Triumphrat

Nassos · 03-16-2008

Hi all,
I am about to confirm the order for a NEW Bonneville through my local authirized dealer.
The question is which one I should buy: I can either get a '07 model fitted with carbs or for the same amount buy a new '08 model with injection.
Both of the bikes are new and at the same price.
It would be nice to hear your thoughts. Advantages and disadvantages etc.

For example: the '08 EFI model doesn't have any rod for the use of the reserve fuel tank. It's working automatically and a "yellow" indication is place in the speedometer. So once you have left with less than 3-3,5 litres of fuel in the tank, you are being notified with this indication.

Cheers,
Nassos

NewOldSkool · 03-16-2008

If it were me, I would take the carbed verison. I just don't like buying the first year of any major change (from any company). But at the same time, I would try to talk them down on the price of the 07. It is 08 already and if they are selling the 08s now, the prior year should come down some. Or are they still offering 1k worth of add-ons with the 07s? I like the idea of EFI, but I like the avalibility of the carbs and already present aftermarket parts.

bikebits · 03-16-2008

I haven't ridden one of the fuel injected bikes, but in general, this would be my list of pros and cons for good FI vs. good carburetion:

Fuel injection pluses- Easy starting, excellent throttle response, better fuel economy.
Fuel injection minuses- more complicated, meaning harder to work on yourself due to FI computer. If your battery dies, there isn't an FI bike I know of that can be bump started. The fuel reserve light can burn out and leave you stranded (don't ask how I know!)

Carburetor pluses- Easy to work on for the home mechanic. Can bump start if the battery dies. Can't miss when the bike goes on reserve. More in keeping with the character of this particular bike.
Carburetor minuses- Not as efficient as FI, so worse fuel economy, worse emissions.

I had thought about waiting for the FI bikes mainly since the fuel economy should be better and give a longer range on a tank of gas, but decided to go with a carburetor model because it's more in keeping with the character of the bike.

Nassos · 03-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewOldSkool

If it were me, I would take the carbed verison. I just don't like buying the first year of any major change (from any company). But at the same time, I would try to talk them down on the price of the 07. It is 08 already and if they are selling the 08s now, the prior year should come down some. Or are they still offering 1k worth of add-ons with the 07s? I like the idea of EFI, but I like the avalibility of the carbs and already present aftermarket parts.

- Are there any other Triumph bikes equiped with this EFI system? Have you heard about any problems with the FI system on the other Triumph models?

- The price is already down on these '07 carb bikes.
I have been offered the '07 Silver Bonneville to the same price I would have to pay for the Black '08

Also the '07 Black/Red T100 is only 2000 pounds more expensive as it is being offered with a discount. Elsewise, if I want to buy a new '08 T100, it will be 4000 more expensive to the '08 Black.

(Don't ask about the prices in Greece. It is a bit complicated)

CYNCRZR · 03-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nassos

- Are there any other Triumph bikes equiped with this EFI system? Have you heard about any problems with the FI system on the other Triumph models?

- The price is already down on these '07 carb bikes.
I have been offered the '07 Silver Bonneville to the same price I would have to pay for the Black '08

Also the '07 Black/Red T100 is only 2000 pounds more expensive as it is being offered with a discount. Elsewise, if I want to buy a new '08 T100, it will be 4000 more expensive to the '08 Black.

(Don't ask about the prices in Greece. It is a bit complicated)

If you are going to work on the bike yourself, then carbs are the answer, fuel injection requires more instruments and skill to work on, if not, then FI has advantages.

In my opinion the Tank on the '07 is better looking than the new tank that has to make room for the fuel pump.

While not the same system as the Bonneville, I also have a '03 Sprint ST, and the FI on that bike is well sorted and at 50k miles has given me no problems... The carbs on my Thruxton haven't givin me any problems either.

BigChiefWoody · 03-16-2008

I've had bikes with EFI and I've had bikes with carbs..no matter which one you get you'll have fun! Just go out and ride it like you stole it!

Nassos · 03-16-2008

@ bikebits

To be honest with you, and I don't know if this is wrong or not, but I intend to be involved to the bike's maintance as less as I can.

I am going to use this bike just for my Sunday rides and for some rides far away from Athens on the weekends, along with some other good friends who are bikers as well

I am fed up with being involved into mechanical jobs on my Triumph cars (I own a Mk2 Spitfire '66 and a Mk1 GT6 '67) and I have no time to play with the Bonneville. What I need is a problem free bike which will get me out of Athens on the weekends.

Nassos · 03-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by CYNCRZR

In my opinion the Tank on the '07 is better looking than the new tank that has to make room for the fuel pump.

I hadn't noticed that they are different. Do you have any photos to post and explain the difs to me?

Cheers,
Nassos

geolpilot · 03-16-2008

Bottom line. 4000 pounds is a lot of money and it will buy a lot of gear, accessories, fuel and hotel rooms.

Panthermark · 03-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nassos

I hadn't noticed that they are different. Do you have any photos to post and explain the difs to me?

Cheers,
Nassos

I'm also not a fan of the new tanks.

I can't find any really good side pictures, but the tanks with the FI are a lot "rounder" and "higher".