Triumph Bonneville America reviews

The 2008 Bonneville Black is the final year of the carbs before the EFI began on the 2009 models. I purchased mine in Florida with 1,300 miles and about 15 months from the original owner. It needed some wires and other rubber parts replaced that had been chewed thru by storage facility rats, but otherwise a regular service was performed and I headed off to Daytona Bike Week for some riding. It was great in heavy Florida rains that didn't keep me from holding steady at 65 for over two hours, fully loaded with a Chase Harper Tank Bag and Tourmaster III XL bags, all full. The tank plus reserve takes you only about 125-135 miles, so true touring is not as easy, and you probably wouldn't want to take the country roads too far. I then took it from Florida to New York City over three days, approximately 450 per, nine hours each day. No worries on US 95 as the truck flew by at 90, the Bonneville held firm. I added a shield to make the run easier and it was a big improvement. That brings us to the customability of the Bonneville. There are thousands of accessories and performace upgrades available from Triumph, Triumph-partner OEMs like Arrow, and aftermarket vendors/manufacturers like newbonneville.com and others. I have added the Arrow 2:2 exhaust system and Jet Kit, the luggage mentioned above, Triumph OEM gaiters, and more. There is so much availalble, you will probably never see another just like yours. Performance off the line is sharp and smooth. Hit 5th gear around 60 mph and settle into cruising around 70, nice and quiet all day. For under $9,000 for a new model, this is a ton of big bike performance and fun for the buck. Show less

This bike feels like a bike is supposed to. Triumph has to be the best value in motorcycles right now. You start this bike and you know it was built by people who care and take pride in what they do. The guy at work bought a Harley-Davidson 883. I parked my bike next to his and put him to shame. I love that Triumph. It stayed true to itself. You see that motor and you know what it is. Anybody who knows motorcycles shows their respect for Triumph. I love my bike. Show less

I've had the bike for about two months. I was worried it might not have enough power but I am a big guy and this bike will cruse at 75 all day. I know for a fact it will do 100 plus. The motor runs like a watch. The guy at work just got an 883 H/D. I parked mine next to his and everyone at work said mine just blows it away. I love the way Triumph stays true to itself. One look at that motor and you know it's a Triumph. Show less

This bike was bought for my wife. We both liked the looks and it was one of the few bikes she felt comfortable on since it feels small, has a standard riding position, lightweight and low seat. Even though this bike is for my wife I can't stay off it. This is my favorite bike I have ever riden, period! I've ridden and owned a lot of bikes, have a Speedmaster (awesome bike as well) and am a very experienced rider. Obviousely it's no race bike but it's more than capable of serious canyon carving with sportbikes and fits in with the cruiser crowd as well. The engine is amazingly smooth as well with a perfect torque curve. Fit and finish is great. I noted the 4 for comfort because the seat is hard and the rear suspension is a little harsh but I'm being overly critical though. Triumph does make a gel seat and not much they can do with the suspension to keep the look. I've read a lot of reviews on this site where people say "can't go wrong with this bike" but with this Triumph, you really can't go wrong. No matter what type of rider you are, I promise you will love riding the Bonneville. Show less

In two days I've put 250 miles on my bike and have gone from Philadelphia to the Jersey shore and have been totally enjoyed every minute. This bike is smooth, comfortable, strong, and extremely stable. After moving from an American sportbike to a British cruiser, I am convinced there is no looking back. From the freeway to the back roads at midnight my America has been very impressive. The most disappointing experience of my new bike is turning into the driveway at home. I'd prefer to keep riding. I purchased my America from a dealership which was spectacular. Instead of being overwhelmed by some giant, corporate, chrome mega dealer, the shop, in particular the owner, made it seem as if you were being welcomed to a family of ownership. First rate all the way and beyond highly recommended! Show less

