[road dog]

The front end on my Bonnie still looks all stock. So I've been thinking about getting some aluminum instrument cups, chromed headlight ears, along with a pair of fork gaiters.

I'd appreciate some any opinions on how you think this would look on my black/red Bonnie, compared to the all stock stock front end now.

I was kinda going for the sportier look. I'm just not sure if the gaiters would better or hinder that style. If I decide to go with the gaiters, I think the chrome ears and aluminum cups are a must.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Phil

 

[bung1]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder my freind,go your own way,but, always remember balance. Use the force Luke :-D

 

[road dog]

Thanks bungy, that helps a whole bunch. Not really!

Maybe a few real opinions would be more helpful to me... anyone?

I'm leaning towards leaving her as is for now. Mainly because I figure... if I can't decide which looks the best, then I'll just save my money and be that much happier. It's not like everybody in town has freakin Bonnie.

Maybe just the aluminum instrument cups would look good? Or maybe nothing at all?

 

[DrPangloss]

Hey roaddog, i've got the same bike and i've just ordered M bars and some nice little bar end mirrors.

I think fork boots are next - they give you protection, add a bit of cool, and don't retract from the sporty look at all IMO.

A bobbed front fender would be a good thing. Also maybe a mini black or chrome flyscreen OR some aftermarket mini speedo and tach. There's a thread here with some nice ones.
I'm after some myself.

what else....

 

[SCCTrim]

polished or chrome instrument cup's do alot to brighten the frontal area of the bonnie, I had them on my bike and liked the look when I had that LSL setup on it.


Chrome headlight ears may be over the top.


Black silencers would go a long way too imo....

 

[eagle]

I just fitted the gaiters and smaller indicators. Looks good and solid. Now where do you get those polished ally clock covers from?

 

[Thrux-ton-up]

Road dog - get some Thrux headlight mounts, polish the fork legs and do get those polished instrument cups. Oh and gaiters too. Heres what that combo looks like on the front of a T100 (except for the instrument cups)

 

[road dog]

Thrux-ton-up,

Thanks for the help... that combo does look good. Especially w/ the stock headers. I posted a WTB ad for Thruxton headlight mounts, but w/ no success to date.

---------------------------------------------------

eagle,

You can get the instrument cups HERE. High dollar stuff... I think they should be high quality chromed for the price they want.

 

[5bassman]

On 2006-11-24 00:55, road_dog wrote:

I'm leaning towards leaving her as is for now. Mainly because I figure... if I can't decide which looks the best, then I'll just save my money and be that much happier. It's not like everybody in town has freakin Bonnie.

Maybe just the aluminum instrument cups would look good? Or maybe nothing at all?

Your bike looks great! I'm like you, Bonnevilles are so rare compared to other bikes that it doesn't take much for someone to say "Hey, nice Triumph man", as I heard yesterday here in Daytona Beach where even this week there is a bike at every intersection! I'm adding a few things here and there but don't plan or can't afford to over do it. I have the Bonnie Black and have the same mirrors as you do, Dart screen, Hagon shocks, Renntec rack I'll be receiving for Christmas, and soon to add a couple of decals maybe. It can be addicting, and expensive but alot of fun! The Gaiters would be a nice touch and if you don't like them, I'll buy em off ya!

 

[Anne]

I would lean towards leaving your instrument cups and blacking the headlight case. Then bobbing the front mudguard.

:-D

 

[Hilts]

I agree with 5bassman, you don't need much to look different. If you are looking for a sportier look, forget the gaiters. Also, I think black head-light ears scream "Bonneville," just take a look at some older Meriden models, so I'd leave them alone. Maybe try some sportier handle bars, like the Norman Hyde "Ace" bars and sportier mirrors. If I were you, I wouldn't chrome it up too much since the black of the bike compliments the black of the tank.

 

[road dog]

5bassman,

Thanks for the kind encouragement. You're right 'cause I'm still gonna love her either way, so it's not a big deal really. I've already added way more than I could have imagined when I decided to buy her.

---------------------------------------------------

Anne,

I've seriously considered painting the headlight shell black before. I've also been considering a black Triumph flyscreen lately. I see where Hermy's list a 'black and tornado red' flyscreen. But I haven't seen it offered anywhere else, and they have no pics of it.

I also thought about a short front fender in the past. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but there's something classy about the front fender I like. I ditched the rear fender, as I always hated it. But I'd kinda like to keep the front fender as is. Great suggestion though.

 

[road dog]

On 2006-11-24 10:25, Hilts wrote:
I agree with 5bassman, you don't need much to look different. If you are looking for a sportier look, forget the gaiters. Also, I think black head-light ears scream "Bonneville," just take a look at some older Meriden models, so I'd leave them alone. Maybe try some sportier handle bars, like the Norman Hyde "Ace" bars and sportier mirrors. If I were you, I wouldn't chrome it up too much since the black of the bike compliments the black of the tank.

