Triumphrat

Berta · 08-19-2006

Heard a couple of horror stories about buying a Triumph - one guy had to use the lemon law - generally, what does everyone feel about the quality of the bike - does it leak oil, can you depend on it starting in cold weather etc.

Any concerns that I should know about before taking the plunge.

Please let me know the good and the bad.

Thanks

Geoff · 08-19-2006

hmm. I had not heard that. I do know of one motor melt-down that triumph took care of (even after warranty, i think)
there have been some compaints, but generally everyone (here at least) is pretty happy or they go on to something else. For myself, I have 4900 problem free miles on a 2005 t-100, and it feels pretty solid to me. Triumph seems to be pretty receptive to owner input for the most part, for a manufacturer.
my experience so far,
Geoff

bgaz · 08-19-2006

Overall they seem good.
A few people have had a few odd problems, oil leaks, coil ***** outs, oil pump problem (gears).

At 4000 miles I have an oil leak at the countershaft sprocket, its not really a big deal, it does not leak a lot, and installing a new seal is easy and cheap.

I dont think there are any major built in design flaws, just the odd problem with a part here and there...

Brett

FattRat · 08-19-2006

Can't say as there has NEVER been a "lemon" in the Bonnie line-up..... but I sure haven't heard or read of one.

21,000 miles on mine this last year, and not a problem one.... save for the tank liner chipping at the filler neck. We each have our own ways of dealing with that.... some people have even successfully dealt with the dealer using warranty. THOSE would be the dealerships I wish I was able to deal with!!!

Christov · 08-19-2006

I have an '02 with over 22,000 miles on it and no issues at all. It has been 100% reliable and has been one of the best bikes of the 31 that I have owned. Go for it!! :razz:

raproe · 08-19-2006

11,000 miles on my '05 T100 with perfect reliability. The only problem I ever had was a failure to start due to a loose battery connection. Now I check the battery every now and then, like I should have been doing anyway, and it starts every time.

I have ridden in every kind of weather to the limits of my personal endurance; from near freezing in northern Ohio snow country to 110F+ heat in the southern California high desert. Other than the one time I mentioned above, the bike has fired right up and, after a short warm-up, runs perfectly.

The only time I ever put oil in was at the 500 and 6000 mile services. The oil level never changes and there are no leaks anywhere.

IMO, reliability is not an issue with these bikes.

DrEnglish · 08-19-2006

Solid bikes, well finished, and the engine is understressed. No problems here.

Jerkyboy · 08-19-2006

Reliable compared to what other bikes and at what price? The rider's position is the unique part of the Bonneville. If that's something your sold on it's pretty much a no brainer. I found my 01 right there in De. on E-bay, only had 6600 miles on it got it for $3900 and have put about $1600.into it and I can't say I need anything more other more time to ride it. Really for the value I don't think it gets any better. I rode mine last winter right after the snow started to melt and it was around 40 degrees. I use my warm up session to do a pre- flight check list and inform the Mrs. of my flight plan and I'm good to go. Other than those 4 wheel things on the road inhibiting my ride I couldn't be happier. Good Luck.

[ This message was edited by: Jerkyboy on 2006-08-19 10:13 ]

Paoli · 08-19-2006

7000 on it.

One problem: sticking petcock.
Got a new one under warranty.

SCCTrim · 08-19-2006

'06 standard bonnie black
5,200+ miles...no issue's

The black bikes are faster :-D