Triumphrat

Elmandarino · 12-04-2012, 05:27 PM

I really have been searching the forum before asking. I am looking at a T100 and may buy it on Saturday. However, I want to know if new T100s now run tubeless tyres. I am sure I read that the tyre was tubeless in the showroom but am now doubting myself.

The second question is the size of the front tyre. Does anyone know the rationale behind having a 19 inch as opposed to the standard and SE which both have 17 inch. What difference, apart from appearance, does it make?

I guess the answer to both of these will mean that the choice of rubber for a 19 inch requiring tubed tyres is going to be radically restricted.

PAAS · 12-05-2012, 08:17 AM

Whilst the tyres used on the T100s (and Thruxton and Scrambler) are a tubeless type, they are fitted with tubes on these bikes, or the air will escape out of the spoke holes. Tube type tyres for modern road bikes are very rare these days and most tubeless type tyres can be fitted with an appropriate tube where the bike doesn't have tubeless rims. It's not unusual.

The T100 (and previous Bonneville models fitted with spoked wheels) have a 19" wheel because it's in keeping with the 1960s style of the bike. The Bonnevilles with cast wheels are styled after later Meriden bikes from the late 70s and 80s, although those didn't have 17" front wheels either. The bikes with a 17" wheel will turn in more quickly.

Most of the major manufacturers have tyres in their range (usually tubeless type bias ply) that can be used on the T100 (with tubes).

Elmandarino · 12-05-2012, 05:08 PM

Paul,

Such a complete response. Thank you very much indeed. Have you ever ridden a bike with the 17 inch wheels - is the quicker turn in that noticeable. I have ridden both but unfortunately I was testing the T100 in conditions where fast cornering and rapid changes of direction were extremely inadvisable.

Thanks again for the response.

Nick

Johnnystriple · 12-05-2012, 09:20 PM

Zipping around town is very noticeable with the 17 inch wheel. I can accelerate in the middle of a 90 degree turn in second gear with complete confidence in the bike. You don't get that front end flop feeling while doing a quick turn in.

PAAS · 12-06-2012, 04:07 AM

Hi Nick,

I haven't ridden one of the bikes with a 17" front wheel, but I have fitted an 18" front wheel from a Thruxton (along with forks, mudguard and speedo drive) to my T100. It has noticeably quickened the steering, but to be honest, ditching the Metzeler tyres for Avon Roadriders made more difference. I would also add that my bike still has "slower" steering geometry than a Thruxton, as that bike also has longer rear shocks and slightly less rake due to the different geometry of the fork yokes (triple trees). I believe the cast wheeled bikes have similar geometry to the Thruxton (but shorter rear shocks) as well as the smaller 17" front wheel with less inertia. I would certainly expect this to be noticeable when compared to a stock T100 with 19" front wheel.

I would suggest giving them both a try (again?) and see what you think, although the current weather here isn't going to make that easy any time soon! If you prefer the look of the T100, but like the quicker steering of the cast wheeled bikes, you can always fit Thruxton wheels and longer rear shocks at some point in the future to get close to your ideal.

threewheelsuk · 12-06-2012, 04:21 AM

Hello

The 17" wheel also makes it more attractive to females as it is lower.

Barry

pstreds · 12-06-2012, 04:39 AM

Another consideration is that the 17" tyres are wider and lower profile (110/70/17 vs 100/90/19) which makes them feel sportier but still very stable. Then you have to trade that against lower cornering clearance with the 17" model. Having briefly ridden both before buying, I didn't find the difference so extreme as to make my decision for me. With so many variables to mess with your head, sometimes it's best to go with your heart - and it sounds like your first love was the T100. Good luck,

Paul.

PAAS · 12-06-2012, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threewheelsuk

Hello

The 17" wheel also makes it more attractive to females as it is lower.

Barry

The cut-out seat and shorter rear shocks also make a major contribution to reducing the seat height (and ground clearance) of the cast wheeled bikes.

threewheelsuk · 12-06-2012, 09:31 AM

Hello

I found it perfect as I have short legs and arms, can get both feet flat on the ground.

Barry

pstreds · 12-06-2012, 10:13 AM

True, the 17" front wheel and shorter rear shocks help shorter riders get their feet on the ground but, once on the move, they have no effect on riding position. So they're still ok for average to tall riders. Although the thinner seat reduces leg room by an inch or so over the T100. I negated that by buying mine with a Thruxton seat. At 6' with 33" inside leg, I'd have coped fine with it in standard trim. Now the only downside of the cast wheeled bike for me is occasionally dragging the pegs when attacking roundabouts too enthusiastically. Considering Thruxton length shocks now. For 32 years I'd never been one for modding bikes but Bonnies kind of force your hand.

Paul.