2002 Triumph Bonneville America Motorcycle reviews

My 7th Triumph over the past 40 years, and my favorite without a doubt. I've had my TBA for 5 years; got it from wanna-be who only put 1500 mi. on it, but also put lots of pricey accessories. I've got @ 30k mi. on it now, with virtually no repairs -- breaks, oil, rubber. It beats me a bit more than my H-D riding friends on the hwy (no windscreen), but I kill them in the hills. And when we stop, people knock over $30k Harleys to get a good look at my Triumph. Great bike. Show less

I bought this bike used in Feb. 08. All of the upgrades were installed by the previous owner. The only things I have had to do to keep it on the road are replace the front brake pads and change the oil. This is the most reliable bike that I have ever owned and maintenance and parts are very reasonably priced at the local dealer. This bike handles, accelerates and brakes better than any cruiser that I have ever ridden. You can really get it over in a turn without feeling unstable. Hats off to the Triumph engineering team on this one. Show less

Bought my BA 2002 in the spring of 03...Have had NO problems at all....Wife and I ride mostly on the Blue Ridge Pkwy....30 miles from house...enough power with both of us up....ALWAYS gets looks and questions when we stop....Every April 1st....New oil, and service...and just keep going....Did a recent weekend ride with friend and his wife to Boone, NC....His was a HD Road King...He could not keep up with me and the wife on the BA.... Show less

This is without a doubt the best value in mid weight cruiser motorcycles. Everywhere I ride people always stop and ask questions, this bike always draws a crowd. Besides, everybody has a Harley. It is a very good running bike especially after jetting and aftermarket exhaust. If you buy a TBA you will not be dissapointed and you will stand out in a sea of Harley and Japanese Harley clones. Show less

I've been riding for 40 years and have ridden or owned all types of bikes. My '02, TBA is without comparison. I'm an average rider at 3,500 miles a year. My TBA is a one-off factory machine having been photographed for the '02 accessory catalog and making the rounds of the bike shows and tours on the Triumph truck. It is chromed out and has a Corbin solo seat. It draws more attention and comments than a naked lady in church! I believe it to be the King of the medium cruiser class and it eats up the big baggers off the line and in the twisties. I recommend it to anyone considering this type/style of machine. Show less

I found this bike easier to ride than the one I was given to do my riding skills course on. Comfortable to the point I think it's actually fixing my back problems rather than aggravating them, possibly because it demands a reasonable posture. I got a 2002 model at a discount in May 2004. Prefered the black silver color. The bike attracts a lot of positive comments from all sorts of people: young, old, male, female. The thing has real personality. The only negative comments relate to the pipes. People think the bike ought to sound like an old Triumph rather than a "VW". It doesn't bother me though because remedies are available. I read it was the best selling model for Triumph in Australia & Triumph were the best selling European manufacturer here (beat BMW). I think they should have stuck with derivatives like the Speedmaster rather than the way they've gone this year. Time will tell. Show less

I just picked up my new Bonny America. This ride is unbelievable. For starters, I have been riding since I was 14. My adult life consisted of Harleys. I am 50 years old now and when I was a kid I went through Honda Scramblers, then graduated to a 65 Triumph trophy. Took time out for the SE Asia war games, came home, and started with a 1960 Sportster with a Joe hunt mag and Springer frontend. Moved up to a 54 panhead with a suicide and ratchet head shifter. Finally settled with a 79 FLH dresser. Then I grew up got married and said bye bye to bikes. After lifes lessons, divorce, kids grown up, my future finally settled down (re-married of course)the urge came back, and the spouse had no problem with it. I looked around and every dentist, stockbroker, and office nerd was riding a Harley. They had no clue what a kick starter was, or a 21 in straight laced wheel. When I rode a Harley, you were considered an outlaw, even though the majority of us weren't. It was a bit of a status symbol. My non-conformist nature kicked in. About a year ago, I saw my 1st Triumph America, online. 6 mo later I went to a San Bernardino dealer and saw one for real. I fell in love with it. It is a year later, and I purchased a brand new 2003. I got a great deal because it is DEC, and the 2004's are here. I put Bub's pipes on it to boost the HP a little, and this thing kicks. I have yet to see another one on the road. I get nothing but compliments from my old H-D buds. The new Harley riders are in awe, and some have expressed there misgivings about there road hog purchase. It is a real effort to get on your hog and take off for just an hour or so. Not with my Trumpet. don't get me wrong, I stll love my Harleys, but price, and the new H-D riders forced me to reconsider. I made my choice, and I love it. Thank you Triumph, you given me some long lost memories back. Show less

I HAVE HAD MY AMERICA SINCE MARCH 0F 2002. DONE SOME CUSTOMIZING AND REGULAR MAINTANCE WITH NO PROBLEMS Show less

I bought my TBA in June of 2002 and have been riding for most of two seasons. After more than 14K miles (and two spills), I've got no complaints with the bike. It handles very well, has moderate power and acceleration, and is relatively simple to maintain. I've outfitted mine with forward pegs and a small windscreen, and as might be inferred from the mileage I've put on it, I have had no problems staying comfortable on long trips. I've ordered and will be installing a tach on it because, give the low noise pipes, I too often lose track of whether or not I'm in 5th gear. Finally, there are so few of these things on the road that it's an easy conversation starter. I was going to upgrade to something bigger and *better* next year, but given the difference in price, the TBA is a great value so I've decided to stay with it a little longer. Show less

Have owned this bike for 16 months and found it to be a great value for money cruiser -exhausts do need to be modified to get that Triumph of old sound. Great reto look with generous chrome finish - traditional carburetor adds to the nostalgia. Could do with a tachometer stock purchase. Felt as though there needed to be another gear once in 5th. Once you get it up to 90 mph plus you really do feel like your moving and catching the wind. Good to see the availability of after market accessories. Show less