Study other peoples bikes (online), in person, at bike shows. Even the 60's era bikes.
Ya gotta have an eye.
But as far as themes you can go cafe, classic, brat, roadrace, among many other styles.
Sometimes people 'cross dress' LOL their bike and mix genres.
Like a cafe brat scrambler or something.
But to each his own and enjoy your farkles.
If you don't know, go slow. Look, study... think how you want to look on your bike going down the road.

Now wheres that debit card!

I can usually envision the route I want to go upon the purchase.

Good luck.

50's outlaw Roadster is my direction, as everyone wants desert sled these days.
As in de-chroming most (but not all) for old school looks.

 

As the original Hinckley Bonnies' asthetics were designed as an homage to the '68 T120 (clearly the most beautiful motorcycle ever made) mods are probably best kept to suspension and engine improvements.

 

Other than performance, suspension, and dedorking mod's my 2010 T100 Bonneville is pretty much stock...I think the modern Bonnevilles are a fairly good representation of the classic 60's era Triumphs. I also have an original unmolested 1968 Bonneville T120R as jimbon referenced. I have the best of both worlds...classic and modern Triumph Bonnevilles.

Bob

 

The most common comment I get with my Thruxton is "What year is that bike" me "2004" then I get the "Really, are you sure? It looks older"

 

Totally! I get a lot of interest from the 50+ demographic. The year of the machine is always the first question. They're always surprised when I say 2007.

 

Thanks for the info. I did not know that it was based on a specific year and model. Has anybody tried to make their bike look just like the 68' model? I think mine it to far gone for me to go back to it as I have powder coated the rims black. But this does give me some ideas. Thanks again.

 

do you want an old bonneville? buy a kawasaki w650!!

also with the drum brake

 

I also have an original unmolested 1968 Bonneville T120R as jimbon referenced. I have the best of both worlds...classic and modern Triumph Bonnevilles

That is best of both worlds owning an old and new triumph. I hope to get an opportunity to ride a classic triumph one day. Can you tell me some of the differences between the two? Such as power and how it handles and which is more comfortable to ride? Also are the handlebars in a different position and if so in what way?

 

Well first as far as differences go the classic Triumph is right side shift as opposed to modern bikes being left sided. For a lot of current generation riders they had no idea motorcycles were once right side shift bikes. The 68 is about 100 lbs lighter which makes a big difference in handling but both bikes handle really well. 650cc engine vs 865cc, the 68 T120R has twin carburetors and my 2010 T100 is EFI. The 68 will get up and go and I have run her up to the ton more than once. It just takes a little longer to get there than the modern with an 865cc engine. As far as comfort goes the modern Bonneville is less tiresome to ride. Although I have done long distance trips on my 68 T120R and I have covered 400+ miles in a day. You do know you have ridden that distance when the day is over. Covering the same distance on my T100 I am in no way as tired. I have stock handle bars on my T100 and they feel very similar to the 68...because of my wrecked back I need to ride in more of an erect posture so I have stayed with them. If you ever get a chance to ride a true classic Triumph from the 60's or earlier you should grab the oppotunity. I started out riding Brit bikes in the 60's and when I get on "My Old Girl" I certainly feel very nostalgic.

Bob

 

I haven't customized to make mine look as much like the originals as possible, but I've taken most of my inspiration from them. I bought a shorter rear mudguard, more in keeping with the shape of the '60s bikes, although fibreglass rather than chromed steel. If funds permitted, I would have an exhaust system fitted that matched the flow of the '60s bikes, with Norman Hyde Toga silencers. But then again, although my tank colour scheme of black and cream is similar to Triumphs past, it's closest to a Triumph Thunderbird from the 1950s - no Meriden Bonneville was ever black and cream. And I have a short front mudguard just because I think it looks better.

Most people seem to just go with whatever they picture in their mind as their ideal Bonnie, and I for one would love to have three or four of them so that I could create all of the different versions I carry around in my imagination.

 

I think of these motorcycles as works of art and somebody famous said, art is never finished only abandoned. My personal view point in regards to the exhaust is the kink. That is my goal for the next project is to remove it. I also think what makes the triumph unique is that it is global. Has anybody started a thread and seen how many countries are represented in this forum?

 

You bring up some very special details Oldguy about starting up these "Old Girls." I love the ritual and I know you do as well. Having your fingers, whether gloved or not, smell like gasoline from tickling the carburetors is all part of the relationship you share with your Bonnie. You are probably part of the same generation as me...I will be 64 in June and I rode Triumphs, Nortons, and BSA's through the 60's well into the 70's. When I get on my 68 T120R I have fond memories of those times. In particular my high school sweetie who rode everywhere with me on the back my 69 Bonnie. Thank you for the kind words about my 68 T120R...she is a very unique Bonnie with me be only the 3rd owner over these past 44 years and she was well maintained prior to me acquiring her. Other than the first owner having the tank painted in the UK color scheme of the 68 T120 she is original and unmolested. I am preparing now to ride "My Old Girl" on some 2-3 day road trips around Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, and New Mexico. Last year I rode her 4,000+ miles doing 2-3 day trips. And of course I take her up into the canyons and thrash her on a regular basis...hahaha. Be safe Oldguy...

Bob

 

Same generation as you and I, too, had a wonderful girl that rode everywhere with me on my bike -- should've married her. Enjoy every minute of your trips -- you're truly a lucky man to ride in such a beautiful area.