Triumph Bonneville America reviews

I decided on the Bonneville America after looking at the Honda Shadow Aero, the Suzuki C50T, and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and the HD Sportster 883. I didn't care for the riding position on any but the America and the Suzuki. The Suzuki, however, was much heavier and had much less horsepower. I wasn't able to test drive any of the bikes so I had to go by sitting still. Anyway, I couldn't be happier with this bike, it eats up curves, is fast, and really comfortable. Its build quality is right up their with the Japanese Bikes and superior to the Harley. The reason I gave it only 4 stars in performance is that I wish it were louder with the stock pipes. It's too quiet. Show less

We have #91, and this bike is way too much fun to leave on a pedestal. This is my wife's bike, and it's hard for her to keep me off it. [She learned to ride on a 25th anniv Bonnie, so this is like homecoming for her.] It is really stable in the corners and plenty quick -to say nothing of how many comments you get riding this beauty around! People are really impressed by the color scheme and how true to the original look it is. Show less

Love my Triumph and my wife loves it too. I get lots of comments. I was riding down the Highway the other day and a guy on a really nice Harley pulled up beside me and gave me the thumbs up. I added DD and pipes it sounds great and I get lots of comments on the way the bike sounds. Show less

I've been into the Bonnie since I rode a 10 yr old '73, & was excited when they were reintro'd in '01. Had to have a new Magna for 5 yrs first tho. No regrets on the new Bonnie; no excuses anywhere I ride, lots of great comments, & perfectly entertaining at 10 over. Not bad on dirt roads either. The seat could be better, but it looks right and gets better as it breaks in. The stock tires look right too, but tend to cause shimmy (the ME880's are much better; I hear Avon Roadmasters are too). Cool that the rims are made by the same firm that made 'em for Meriden, but wish they were tubeless. My g/f loves the big back seat & low pegs. It makes me spell like a Brit, right down to the aluminium paint. I made mine a sportstourer; now I want a second one to make a bobber! Show less

Just picked up the bike (an '07 with around 10,800 mi on the clock) yesterday; bought it used for a deal I couldn't pass up. Terrific character, both mechanically and aesthetically. Has more than enough power for me (mostly urban commute, with the occasional jaunt to Austin). I had a '84 Virago 1000 before the Bonnie, and there's just no comparison. It came with Norman Hyde 'M' bars, which provide a nice sporty position, but will cause a little discomfort during a long haul; nothing unmanageable though. Watch out for leaky valve cover gaskets; I noticed after about 60 miles of freeway riding that when I got back to the house, there was a nominal amount of oil on the top of the cooling fins. Apparently this is a very common problem, and not too terribly difficult to rectify (would it be a Triumph if it didn't leak?!? lol) If you are searching for a great retro-styled bike with modern reliability, search no further than Triumph. Safe riding... Show less

I own number 559 of 650 and I am amazed every time I ride the bike. I thought that I would keep it in the garage and rarely ride it as I own another, less prestigious machine. I'm hooked on riding it - small, nimble, powerful, great cornering all describe it. This bike is a pure joy to ride - it's what riding is all about! The T100 makes a great around town bike and is excellent for a romp through the countryside! Show less

I recently de-modified a little - removed the Off-Road pipes and put the standard pipes back on, which improved gas mileage. Just ran a tank to 325 kms before the fuel warning light came on. This bike just gets better and better. Show less

I'm 64 years old and bought my 05 Bonnie new. It currently has 19,000 miles with no issues. Replaced rear pads at 9,000 and just replaced the front pads at 19,000. Owned Bonnie in 60's while in military in Europe and just had to have another one. Got 14,000 out of the original tires. Replaced them with same tires due to good tread life. I have factory windscreen, sissy bar and off road pipes all of which add to the enjoyment. My wife much prefers riding on the Bonnie as versus our Honda 1100 cruiser. I often ask myself why I even own the Honda. I think Triumph is making a mistake by fitting different seat, pipes and mag wheels on the new units. I am seriously considering buying a low mileage used one and putting it up on blocks so I'll have a good original product. Performance is more than adequate as I run the speed limit and it has more than enough power to pass on the highway even when riding two up. Best part of the Bonnie is all the questions from gray hairs like myself that remember the Bonnie but are currently riding the plastic bikes and complain their back hurts! Show less

Love it! Only it's too quiet, that is going to be changed soon. T-100 green and white. Fork boots, tall sissy bar for the wife and AM saddle bags. Show less

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