1978 Triumph reviews

I know they leak oil and vibrate. I know the carbs can drive you crazy and they will sometimes leave you stranded. All this is just part of the experience of owning a Triumph 650 or 750 twin. My Bonneville was purchased as a pile of junk packed in three boxes. It took me three years and more money than I care to think about to put it back on the road. If you have ever ridden a Bonneville you will understand about they way they handle and feel. Nothing quite sounds like a Triumph either, whether at idle or full speed the sound is wonderful. To ride a Bonneville is to feel like you have become part of the machine as you race along the open road. The design of the Bonneville is motorcycle style perfection. The designers got all the pieces to fit right and produced a beautiful motorcycle from the 60's to the late 70's. As a classic bike the Bonneville only gets better with age and has become a piece of the American motorcycle culture. Mention it's name among a certain age group of riders and the fond memories begin to roll out. I know there are plenty of other motrocycles that do everything better than my Bonneville but none of them would make me feel the way it does. I enjoy just looking at it almost as much as i do riding it. Edward Turner's basic Speed Twin design survived from 1938 to 1983 and is still being copied today in the new Triumph Bonneville and the Kawasaki W650. Not to bad a legacy for an obsolete, oil dripping, and vibrating old Limey Bike. Show less

Not a bad bike -- if you don't use it that is. Spent lots of money on it just to have it disappoint me many times although it always got a lot of comments from other older riders. Handling was very good and the power was ok if everthing was set up properly. A lot of wrenching is necesary if you plan on using them as an everyday bike. Electrics are a nightmare, as are the carburetors. Show less