Triumphrat

oldguymx · 03-14-2007

Just found this forum (and yes the retro Bonni's) and figured to say hi
Laid down my bike 34 years ago and spent a week in the hospital since then never rode on pavement but 9 years ago my son started motocross and I soon followed into the dirt. After 4 surgeries following crashes my wife asked me to give up 2 wheels (son still races).
Yesterday I left work and since it was 70 degrees out got the bug to hit pavement again. I told her last night I was thinking about 2 wheels and pavement much to my surprise she didn't fight it. Posted on a dirt bike site I moderate that I was thinking about a street bike when a fellow Mod posted a pic of his Bonnie. Tears welled in my eyes as I remembered high school and the envy I had for all my friends that had one. I responded dam I can't blow the bank on a restoration even if I could find one. Then he hit me with it Triumph has gone retro

.
found a dealer locally and stopped in tonight. 2 hours later I was in lust with 2 beauties a bonnie black and a t100 black/red. The wife likes em both from the brochure now if it would only stop snowing :evil: so we can do a test ride.

question 1) anybody got a feeling on the sissy bar (wife insists she wants a backrest if she is going to ride)?
2) dealer is pushing removing the air pump- any feelings on this pos or neg?
3)I am not looking for high performance just a bike that will put a smile on my face when I am riding- is the Bonnie truly capable of hauling 2 up (210# and 150#) for a Sunday 3 or 4 hour drive?
4) how long til I talk her into getting her own?

BTW either she and I are getting to old or just nostalgic- she bought a 05 Mustang because they went back to the roots and My every day driver is an 84 Fierro (just because

)

Ridge · 03-14-2007

Welcome, OldGuy!

I fell in love as soon as I saw mine sitting on the showroom floor too! Hard not to.

1. I think Triumph makes the best looking Sissy bar (if there is such a thing). I have the short one I can swap out the grabrail with when my wife wants to tag along.

2. Look up Air Injection and AI removal on this site. There is enough info to fill a an encyclopedia on this topic.

3. Absolutely

4. Good luck with that!

Let us know when you get it. You're gonna love it!

Ridge · 03-15-2007

Actually for your #2:

Here's a summary regarding AI removal that I put together a while back, based on input from our members:

Pros:
-Reduces and/or halts bluing of the pipes
(although not in all cases and definitely not in mine)
-Decreases head temperature (20°- Ed)
-Increases accessibility to the spark plugs
-Reduces a small amount of weight
-Reduces visual clutter
-May reduce popping on deceleration

Cons:
-performance is unaffected
-Dramatically increases Hydrocarbon, CO and NOx emissions (10 to 20 times - Diego) that contribute to lowering the air quality and the increasing of greenhouse gasses; sited as the cause of global warming.

Hope this helps.

oldguymx · 03-15-2007

Thanks Ridge
makes the decision easier I think the pump is gone

KingBear · 03-15-2007

What Ridge said (we all love Ridge!)... except perhaps #4.

Women don't seem to be intimidated by this bike. It's got a sedate, approachable look and personality. A lot of us can attest to getting a lot of smiles and comments from women. I remember one guy who was offended when a girl said his Bonnie was "cute" (high praise indeed from a female).

Start her off with a couple of bits of Triumph clothing, even a nice leather jacket, and see where it takes her.

Welcome, and good luck!

ozbon · 03-15-2007

#5 Aftermarket cans or rip the baffles outa the stock one's, you'll thank us in the long run. :-D

john

eagle · 03-15-2007

Brilliant! I've had so many big fast bikes - but the Bonnie does it for me every time. I've kept mine longer than any other and my wife loves it too!

You can fit a cissy bar (backrest) and if you also have a grabrail you can interchange one with the other in a couple of minutes.

The Bonnie is a better bike than any Jap cruiser - more 'real' and definitely better handling (which means safer too). But a lotof us make 'em a bit meaner with louder exhausts and performance and visual add-ons. Such a good bike to 'make your own'!

Sheepdog · 03-15-2007

Some facts that have not yet been mentioned:

The Bonnville engine is very understressed. It could pull a great deal more rpms and could handle a great deal more horsepower without losing a great deal of reliability. In four years, my valves have never required a single adjustment. What is more, the design is very simple and invites tinkering. You'll be able to do the majority of your own maintenance without having to purchase a garage-full of special tools. I really consider this bike to be a solid value...

lunus · 03-15-2007

Hi,

In answer to number 3). The Bonnie is quite capable of hauling two-up plus luggage for eight hours up and down mountains or along the autopista at 90mph in temperatures of 35C (What's that in F 95?) , you'll get tired before the bike does.

Cheers

oldguymx · 03-15-2007

Really appreciate all the replies. The number four is to get her driving it- it is possible. 5 years ago I got her to ride a dirtbike and my son convinced her to do a MX womens class race. She finished 3 to last and had a great time but decided since she had done it once she was finished racing but still rode occasionally. All this was when she was 46 yrs old. At 51 I might be able to convince her again.
The guy that got me started on this is actually the guy that builds my sons MX engines and he has been tweaking his Bonnie for the past 6 months he has had it. Knowing him it is on the verge of being a real firebreather in disguise.
I am looking forward to putting it in the toyhauler when we go on vacation away from the races and really get to see the sights