Triumphrat

adgx · 06-01-2007

I got this in trade (this bike plus $200) for my cool, but well worn 75 Norton Commando. This one had 1000 miles and a small scratch on the fender. I haven't seen another like it, but in the factory ads. I love it. I tried not to like the new Bonnies cause I've had so many older ones. Felt like a traitor....til I rode one. Best bike I've ever had & I've had a bunch-been riding since 63. Does anyone else notice the gear whine? (or is it a whistle?) or is it air sucking into the intake? Otherwise...perfecto. Is it just me or is this the best handling bike ever? I've had high tech crotch rockets that didn't corner this good. What's the deal?

badrufus · 06-01-2007

I love your bike! Beautiful color. Hey now, you're not a traitor. It's a Triumph. What if the marque hadn't come back and the name slowly faded. They are real Triumphs!

The gear whine solution is simpe--different pipes. From the length, those look like stockers, and if so they probably make the bike sound more like a Singer sewing machine than a Triumph. There are tons of exhaust threads, but the best way to deal with the gear whine (which is normal) is to install a nice pair of aftermarket silencers. Some of the names to check out are TORS (Triumph Off Road Silencers), Norman Hyde Classics (mine--I love em), Norman Hyde Peashooters (now available at NewBonneville.com), Staintunes, Predators, etc.

The handling is amazing. I thought I would slow down when I got this bike. Well. . . no, not happened yet. I ride in the twisties, and the bike is absolutely perfect for it. It handles, but it also feels like a motorcycle, not some bland Japanese in-line four. Welcome--and that really is a beautiful color!

adgx · 06-01-2007

Johnson City? My wife's from there. Good roads for riding out there, but you've never experienced smooth curves til you've riden the forest blacktops in the ozarks. I've ridden most everywhere, and motorcycling seems to be getting more crowded, but these roads are almost trafficless. You know- This bike may not be the most powerful (my Commando would leave it behind), but even as a stocker, it has plenty of get em up. Just an air filter change and drilling out the baffles might do it for me. anyone done that?

Colonel_Dorkus · 06-01-2007

Nice bike! I really like that color too.

-Aaron

Lion · 06-01-2007

Man that was a great deal... The whine is the direct gear drive, I actually like the sound of it...

Joe

Bonafide · 06-01-2007

Hmmm ... I thought that color combo came out in 03 as some kind of centennial edition? I seem to recall one of them forum members here, oregonthruxton (plus a couple others), has one but they do seem very few and far between.

Nice looking bike for sure.

DaveInPortland · 06-01-2007

I have the same bike: silver over orange '02 T100. I'm painting it this winter: matte black over gloss black. I really don't like the orange & silver but got a good deal on the bike.

Brooksie · 06-01-2007

A CLASSIC!

CAPTDON · 06-01-2007

Beautiful Bike!! Yes bore out the peashooters- makes a BIG difference. Also I can see- GET RID OF THE A/I 1st!!!!!
The combo will give you a nice difference! You might want to de-snorkel her too- another good (free) perf/sound thing. :hammer:

PS & yes the handling is amazing!!

adgx · 06-01-2007

By the way, you may not see it, but both side covers have a 1902-2002 emblem on them. Also I understand its the only early Hinkley Bonneville with tach & chrome engine covers. Someone told me they made only a hundred or so before the factory burned. Anyone have any info on that? I'd like to know more about drilling the mufflers and the mods CapDon suggested. I didn't think about the direct drive gearing making the sound. I feel better about it. Thanks!