2003 Triumph Bonneville Motorcycle reviews

After owning several British Bikes in the 60's and 70's I had a great love for them when they were right. However these machines usually required a lot of repair and vibrated with a vengeance. My last British Bike was a 1975 Triumph Trident and it drove me crazy keeping it running. I said NEVER will I buy another British Bike and fell under the power of Far East reliability. These bikes however lacked the style and handing of the British products and I found myself trading often to try to recapture the feel the Triumphs had to no avail. I fell in love with the new T100 and can say from experience they got this one right. I love this bike and wouldn't hesitate to buy British now. Show less

I've been living with my '03 Bonneville for over 2 years now and love it now as much as the day I bought it. First off, these bikes won't satisify those who are into the "tupperware". If you appreciate the art of cycling and the classics, the new Bonneville dove tails right into that catagory. It is truly a modern classic. Personally, I've own/owned or restored classic BSA's and Triumph's and currently still have an Enfield Bullet. The new Bonneville is better then them all hands down-end of story. Now, whats there to like? First is the attractive styling modeled after the '68-'70 Bonneville which by most accounts were the pinicle of the lot. Bench seat (check), 360 degree parrell twin (check),twin shock swinging arm (check) everything made out of metal (side covers, fenders, headlamp shell) (check all the basics that drove the industry through the golden age are here. The engine runs great and is quite strong once opened up with exhaust changes. Handling is superb! Show less

I own and ride several old British motorcycles my favorite being a 1963 BSA Super Rocket. Nothing turned my head until I saw a cobalt blue T-100 Bonnie at the Atlanta Show in December of 2002. I HAD TO HAVE IT. I sold my beautiful 1975 Norton 850 Interstate Commando, bought the Bonnie and never looked back. When describing it I always remark "It is my Norton with everything fixed". My son was Thunderbird #1 in 2002 and 2003. Most memorable ride: From Royston, Georgia to Miami, Florida to watch the Thunderbirds perform. Never got it under 80 MPH indicated on the Interstate and never even had to tighten the chain. I installed the offroad mufflers and the performance improved and it sounded less like a vacuum cleaner. I recently installed Norman Hyde Muffelers and now it sounds like a vintage Truimph FROM THE 60'S, and from 5500 RPM to Red line, "HOLD ON". THEY ARE MESSING WITH MY HEAD HOWEVER, the 2005 Bonnie has 65 more CC. I just rode a Thruxton with the high Bars installed and fell in love all over again. Only complaint: Speedo error. I figure when I am showing 80 it is actually doing about 72 mph. Re-placed Rear tire at 7,300.00 miles OK. One warranty issue, oil sender developed a slight leak, dealer replaced no questions asked. This Bonnie T100 is the best handling, best riding motorcycle I have ever owned and I have owned a few starting with an Indian Brave in 1955. Show less

When looking for my first street bike I wanted something with a classic look and standard riding position. I stumbled on the new Triumphs and fell for the Bonnie right away. I just loved the vintage character and the fact you don't see them everyday. After a test drive I was hooked. What pleases me most is the ease with which it handles. I have no problems in corners, slow speeds or on the highway. I never feel like I need to wrestle with the bike to make it do what I want. (Although I am a little larger than the average bear) I'm not looking to set land speed records so the stock engine/exhaust is all I need. Thought about doing some mods but can think of better ways to spend the money. Still, even without mods it holds its own against most street bikes and handles as well, or better, than any cruiser. Someday I may look to go bigger but this bike does everything I want/need at this point. It's the most fun I've had with my boots on! Show less

I would like to let people know what a pleasure it is to own and ride the 2004 T100 I own a 70 Triumph and bought a 2002 America and when it was more fun to ride the 70 I sold the America that feet forward riding is not for me. I recommend the T100 that just likes to hop on and go it looks great handles great and with the D&D Exhaust is sounds great as well. Ride it you will like it! Show less

Just got a bonnie T100 and love it,great bike.Real good power to weight ratio,handles great and no vibration.If pressed hard my only complaint would be the short stroke on the engine,when you let off the trottle it really dumps the power compared to the old ones. Show less

I'm a senior citizen of 54 and well remember the old bonnie. Had a BSA 500 at the time. Bought a 2002 T100 Lucifer a year ago. Added centre stand, offroad pipes, chrome headlight ears and cam cover. Offroad pipes don't prevent bluing/browning but do go faster and make more noise. I had my headers re-chromed over the winter by a local craftsman with 25 years background. He put "straight chrome on the stainless steel headers with an aluminum flange because nickel wouldn't stick" (too technical for me)With 300 miles only slight bronzing. I think it works. Anyway, I love the bike! Show less

I recently purchased the 2003 Bonneville. I must say visually the bike is stunning. It is a high quality hand built machine. Even the pinstripes on the two toned tanks of the T100 are hand painted with a brush. The bike has a nice even power band, alot of horsepower and an easy to shift tranny. Cons: Triumph charges an arm and 2 legs for accessory pieces. The grab rail, a 15 inch curved chrome tube for the passenger is whopping $225. Gimme a break!!! In addition, the standard pipes and carb jets make the machine run very lean and the exhaust is quite hot, giving the headers the classic bonnie blue purple chrome discoloration. Apparently, going to the "not for road use" pipes and jets will prevent this problem. But this will cost about $450 plus installation unless you know what you're doing. Otherwise this bike is just what I was looking for and I hope to keep it until I am a crotchety old man. Show less

I got my Cobalt Blue Bonneville about six months ago and I love it. It isn't a highway cruiser, motorcycles aren't supposed to be. It is a backroad ripping good time. Get used to being noticed on this bike. It reminds all the senior citizens of the original Bonnie - so they always want to stop you and talk. Good for beginners and long time riders that love a "standard" bike. Show less