Triumphrat

ChristianHaynes

I am looking at several Bonnevilles. I have 4 that I will be looking at this week.

The years range from 2001 to 2004.

Mileage is from 8,500 to 15,500.

Prices range from $3500 to $4500.

The models are from Basic Black to the Bonneville T100 with dual paint jobs.

Any model years to avoid or years that are preferable?

Just to throw in a curve, I am also looking at two tigers.

My background: I have been riding since I was 12. I am now 39. I quit riding about 7 years ago when my oldest was born. I am 6' and about 260 lbs. Not exactly a small guy.

I recently purchased a Ducati ST4 as my long distance tour bike. I have owned at least 17 motorcycles in the past. The bikes have ranged from all out race bikes (pro race built FZR1000) to Yamaha XS1100 to Honda XL185 to Yamaha RD350. I really want a Triumph and have wanted one since they came back to the states 15+ years ago.

I plan to use the bike to ride to work (about 20 miles each way) and for weekend trips around town. If I go with a Tiger I can ride with friends that own a BMW R1200GS and R1150GS on their trips.

I am really stuck between a vintage ride and an adventure style bike.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I will be making a decision on the bikes by this weekend.

Thanks for all your help...

imafunkyman

None of the above. It's been proven that the '07 T100 (specifically the black & red) are faster and better than the rest. Just kidding. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. The '01s are the first year, so maybe not do that for that reason? Hard to tell, but I'm sure the '01s are as good as the other years. Good luck and enjoy.

biker7

You're a knowledgable motorcyclist and your dilemma is Bonny versus Tiger...as not much separates the early Bonny remake years you reference. I posted the same question in the Tiger forum...so go have a read as I too am bike shopping. You have to ask yourself at the end of the day...what your priority is as motorcycles as you know better than most are about horses for courses. If you plan on touring, the Tiger is your bike. It is awesome for that and the triple flat rocks. If you are into Sunday riding and commuting, I don't know of a better bike than a Bonny. From a purely aesthetic standpoint which is very important to me...I can't warm up to the Tiger. I know I should be more evolved but I don't like a tallish motorbike like that. I much prefer the Sprint cosmetically but will tell you the Tiger is much more comfortable a ride to me. All said, if you aren't going to tour...some even do light touring on a Bonny, for the money you can't beat the Bonneville and why it is so loved on this board.
George

CAPTDON

I & bud have 04's. An 05 bud too. 01 had some issues so I might shy away there. I think that Triumph hit on the head in 04. All 04's I have come in contact w/ have never had ANY issues. Got friends w/ 06-7's & some oil leak issues. Not predujiced- - The 04 has been flawless. Never seen any 04 issues here either? JMHO

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Sheepdog

I have an '03 and have been very happy with it. The only problem I had was a leaky clutch actuator that was fixed under warranty. That was in the first two weeks of ownership (I bought new). With 12,000 miles (I have several bikes), I still have a serviceable original chain and battery. For what its worth, all the Bonneville models you are considering have all-metal bodywork and were built (mostly) in the UK. I would look for good maintenance records, quality extras, and an absence of crash damage. Mileage is not significant within the range you have stated, so I wouldn't base a decision on the miles...

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2003 Bonneville T100 and 2007 Moto Guzzi California Vintage

peterocket

I can't believe these prices!
Current exchange rate puts the Ozzy Dollar at $0.97 USD.
But, you'd be lucky to get the year models you mentioned here for twice those prices. More like $8000 to $10500.

CAPTDON

Yeah Sheep they are pretty much the same- both good years. As said - the exchange rate. Maybe we ought be buyin these up & re-exporting them??

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ChristianHaynes

Thanks for all the advice.

I bought a 2004 Bonneville Black tonight. It has a little over 8000 miles and the current owner had all maintenance done by a Triumph dealership. He bought the bike new in 2004.

I am very excited and can't wait to bring it home in a few days.

I will post pictures when I bring her home.

GeoDiablo

The '04 Black…

That's the one I have, and I love it. The bike has been flawless. Never a single issue.

Ya done good!

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"Who gives a rat's ass what the public thinks. It's their job to catch up."
– John Chamberlain
Oh, and stop calling me George. My forward peg bars