Bonneville reliability with new models.

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Bugsy

Member
Contemplating getting a Bonneville probably a T100. Have been reading along the interweb about the new bikes and was wondering about the new (2018/2019) Bonnevilles build quality and reliability. Any issues I should be aware of? Seems like all the newer bikes now have "ride to wire" and "ride modes" technolgy. Not crazy about all this computerized wizardry, seems like just something else to break or go wrong. Never owned a bike with all the new gizmos. I an looking for some feedback and reassurance from those of you who have owned and ridden the newer models regarding these new technologies and the overall reliability of the bikes. Any insight would be greatly appreciated before I plunk down hard earned cash.
 
I don't think there are enough late model owners here yet to make an informed reply.
Models this new would need a couple of years down the road to show up any problems.
The build quality is as good as any out there and the engines are bullet proof, over engineered and very reliable over the years they've been in use.
 
Not sure if you are aware, but the T100 is basically the T120 frame with the Street Twin 900cc engine in it. There is less content than the T120(single disc up front, no heated grips standard, etc).
Most bikes these days have ride by wire throttle as well and the ride modes are pretty easy once you get used to it. Hope this helps with your decision and you get the one you want.
I would go with the T120 myself, as you will not be wanting for power later, and the extra content is worth the upgrade in my opinion, but it is you that must be happy with your decision, so take your time and enjoy the ride.
 
I agree with Q, take your time in deciding on what you want and how much you want to spend, but I too would go for the T120 model.
I've had my "old" 2006 T100 for nearly 13 years and it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it BGRIN

IMG_0060.JPG
 
Contemplating getting a Bonneville probably a T100. Have been reading along the interweb about the new bikes and was wondering about the new (2018/2019) Bonnevilles build quality and reliability. Any issues I should be aware of? Seems like all the newer bikes now have "ride to wire" and "ride modes" technolgy. Not crazy about all this computerized wizardry, seems like just something else to break or go wrong. Never owned a bike with all the new gizmos. I an looking for some feedback and reassurance from those of you who have owned and ridden the newer models regarding these new technologies and the overall reliability of the bikes. Any insight would be greatly appreciated before I plunk down hard earned cash.
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I bought a new Bonnie T100 a few months ago. I have been riding it daily and I could not be happier. I like the technology very much. I have put about 900 miles on it and I just love riding it. It is very nimble and looks great. I am not sure this answers your question, but Since I am not too savvy mechanically, I decided to buy a new bike (I was riding a ‘74 Honda 350four and was tired of having mechanical issues). This bike has been, so far, all I dreamt of....

Zorro
 
I bought my T100 in the spring this year, and so far have ridden around 1000 miles. I've had no issues at all. I believe the rider modes are only available on the T120 (and Thruxton/ThruxtonR), but not on the T100. You can turn off traction control off on the T100.
I had mine serviced at the recommended 600 miles, the most notable 'issue' was that the chain needed adjusting. The cost of the service was about $230.
The bike is certainly great to ride - No matter where I go, I'm stopped by someone asking about the bike.
 
FWIW, I just bought my 2019 Bonneville T120 this month after considering the 900 Street Twin. I rode the 900 and loved it. Everything I heard from others in the know said it was a great bike, much needed power upgrades having happened since last years model, but decided the extras on the T120, including the power from the 1200, worth the price bump and after 500 miles couldn’t be happier.
 
FWIW, I just bought my 2019 Bonneville T120 this month after considering the 900 Street Twin. I rode the 900 and loved it. Everything I heard from others in the know said it was a great bike, much needed power upgrades having happened since last years model, but decided the extras on the T120, including the power from the 1200, worth the price bump and after 500 miles couldn’t be happier.
Nice to hear. Enjoy TUP TUP
 
I bought a 2018 Bobber that I couldn't be happier with. I love my Bobber and I've got a little over five thousand miles on it now and it has not given me any trouble at all. I bought it last year and I couldn't be happier with mine. Just check your oil, tire pressure and coolant levels before you go for a ride. But that's always a given. But I ride my bike every chance that I can. I washed it last weekend and man, did it need it too. But, I to was at first hesitant to buy another Triumph, after a bad experience with a 1968 Triumph, that I bought back in 1974. I was originally going to buy an Indian Bobber. But, when I went into test drive the Indian Scout Bobber, the dealer also sold Triumph too. So I test rode both bikes and I have a really bad back also. But the Triumph won out hands down. After riding it. My back didn't bother me one bit. The Indian, like the HDs were not so good on my back. But, the Triumph was telling me that she wanted me, to take her home, with me. So, I did some research on the new Triumphs and found out that they are a very well rated and reliable motorcycle. Mine has not given me any problems at all. It doesn't even leak oil, like the old Triumphs did. It is one well built motorcycle now days. I wouldn't take anything for mine. As a matter of fact when my motor needs to be rebuilt. I like this motorcycle so much, that I'll have the engine rebuilt. But all in all. If you buy one? Your going to be really happy with it. I know that I am very happy, with my 1200cc Bobber. As a matter of fact, I was out riding last weekend, when I saw this bike coming up behind me and sure enough. It was a Bobber Black set up with some really nice saddle bags on it, along with a small wind screen too. The guys name was Lee and he really liked his Triumph, as much as I love mine. He had just gotten it and was out for his break in ride. You could tell by how clean it was and how new the bags were. The Triumphs may not be as fast as an Indian Scout Bobber is or an HD is off the line. But, they can hold their own too. Plus, their very nimble also and can get around traffic without a problem. This bike is just pure fun and the build quality is very good also, from my short experience with it so far. I've owned HDs and even an old 1948 Chef in the past. Out of both of those bikes, I prefer the flathead Indians over the HDs. Except for the 1938 ULH Flathead 80 that I had and the Flathead HD 45 trike that I had, that even had reverse in it. I just wish I would have had some WR racing cams for it. It was a fun little bar bike. But, I fill that you can't go wrong, with the new Triumphs. They are built very solid and are very reliable too. If you do decide to buy a Triumph, I think you're going to be quit happy with it. Just IMO.
 
Rocky, that's a very nice looking Triumph, that you have there.
Thanks, I really like it a lot TUP
I'm pleased to hear you like the bobber too - and you're really racking up the miles. It's nicely broken in now.
It's a great bike and shouldn't give you any trouble. They have strong engines and you won't need to rebuild it for a very long time. Fresh oil and filters and you're looking at many years of fun.
You can't compare these newer bikes to anything from 1968. Other than the general look-alike, they are totally different and modern in every way.
The old Triumph company went out of business ages ago. When John Bloor acquired the rights to the Triumph name, and built a new factory, he went to Lotus and Cosworth for advice how to build good engines.
That's why these new engines are so good.
 
I know, I love my Bobber a lot. It's the most comfortable and fun bike, that I've ever ridin. It's kind of funny though, what people ask me about my bike? It's always what year is it and you did a nice job restoring it. Now, l just tell them, that it's a new 2018 motorcycle and how much that I love it. I also tell them, that they should go test drive one. Some listen to me, but a lot of them tell me, about how much they want an HD. I say that's cool and I move on. But, I'm thinking to myself, you'll really like that HD a lot. Especially when you're setting on the side of the road waiting for that tow truck to show up. I've had my share of HDs in the past and I prefer my Triumph any day of the week, over an HD. But, that's just me. I fill that Triumph, has done a great job on their new motorcycles. I know that I love mine a lot and I wouldn't take anything for it either. But that's just my opinion.
 

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