Triumphrat

Shorty · 10-15-2007

Just an FYI. The newest issue of Motorcycle Cruiser Mag has a Bonnie vs. Sporty article and believe it or not, they actually compared the 865 to the 883 (not the usual 790 vs. 1200 in other mags). Good reading, but in my opinion still biased towards the Sporty. However, the author states that the Bonnie "holds a slight edge in every performance category"... speed, handling and braking).

Shorty

BonnieRob · 10-15-2007

The author is obviously biased to the Harley culture. He gives the nod to the Bonnie in almost every category but says the Sporty is clearly the better bike. Uh... wha?

He also wrote the article blessing the new Rocket III (maybe a 2009 model) Touring bike which I believe Triumph deserves a kick in the nuts for. Single headlight, speedo on the tank, and lettering on the hard saddlebags right out of Harley's brand book. Oh, and they narrowed the tires something fierce too. Basically, besides the engine, they Harleyized it. And that author loved them for it.

I think he said something about the new Rocket III finally belonging? Made me want to wretch. What ever happened to "Go your own way???"

Just to give you context on the article....

Skint · 10-15-2007

look at who does the most advertising in the mag.....nuff said

BonnieRob · 10-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by n578md

The Speed Triple as a touring bike? No way!!! Really? That would be nice. Unless you meant a Rocket III??

Oh crap - oops, yeah, my bad. Will correct and edit.

kurt_3_0_1 · 10-15-2007

could you post a link to the article I can't find it

BonnieRob · 10-15-2007

Not sure if it is on line. I read it in print.

Brooksie · 10-15-2007

Both bikes have a certain charm, but I am partial to the Bonnie as it has better handling all the way around. Performance=survival on a street bike.

BrianM · 10-15-2007

Got both in my garage (wife has an '06 883). The H-D feels more 'substantial'. Fenders are obviously of a heavier steel and the switchgear has a higher quality feel to it too.

However, I think the overall quality is much the same (I've an '06 Scrambler) and it just comes down to preference. There's nothing 'wrong' with either bike at all. Both are good quality machines.

I find the H-D a bit cramped but that's just me. Oh, the handling of the Triumph is much better. It corners like it's on rails (bearing in mind I've been riding big-block H-Ds for the past few years).

Echoance · 10-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shorty

... "holds a slight edge in every performance category"... speed, handling and braking.

Shorty

Erm, what other categories are there?! *scratches head*

innominate · 10-15-2007

my girl friend has an 883. i let her ride my bonnie when i got it and she said it handles better and has more power. i like the look of the sportster ok. but i've only really like a couple harley's. she actually got pissed at me because i told her i didn't care to ride her's lol.