Triumphrat

04-09-2006

I was just wondering if anyone has posted a review comparing the new bonnevilles made from 2001- 2006. Apart from asethetic differences how do these models compare to one another? Has Triumph improved on the 2001 model in the last five years?

Thanks
BG81

PAAS · 04-09-2006

As far as I know there haven't been many changes (apart from paint jobs) to the "basic" 790cc Bonneville since it was introduced in 2000. Just a few mods to iron out teething problems such as clutch chatter.

The T100 is basically just a Bonneville with chrome engine covers, a fancier paint job and a tacho until you get to the 05 model year when the 865cc engine was fitted (along with adjustable brake and clutch levers). Opinions differ as to whether the 865cc engine is significantly better than the 790cc, personally I think it is.

Again, I don't think the Thruxton has changed significantly since it was introduced in 2004. I don't know much about the America and Speedmaster but I don't think they have changed much either, apart from the SM adopting an 865cc motor for 05.

The bottom line is that Triumph are a bit different to the likes of Yamaha, Suzuki, et al who feel the need to make "significant" changes to their bikes for each new model year so that the suckers out there feel that their year old bike is now piece of dog mess that they must change for this year's model.

Paul.

meatwagon · 04-09-2006

The first significant change(aside from the jump to 865) will be the EFI.

DJ · 04-09-2006

Quote:

On 2006-04-09 12:09, PAAS wrote:
Opinions differ as to whether the 865cc engine is significantly better than the 790cc, personally I think it is.

I couldn't tell the difference at all. I assume dyno results would differ, and maybe top end speed. I'm really not sure though, I'd like to see these two engines compared/reviewed... has anyone done this?

PAAS · 04-09-2006

Quote:

On 2006-04-09 15:19, DJ wrote:

On 2006-04-09 12:09, PAAS wrote:
Opinions differ as to whether the 865cc engine is significantly better than the 790cc, personally I think it is.

I couldn't tell the difference at all. I assume dyno results would differ, and maybe top end speed. I'm really not sure though, I'd like to see these two engines compared/reviewed... has anyone done this?

Not sure what you're saying. If you've ridden Bonnies with both engines and couldn't tell the difference why would you want to see them compared/reviewed by someone else? For you, there would still be no difference. Your opinion (and mine) is just as valid as any "professional" motorcycle journalist. I rode a 790cc Bonnie back to back (and back again) with an 865cc T100 and felt that whilst the difference wasn't huge, it was significant, and the extra midrange pull of the 865 (alongside the tacho and chrome bits) made it worth the (relatively small) difference in price. I can imagine (and accept) that somebody else performing the same excercise might come to a different conclusion, hence the caveat in my original statement.

[ This message was edited by: PAAS on 2006-04-09 15:47 ]

DJ · 04-09-2006

Quote:

On 2006-04-09 15:46, PAAS wrote:
If you've ridden Bonnies with both engines and couldn't tell the difference why would you want to see them compared/reviewed by someone else? For you, there would still be no difference. Your opinion (and mine) is just as valid as any "professional" motorcycle journalist.

I meant compared, as in Dyno results and whatever else besides seat of the pants. I'd expect the bigger engine to perform better and I'm not trying to challenge you, sorry if you got the wrong impression.

Panthermark · 04-09-2006

I think the only differences on the stanard Bonnies are the color schemes (since 01), and the fact that some of the 01 Bonnies came with 105's instead of 110 jets.

This is from an old post of mine on T-100's vs Standard Bonnies:

865cc engine (instead of 790cc) - new for 05
Knee pads
Chrome Engine covers
Higher rev limiter - new for 05
Paint schemes - started in 03...I think
Adjustable clutch and brake levers - new for 05
18T sprocket (instead of 17t) - new for 05
Tachometer
Thrux needles - new for 05

also

**Triumph Eyebrow Tank Badge (I just noticed this when I was ordering my Bellmouth and UNI filter this weekend at the dealer.)**

Before 05, there were no mechanical differences, only paint schemes, and a few options that could be added directly from Triumph.

[ This message was edited by: Panthermark on 2006-04-09 16:10 ]

PAAS · 04-09-2006

Quote:

On 2006-04-09 15:57, DJ wrote:

I meant compared, as in Dyno results and whatever else besides seat of the pants. I'd expect the bigger engine to perform better and I'm not trying to challenge you, sorry if you got the wrong impression.

No problem. Yes, it would be interesting to see the dyno charts for unmodified examples of both engines. I only ever get to see before and after plots for modified versions so they are not really comparable. I would also like to see charts run off the same dyno for a stock T100 and stock Thruxton as the extra power Triumph claim for the Thrux doesn't exactly make its presence felt on the road. I haven't ridden a Thrux myself, but I have ridden a few times with someone who rides one and he's not managed to lose me yet! At the end of the day it's academic really, it's how they feel on the road that counts.

[ This message was edited by: PAAS on 2006-04-09 16:12 ]