I am seriously considering buying a T100 but have a few concerns. first the dealer is about 2 hours away and also I had a 1997 Thunderbird which I had considerable trouble with and don't want to go down that road again. Are these bikes fairly reliable? I can do routine maintenance but not sure about valve checks so may have to take it the dealer for that. Also I'm concerned about riding 2 up. My wife is , shall I say pleasingly plump. Does anybody ride with their S/O other and is there any problems? Most of the bikes I have owned in the past have been quite a bit bigger. BTW I think the Bonneville is beautiful and this a great site! Thanks for any info.
Another Newbie here
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I wouldnt anticipate having issue's regarding the bike itself...if you scan thru these forum's you wont see alot of " wth" topic's full of people having issues with the bonnies.
There has been some hit or miss type issue's with spokes, and while I havent had any issues myself, I do regularly check them and go over my bike...for what it's worth to you.
I'm a light rider at about 150lbs, my significant other weigh's even less, and I've never had a issue with 2 up.
If your combined weight is under 400lb's I wouldnt be concerned.
There has been some hit or miss type issue's with spokes, and while I havent had any issues myself, I do regularly check them and go over my bike...for what it's worth to you.
I'm a light rider at about 150lbs, my significant other weigh's even less, and I've never had a issue with 2 up.
If your combined weight is under 400lb's I wouldnt be concerned.
G
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·HI, i thrash my t100 most the time & have never ever had a problem off any sorts, also most of my riding is 2 up with my wife, she loves it because ive only ever had super sports bikes, like r1,s & fireblades, now they were a pain 2 up, i'm about 14 stone & the wife is about 10 stone, i dont really no she's on the back as it makes very little difference, so i would say enjoy & dont worry.. 
:hihi:
:hihi:
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300 Posts
And MY testimony
(you might be interested in what the origin of "testi'mony" is..... or not.)
I was 255 pounds while logging on the miles of my '05, over 22,000 miles. I put an ignition module that allowed me to spin her up beyond the factory red-line, and I DID! I rode that bad boy on goat trails, speeds over 100 mph (often), extended trips, and while acting out my RickyRoadRacer fantasies.
Suffice it to say I had PLENTY smiles and ZERO problems.
Then I sold it so I could buy a Yamaha FZ1..... but I've since built another '05 Bonneville, and love it even more! But I put some alloy Excels & Buchanan spokes on this bike. I also changed the suspension to accomodate my hamburger eating bod'. The after-market ignition module I had on the other bike has since resulted in cold starting problems.... so I've since returned the Triumph igniter to this bike.
What can be learned from this story?
1) Buy a high power crotch rocket if you wanna ride like a fool or a RickyRoadRacer.
2) Come to YOUR OWN conclusions about the "spoke issue", I did......
3) If you buy ANY performance parts (ignition modules) they may not have the backing NOR THE QUALITY of certified Triumph parts.
4) Cheap throw away suspension components is the best way to keep the price down on factory bikes and are best suited for feather-weights who just cruuuuise.
5) Modify within reason, and research your parts is parts.
6) You're gonna love this bike and all the attention you get.
[ This message was edited by: Olderyoungster on 2007-01-12 15:36 ]
(you might be interested in what the origin of "testi'mony" is..... or not.)
I was 255 pounds while logging on the miles of my '05, over 22,000 miles. I put an ignition module that allowed me to spin her up beyond the factory red-line, and I DID! I rode that bad boy on goat trails, speeds over 100 mph (often), extended trips, and while acting out my RickyRoadRacer fantasies.
Suffice it to say I had PLENTY smiles and ZERO problems.
Then I sold it so I could buy a Yamaha FZ1..... but I've since built another '05 Bonneville, and love it even more! But I put some alloy Excels & Buchanan spokes on this bike. I also changed the suspension to accomodate my hamburger eating bod'. The after-market ignition module I had on the other bike has since resulted in cold starting problems.... so I've since returned the Triumph igniter to this bike.
What can be learned from this story?
1) Buy a high power crotch rocket if you wanna ride like a fool or a RickyRoadRacer.
2) Come to YOUR OWN conclusions about the "spoke issue", I did......
3) If you buy ANY performance parts (ignition modules) they may not have the backing NOR THE QUALITY of certified Triumph parts.
4) Cheap throw away suspension components is the best way to keep the price down on factory bikes and are best suited for feather-weights who just cruuuuise.
5) Modify within reason, and research your parts is parts.
6) You're gonna love this bike and all the attention you get.
[ This message was edited by: Olderyoungster on 2007-01-12 15:36 ]
Thanks for the replies. A few more questions please. Has anybody done their own valve check? Is it hard? How is the stock seat? It looks quite a bit like the seat that I had on the Thunderbird which I replaced with the King/Queen.
The dealer said I could get 10% off accessories on purchase day. Definitely planning on a back rest and possibly bags. Has anybody bought theses 2 items? Satisfied?
Come on spring!!
The dealer said I could get 10% off accessories on purchase day. Definitely planning on a back rest and possibly bags. Has anybody bought theses 2 items? Satisfied?
Come on spring!!
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Cant answer your question on the valve adjustment's as I havent had enough miles on my bike for one yet, that will come this year.
As for the stock seat, give it about 3000 miles before you give up on it, mine broke in very nicely at that point.
As for bags, checkout the leatherworks...( google search )...they make some nice stuff. I have the 103 model bags on my bonnie. Nice classic look.
As for the stock seat, give it about 3000 miles before you give up on it, mine broke in very nicely at that point.
As for bags, checkout the leatherworks...( google search )...they make some nice stuff. I have the 103 model bags on my bonnie. Nice classic look.
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5,612 Posts
Norton54 - Valve checks are easy. An hour at most, if you're slow like me. Now if the shims need changed you may or may not want to attempt to do that yourself. However, the valve check intervals are every 12k miles, so if you ride, say 6k per year, you have two years between checking/shim changing.
NOTE: my T100 has 16k on the odometer, and the valves are within a gnat's eyebrow of being in spec.
However, I will change a couple of exhaust shims this spring, based on a previous check, and will do it myself, since I've wrenched on bikes and cars for years. And I will follow either the Haynes or Truumph service manual to the letter, since there are bolt untightening and retightening sequences from which you don't want to deviate. Failure to do so could goof up the cam carriers and by default, the head. That would be expensive.
Bob
[ This message was edited by: ohiorider on 2007-01-13 08:15 ]
NOTE: my T100 has 16k on the odometer, and the valves are within a gnat's eyebrow of being in spec.
However, I will change a couple of exhaust shims this spring, based on a previous check, and will do it myself, since I've wrenched on bikes and cars for years. And I will follow either the Haynes or Truumph service manual to the letter, since there are bolt untightening and retightening sequences from which you don't want to deviate. Failure to do so could goof up the cam carriers and by default, the head. That would be expensive.
Bob
[ This message was edited by: ohiorider on 2007-01-13 08:15 ]
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66 Posts
I weigh about 150 and my SO weighs about 125. No issues at all carrying that weight. Almost don't notice it. My SO, though, found the stock seat uncomfortable and too low. I bought the king/queen and she is much more comfortable on it (I find it only somewhat better for myself). So, I'd recommend the king/queen for your wife's comfort if my SO is any indication.
I also have the high Triumph sissy bar. I like the way it looks and my SO likes the way it feels, so I'd recommend it (you can only use the high bar with the king/queen- low bar won't fit). The only problem is that if you want to add a luggage rack, there is nothing compatible with it out there. Newbonneville.com sells a sissy bar that has an integrated luggage rack, though I don't think it looks quite as nice as the Triumph sissy bar.
I also added the following accessories at purchase that I have been very pleased with: summer screen (like the way it looks and it is effective at cutting wind), engine dresser bars, fabric panniers.
Good luck!
Michael
I also have the high Triumph sissy bar. I like the way it looks and my SO likes the way it feels, so I'd recommend it (you can only use the high bar with the king/queen- low bar won't fit). The only problem is that if you want to add a luggage rack, there is nothing compatible with it out there. Newbonneville.com sells a sissy bar that has an integrated luggage rack, though I don't think it looks quite as nice as the Triumph sissy bar.
I also added the following accessories at purchase that I have been very pleased with: summer screen (like the way it looks and it is effective at cutting wind), engine dresser bars, fabric panniers.
Good luck!
Michael
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5,612 Posts
Hey Whoa - I'm catching it from everyone when they walk thru my garage. Geez - is that a new bike? Uhhhhhh, yeah ....
And when ya goin to remodel the bathrooms? Uhhh, well, I spent the remodeling money on the ST1300.
And at 64, I can't blame it on middle-age crazy anymore!
Love bikes! Perpetually crazy!
Bob
And when ya goin to remodel the bathrooms? Uhhh, well, I spent the remodeling money on the ST1300.
And at 64, I can't blame it on middle-age crazy anymore!
Love bikes! Perpetually crazy!
Bob
The seat on my Bonne is brioken in but it still resembles an ironing board? I can handle it but some might not. As the valves go there was a post here a year or so bacc on a 904 big bore install. Someguy did a play by play (w/ pics & antidotes) informative & funny. Pats Big bore install- should still be here in the archives. A well done gig. Tells exact on how the valves. Give it a look. I got it on my favorites for when I need it!
Thanks for all the info, you guys have been informative. I e-mailed the dealer I saw a few weeks ago (I live quite a ways away) about the bike but he hasn't got back with me yet. I am getting excited tho!
One question please and I'll try and leave you alone. Has anybody installed the gen-mar risers?
[ This message was edited by: norton54 on 2007-01-14 10:36 ]
One question please and I'll try and leave you alone. Has anybody installed the gen-mar risers?
[ This message was edited by: norton54 on 2007-01-14 10:36 ]
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