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Considering 2014 T100 Special Edition

3.9K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  DRugerH  
#1 · (Edited)
Good morning. I am still in the market for a Triumph. One bike that came to my attention, which I will be looking at this weekend, is a 2014 Bonneville T100 Special Edition. Normally, I only buy vehicles with color, red, blue, green, etc., but this one is speaking to me, even though it is colorless, with a black tank and silver fenders. The bike has 16k miles on it, so under average, I suppose, at less than 2k miles per year. It has Triumph saddlebags and an after-market windshield. It also has after-market exhaust, but it supposedly makes the bike quieter, which I am cool with, but may search for OEM exhaust as I would rather keep the bike mostly OEM (I'm that way with all my bikes). Everything else on the bike looks to be OEM, so it's mostly unmolested.

I am just hoping to get some opinions from other Triumph owners that are familiar with this year of bike. I do like that it doesn't have all the electronics of the newer T100s. I like a simple bike, and honestly, like as little as possible, tech-wise (I buy stripped down cars, and no longer buy new since I hate screens in my car). Tubed tires do no bother me at all as two of my three bikes are tubed. It has the all-chrome wheels, which makes tire changes so much easier since I don't have to be careful with powder coating.

Anyhow, just looking to get the opinions of others.

Thanks,
Dan
 
#2 ·
Hi Dan, I have a 2011 model of the SE so does this one have the Mag Wheels?

I have had mine since 2013 and pretty much totally rebuilt it to change it's appearance from the stock version to something more bespoke for me.

I have had loads of bikes of varying types but simply love my Bonnie. Easy to ride, easy to park up, easy to work on. I have done thousands of miles on her and, whilst she is on the small size, she just goes and goes.

Good luck...
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#3 ·
Good morning. I own an 06 carb version. As you describe, the most minimal electronics between me and the motorcycle. At the risk of sharing information you already have...

2001-2008 (US) are all carb bikes with bare minimum electronics (igniter & coils). 2009-10 are the first gen eft systems though Europe was a year ahead of the US in introducing that feature. In 2011 Triumph introduced the CANBUS system. Here's a basic write-up if you are unfamiliar: https://www.motorcycle.com/features/canbus-and-motorcycles.html

Your 2014 will have the CANBUS system, but I believe the kinks were pretty well worked out by then. Others may chime in with more specific details related to their experience.

Some purists lean towards the least possible tech on their bikes, some embrace every possible bit of the latest tech. Many of us lie somewhere in the middle...tech is fine as long as it actually works. My two cents, from 2001 to 2024 there hasn't been a bad Bonneville. They are all lovely and reliable rides that no one else has quite been able to replicate. Different models had different quirks or advantages and we all have our preferences amongst the minutia, but I expect you will enjoy the bike very much. If you really do not want the interference of any electrics, consider an older carb model.
 
#4 ·
Hi Dan, I have a 2011 model of the SE so does this one have the Mag Wheels?
No, the one I'm looking at is a T100, Special Edition, with the spoke wheels. I guess it's something special for that year? Here's a picture from a dealership (not the one I'm looking at) for the model in question:

Image


This one actually looks to have the same exhaust as the one I'm looking at. I think the stock was the peashooter exhaust, but

Dan
 
#6 ·
Daang. I bought my 2017 T120 due to colors playing a large factor in my background (late dad, Triumphs, etc). But that is an eye turner. I'd consider that one myself.
 
#5 ·
Mark the Moose, thanks for that info and URL. I have always had Japanese bikes, with the exception of my Royal Enfield Himalayan, so I am still learning about Triumph, so the link you sent is very helpful, even though I know this isn't Triumph-specific.

Thanks again,
Dan
 
#7 · (Edited)
Hi Dan,

I am not sure but I think that is a special T100 model, there have been plenty, but the SE is actually a different model with mag wheels. I also have the 2011 Bonneville SE, like PurplePhil I have a few changes.
Having said that as far as I know the engine, gearbox, suspension and frame are identical. They are a very solid frame with a very reliable under stressed engine. If well maintain they are pretty bullet proof.

They do benefit from a suspension upgrade front and rear which are a couple of things changed on mine.
Image
 
#8 ·
Hi Dan,

I am not sure but I think that is a special T100 model, there have been plenty, but the SE is actually a different model with mag wheels. I also have the 2011 Bonneville SE, like PurplePhil I have a few changes.
Having said that as far as I know the engine, gearbox, suspension and frame are identical. They are a very solid frame with a very reliable under stressed engine. If well maintain they are pretty bullet proof.

They do benefit from a suspension upgrade front and rear which are a couple of things changed on mine.

View attachment 832282
View attachment 832283
I can see how that would be a confusing title, so I changed it to reflect "Special Edition."

Dan
 
#10 ·
Ugh. More pictures not posting. What’s the frequency, Kenneth? I’m losing my religion. 🙏
 
#11 ·
I never had a triumph other than my 2011 America. It has the longer wheelbase, sensors are basically only for running the motor and are understandable, electronic fuel injection seems terrific and trouble free as I near 40,000 miles. My knees don't like being under my butt for hours, so forward pegs allow the long cross-country trips.

865cc provides remarkable acceleration between say 45-70 mph if in correct gear. Beautiful paint with the gold pinstripe. Runs quietly. Tires big enough to manage uneven pavement and tar strips. 5-gallon tank yields confident 200-mile range at 40+mpg. Having a lithium battery is a plus because this model's battery compartment is small. In my life I have owned 9 motorcycles. I like having the speed and power to out accelerate most cars but seldom tap that power that is in reserve by downshifting. On those occasions while owning this bike during phase when I had plenty of money to buy new whatever I wanted, I could never find a more likeable proper sized and weighted comfortable quiet suitably powerful all-around cruiser. But like I said, I never rode any other Triumphs.

I lucked out, ordered on line sight unseen, in 2012, for $5,600, delivered from Columbia SC to Greensboro NC with 800 miles on odometer. After several years I mistook weak battery for bad Reg/Rec so I bought a new Mosfet and moved from under rear wheel and I remounted to bottom of oil cooler. The bike never once stranded me. Until I got a LiFeP04 battery, sitting more than a few weeks in the driveway in the cold was a gamble and sometimes needed charge and this model is tough on conventional battery. I have replaced chain and sprockets once. Valve clearance checked occasionally but never out of spec. I put in progressive springs because I am not concerned with squeezing out every bit of cornering prowess and prefer not having every little road imperfection transmitted to bars.

Since this Picture I have splurged on a Saddleman seat with a driver backrest and comfy passenger seat. And, at 6'2" - 188cm and 235 lbs. 106kg I have since purchased a little windshield 'wing' which has eliminated the one bug-a-boo I always had which was helmet shaking. I look at new bikes and used newer models but no longer consider (or have) spending money for any new model I have read about or come across.

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It
 
#13 ·
Thanks, 2011America. I actually considered an America, but after reflecting on what I really wanted, I decided that since I already have a 1700cc cruiser, I would go ahead and keep that bike, and replace the other two with the T100. I like having the "assortment" of bikes, so one cruiser, one standard, etc.

However, I found out that, while the stealership said the bike is still for sale, someone put a deposit on it two weeks ago. I was a little ticked that I had been emailing a salesperson, and they never told me that, so I made the 35-mile drive to check it out yesterday just to find out it is no longer on the sales floor. I did ask them to call me if they perspective buyer backs out, but I am not holding my breath.

I did see a 2017 T120 come up for sale with lower miles and a reasonable price, but I don't know if I want all them fancy electronic farkles on the bike. I'll probably check it out next weekend though. It is a good price, so maybe I can overlook those things.

Dan