Triumphrat

DUCKMAN · 02-29-2012, 05:36 PM

A modern Triumph is more durable then a modern BMW...and better looking. A 70s Bonneville is weekend bar hopper, not bad for what it is...you can throw all the money you want at it....a new one gives you the style with NONE of the problems.

deaninkl · 02-29-2012, 09:26 PM

the R1100RS and a Bonnie are very different bikes, if you work locally and want a commuter and a little fun at the weekends the Bonnie is a good bike and a great way to atract conversation where ever you park. If you do 300 mile days the the sprint would be a better bike for your needs.

I have an R1200GS and a Efi Bonnie. I work 360km away from wher I live, and often ride the GS on my weekely commute, the Bonnie ads over an hour to the journey, its simply is not comfortable cruising at anything over 65-70mph, and 60 is better. The GS dosent get used at weekends, the bonnie is way more fun.

Can a 70 bonnie live with a new Bonnie, yes, but it needs TLC and a few changes like electronic ignition and other modern bits to help reliability, and it needs to be ridden like a 50 year old girl freind not an 18 year old stripper.

Have fun.

Haggis · 02-29-2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by te50

Presently aboard an '93 R1100RS...daily ride for years...Remembering my long gone brother's and father's Triumphs I'm considering coming to the Triumph brand. That said: carb or EFI version? Either are great. Carbs if you like modding engines, EFI if you just want to push the go switch and go.

Also what mods need be done from stock to provide acceptable performance as daily rider? None. It comes out of the box with "acceptable" performance.

And as an aside :can a 70's model Bonneville be updated enough to serve as a reliable companion? Absolutely- they can be a great daily rider.

And although a great deal of the attraction is esthetic, should I be looking at the Sprint instead? If you want more than twice the power of a bonnie, sure. It's not necessarilly more fun though.
Many thanks in advance

You're welcome

jkmolt · 03-02-2012, 03:51 PM

Since I'm retired, I can't say I commute on my T100. I can say, though, that I use it running errands all the time. I travel on it every summer, as far as 2000 miles. I've ridden it 400 miles in a day and with my Russell Day Long Saddle it was no problem. I've owned a number of BMW's and enjoyed them, too, but I must say the maintenance costs on BMW's is almost unbelievable. Frankly, if I hadn't found an independent BMW motorcycle mechanic I wouldn't be able to afford to own the '99 BMW R1100RT w/EZS sidecar! The Triumph is not nearly as expensive to own and ride. If I were to buy another cycle, it would be another Triumph!

CommandoRdster · 03-02-2012, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUCKMAN

A modern Triumph is more durable then a modern BMW...

How is it Wikipedia puts that? Oh yeah....{citation needed}

te50 · 12-02-2012, 12:02 PM

Thank you gentlemen, I am convinced. An EFI Bonnie will be the addition. And here's where it gets ironic considering the comments in this thread. I had a flat, hadn't had one in several years; after riding on my Stop and go "emergency"plug for a few hundred miles I went in to reluctantly "re-tire". Along with that purchase I said yes to and oil and filter change as well as I reside in a downtown condo and have to "hide" between cars to do any service myself ; the condo bylaws don't permit that sort of activity. I'm old enough that I'm embarrassed to NOT do my own service, sort of bruised ego territory. The good side of that is that I have become able to do my valve adjustments in 45 minutes if I limit myself to one frosty adult beverage. So tires and oil & filter. Then came the inquiry as to my last ABS brake fluid change; "that fluid looks amber". Those Beemer mechanics are so thorough. Well during the test ride the mechanic must have tried to lock up the brakes to test the ABS; no go; ABS pump failure and now replacing lines (Speigler) and doing an ABS-ectomy (replacement pumps go for 2grand if you can find them). Never really cared for BMW's ABS systems anyway. So "adjust the chain and add gas" sounds very attractive as a mode of operation. One question on the EFI models; what is the hose and device nextto the spark plug on each cylinder head? Emissions?

potato_peeler · 12-02-2012, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by te50

One question on the EFI models; what is the hose and device nextto the spark plug on each cylinder head? Emissions?

That's the AI, and yes it's for emissions. It's also one of the first things you'll probably want to either disable or fully remove

lambroving · 12-03-2012, 12:53 AM

Think of a T-100 as an R90/6 replacement; in other words a "standard". It's mostly less fuss but you'll need to swap out the shocks, tweak the forks and find a better seat. It's ~ 50 lbs overweight too for what it is.

As for the air injection, just stuff a plug in the hose which leaves the air box. Simple..., and it works. If you get a flat though, forget patching it on the side of the road like a /6.

vzshadow · 12-03-2012, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by te50

Presently aboard an '93 R1100RS...daily ride for years...Remembering my long gone brother's and father's Triumphs I'm considering coming to the Triumph brand. That said: carb or EFI version? Also what mods need be done from stock to provide acceptable performance as daily rider? And as an aside :can a 70's model Bonneville be updated enough to serve as a reliable companion? And although a great deal of the attraction is esthetic, should I be looking at the Sprint instead?
Many thanks in advance

I have access to three bikes and a scooter on a daily basis. I choose the Bonneville 95% of the time, regardless of the type of ride I'm doing. Mine is EFI. I find that it provides exceptional performance. I have 5000+ miles on it and have had no mechanical or other issues.

That said, if sport touring is your passion, get the Sprint.

Take either for a test ride and you'll ride it home.

prior · 12-03-2012, 08:56 AM

The Sprint is an exceptionally capable bike and will do anything and go anywhere. If I was doing any long distances, carrying luggage, carrying a pillion or concerned about MPG I would have one over a bonnie any day. However if you were leaning towards a Sprint I would personally start looking at blackbirds and alike instead.

However with a bonnie, scram or thruxton you are getting a bike with real charisma that doesnt just function as a tool. My thrux has been 100% reliable and a blast to ride and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend anyone to buy one.