonnie Owners Forum and the Vertical Twins Cruisers Forum, you can find Picture Threads right at the top of each thread list. This will give you a better idea of what people are doing with the bikes. Sometimes there will be a link back to the individual's photo album and you can get more visual info there. I think they are two pretty distinctive bikes with different rides, but it is very hard to rate them as quickest or better handling without missing that they are both very good performers, just different.

Confused · 06-06-2007

Thanks for the reply. I guess the best way to describe what I'm looking for is a power cruiser that displaces less than one liter. (sounds contradictory I know, but hear me out)

I like the parallel twin motors for their power out put in a smooth high revving manner. I prefer slightly forward of mid mounted controls. I like to sit upright and slightly relaxed, but be able to "hug the tank" at speeds best not posted. I like a bike to be stable at any speed, and often have to ride at 2 - 3 mph in heavy traffic. I also insist on a bike that can turn figure 8's in the MSF box (experienced riders course). In theory any bike should be capable, some are just easier than others

I have sat on both the America, and the Speedy, the Speedy fits. But in the stop light wars that are my daily commute to work, I really like to smoke a Sporty, and run with the bigger bikes, just to see the look on their faces. (Ya know 500cc bike keeping up with 88 cubic inches) After a while they all seem to accept the smaller bike, though not really appreciate it.

At any rate the lil Vulcan just doesn't have the support of add ons or custom parts that I see for most other brands. So the need for a new bike, and the desire for a larger parallel twin are mostly to augment my current ride. I plan to keep the Vulcan, she's my first. But I sure could see a Speedy or a Bonnie in the future.

d2mini · 06-06-2007

They are two totally different bikes.
If you want a cruiser, get the speedy.
If you want a standard, get the T100.
Both are great bikes, just depends on your personal style.

sweatmachine · 06-06-2007

get the bonnie! Cruzers R 4 Luzers!

Just kiddin, but really, get the bonnie!

mecscc · 06-06-2007

Some of your hopes seem contradictory. "hugging a tank" from a cruiser position can't do much for you, for instance. Doing the same on a standard, like a Bonnie, can make riding the twisties much more fun and you can actually steer the bike with your body. I don't recommend that you try that too seriously on a cruiser.

In any case, the Speedy will be MUCH more like you are used to, just more of it. My wife has a Vulcan 500 and she likes it and I do too. It is a whole different world, however, than a standard. That being said I think that you have to ride both, not just sit on them, to have a clue what we are talking about. I like a standard. Sue likes a cruiser. Different worlds. Different kinds of riding. Just different.

Meanwhile, welcome!!

Monte

rstover · 06-06-2007

My Bonneville is my fifth bike, all previous were of the cruiser style (two Hondas and two Harleys). I mistakenly thought that the feet-forward-slouched-back position to be the most comfortable for long rides. What I found on the Bonnie is that the neutral (upright) seating position is actually easier on the back, and I'm much better able to handle the long rides... this was a real surprise! Add to that the great handling, value, and looks, and you can understand why I'm such a happy owner.

Admittedly, this is my opinion, so the best thing to do is find a dealer that will let you drive both, and pick the one you prefer.

Enjoy!
Roger

Confused · 06-07-2007

Thanks all, I will try to ride both before a final decision is made.

Monte, when I say "hugging the tank" I mean more in straight aways, to get out of the air stream, and help cut wind resistance for a better speed. Does the Speedy handle as well as the Vulcan?

Roger, all opinions are welcome. My knees are the main reason for wanting a more forward foot control.

Thanks again

Keith

Brooksie · 06-07-2007

Triumphs at best are mid-50's hp stock with around 48flb torque. Great handling package and fun to ride. Go with a Thruxton if you want a little more grunt and a more cafe package with lower bars, semi-rear sets and more mid-range. You can easily get mid 60's hp and more torque out of any one of the Triumph line, again with the Thruxton getting the easiest results.

akenaten · 06-08-2007

Go for the T100! One of the most beautiful bikes on the road. Of course i might be a little biased..... :wink: :upthumb: