2008 Triumph Bonneville T100 Motorcycle reviews

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 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