Triumphrat

Casper · 05-06-2006, 07:51 AM

Hi, I have taken delivery of an August 2003 Bonneville.

I have made some judgements on the bike having had it a few weeks now. Its a standard 800cc model, with 'Norman Hyde' pipes (they sound lovely), centre stand, screen, tacho and chrome carrier rack. Its in 'cardinal red'.

When the bike was delivered it had 12,800 miles on it and a full Triumph S.H. I've put a few more miles on it now

What are your Bonneville experiences?

Anything I should know?

Casper - West Sussex England

357Bob · 05-06-2006, 10:50 AM

Oh brother. What a mistake. Oh well. You will know soon enough.
Just kidding. I can't be of much help. I only have 1700 miles on my Bonneville. But I love it & most on this forum seem to too.
Just change the oil. Check the tires. Check the spokes. Buy more accessory's. Same as with any bike. Most importantly. Ride ride ride.
Bikers & non bikers will ask where you got the "old" Triumph. They will stop you on the street. They will come over to you while you are gassing up. They will roll down their windows at a stop light & yell at you.
I finally just started telling them the truth. I tell them I found it in the back of a Cycle Shop still in the crate. No miles. Just like it had came from the factory yesterday.
And that's the truth.
Go to www.newbonneville.com for accessory's. Also a site called British Customs. I am sure there are more.
Ride safe.

Casper · 05-06-2006, 11:05 AM

Bob,

thanks for that. I am enjoying the bike a lot.

One thing I also find is more people have stopped me and spoken about this bike than any other bikes I've had! They tend to be in 2 categories: one is older guys who used to own Triumphs of all kinds and then those who currently own a Bonneville. One guy followed me up my drive to comment upon the louder pipes I'd fitted ( See this site for some good Bonnie add ons: www.normanhyde.co.uk ). You can really find some interesting facts about the bike from fellow riders.

Yes I'll take your advice and ride, ride, ride! I like that sort of comment!

Regards from Sussex

Casper (AKA Dave)

357Bob · 05-06-2006, 11:16 AM

And after that you need to ride, ride, ride.
It is funny. Now that I got the Bonneville there are riders coming out of the woodworks wanting to go ride. I have friends that have just gotten new bikes too & they all keep calling me to go ride. I can't figure that part out yet. Who were they riding with before I wonder. Oh well just more riding I guess. My girlfriend said my bike was a nerd magnet. She just doesn't understand. Oops. I am supposed to be at her house right now. Have to take the car though. Raining. 20 MPG. Awful.
See Ya.