Triumphrat

sponger · 05-28-2007

I've always liked the Bonnevilles and have been seriously considering getting one lately. I've owned 2 different Harleys, and 5 other bikes, in the past 7 years and wonder how Triumph's quality, reliability, and durability rate against the new model Harley's? I've owned a 2001 Superglide and currently own a 2005 Sportster and have never had one issue yet. I've been very happy with the quality of fit and finish and the solid feel of the bikes. My dilemma is every one has a Harley and I want something different - and I like the look of the Bonnie. Don't care for the cheap looking petcock, choke, or visible seams gas tank but otherwise I like the look.

For anyone that has owned both or does own both, how does the quality of parts and manufacture stand up between the new Bonnies and new Harleys?

Also, anyone in the Atlanta, GA area have a recommendation for the best dealership?

Thanks, Greg

SCCTrim · 05-28-2007

Trying to compare the fit and finish of a bonneville to that of a harley is a mistake...there's a reason these bike's cost what they do.

However...if your longing for something that set's you apart from the crowd, the bonneville is it. I bought a '06 bonneville black for the msrp of 6999.00 Again there's a reason the bike only cost's that much, and after modding the bike "making it mine"...I couldnt be happier.

...It's not like I was disappointed in the bike when I bought it, so dont misunderstand me. I'm just saying you shouldnt be comparing a 7K bike to a 11K bike.

merlin · 05-28-2007

Ditto SCCTrim's apples and oranges. The bike is built to a price point but is not a disposable. I really just can't stand Harley's but gotta say that the new ones are really well built - quality bikes at a high quality price - hard to argue with it.
The problem is that the Universal Japanese Motorcycles have this all at a great price - great design, manufacture and reliablity. But you're not gonna get a Honda, are you...
For style, individuality, reliablity (yes it is a reliable, well designed, basic bike) penache... and a certain something I just can't let go of.. a bonnie.
You are not going to have to chase after parts falling off or anything like that. I can't keep a rust stain from developing on the knurled clutch adjustement wheel. I think that would drive a harley guy nuts. The carb bodies show and just can't be kept clean looking. The turn signals look like they are plastic - 'cause they are. Nobody sees this stuff - they see a bike they remember from 30 years ago and smile as they ask about it. I get 'stuck' in a lot of conversations with the true Harley riders - most of whom want to tell me about their first chopper: a Triumph.
Hope this helps.

sponger · 05-28-2007

I guess I wouldn't think they are quite apples to oranges.. XL883 Customs start at $7800 (I got my '05 2 years ago for $7700) and the T100s are listed at $8300. A basic Sportser lists for $6600 so price wise they are about as close as you can get. Even though one's a Vtwin and one's a parallel twin, they are about the same size engine. Seems the Bonnie produces a bit more hp and torque, especially in stock form.

What are the suggested modifications to get the bike running like it should? I assume the TOR pipes, rejetted carbs, high-flow air filter and removal of the air injector? What's this snorkel stuff?

Is the air injector and increased engine size just a bandaid for getting around the EPA restrictions? That air injector thing sounds a little cheesy to me.

I did check out a couple this past week. The dealer didn't have any available for test drive but they seemed comfortable enough sitting on them. Still have the bug, just need to find a decent deal and a good dealer.

And yep, my Harley is a really nice bike. Only problem is that it is just like everyone else's..
:wink:

SCCTrim · 05-28-2007

Didnt realize you were on a 883..( sorry )...these two bike's are probably the only 2 directly comparible. The bonnie..( black, standard, or t-100 )...should have the 883 covered. Infact, I'd bet they'd give the 1200 a run for their money.

As for mod's...airbox removal and pipes are common...as is AI removal. AI was installed for epa junk...nothing more.

The snorkel is part of the airbox, it's actually what the motor breathes through. Something like a elephant's trunk bent on a 90* angle...( imagine breathing through that )..

With airbox removal, and pipes and a rejet expect roughly 60 horses. Add a 904 kit...add roughly 10 more horses...Add Mikuni hsr carbs...add roughly 8 more horses...

Add a 1100 or 1200 kit...expect about 90/95 hp at the rear wheel.

rmak · 05-28-2007

Sponger, I mean no disrespect, but I did get some humor out of your topic. I bought a 2003 Harley Davidson and as far as I could tell, their after-purchase marketing strategy seemed to be an attempt to make the owner dissatisfied with every bolt and fitting on the bike so they would replace it with a chrome one, or cover it with a chrome cover. That might be your frame of reference as you evaluate the Bonneville's individual component parts.

I'm not a Harley bashing guy. I enjoyed the bike and rode it all over the place. Ultimately it just wasn't what I wanted in a bike.

The Bonneville is my kind of bike. If you get one, you might feel the same. It's a blast to ride and, if all the members of this forum aren't lying, it's relatively trouble free. It might sound goofy, but I often like to just sit around and look at it.

If you get a black tank you don't even notice the seam. If you're concerned about the petcock or choke knob, they are upgradable. I wouldn't let these small issues dissuade you.

But, what every you decide, good luck.

lindsayt · 05-28-2007

At a group ride a couple weeks ago one of the guys from Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly came with the Sportster 883 that they're reviewing (I don't play alphabet soup so don't know the proper name; the base version anyway, in black) so I got to directly compare it to my 790cc Bonnie.

I'd say fit and finish give the Harley a little bit of an edge - both bikes are very well put together, but on several details the Harley was just a little better matched up. But the two bikes are VERY similar in terms of finish quality, and though I prefer the looks of the Triumph I really was impressed with the Sportster. "Out of the box" the Harley also sounds a little better.

In terms of personality, the Triumph wins by a mile for me, and I think that's what matters - the Sportster has become, IMO, too much of a cruiser considering that it started as a sporty standard. The Bonnie looks unique, the Sporty does not.

So which one was faster? We never tested it

I'd say you'll be pleased with a Bonnie.

[ This message was edited by: lindsayt on 2007-05-28 20:58 ]

ivar · 05-29-2007

Can't compare to Harley, but compared to my 05 Suzuki SV650S , the paint finish on my 02 Bonneville is in a totally different league.

As for reliability, I never have had problems on either bike, but the previous owner had some problems with the Bonnie cutting out in the rain.

webonnielad · 05-29-2007

I have a 790cc T100, would never part with it.

Rode it from London to the very tip of Italy and back in 13 days averaging about 80 mph absolutely hassle free that was in stock condition, but with TORs.

It's even better since my mods.

Ride it for a bit, then if the mood takes you!

Get rid of the AI, chuck away the stock air filter, mufflers and the snorkel.
Fit a foam uni filter, a Norman Hyde Belmouth, Norman Hyde Toga Classics, re-jet the mains.

That,s all the mods you really need to do to make it as good as if not superior to an 883.

I just did the math works out to about $802 to get this far.

Stock suspension is OK but you may wanna get Hagon rear shocks and progressive front fork springs, that'll improve things immensely, for peanuts. Extra $325 for these items.

Thats all based on UK - US conversions with parts sourced in the UK, but you can actually get some better deals in the states, form companies like New Bonneville, Bella Corse etc.

You'll also look and sound like Marlon Brando or Steve McQueen in their respective hay days...lol.

Jon (UK)

Geoff · 05-29-2007

I bought mine used (400 miles in 1 year :roll: ) at the dealer, who warrantied it as a new bike. now 1 year and 9500 miles later, has been dead on reliable and capable in every situation. as I say this I am searching desparately for wood to touch, tho funny I 'm not supersticious in the least :razz:
G