Looking To Buy A Bonnie; They Seem Heavy!

[BAinLA]

Didn't really know where to put this. I've been hitting dealers and doing research, looking for the perfect new or used bike, preferably a newer T-100 or T-120 or ?
I was looking at the 2022 models and the T-120 felt like I was sitting on a pig compared to my relatively svelte '72 Tiger (387 dry). I'm loving my 5-spd Tiger but I need something that will be reliable for extended trips (It has been trouble free for 2 years but I don't trust it out in the middle of the Mojave Etc.).
My question is this: Was there a (modern) year Bonneville that is lighter? Is there a year bike that is known to be better than others in terms of performance and reliability and also doesn't weigh 500+Lbs? I don't mind carbs, I've never had F.I. Thanks! -BA

 

[sikatri]

A 2007 and earlier Bonneville variants have carbs and dry weight mid 450’s range. Remember, your 1972 has a smaller engine and when things get bumped up weight increases. That said I have a 2005 Thruxton, I don’t find it heavy, but don’t really have many reference points.

 

[BAinLA]

A 2007 and earlier Bonneville variants have carbs and dry weight mid 450’s range. Remember, your 1972 has a smaller engine and when things get bumped up weight increases. That said I have a 2005 Thruxton, I don’t find it heavy, but don’t really have many reference points.

That Thruxton is a beautiful bike. I remember going out to the dealer to look at those around '05. It is 451 Lbs dry. I suppose I better just get used to the extra weight if I want to step up to modern times.

 

[sikatri]

That Thruxton is a beautiful bike. I remember going out to the dealer to look at those around '05. It is 451 Lbs dry. I suppose I better just get used to the extra weight if I want to step up to modern times.

Well you can always mod and reduce weight. LoL.

 

[Vector]

Get a Harley (I like them) and later when you upgrade to a Bonnie it will seem lite.

 

[Qship]

Get a 14 or 15 Bonneville. Air cooled, hence lighter, and pretty reliable bikes.
I have sat on seneral of the newer Bonnies and don't find them heavy at all, but I was used to my T'bird LT that tipped the scales @ 831 lbs dry. My Tiger Explorer seems like a featherweight @ 530 lbs dry compared to that beast.

 

[Xavier]

Didn't really know where to put this. I've been hitting dealers and doing research, looking for the perfect new or used bike, preferably a newer T-100 or T-120 or ?
I was looking at the 2022 models and the T-120 felt like I was sitting on a pig compared to my relatively svelte '72 Tiger (387 dry). I'm loving my 5-spd Tiger but I need something that will be reliable for extended trips (It has been trouble free for 2 years but I don't trust it out in the middle of the Mojave Etc.).
My question is this: Was there a (modern) year Bonneville that is lighter? Is there a year bike that is known to be better than others in terms of performance and reliability and also doesn't weigh 500+Lbs? I don't mind carbs, I've never had F.I. Thanks! -BA

It’s not the weight. It’s the balance.
Can you put both feet on ground?

 

[Bobaloo]

Didn't really know where to put this. I've been hitting dealers and doing research, looking for the perfect new or used bike, preferably a newer T-100 or T-120 or ?
I was looking at the 2022 models and the T-120 felt like I was sitting on a pig compared to my relatively svelte '72 Tiger (387 dry). I'm loving my 5-spd Tiger but I need something that will be reliable for extended trips (It has been trouble free for 2 years but I don't trust it out in the middle of the Mojave Etc.).
My question is this: Was there a (modern) year Bonneville that is lighter? Is there a year bike that is known to be better than others in terms of performance and reliability and also doesn't weigh 500+Lbs? I don't mind carbs, I've never had F.I. Thanks!

