Triumph Bonneville Review

[1.21GW]

That guy also has a funny video on how to change your oil.  I think it's posted elsewhere on DMF, but I'm lazy, so here:

How to change the oil on a SR500

He needs to make more videos!

[brad black]

it really frustrates me that people keep making the "I had to make it run like triumph should have made it run from the factory" comments.  if they made it run the way he wanted it'd be illegal in most markets.  how hard is that to understand?

journos say it too.

[ungeheuer]

It's not hard to understand.  But its understandable that the comments are made.

It really frustrates me that they have to make it run like crap to be legal in most markets.

[Curmudgeon]

It's not hard to understand.  But its understandable that the comments are made.

It really frustrates me that they have to make it run like crap to be legal in most markets.

Not really "like crap". Well below potential probably. The most objectionable quirk, low rpm throttle snatch, is easily eliminated with a cork/plug in the air injection hose. Triumph has a number of "tunes" available at the dealership. Mine has TORs (Triumph Off-Road) mufflers with a mild "bump" because the standard muffler makes it sound like a "Hoover". That was part of my purchase deal. There is an Arrows 2-into-1 tune which is a much greater bump although I've not ridden a bike with Arrows. Not cheap either, although cheaper than Termis. I prefer the peashooter look and Arrows don't work with a centerstand either.

A good pal has Norman Hyde "Toga" peashooters fitted. Those look decent and aren't TOO loud. One of the Arrows OEM tunes would probably work with these. He went the Power Commander and dyno route instead. I once put 50 miles on that bike. It's a good bit smoother than mine (which is already pretty smooth) and has at least 10+% more urge. Much more than that and you'll REALLY need some chassis upgrades IMO!!!  For some reason that PC tune seriously reduced engine braking and I didn't like that AT ALL.

Apparently the cams from the earlier 790cc carb bikes are a direct swap with the 865cc bikes and make the bike rev much more freely. Those cams were definitely an emissions issue as were the carbs. Anyway, there's a lot that can be done at reasonable cost. Triumph just can't price the bike above the market out-the-door. The engine character is really the most endearing thing about the bike along with the hand-painted pinstripes on the tank.

The most deficient items are the shocks and forks. Always blows my mind that Bonnie riders don't attack these first! As delivered the bike is a torture device unless your roads are glass. (Compared to Ducati riders, Bonnie riders are PD cheap! ) Your mates at Ikon have the shocks dialed in for reasonable money. The forks are Jap crap 41's and cost a fortune to get to the same level as the Ikons. Cheap emulators do a fair job with a bit of tuning. Most seem to do progressive springs which are a bandaid rather than a "fix".

Too much information? 

[MadDuck]

All said and done I think I'd rather have the '69 Bonneville anyway.  Not that it was a stellar machine by any stretch but at least there was nothing pretend about it.  I miss my '69 Commando Fastback. It kicked those Bonnie's ass sideways and then some.   

[Kev M]

It really frustrates me that they have to make it run like crap to be legal in most markets.

That's the real sin and true for many bikes. And it's all for naught as they represent such a small part of emissions.

[ungeheuer]

That's the real sin and true for many bikes. And it's all for naught add they represent such a small part of emissions.

Yup.

[Bonster]

Buying a used Bonneville and riding it half the time has done more to make my Monster feel fast than all my performance mods combined.  They're still good bikes though.  The carbed models are better. 

[Curmudgeon]

The carbed models are better. 

Showoff! 

You probably like the hotter cams on the early 790cc bikes, Steve. I rode a pal's jetted '03 with TOR's and confess it's freer revving. The 865cc EFi bikes have substantially more torque though. Carbs can be a PITA if fuel isn't properly stabilized over the winter and EFi bikes adapt to the very variable E-10 down here as long as the O2 sensors haven't been disabled. When you fill up here, you never know whether you are getting 3%, 5% or 10% ethanol. Still not an issue for you in BC I presume.

I see you've changed your turn signals and brake/stop light. Which mufflers? What other mods?

[Bonster]

I see you've changed your turn signals and brake/stop light. Which mufflers? What other mods?

The signals and tail light are Newbonneville "Lucas tail and Euro blinkers" plug and play kit.  The pipes are Dominator Touring. 

I lose track of what I've done to my bikes because I'm always doing something or thinking about it.   As far as "performance mods" on a Bonne (is that an oxymoron?) just the usual stuff: get 'em fueling and breathing right and decently suspended and you're set.  As you know, they're good fun as long as you don't start thinking they're something they're not.  Removed AI, snorkel, airbox restrictor plate, then added K & N, re-jetted to match Doms, Pro-com ignitor.  Pirelli Sport Demons really help these bikes reach their modest handling potential.  Ikon shocks and Intiminators and heavier linear springs in the forks were a revelation coming off the shit stock suspension, and such a cheap mod compared to doing almost ANYTHING on a Ducati.

I like the skinnier and more attractive gas tank on the carbed models, as well as the simplicity.  I know it is outdated technology, but once you get the carbs set up properly on these bikes, they accelerate smooth right off idle.  I thought the video review was hilarious.  

 

[jerryz]

A couple of years ago i helped  pal in the UK sort out his bonny 795 we lightened the crank ,put a 904cc bigbore kit and some valve work , K&N filters , racing silencers  re jetting , fork emulators , beringer  4 pot front brake and IKON rear shocks and 18'' wheels and decent rubber , tailfender  chop and lucas rear led light ,the bike now make 85hp at rear wheel its lost 67 lbs of weight too also had the tank reprofield to get rid of the weld crimp line so tank looks real neat ,, bike is a ripper handles great and goes like stink , its done over 28,000 miles since rebuild ,totally reliable the Bonny engine is heavy and over engineered as standard .

[kopfjäger]

http://www.caferacerdreams.com.es/motos/encargos-de-otros-clientes/triumph-bonneville

[SpikeC]

A couple of years ago i helped  pal in the UK sort out his bonny 795 we lightened the crank ,put a 904cc bigbore kit

***************  Snippy****************
,, bike is a ripper handles great and goes like stink , its done over 28,000 miles since rebuild ,totally reliable the Bonny engine is heavy and over engineered as standard .

If they sold THAT bike I would be riding it now............

[GK]

Great video, well done! 

I see you ride many roads that I do.

GK