2001 Triumph reviews

After 40 years of having a bike license this is the first brand new bike I have purchased, thanks to my Wife, Terri, who insisted on me buying it, even though she rides a Honda 400 Super Four (1996). No regrets, but I too had the problem with the chrome on the 'timing cover' but sorted out under warranty. I also had a leak from the front brake fluid reservoir, due to a faulty diaphram, again sorted under warranty. I bought this in March 01 from Clay Cross Powersports in Derbyshire, England. (don't know if there is any connection with this company?) Although I have only done 2500 miles on it so far, I absolutely love the bike, which is perfect for the countryside near here as we live near to the English Peak District, lovely scenery, great biking roads, except for the upkeep of the surfaces, which is generally fairly crap here in England. Hope to get over to California someday to visit relatives in Tustin. Ken Show less

My 01 Bonnie just rolled 14,000 miles and I'm still extremely excited about the bike. I've been riding for over 30 years and have owned many bikes that were faster, better handling, more comfortable, etc... but none more fun than the Bonnie. It looks beautiful, attracts compliments and attention everywhere, handles very well, stops adequately, and is reasonably quick & nimble. Factory warranty issues with the first run of bikes were a clutch chatter problem, some bubbled chrome, a batch of bad throttle cables and a cold starting problem. I believe the 02 models have none of these problems. I strongly recommend opting for the off-road muffler & jet kit (good for ~10 hp), removing the air injection, adding Works shocks in the rear, Race-tech gold valves & springs in the forks, EBC brake pads, a 140 section rear tire and re-jetting the carb with 120 mains and 48 pilots with 2.5 turns out on the air screws. Enjoy... Show less

Well, so far so good. I bought a used 2001 with 210 miles on it and have only ridden it 400 miles, so my review doesn't hold alot of weight, but I will write in later with a more detailed review when I've put some miles on it. It is really very comfortable to ride and provides awesome power in a smooth and non-japanese way. I had a VFR and decided the tiger riding position was awesome for all types of riding, from long hauls to short sprints. It's not a sportbike but it can keep up with some, don't let the high center of gravity look fool you. It attracts alot of attention when you are riding, you don't see many and they are a blast to ride. Every time I get off mine, I have a smile on my face. I will write back in after some well ridden miles. Thanks for reading. Get one if you want a comfortable, sport oriented machine that has class!! Show less

I bought the first bike that hit my dealers floor and it's great. I have had a few minor problems, but they were all warrantied no problem, and the bike never left me anywhere. The new motor has more power and runs smother than the 885 Show less

I only weigh 170 lbs...and I do have a friend that changed seats to a firmer one because he weighs 200+. However, I have driven this bike (2000 year model) for 14,000 miles. I have found it to be fantastic in the corners (however I do know a racer that has changed front shocks and I readjusted the rear shock). I do not ride with small sports bikes and if that is what I wanted I would have chosen a Daytona. As to heat...I have driven through the Nevada desert in 110 weather, with no problems (except when I stop and then the sweat starts..I wear leathers). I tour with a full set of bags (very nice) and I had to adjust the clutch once (by the dealer..no charge). I have taken it to 145 on the straight(for fun once) and found I needed to duck my head behind the windscreen and then it was smooth. My only complaint is that I am short legged (29") and even with built up boots I have trouble in the parking lot. I will purchase a reduced height seat and a lower drive gear...1 tooth. Oh yes, on the last trip (3,000 miles) I averaged 58 mpg and I do have a K&N air cleaner. Would I purchase another Triumph...you bet. Show less

I purchased the Bonnie so that my sons could learn how to ride in the street without the bullet bike mentality or learning on a bike that needs to be replaced (250cc and such). I'm glad a made this decision because the Bonnie has enough brand value and old fashion good looks to keep me interested in riding it every so often. It's also light enough that it doesn't threaten a new rider. The classic looks and British brand doesn't come without some classic problems. I've had to have the clutch replaced, and a jet keeps coming lose on one of the carbs. But...it's a fun ride, and great looking. Show less

Owned Triumphs years ago, wanted something different from UJMC. Like the looks and low seat. Ergnomics suit my size well (5'9, slim). Bike has good handling and nice low range torque, but feels like it needs another gear at hiway speeds. Only problem so far has been leaking rear shock, so it's going to the dealer soon. Probably will be a warrenty repair. Engine is very smooth and makes a nice growl even with stock slip on mufflers. Show less

13 months 10,000 miles. BRG [so-called] Triumph sport can. Triumph rear hugger and Front fender extension. Suspension set to the recommended "Firm" settings. This is my first bike in 22 years. I have been very impressed with the brakes, power, looks, cornering, fit and finish. The only service related issue was the fuel sender which was replaced under warranty. The bike has never let me down with the exception of a flat battery the one time it was parked for 10 days. The tractor-like power delivery is wonderful, the FI is absolutely seamless, pulling cleanly from 2000 RPM and with ever-increasing authority from 3500 on up to 9500. The bike was too quiet with the stock pipe, couldn't even hear it at 40 MPH. The shifting is extremely light and sweet, I have only missed a shift (operator error) 3 times in 10,000 miles. The chain hasn't needed adjusting in the last 4000 miles. The original BT57 Bridgestones, ALWAYS kept inflated to 38PSI/F and 42PSI/R still had tread on them when they were replaced at 9500 miles due to being worn flat in the rear's center and cupping on the front, both of which became noticeable at about 8000 miles. I replaced them with BT010's. 40 MP(US)G plus or minus. It's such a gas to cruise through a corner cranked over on a rough back road in safety and comfort when my buddy on a ZX12R Kaw is bouncing off the seat. It also rides better on the back roads than his BMW K1200RS. What would I change? The fuel gauge would come off of full before 89 miles. The low beam spread would reach out further when the high beams are right. The tool kit would contain tools to remove the wheels. I made tools to do this and can supply information on how to make them if anyone is interested. In sum: Good looking, fast, smooth, comfortable, quality fit and finish, the MTBF of a rock. The dealer's service is perfect since he took the Triumphs away from the BMW mechs who resented working on Triumphs and were a little sloppy. Show less

I have had the bike since mid-March and have now covered 5000 kms. The bike is a joy to own: great looks, reliable, comfortable riding position, sufficient power and speed. The Bonneville has always been a little special and the attention this bike gets confirms this. Ride on! Show less

I was originally in the market for a V-twin cruiser like most people these days. I looked at them all, both American and Japanese. When I came across Triumph, it occurred to me I didn't want to be like everyone else. I wanted a name with a heritage and yet was different. I'm in the process of breaking mine in and so far I'm very impressed with the power and refinement of the engine. Out of the box the bike is smooth and silky. Almost turbine like. Shifting is precise and solid. The brakes work like they're suppose to. The handling is quick and surefooted. It is truely a solid machine. You can feel the quality of its build. The finish of the chrome and paint is as good as anyone's. I'm looking forward to putting a lot of miles on this. I cut my teeth on dirt bikes so this is my first street bike and I know I made a good decision purchasing this motorcycle. Triumph is back! Show less