2006 Triumph Bonneville Black Motorcycle reviews

Over the years I have had many different motorcycles, but my heart has always remained with Triumph. Although the early models were somewhat non oil retainers and not very reliable, Triumph has stepped up to the plate with the new Bonneville. It took a long time for me to decide to go back to a Bonneville, as I had ridden many thousand K's on my previous one in the hot Pilbara heat of Australia, and spent a lot of time repairing and rebuilding the old girl. Reluctant as I was, I dived in and purchased the 2006 model, and believe me, what a fantastic bike it is. If you want something that is a real bike to ride without all the modern technology that will make even a 17 year old look good, buy a japanese sports bike. But if you want a bike that feels like a motorcycle, rides like a motorcycle, and dosesn't cost a kings ransom to maintain, then this is the bike for you. The good lady and I go touring on the Trumpy, fully loaded saddle bags and tank bag, and guess what, it's the perfect bike for cruising through the southwest or doing long stints at a time just soaking up the scenery. If you want to go a heck of a lot faster, book a plane ticket. For me, I will stay with Triumph's Bonneville until I am unable to ride. Show less

After 30-plus years without a bike, I chose the Bonneville because I had one as a as a teenager and loved it. The tangerine and opal white was similar to the one I had way back then. I bought the bike sight unseen after considering the Speedy and the America. When I picked it up, I knew I had made the right choice as I prefer the upright seating position and the extra punch of the 360 degree crank. After two victory laps around the dealership parking lot, I felt so comfortable that I made the 90-mile trip home without a stop. The first time I twisted the throttle, I knew it had enough pucker factor for my 55 years. Pucker factor is still effective after over 5K miles of getting used to it, and the bike will kick a Harley Sportster to the curb. Much to its credit, this bike is lighter than the basic cruiser, very stable, and handles well in any kind of traffic from 30 mph stop-and-go to 80 mph on the interstate surrounded by 18-wheelers. I have had two 400-miles plus days with no discomfort. I have had no mechanical problems, period. As far as the above ratings go, comfort level becomes a five with the addition of a King and Queen seat from Triumph. I also added the Triumph high-back sissy bar, which is not untastefully high. Quality also becomes a five with the changing of the headlamp to a sealed beam. The extreme angle differential between low and high beam of the factory lamp does not provide safe, adequate lighting for both settings. A brighter bulb did not solve this problem. I am surprised this setup passed DOT muster. I just love this bike, and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a sound, reliable, comfortable motorcycle; especially the Baby Boomer who always wanted a Triumph. Show less

The Bonnie black is just what I was looking for. Love the retro looks and it's black (the only true color for a motorcycle). The Bonneville is not for everyone. If you want a sport bike buy a Busa, if you want a cruiser, get a VTX, if you want a motorcycle with soul then go for the Bonnie, classic looks with modern, reliable mechanics. I like the upright standard riding position, seat height is perfect for me and I really enjoy the look on someones face after they ask what year it is. The biggest problem is now I have to change it. The Bonneville platform screams at you to add personal touches. There is a fantastic network of New Boneville owners that are constantly making their Bonnie theirs. Seems to be addictive. Had mine for less than a month and have had two UPS deliveries so far. Show less

I feel like James Dean on my new Bonnie. I also own a '73 Bonneville. I have to say that Triumph really did a beautiful job recreating an icon. To me, the look of a classic British bike can not be beat. I did have to make a few adjustments, and change a few components to make the new girl fit my requirements. I do wish Triumph would add an overdrive to the transmission though. All and all, I love my Bonnie! Show less