Thanks Hilts,

Now that's the kinda stuff that makes me feel good about just leaving well enough alone.

I kinda have the same thoughts on fork gaiters. I do like 'em, but maybe just a little too old school looking for the more aggresive seat and pipes.

I really appreciate your opinion of the black headlight mounts. Also an excellent thought on the black bike complimenting the black tank. :bow:

 

[FattRat]

Danm,
sooo clean the way it is, don't go messing with a good thing..... however:

*Gaiters an absolute must!
Function (saves yer seals), and flatters the classic 'retro look' of a Bonneville. Looks too skinny up there without 'em. The challenge will be selecting from either the W650 Gaiters, SUPER Gaiters, Euro Gaiters, or any and alligaitors.

*Buchanan stainless steel spokes.
Why fret over the possibility of a broken spoke(s). Pay to have somebody install some GOOD spokes to yer wheels. The factory spokes are a little on the 'small' side, the factory wheels look good if kept up and outa the moisture. BUT why not spending the big bucks (saved from doing other needless mods) and consider attaching some Excel alloys to those Buchanan ss spokes.....(!)

*Powdercoat the headlamp housing Black..... or not.
Leaving the housing's bezel chrome, Black out the headlamp and THEN add some chrome instrument housings.

*Grab rail.
Buy one and have it modified, or have one made to your spec's. I actually believe the rails available for our bikes sit too far back and are a bit too tall. They might even be a bit too thin (for me). I would have one in a heart beat if they were to my liking, but they just aren't 'right'......

*Handlebars & mirrors.
If what you've got on the bike now is comfortable, I LIKE IT the way it is! That look is clean, civilian, and classy. Be careful not to do 'too much'.....

*Norman Hyde rear sets.
I can't believe the difference in felt comfort is with my Raask rear sets, but they're over-kill and with no rubber parts. The Norman Hyde's are lower and look more comfortable. Get your seating position outa that "cruiser" mode, it might improve your felt comfort.

 

[Motolink]

On 2006-11-24 06:05, Thrux-ton-up wrote:
Road dog - get some Thrux headlight mounts, polish the fork legs and do get those polished instrument cups. Oh and gaiters too. Heres what that combo looks like on the front of a T100 (except for the instrument cups)

What make of handlebars have got on your bike, thanks.

 

[Thrux-ton-up]

On 2006-11-24 14:03, Motolink wrote:
What make of handlebars have got on your bike, thanks.

Sorry I can't help you - unless you are talking about my thruxton - which currently sports LSL superbike bars. The Blue Bonnie in the pic is not mine. JCW

 

[ohiorider]

On 2006-11-24 00:55, road_dog wrote:
I'm leaning towards leaving her as is for now. Mainly because I figure... if I can't decide which looks the best, then I'll just save my money and be that much happier. It's not like everybody in town has freakin Bonnie.

You make a good point. Unless there's a few Bonnie owners in town, you'll be the only one who'll know the time and effort you've spent to make her look nice. The flip side is .... she'll look nice, and you'll personally enjoy the results of your efforts.

Now to the issue .... I think I'd try something that adds to the appearance and the functionality .... someone mentioned different bars. The low ones on my T100 change not only the appearance of the bike, but the way the bike feels. Try to assure this type change is driven because of a problem with the current bar (or seat, etc). That way, she'll not only look different/better, but you'll appreciate the fact that she is in fact different.

Waht did I say??

Bob

Edit - after all this .... I looked again at the pix of your bike and see that you've already changed bars. I like her the way she is. Black and Red is niiice!

[ This message was edited by: ohiorider on 2006-11-24 17:13 ]

 

[Guest]

Road_Dog

I have an 07 same color. I used to have a 1970 Bonnie which is considered the last of the classic years and the last with fork gaiters. The early 70's look without rubber gaiters still looks retro but it's just a personal preference. These new Bonnevilles ,just stock have 98% of the classic looks of the old bikes with none of the vibration, oil leaks and the dreaded Lucas electrics, not to mention left side shift, 5 speed etc. By the way, what rear shocks do you have and do you like them and also are those D&D pipes. I can't believe how bad the stock pipes sound. I will be changing ASAP to Togas or D&D so I can tell if the bike is running or not

Ranger

 

[road dog]

Whoa.. I just had deja vu. :hihi: What ever happened to Yogi and BooBoo anyway, RangerRick?

The shocks are Ikons, the pipes are Staintune reverse cones. Very happy with both. :-D

 

[Guest]

You must be as old as I am!! Your Bike looks great but we all have a hard time leaving well enough alone.