Triumph Bonneville America reviews

So far I've put just under 300 miles on it since purchase, so here are my initial thoughts. It's small, but in a good way. I love being able to grab the handlebar by one hand and back it out of my garage. Ergonomics suit me well, although if I was any taller I might feel a bit cramped. The original seat is LOW and I immediately replaced it with a Triumph solo seat. Much more comfortable and raised my butt up a good inch or more. Now the bike feels almost perfect. As for performance, well, if you're into massive horesepower, then you should look elsewhere. At 43 years old and a family to support, 130 hp bikes are not my thing. However, it is plenty powerful for me - very linear throttle response and enough grunt to pass with ease at highway speeds. I found myself a couple of times wishing it had a bit more power, but then I just calmed down and remembered to slow down and enjoy the riding experience. The exhaust is a bit tame for my taste, but there are numerous aftermarket options and I'm sure that will be one of my next upgrades. Wind last is severe at 70 and above. Bella Corse offers a very cool 3/4 fairing that I'm probably going to buy to help aleviate at least some of that. I put the Triumph flyscreen at the shop to see what it looked like - awesome look, but very small and VERY expensive for what you get. Not enough miles on it to determine build quality, but it appears to be a solid piece of machinery. Shifting is relatively easy, albeit a bit clunky. I'm betting this will smooth out after break in. Brakes are nothing to write home about, but I've found them sufficient. Remember, I'm a pretty mellow rider, riders who push hard may find them lacking. One disappointing aspect worth mentioning is the blueing/bronzing of the pipes. The discoloration is pretty bad at only 300 miles. Some call this character and part of the uniqueness of owning a Bonneville. I would like to see Triumph solve this as I think it detracts from the look. I may eventually wrap the pipes with header tape. Bottom line - I really like the new Bonneville. From a guy who has owned quite a few bikes over the years, I think this one is a keeper. I see myself passing it down to my son someday. If you're looking for a bike with the right mix of character, soul, performance, and looks - find a dealer, take one for a spin, and decide for yourself. Just don't tell too many people - it's sort of nice having a bike you don't see everyday! Show less

I got this bike new out of the crate with less than 1 mile on the odometer. It has started first time, smoothly every time, including after being locked up in the garage for 6 month periods a couple of times. It is to me the motorcycle equivalent of the classic (Coca Cola) bottle design, I want to keep it in my living room as a piece of art as it's so classically beautiful. Anyway, It get's better as it also rides like a dream ,great power for me,superb nimble handling due to it's light weight. This must be my tenth Motorcycle in my life, from dirt bikes to Honda Interceptors and between and it is the best overall bike of all. It's not a Japanese Rocket,It's not yet another Harley clone cruiser... It's just a perfect bespoke trouble free motorcycle. I have the Triumph 'off road' pipes,larger main jets that come with the pipes,T-100 tachometer,I painted Gold inlay in the indented Triumph seat logo and removed the disgusting looking big red rear mudguard reflectors and orange front side reflectors..they went in the trash! I will never sell this Bike...I am at 5,000 plus perfect fun miles now with nothing but three oil changes, chain adjustments and a set of new rear pads. It's the best $6600 I ever spent! Show less

I bought this bike used in Feb. 08. All of the upgrades were installed by the previous owner. The only things I have had to do to keep it on the road are replace the front brake pads and change the oil. This is the most reliable bike that I have ever owned and maintenance and parts are very reasonably priced at the local dealer. This bike handles, accelerates and brakes better than any cruiser that I have ever ridden. You can really get it over in a turn without feeling unstable. Hats off to the Triumph engineering team on this one. Show less

I bought this bike new in late 2006 and have loved it ever since. None of the old stereotypes regarding British bikes apply. It has been 100% reliable and hasn't leaked a single drop of oil. When it's time to upgrade, I plan to get another Triumph. Show less

Man all I can say is thank you to the dealer in Florida for being so nice and having the 2009 Bonneville T100 in stock and available for a test ride. I have been without a bike for a few years and wanted to get back into ridding. I looked at a lot of bikes before deciding on the Bonneville T100 green and white. I like the way it rides, corners and the retro look with modern technology. I'm breaking it in and looking forward to many more miles of zooming along the byways. I enjoy the upright position with the roadster windscreen. But beware - everywhere you stop people will want to ask you about your bike which is cool with me. Show less

This is my second Triumph America they just plain run. They have a huge fun factor and are so reliable. It gets great gas mileage. I can't wait to get out and ride. It gets looks everywhere I go. The bike is completely stock and runs perfectly. I am 46 years old and enjoy all-day riding on this bike. 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