Triumphrat

DUG · 10-18-2012, 06:18 AM

Hi
Every motorcycle ever built has some fault, some worse than others.
What and when these issue's rear their heads is a good tool in keeping the grief to a minimum.
Actualy I can't realy fault the little Bonnie, be great to know what and where to watch.
The T-Bird boys can chime in too if they want, I''ve been for a few long test rides, so,,,,,,well, isn't that the whole idea in life, he who has the most toys at the end 'wins'!!!!
Dug

road dog · 10-18-2012, 09:18 AM

The only issue I can think of is the cam cover gaskets tend to weep a little oil. Other than that it's just the normal maintenance items. IE: brake pads, tires, chain and sprocket. And regular chain maintenance goes a long way. Overall the "little Bonnies" seem to be incredibly reliable machines... I know mine has.

alfacliff · 10-18-2012, 09:32 AM

when I checked the valve lash a couple of months ago, I put in another set of ruberized "sealing gaskets" this let me get the cover torqued down without bottoming out the bolts, no leak since.
cliff

DUCKMAN · 10-18-2012, 09:49 AM

For the most part the Bonneville is pretty much bullet proof. A quick search will reveal the issues that SOME have experienced. The only problem my 2001 has ever had was broken rear spokes. A set Buchannen spokes cured that issue.

Johnnystriple · 10-18-2012, 11:28 AM

I love my little Bonnie. I find myself jumping on it more often then any of my other bikes. The transmission is a dream. I haven't hit a false neutral yet. The starting issue is a little quirky though.

RICHW · 10-19-2012, 11:30 AM

Don't like that stock "meep meep" horn. Also, the stock seat on my year's model crushed the ECU ignitor when two-up. Mirrors are sorta goofy - mickey mouse. Other than these minor issues, it's been a really great "little" motorbike weighing in at 500 lbs. and having ample power in that 865cc twin engine. I love it!

ovni · 10-19-2012, 11:57 AM

The Bonne is a fine bike at any observation. Nice and nimble through city streets, and strong enough for long distance touring. And the classic styling is telling.

The only problem I've encountered was/is the charging system...It's not a cold weather bike.

BonnieBlack · 10-19-2012, 02:07 PM

In addition to the weeping cam cover gasket, seems like the next most common problems are the regulator/regulator going bad, and the ignition pickup sensor going bad.

Headlamps are a big compaint that many address.

There were a couple reports about broken foot pegs a while ago that flaired up, but that is probably seemed a bigger issue that it was due to a couple reports coming in close together. It's nothing we've continued to have repeated reports of.

I've seen some complain about decreasing build quality over the years, but I haven't observed that myself. Other than the switch to plastic badges on the tank. That shouldn't bother me, but it does. Still, we don't have much plastic on the Bonnies as all compared to some. Walk around a Honda Fury one day and click your fingernails on the "chrome", it's all plastic.

You have to consider these bikes about bullet proof for the lack of issues folks report about them.

We used to have lots of moaning about the seam on the gas tank and the kink in the header pipes around here. Haven't heard that for a while, hope no one stirs that pot again. Oh, bugger, wait ...

BonnieBlack · 10-19-2012, 02:11 PM

Also, the Bonnie would be much better if it had just bit more horsepower and a few more CCs.

However, no amount of HP or CCs will fix this problem.

DUG · 10-19-2012, 09:35 PM

Hi M8
Can you elaborate on the electrical fault, and "not a cold weather bike." does yours have the carbie warmers?
Dug