[Guest]

So, I've finally decided the time is close to get another Bonnie- it's been a while since I had a '73 Bonnie and a '71 Tiger back in the UK!
From what I understand, the 08 is going to have fuel injection so the 07 is that last year with carbs. For me, the beauty of the Bonnie outline somehow just wouldn't be the same without carbs- hell, that's how we used to tell Tigers from Bonnies from Tridents in the old days, count the carbs!
No doubt the bike will perform beautifully with fuel injection and probably be more maintenance free, but I'd really appreciate hearing from all you experts in this forum- what should I get, an 07 or an 08? Any ideas what the profile of the 08 would look like? Presumably it would be too much to expect that they could make the fuel injectors look like old-fashioned carbs.....
Thanks in advance!

 

[MattTriumphs]

I'm not an expert, but it seems every year people are always saying that next year is when the bonnies are getting fuel injection. Personally, I like the carbs they go with the experience the bike is all about. Living in Colorado we have some steep elevation change up in the mountains and I think carbs do the job just fine. I wouldn't hold out hoping for FI and miss all that ride time, especially when FI isn't a sure bet.

 

[desertrat]

I bought an '07 Bonnie silver on 02-04-07. All I can say is I should have bought last year. (Or the year before.)
:razz:

 

[oldmanjob]

I bought my 06 in August after 30 years of maybe next year :razz: FI? I would hate not to watch my Black Beauty warm up on a cold day

 

[Loxpump]

There's something to be said about a tried and true design. Even if they do come out with FI in 08, I don't think I want to get the first year of any new design. I'd rather let it be out a while until they work out the kinks, if there are any. I was on a bike trip to CO in 1975, with my brother-in-law, a friend, and my sister. I was on my brother-in-laws 71 XS650, my sister and he was on my dad's 75 goldwing. It was the first year they came out, and 1000 miles from home it starts making noise! Took it to the local dealer and absolutely no parts were available yet. I wish I new the name of the dealer, because he took apart the only goldwing he had on his showroom floor, for parts to get us on our way. Colorado Springs area. Awesome dealer. Saved the trip. I'd say don't wait. Lifes too short to miss a ride.

 

[Scrambler900]

If Triumph goes to fuel injection with the '08 classic bikes, then it is possible that '08 owners will have the same limitations or increased costs to "hot rod" their bikes, as do new Harley-Davidson owners.

Once Harley went with fuel injection with its newest models, they also modified the linked ignition system. This means that owners can't just add higher performance "Screamin' Eagle" go-fast parts like freer flowing exhaust slip-ons or air intake kits. They now have to pay the dealership $300 or so to have their ignition system "re-mapped" to set up the fuel injection correctly with the rest of the engine's overall modified performance.

In earlier days with carburetors, you just re-jetted the carb and maybe ran the bike on a dyno. It was a lot cheaper and easier to do.

So if Triumph ends up with fuel injection, it is possible our favorite TOR exhaust (or Emgos, Norman Hyde's, etc.), or Bella Course air box removal kits will also require some expensive computer re-mapping of the ignition system.


[ This message was edited by: Scrambler900 on 2007-02-07 22:06 ]

 

[KaptWilly]

On 2007-02-07 21:04, desertrat wrote:
I bought an '07 Bonnie silver on 02-04-07. All I can say is I should have bought last year. (Or the year before.)
:razz:

I'm lovin' My Bonnie silver DesertRat! What's yer deal, man?
EDIT: Okay, I'm a bit slow. I get it. DUH. Yeah, RichA - get your bike NOW!

[ This message was edited by: KaptWilly on 2007-02-08 00:56 ]

 

[Guest]

Guys, thanks for all the comments- that's what I love about this forum, lots of knowledgable advice and opinions.
I guess you all have reaffirmed my belief that I should get a classic Bonnie with carbs. I'll try to live with the disappointment of having to get the bike this year rather than waiting until 2008!

 

[jerseyjeff]

Hummmm... Fuel injection. I purchased a 06( fill in the blank) twin cam w/FI. " Everybody suggested fi." I cant say it runs any smoother than any carb bikes I ever owned. Paid the shop to install 2 into 1 performance pipe, re map, and install a/cleaner.Had it checked two times at the shop. Can't say I'm impressed with it. The only plus of it is no choke , but it still needs to warm up.The FI just cost me a lot of extra loot.


GO GET YOURSELF A NEW BONNIE AND QUIT WASTING TIME! :-D

 

[FattRat]

I'm a BIG fan of fuel injection (though my BMW's sucked, and my Sprint RS was beautifully seeeamless). I am MOST grateful to have now learned about my carb's, it's jets, the needles, shims, etc. My '05 Bonnie is responsible for me taking the plunge and interacting with it's parts is parts, carb's included.

That said, Triumph has been praised for developing a carburated system that continues to meet EPA standards as late as the current '07 model. I have taken my carburated 790cc to elavations as high as 12,000 feet, and it's tuned for sea level. As anemic as it may feel at higher altitudes, it's absolutely amazing how well it DOES run under those conditions!

I'm glad I slipped in under the wire and got a modern Bonnie with carburators.......
:-D

[ This message was edited by: FattRat on 2007-02-08 15:52 ]

 

[MotoSayle]

Carbs are Retro,so the Bonnie needs them.Emissions reg's are getting tougher, fast!
If i wanted a fuel injected Triumph i'd get a Speed Triple.


Its primal 1050cc, DOHC, fuel injected, three-cylinder engine pumps out a great surge of bottom-end torque, followed by a massive mid-range punch and impressive level of overall power. Delivering that power to the rear wheel is a slick shifting six-speed gearbox. Crisp-edged engine cases and covers enhance the engine’s look. Peak power is 132PS (131bhp) @ 9250rpm while peak torque of 105Nm (77ft.lbf) arrives at 7550rpm.



:-g