Triumphrat

Jaybr

I'm new to the forum, and looking at purchasing a Bonneville. My local dealer has several "08s and 1 brand new "05 that he said he just got out of a Triumph warehouse. He's added some accessories to the 05, and I can pick it up for around $1000 less than the "08. The '05 comes with full warranty.

Other than the larger displacement engine, what are some of the other differences in the model years?

The other question I have, I'm 6'2 and the seat to peg height feels a little short, any of you taller riders have issues with this?

Gretsch

The 05 was built in England and the 08 in Thailand if that's important to you. The 08 has a larger looking tank (not more capacity) and plastic stick on tank badges vs. replaceable screw on ones. That’s all I can think of.

Both are great bikes.

imafunkyman

Get the '05.

lindsayt

The '08 has slightly more power and torque (865 vs. 790), and hasn't been sitting for three years. The '05 is built at Hinckley and supposedly has a cam profile that's more desirable for cylinder work, though I don't know anything about that. I like the looks of the pre-'08 bikes better than the '08 bikes, but that's a personal thing.

When given the choice between an '05 for $1k off, or an '07 at full price at the beginning of the '07 model year, I took the '05. I love it. Honestly, I think you'll love either one. If you buy the '05 though, be sure to look it over and make sure it was stored properly. Of course, if you're buying it as a new bike, then any issues that arise will be covered by warranty, but who wants to have issues? So give it a thorough inspection. I've had literally no trouble with mine, which was a low-use demo bike.

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38% rocker, 30% mod.

J44Clark

Gotta ask: A NEW leftover '05? I don't understand that.

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'05 T100 creamsicle, TORS, xSnorkle, xAI, xRestrictor, Uni, 128/42

Raindogs

Gotta get the 05 for the reasons already mentioned. That bigger tank just don't look right. I'm 6'2'' as well and have found that when I keep just my toes on the pegs the bike is a perfect fit, whereas if my entire sole was over the peg I'd be a little cramped. I have a long inseam as well, so I would imagine that it'll feel okay for you too. You should definitely test ride to be sure though.

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Kansas City, MO
'05 Bonnie Black

geolpilot

I have an 05 originally sold in May 06 and i love it. There is a man on these forums, modre, who makes a kit that lowers the pegs 2 inches. I and many other have it. Love it, no more leg cramps.

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2005 Bonnie, TORs and Unifilter, AI gone, Modre's peg kit, headlight & brake modulator, tach, bright leds, NC wind deflector, gaiters, steibel, vmax mirrors, dresser bars, Hagons & Progressives. http://TexasCoastGeology.com

innominate

and i think on the 05 the fenders and side covers are metal vs plastic on the 08. am i right about that?

what about the colors? are they both blk or is it a 05 creamsicle?

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lindsayt

I forgot to say that just like Raindogs, I'm 6'2" and I too find that with my toes on the pegs the height's fine; with my soles on the pegs, it's short, so I hang on the pegs by my toes except when I'm shifting, braking, or doing tight corners

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38% rocker, 30% mod.

mikeinva

i would get the 05 but he should knock more off i would say atlest 1500 .get the blue book on the 05 and 08 before you go deal with him. i bet the blue book is more then 1500 differance. New or not as soon as you leave the dealer its a 3 year old bike dont pay a 1 year old price for it.

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