2003 Triumph reviews

I've been living with my '03 Bonneville for over 2 years now and love it now as much as the day I bought it. First off, these bikes won't satisify those who are into the "tupperware". If you appreciate the art of cycling and the classics, the new Bonneville dove tails right into that catagory. It is truly a modern classic. Personally, I've own/owned or restored classic BSA's and Triumph's and currently still have an Enfield Bullet. The new Bonneville is better then them all hands down-end of story. Now, whats there to like? First is the attractive styling modeled after the '68-'70 Bonneville which by most accounts were the pinicle of the lot. Bench seat (check), 360 degree parrell twin (check),twin shock swinging arm (check) everything made out of metal (side covers, fenders, headlamp shell) (check all the basics that drove the industry through the golden age are here. The engine runs great and is quite strong once opened up with exhaust changes. Handling is superb! Show less

I own and ride several old British motorcycles my favorite being a 1963 BSA Super Rocket. Nothing turned my head until I saw a cobalt blue T-100 Bonnie at the Atlanta Show in December of 2002. I HAD TO HAVE IT. I sold my beautiful 1975 Norton 850 Interstate Commando, bought the Bonnie and never looked back. When describing it I always remark "It is my Norton with everything fixed". My son was Thunderbird #1 in 2002 and 2003. Most memorable ride: From Royston, Georgia to Miami, Florida to watch the Thunderbirds perform. Never got it under 80 MPH indicated on the Interstate and never even had to tighten the chain. I installed the offroad mufflers and the performance improved and it sounded less like a vacuum cleaner. I recently installed Norman Hyde Muffelers and now it sounds like a vintage Truimph FROM THE 60'S, and from 5500 RPM to Red line, "HOLD ON". THEY ARE MESSING WITH MY HEAD HOWEVER, the 2005 Bonnie has 65 more CC. I just rode a Thruxton with the high Bars installed and fell in love all over again. Only complaint: Speedo error. I figure when I am showing 80 it is actually doing about 72 mph. Re-placed Rear tire at 7,300.00 miles OK. One warranty issue, oil sender developed a slight leak, dealer replaced no questions asked. This Bonnie T100 is the best handling, best riding motorcycle I have ever owned and I have owned a few starting with an Indian Brave in 1955. Show less

After looking at every mid size criuser out there, I made up my mind that the Triumph Speedmaster was going to be my bike. After owning one, my feeings about the bike have not changed. There are a lot of good and quality motorcycles out there, but few (within my budget) have the history and tradition of Triumph. If you can't afford a Harley-Davidson then Triumph is the next best thing, especially if tradition and history are important to you. The real big keys for me about the Speedmaster are the feel and the looks of the bike. Every where I go I get looks and compliments on my Speedmaster. Even when I was out riding and stopped by a local Harley dealer, my Speedmaster was turning heads. Also, even the old school Harley bikers have come up to me to rave about my Triumph. To confirm other Speedmaster owner's reviews, if you want that trademark Triumph growl out of your bike, the slash cut pipe upgrades are a must. For safety as well as giving your bike that fatter look, I would also recommend the passing lamps. If you are researching your future motorcycle and you want a bike that has performance, style, with class and tradition behind it, and don't want to break the bank to get it, then I would strongly recommend the Triumph Speedmaster. Show less

Bought my '03 SpeedMaster in June of '04. Had 420 miles on it, has over 1100 on it now. Not bad for only having my temp license so far! The ride is great and comfy. Awesome alternative to the usual Japanese cruisers seen all over the road today. I wish the Speedie had more power, though, and wish the pipes were louder. I guess I'll have to go for the aftermarket pipes. A fuel gauge would be nice as well. I hate having to estimate my distance and worry about running out of gas. Show less

I picked the bike up in January of '03 and in March I rode from KC to Phoenix, AZ and back. In June of this year I road from KC to the west coast and back. Hour after road pounding hour, the TBA performed flawlessly. If I were to use one word to define my bike, it would be gutsy. Whatever I asked, it delivered, from cruising along at 75 mph to running on up to 95mph on the clock, it always responded with a "can do" attitude. To date with 14,200 miles I have had zero problems. Show less

This past fall I sold my Buell and was looking for a 600cc that was good on the street and fast on the track. I rode the Daytona 600 and fell in love with it. So I determined that I needed to ride the Suzuki GSXR 600 because the journalist said it was the best 600cc bike. The Triumph was a much better bike because it felt like a bike that was built better. The Triumph had better low-end power and it did not feel like it was going to fall apart when I accelerated. After I purchased the Triumph, I have ridden with friends that have GSXR 600's, R6's, and CBR 600's and the only bike that comes close to keeping up is the Honda. The Gixer just gets blown away. Therefore, the Triumph Daytona 600 is the best 600cc bike on the market. Plus it is cheaper than the other 600's. Show less

I just picked up a new Triumph Speedmaster, I'm VERY pleased with everything about the bike. I park it at work and people stop and stare before they come in. I get thumbs up and "nice bike" from passing cars. People start asking about the bike when I'm pumping gas in it. Most didn't know Triumph still makes bikes. It's great on the highway, seat and ergo's are fantastic. It's very quiet, and rather refreshing when all my other bikes are very loud. James Dean rode one, so did Steve McQueen, and Marlon Brando... how cool is that? I considered a V-star or a Shadow, but there are so many out there right now. Triumphs are so few, I never see a bike like mine in the same parking lot. I think more people should test ride one before they buy a Japanese cruiser. Show less

When looking for my first street bike I wanted something with a classic look and standard riding position. I stumbled on the new Triumphs and fell for the Bonnie right away. I just loved the vintage character and the fact you don't see them everyday. After a test drive I was hooked. What pleases me most is the ease with which it handles. I have no problems in corners, slow speeds or on the highway. I never feel like I need to wrestle with the bike to make it do what I want. (Although I am a little larger than the average bear) I'm not looking to set land speed records so the stock engine/exhaust is all I need. Thought about doing some mods but can think of better ways to spend the money. Still, even without mods it holds its own against most street bikes and handles as well, or better, than any cruiser. Someday I may look to go bigger but this bike does everything I want/need at this point. It's the most fun I've had with my boots on! Show less

The first time I test rode this bike about 2 mos ago I knew within 4 miles I HAD to have one! I also own a 99 Triumph Legend a carbed triple,so I thought I knew what to expect. Man was I blown away by the performance! Smooth ,crisp throttle response,precision handling ,and pretty comfy too. Have done 250-260 mile days on it with no complaints. Have the Hi CF can on the bike and It Howls! These triples are just incredible. Windblast is an issue over 100mph so I have the mini-fairing on order. If you get a chance test ride one, but be prepared... you'll probably buy it on the spot! Excellent build, quality, and a 2 yr unlimited mileage warranty are just icing on the cake.... Show less

Bought the "sky blue" version, and really get admiring looks from all who see it. You can't mistake the Triumph sound, it just really sounds great. The only real complaint I have with this bike is the footrest position gets a little uncomfortable after a while. I'm glad I went to the Triumph versus the "Ho-Hum" hogs, etc. This is a pure motorcycle. Show less