The Bonnie is a fun bike with lots of character but there are a few things to consider before buying one: minor- I had an oil leak from the cylinder wall with 2K miles on the bike. Fixed under warranty and did not reappear. One night it stalled 3 times....I restarted it with the petcock in reserve (tank was full) and it didn't stall and never had the problem again....starting it normally with petcock in normal position. Major (to me)- make sure your back can handle the HARSH riding rear shocks. I tried aftermarket shocks and they made little to zero difference. Every bump in the road sends jolts up your spine and bucks the bike. If that doesn't bother you.....you'll love the Bonnie. For me, my lower back was so sore after taking such a beating on it....I couldn't sleep. So I sold the bike. I wish the bike didn't ride so harsh....my sportbike and Nomad feel like Cadillacs compared to the Bonnie's ride. But like I said, if you can get past the harsh ride of the bike.....I couldn't.......you will enjoy the Bonneville. Show less

I am 57 years old and haven't owned a motorcycle since 1971 when I sold my 305 Honda Super Hawk. I had ridden a Bonneville before that. I looked at Harley's but I admit I never have liked them-too expensive and too heavy. I considered BMW. I rode a 2007 Bonneville T-100 and it sold me. It is a beautiful bike, rock solid and handles to perfection. I seldom take long trips and ride for only several hours at a time. But it does very well for all day riding. I had Thruxton exhausts added, jetted the carbs and did a few odds and ends. At my age, it is easy to handle, has more than enough power (running about 80 hp), it's a pleasure to drive and yep - it gets all the attention around other makes. Show less

I knew I purchased the right motorcycle when I had my 2006 Triumph Bonneville T-100 parked in the long line of Harley's and the only people that stopped to gauk at the motorcycles, stopped to gauk at my Bonneville!! It is a pure joy to ride and handles the city streets, country roads and highways with ease. I'm approaching 50 and this is my first bike. I couldn't be happier with the balance and sure-footed feeling I get while riding. It has all the power that I could ever ask for and it's there when I need it. I almost forgot, it's one great looking bike. It defines cool. Show less

When I saw the T-100 at the dealer's I was hit with a surge of deja vu that almost made me weep for my mis-spent youth and the 1969 650 Bonneville I used to ride; that Bonnie was the sweetest riding motorcycle I've ever sat on, the two-wheel equivalent of what the poet John Keats meant with that old truth and beauty thing. I like all facets of motorcycle riding, but what I love best is oxygen-depriving acceleration and quickness in the curves. The T-100 in its stock incarnation, and with the windshield and panniers on, is merely OK off the line, and romping up to 60-80 mph. Giving it a bigger set of lungs has made a huge difference. Now it gets it on a lotta mo' harder. The D&D megaphones have given it a snarl more in keeping with the unshaven Limey Yobbo punk lurking underneath its genteel veneer: indeed, that lurks inside every Triumph, I think. This T-100 runs canyons and curves with flair, and can easily outperform its owner. On the interstate, it handles the big speeds and the mileage like a big tourer, though after a long day you know it's not a big tourer--you'll be fuzzed and glad to do something else for a while. Everywhere I ride I end up in long conversations, started by people who want to know about the bike: Did I restore it, what year is it, and the inevitable testimonies from guys who rode Triumphs as young men. The speedometer cable failed at 1500 miles, the only warranty issue so far. This Bonneville is a fine motorcycle and I love it like I loved my old Bonnie. This Triumph thing can run pretty deep. Show less

I own a 2004 BMW RT 1150, 2004 BMW BoxerCup Replika and a 2006 Buell Uly, along with this 2005 Bonnie and while the others may be faster, and this and that, the Triumph is the one I pull out of the garage first. It's the easiest to ride. I can go slow. I can go relatively fast on it. It's the slowest of my bikes but it's the one with biggest grin factor. And boy, is it ever fun to see others look at it. Even some die hard Triumph riders, (from the old days), just sit, stare and want to talk about it. Great bike from novice to expert. I want another please. Just plain fun and easy to ride. Show less

Riding again for the first time in over 30 years, the "Bonnie T100" offers an excellent retro alternative. Ample power and a smooth ride make mornings in the country a real pleasure. Comfortable enough to enjoy a day on the road, and certain to attract comments from all you pass. For those of us between the need for speed and the urge to cruise this is a great motorcycle. Show less