2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Motorcycle reviews

The 2008 Bonneville Black is the final year of the carbs before the EFI began on the 2009 models. I purchased mine in Florida with 1,300 miles and about 15 months from the original owner. It needed some wires and other rubber parts replaced that had been chewed thru by storage facility rats, but otherwise a regular service was performed and I headed off to Daytona Bike Week for some riding. It was great in heavy Florida rains that didn't keep me from holding steady at 65 for over two hours, fully loaded with a Chase Harper Tank Bag and Tourmaster III XL bags, all full. The tank plus reserve takes you only about 125-135 miles, so true touring is not as easy, and you probably wouldn't want to take the country roads too far. I then took it from Florida to New York City over three days, approximately 450 per, nine hours each day. No worries on US 95 as the truck flew by at 90, the Bonneville held firm. I added a shield to make the run easier and it was a big improvement. That brings us to the customability of the Bonneville. There are thousands of accessories and performace upgrades available from Triumph, Triumph-partner OEMs like Arrow, and aftermarket vendors/manufacturers like newbonneville.com and others. I have added the Arrow 2:2 exhaust system and Jet Kit, the luggage mentioned above, Triumph OEM gaiters, and more. There is so much availalble, you will probably never see another just like yours. Performance off the line is sharp and smooth. Hit 5th gear around 60 mph and settle into cruising around 70, nice and quiet all day. For under $9,000 for a new model, this is a ton of big bike performance and fun for the buck. Show less

I bought my 2008 T100 new last Spring. The 2009 models were out but I preferred the looks of the 2008. And 2008 was the last year for carburetors on the American version. I felt that a minor problem with carbs might make the bike run poorly while a problem with EFI might stop the engine completely. In over 4K miles I haven't had a moment that I wasn't thrilled with this beautiful machine. It has the looks of a classic Triumph and engineering like the best Japanese bikes. The 2008 has more plastic than preceding models but that helps keep the weight down. The bike is the size and weight of my old 1974 Honda CB550 but with an 865cc DOHC twin engine. Sweeeeet! It has more torque than any other vertical twin I've ridden plus a plenty of pep when you get the RPMs up. This bike is a blast to ride. My favorite kind of riding is way-back twisty and not very well-paved roads and my Bonnie loves them. No bagger, cruiser or crotch rocket could keep up with us on my favorite bad roads. The one drawback to this bike is that it draws a lot of attention and comments. Every time I stop I risk having to talk about the bike with some admirer. Many riders complain about how quiet the mufflers are, but I like a silent bike. And there are lots of complaints about the rear shocks. Mine were back-breakingly stiff at first but after a couple of thousand miles they seemed alright. Some people remove the air injector, but in case I ever move to California (which is possible) I'd better leave the emissions equipment alone. With louder pipes and a removed (and louder) airbox I could wring out a couple more horsepower. But I don't need a couple more horsepower. This thing already has more hp than my 1972 Karmann Ghia did. that's plenty for me. Stock, the T100 goes from 0-60 in five seconds flat. I'm not often in THAT big of a hurry. Show less

I have had my Bonnie for about 8 months now and I ride it literally every day. I commute to work during weekdays and cruise around the country on weekends. The motorcycle does both with ease due to its frame design. It handles like a dream on sharp turns or U-turns and also provides plenty of power when cruising in high speeds. Everywhere I go people recognize the Bonneville and yet this type of motorcycle is highly unpopular on the street, so riding one is really a unique experience that sets you apart from the rest of the cycle herd that mainly consists of cruiser and crotch-rocket riders. I've had two cruisers before my Bonnie and always had an identity complex with them and felt like I had to customize them to be able to stand out... although cruisers are quite comfortable on long-country rides they are a bit too clumsy and heavy for commuting. I recommend this motorcycle to anyone that loves the old school looks of the bike and am sure that they will share the same pleasure of riding it as I do - after all, this bike has been around for 50 years. Show less

I had several Triumphs back in the late 60s/early 70s and always liked their style. This is the first new Triumph I have owned and I love it. It has the old school style but new technology. The old bikes I had to work on a lot. This one I just ride. I also have another bike, but when I go to the garage to go for a ride I get on the Triumph. It handles great; especially on those back winding roads. Show less

It is the most comfortable ride! This bike allows you to take curves with ease. Shifting is so smooth. 5th gear at 50 mph is unbelievable! It corners with confidence. My wife and I both have one and riding this bike is just plain fun! Show less

It's been 27 years since I had my last bike and this one exceeds all expectations. The quality has been outstanding so far. It is satisfying to watch all the expensive bikes get passed by while my Bonneville receives the looks and smiles from both young and old. The bike is beautiful and classic. Best of all, it inspires excitement and conversations with many of the old-timers. Show less

This is my fifth bike. My last one was a Sportster 1000. The dealer installed the Arrow 2-into-1 exhaust for me and I love the look and performance. I love this bike. It is a joy to ride and takes any of my Appalachian hills in Western MD at 90 mph with no problems. It swings through the curves of our secondary roads. It is a new classic. I can't wait to give it to my grandson when he turns 18. It is my first Triumph, but it won't be my last. I have had no disappointments. My buddies that had Bonnevilles in the 70s love the looks, and always ask about the vibrations, and I tell them that's the only thing missing. Show less

I'm pretty happy with my 2008 Bonnie. It's still the carbureted version here in the states. 2009s will get the FI. It's pretty quick for me and I never have an issue where I need more power. It has the new style tank that's a little taller to get set to use the FI pump even though mine doesn't have it yet. It uses plastic tank badges which kind of sucks but I can live with it. Those are my only gripes. It has been wonderful. The green and ivory paintwork is beautiful. The retro look has people breaking their necks to get a second look at it while I'm riding it. It gets around 50-60 mpg depending how I ride it. I'm looking forward to riding the tires off of it this summer. I'd buy it again tomorrow if I had it to do over again. Show less