Triumphrat

Olhogrider · 08-27-2012, 03:53 PM

I love my 2012 mag wheel Bonnie. I have almost 15,000 miles on it already. The thing is I have been taking it off road with a bunch of "Adventure" bikes. It is great fun but the road type 17" tires are a handful in the dirt. I bought a set of 19/17 spoke wheels from a member (Thanks!) and then discovered the mag-wheel fork is wider. Sure, I can have spacers for the wheel and a bracket for the caliper made but I'm starting to think I bought the wrong bike. If I get a Scram I can keep these wheels and a set of off-road tires for when I want to play in the dirt. Got to see what the dealer will give me in trade for the Bonnie.

Anybody go from Bonnie to Scram or own both? Thoughts? Thanks.

rmak · 08-27-2012, 04:24 PM

I had an 05 Bonnie Black and now have a Scrambler. I like everything about the Scrambler over the Bonneville. I'm prejudiced towards the Scram, so I say for for it. Of course, the best course of action would be to own both if you have the resources.

Olhogrider · 08-27-2012, 06:14 PM

Thanks. I don't have resources for one! I need to cut back on eating anyway. Guess I'll be stopping by the dealer this weekend.

Extra Napkins · 08-28-2012, 01:18 PM

RMak,

Thanks for the info, I'm also trying to decide between a Bonnie and a Scrambler. Any real noticeable differences during freeway riding? I want to make sure I get out there for an annual iron butt ride...

Thanks

rmak · 08-28-2012, 03:41 PM

Not really. However, I upgraded the performance on my Scrambler in 08 or 09. I really can't remember if there was any big power difference if you would be comparing the two bikes when they are stock.

Neither bike in my opinion is the perfect bike for sustained all day at highway speeds. These relatively light bikes don't really feel grounded enough to me. For that kind of long distance I'd rather ride a big BMW or Harley. But 60 to 80 mph commute or short trips either Bonnie or Scrambler are up for the task.

By the way, I'm liking your forum handle. Very funny!

BCThumper · 08-28-2012, 05:52 PM

I was able to get a great deal on a fully farkeled 2010 Scrambler this spring. I have to say that I really like the 270 engine. It has better low and middle range power than my Bonneville and gets better gas mileage (58 vs. 44). With the solo seat, it's much more comfortable than the stock-seated Bonneville as well. The only thing I'm missing is the carrying capacity of the Bonneville which had saddle bags. I have a magnetic tank bag and a tail bag on the Scrambler but the capacity is much less. The Scrambler is fine on Forest Service roads, I wouldn't want to do much single-track with it. As far as highway use, it's already been to Florida and back and cruised all day at 70-80 with no problems. It's quickly becomming my favorite and I'm afraid the Bonneville's days are numbered.

Extra Napkins · 08-28-2012, 07:13 PM

Awesome guys, thanks for the info.

RMak, glad you like the name!

BC, I wasn't aware of the gas mileage difference. I hear what you're saying about the bags though, I was wondering that myself. I suppose I could put one on the left, one on the rack (with the single seat) and a small tank bag, but you're still missing out on that right side bag. Really it will just come down to which (bonnie or scramby) I find first that grabs me.

I found a nice '01 bonnie in mint condition but the 790cc is keeping me away, plus no tach... not a necessity for me but I'd like to have one.

What color is your scrambler?

Olhogrider · 08-28-2012, 10:53 PM

Thanks for the replies. On my Bonnie I have BC Sleepers. To me they have the perfect looks and sound. BC doesn't list anything like that for the Scrambler. I don't like the 2 into 1 pipes. Are there any slip ons that have that vintage sound with a stock look? Thanks.

Olhogrider · 09-03-2012, 01:12 AM

In case you missed it, I traded the Bonnie for the Scrambler! I love this bike. Did about 200 miles of twisties yesterday and about 30 miles of Jeep roads today.

Gonzo 61 · 09-03-2012, 06:53 AM

Norman Hyde togas for slipons nice vintage bark on roll on also a nice burbel when riding with restraint not obnoxious.