This is my 2nd America - what happened with the first one is too long a story (I did not crash it). Anyway my wife knew my heart was broken, so the new 2007 was waiting for me when I got back from Afghanistan, bless her heart. I remain in love with this bike - it is everything I have ever wanted in a motorcycle, from looks to performance and handling. I rode Run for the Wall and Rolling Thunder this spring - 1500 miles of pure fun and comfort. Show less

Easy To Handle Love at first ride. I hadn't ridden in 20+ years, and this was a great fit for me. It's like a gentle hybrid of sportbike and cruiser, with sporting footpeg position and quick handling, but relaxed power delivery. Basic bonnie with 17-inch wheels feels amazingly easy to maneuver at all speeds. The engine is docile but strong enough to stay ahead of most 4-wheeled traffic. I can roll on throttle at 35 in fifth gear and it pulls smoothly with lots of torque. A little buzzy, I think it might benefit from a 6th gear, but maybe Triumph has good reasons for using 5. The rear suspension seems a bit harsh; I need to ride with slightly arched back and pay close attention to bumps and dips in the road, but that's OK; helps keep me focused. Although a new set of shocks might be the first upgrade I get. Either that or some new exhaust pipes; don't want to sound like an outlaw but the stock set is almost too restrained and polite. Overall, it's a very good bike for commuting, occasional longer trips and winding roads. Show less

It has been 33 years since I owned a bike and it took me three years to find the right time and the right bike. But it was a Triumph America riding along side me on the highway, that initially got me interested in a motorcycle again. I was trying to decide between a BMW R1200RT, a Harley Davidson Ultra Classic, a Triumph Thunderbird or an America. Not having the experience, I decided to start with the America. I was very impressed with the power. This bike gets a lot of looks, I think mainly because in an area where there are so many Harleys, you just don't see too many Triumphs. I have only had this bike for six weeks and already have 1600 miles on it. This was a great starter bike for me - only 500+ lbs. Now if I could my wife to get the nerve to ride with me I would be set. Ride On. Show less

Now done nearly 8000 klm's. A few mods have made huge improvements. Being quite short, I found both the stretch to the footpegs and the bars a bit far so have fitted footboards and handlebar risers (Rivco). I've also fitted some Harley Fatboy bars and a ProTac rider back rest. These mods have for me made the perfect bike and definitely the most comfortable. It's also got staintune pipes (restrictors left in)which give it a lovely deep burble noise. It has been ultra reliable, starts first go every time and the finish is excellent. Very happy indeed and certainly not tempted with the new Thunderbird (Triumphs aren't supposed to be watercooled). Show less

Had my '09 T-100 for a year now. 70% daily ride to work/runabout/around town driving and 30% longer rides. Clocked thousands of miles. It's a pleasure to ride, has a predictable, even power curve (which I like), and has great handling characteristics. The brakes are fantastic and have saved my life at least once in the past 12 months. Tons, tons, tons of admiring looks, but if you're hoping to attract hot 20 year old girls, you're out of luck.. If you're into 50 year old guys surrounding your bike and reliving their youth, you'll have plenty. Reliability has been great, not a drop of oil has leaked. The chain is very good quality, and with proper maintenance, my chain hasn't needed any adjustment whatsoever. Loves high revs, and feels very spirited 4k but the power feels controlled enough for a new rider to find their way. Best value at the price-point on the market bar none. Can't sniff a HD with similar styling elements for the price, and the Sportster 883 which compares directly only runs about 47hp while the Bonnie makes nearly 70. My only gripes are the plastic, stick on badge, and the plastic front fender, but they are minor issues given the overall fit, finish, quality, performance and "fun to ride" positives that make this what I consider to be the nicest bike on the street. I rated performance at 4 star because it won't set the world on fire, which is perfect for me and why I don't ride a sport bike, and comfort at 4 since the stock seat has about a 2 hour duration before you need to stretch your legs, again fine with me given it usually coincides with pit-stops for gas. All in all, an excellent bike with a very competitive price. This is the bike I'm going to keep forever. Show less