Triumphrat

MostChillin

As I mentioned in a couple of other threads, I picked up my 2012 Bonneville this past Friday from Ridge Motorsports in Batesburg, SC. Great dealer -- Jeff and Wendy are fantastic. I look forward to becoming a loyal customer.

When I decided to sell my highly modded Yamaha FZ1 (150+HP) that had been converted to the European "N" naked version, I had decided on a Bonneville. I had the opportunity to help a good friend mod a T100 a few years back and had the opportunity to ride it quite a bit, I said back then that I would own one one day. I knew I wanted to return to sane, simplistic motorcycling thus the switch. So I was torn between the T100 and the mag wheel. I knew before buying that I would mod quite extensively so I took to the Internet to do my research and ultimately decided the mag wheel was for me based on wanting the handling benefits.

So I have just over 200 miles on her now and thought it time to share some initial, brief impressions. When I got back from a ride this evening, I told my wife that this is the most fun I've had on a motorcycle in years. I know I'm still in the honeymoon stage but as many of you are already aware, this could be the best all around motorcycle. It handles well, has enough HP and torque, shifting is silk smooth, is a looker and most importantly, has soul. I agree with many here that the suspension could use some work but I will tackle that down the road. I'm like a pig in mud thus far!

I've ordered quite a few parts already. I'm still debating Arrows or Predators but will make a decision tomorrow and order through my dealer so that they are on-hand when I take my bike in for it's initial service at 500 miles. I'll also do ABRK and AIRK at that time plus a ECU reflash.

Everyone has seen a stock Bonneville mag wheel so I will refrain posting pics until I have some of the mods done. Thanks to everyone who contributes on this site as it' been both inspirational and helpful. I'm hopeful I can give back over time.

BrokenMachine

I've put 1,600 miles on my 2012 Mag Wheel Bonnie since November. I guess the honeymoon phase never ends because it just gets better and better! Couldn't be happier with it.

I'm also debating about buying some Predators. I can't make up my mind. Pretty much torn between TORs, Predators, and stock. I've pretty much settled on the Predators, but at this point I'm just being a cheapo. I need to buddy-up and place my order. When you make the decision between Aarows or Preds please keep us posted. Cheers!

Flubbyhog

I know what you mean MC, I still have the Ducati for mountain blasts, but I find myself riding the Bonnie more and more. It's so easy, fun and really reminds me of why I started riding 20 years ago.

The bike really loosens up after awhile. I still bang the rev limiter every so often just to keep her honest.

I wonder if my wife would kill me if I bought one for her?

MostChillin

I'm hoping my wife will end up wanting her own. Right now she's just egging me on to order more mods! She asked if I had decided on exhaust yet and I told her I was still debating the Arrows vs. the Predators. Her response? Go with the Arrows... We'll see -- tomorrow.

dam1

Congrats on the bike, myself i'm still not sure i should have bought the T100 instead for the more classical look. But that's just me.

Concerning the exaust, i had Arrows 2/1 , preds and now Tors. I wouldn't recommend you the Arrow because for me you loose the English twin sound. On the 2/2 it's may be less obvious, but considering the price it wouldn't take me long to make my decision on other ones.

traveler501

I have been trying to understand what it is about my own Bonneville that I love so much...and you've captured it perfectly. That's why some love it and some just don't understand...I guess we started
riding for different reasons.

John

PS Congratulations on your new bike, MostChillin !

nzkiwi

I've completed 4500km on a mag wheeled Bonnie. I promised the wife not to change anything, so I've only added a Dart Fly screen, tank knee pads, a Burton seat, a pack rack and TORs. So it's still basically standard. My inital two concerns were comfort of ride. The Burton seat is way more comfortable than the stock seat, and I've found the suspension has softened up heaps after 3,000kms. So those two concerns are well behind me.

I have to agree with the other posts in that it's a easy bike to ride, enough power, but not too powerful, easy to manage, corners well, comfortable and being a low stress bike, allows you to relax and enjoy just riding.

traveler501

sorry, duplicate post

BrewDudeBob

I have 28,500 miles on my 2010 Mag Wheel Bonnie and I am still just as in love with it as the day I bought it.

I have Predators & Airbox elimination kit form B/C. Gave me a 15% HP increase. Did a before & after dyno run and was amazed with the results. Makes one wonder why they inhibit that motor so much from the factory...just plain stupid if you ask me.

edit: oh yeah...I cannot tell you how many guys who have ridden behind me have come up and told me how much they love the sound of my bike However, a huge down-side to Predators is you will no longer be able to use your center stand because B/C did not have the forethought or desire to weld on a couple brackets for your side & center stands...their solution is a cheap POS add-on bracket that utilizes the hole your center stand goes in so you can have a side stand. "C'mon Man!"

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Wheelhorse

Most Chillin, how old are you?


32 years young here; been riding since 27 and have approx 20K miles under my belt. Having grown up with UJM's and knowing my addiction to speed, I felt it best to go with the SE as well.

IF you think your bike possesses soul now, wait until you uncork her a bit, pods and slip-on's really wake them up.

I let my buddy ride her before and after the mods and after the mods, he said the bike was PERFECT. So perfect, in fact, he's selling off one of his Mustangs (just like I did) to buy a SE as well.

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Maggie- '10 Bonnie SE; SAI, 02R, Dom. Touring, DNA Pods, TTP Tune #11 with Stage 1 ign., 36E's