Bonneville vs Sportster : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

NOYACANT · 05-04-2007, 01:27 PM

Hmmm, since my 'DX is up for grabs I've been pondering the prospect of picking up Triumph Bonneville. Originally just wanted a lighter bike with a good pwr/wt ratio but not something you see every day. Got looking around at old Trumpets on ebay and ran across some late models that look enough like their older bretherin to pique my curiosity. A vintage model would tend to scare me off due to the gremlins that plagued them back in their hayday. Looked at their website and wasn't disappointed with what I read. What with the oldies bringing down more than they originally cost and the late models at reasonable prices, I might better go used low mile late model. It's either going to be that or an '04-up Sporty. Preferrably a 1200R just for the hotter mill and lack of chrome. Any input regarding the Trumpets would be great.

maverickma · 05-04-2007, 01:48 PM

I have a new 2007 Daytona 675...albeit different than the Bonnie, there have been no mechanical issues with the bike after 1300 miles and one track day. It was a bargain for the price.

You will most likely find it lighter and quicker than a sporty....along with good dealer support. Parts turnaround is quick...not as quick as Harley parts though. Anyone who says the late model Triumphs have electric problems are either misinformed, or full of sh!t..or both.

FXDRYDR · 05-04-2007, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverickma

I have a new 2007 Daytona 675...albeit different than the Bonnie, there have been no mechanical issues with the bike after 1300 miles and one track day. It was a bargain for the price.

You will most likely find it lighter and quicker than a sporty....along with good dealer support. Parts turnaround is quick...not as quick as Harley parts though. Anyone who says the late model Triumphs have electric problems are either misinformed, or full of sh!t..or both.

Not a Bonnie, but I've had my eye on a Speed Triple for a while.

NOYACANT · 05-04-2007, 02:42 PM

Now if I caould only get the individual that's been looking hard at my bike to crap or get off the pot. Located a cheap, lo mi '05 1200R nearby. If it's gone before I sell, I may just take the Trumpet plunge. Now to find a somewhat local dealer.

Edit... Got word from my buddy that he just saw the dude that's been bustin' my head about my bike. Seems now he's found he can't afford it. Time to rub some of the grunge off 'er, take some pics and put 'er on ebay. It's burried somewhere in the 'classified section' on here. Maybe I'll give the post a bump up and the price a bump down.

VIP · 03-08-2008, 07:14 PM

My son has a Triumph T-100 and loves it. Has taken several long rides on it.

AnesMerc · 03-10-2008, 07:49 PM

Sounds like a great bike, bag on the HD.

Lefty · 03-10-2008, 08:07 PM

Every time (infrequently) I see a Bonneville Black I want one . . . . great lookin' little bike.

Lefty

Jammin'John · 04-08-2008, 10:50 AM

The newer triumph's are pretty nice and a little expensive.
They are a fantastic used bike deal.
I like the rocket III and the speed triple.

JJ

JBA111 · 06-10-2008, 10:16 PM

the Triumphs are quality bikes now just dosnt' have alot of dealers

Catfish9450 · 07-21-2008, 12:23 AM

Had an '04 Triumph Bonneville "America" for a couple of years... it would blow 883's away (big whoop), but also hung in there with modified 1200 Sporty's !! Posted it FOR SALE on the net & sold it in 2 days !!!!

nferr · 07-31-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catfish9450

Had an '04 Triumph Bonneville "America" for a couple of years... it would blow 883's away (big whoop), but also hung in there with modified 1200 Sporty's !! Posted it FOR SALE on the net & sold it in 2 days !!!!

I have an 07 Bonneville T100. Great bike, lots of fun to ride. And there's no mistaking the look.

willsfb · 08-26-2008, 05:18 PM

I have an 06 black Triumph america for sale right now,(on consignment at the dealers) a little over 3000 mi. runs excellent, and a few extra parts.

banjobart · 10-21-2008, 11:08 PM

I like my 2005 Bonneville Speedmaster very much. I am buying a 1200 Roadster soon, these are similar bikes in weight and handling.

banjobart · 10-26-2008, 11:19 AM

I will report and give a comparison after the rain stops here, maybe the end of the week. The new Bonnies are excellent. Be forewarned that in mid-year 2007 production of the Bonnevilles was moved from England to Thailand. That may or may not matter to a purchaser. One can tell the country of origin is Thailand if there is a "T" in the VIN number on the frame.

The funny thing is that the Triumph sport bikes are still made in England. It would make more sense to me to keep making the historic designs and retro bikes in England and farm out the sport bikes to Thailand.

Triumph is also making a new 1600 vertical twin cruiser, the Thunderbird, that will be available next year. To my eye they look like a Japanese style cruiser (VTX 1800F) and lost their "Triumph-ness". I think that anyone who buys a 790cc or 865cc Triumph Bonneville will be very pleased with their new ride.

banjobart · 11-13-2008, 09:14 PM

The bikes handle is a similar fashion but run much differently. Both are good on curvy roads. The transmissions are the biggest difference. The Bonneville has short gears, you can cruise at 45 MPH in 5th. gear. The 1200 Sportster has tall gears, you can cruise in 4th gear at 50 MPH and do not want to cruise in 5th. gear below 55 MPH. The top speed is similar, 110 vs. 120 for me, although the Sporty gets there a bit faster and goes a bit faster. The adequate torque of the Sporty is non-existent in the Bonneville. You must keep the Bonneville revved up to be quick. Redline is a thousand or two RPM's higher with the Bonneville. I like them both but find the Sportster is more comfortable, easier on the ass.

If I compared the Bonneville to a 883 the Triumph would win hands down. Compared to a 1200 the Bonneville comes up a little bit short. Both bikes are excellent choices, the Bonneville and the 1200 Sportster. I would not consider a 883. For the same money I would take a Bonneville.