Didn't really know where to put this. I've been hitting dealers and doing research, looking for the perfect new or used bike, preferably a newer T-100 or T-120 or ?
I was looking at the 2022 models and the T-120 felt like I was sitting on a pig compared to my relatively svelte '72 Tiger (387 dry). I'm loving my 5-spd Tiger but I need something that will be reliable for extended trips (It has been trouble free for 2 years but I don't trust it out in the middle of the Mojave Etc.).
My question is this: Was there a (modern) year Bonneville that is lighter? Is there a year bike that is known to be better than others in terms of performance and reliability and also doesn't weigh 500+Lbs? I don't mind carbs, I've never had F.I. Thanks! -BA

As you alluded to, it depends on what you’re comparing a newer Bonnie to. Since I came off a 750+ pound HD Electra Glide Classic, my 2022 Bonnie T120 seemed light and extremely nimble. I’ve put 1,800 miles on it in nine months without a problem.

 

[Iflybikes]

Didn't really know where to put this. I've been hitting dealers and doing research, looking for the perfect new or used bike, preferably a newer T-100 or T-120 or ?
I was looking at the 2022 models and the T-120 felt like I was sitting on a pig compared to my relatively svelte '72 Tiger (387 dry). I'm loving my 5-spd Tiger but I need something that will be reliable for extended trips (It has been trouble free for 2 years but I don't trust it out in the middle of the Mojave Etc.).
My question is this: Was there a (modern) year Bonneville that is lighter? Is there a year bike that is known to be better than others in terms of performance and reliability and also doesn't weigh 500+Lbs? I don't mind carbs, I've never had F.I. Thanks! -BA

I bought mine a year ago with the same concern. But I found I could sit on it with feet flat on the pavement making it very easy to handle at a stop. I’m 5’ 11” I don’t know what my inseam is. Also my knees are slightly bent when straddling the bike feet flat to the pavement. Maneuvering the bike where it isn’t possible to straddle it definitely requires care though. Picking the bike up after a tip over(twice) I’ve luckily had help right at hand. I’m not at all sure I could do it alone.

 

[Trincinf]

I’ve got a 2017 T100 which is my first and only bike. I’ve dropped it twice since buying it brand new and am able to pick it up by myself. Dry weight is 450 lbs I believe. I’m a skinny guy weighing in at 170 lbs. there are definitely techniques you have to use to pick up any bike. I find the bike to be very nimble and fast enough for me. It has been extremely dependable for me and I have 9k miles on it. Never one problem. I did buy it in 2019 as a leftover from a dealer that dabbles in Triumph. I did find the seat horrifically uncomfortable and replace it with the Triumph comfort seat. Added motone protection bars and r&g exhaust protection wrappers and the two times I’ve dropped the bike it faired extremely well. Both drops were during slow maneuver practice sessions.

 

[acton mike]

Didn't really know where to put this. I've been hitting dealers and doing research, looking for the perfect new or used bike, preferably a newer T-100 or T-120 or ?
I was looking at the 2022 models and the T-120 felt like I was sitting on a pig compared to my relatively svelte '72 Tiger (387 dry). I'm loving my 5-spd Tiger but I need something that will be reliable for extended trips (It has been trouble free for 2 years but I don't trust it out in the middle of the Mojave Etc.).
My question is this: Was there a (modern) year Bonneville that is lighter? Is there a year bike that is known to be better than others in terms of performance and reliability and also doesn't weigh 500+Lbs? I don't mind carbs, I've never had F.I. Thanks! -BA

my 2015 T1oo Bonnie has a wet weight of 507 lbs. Don't know how much you could strip off it through modifications. The exhaust is heavy due to the catalytic converter(s) but I believe the weight of that part of the exhaust is low down on the bike so you might reduce the weight by removing the cat(s) but I believe the "top heavy" sensation would still be there.. I find the T100 feels a little top heavy but that might be due to my lack of upper body strength.

However, once it is rolling it feels fine. Since I don't ride like a moto GP racer, the weight of the machine doesn't cause me much by way of issues

 

[2WHEELST100]

Didn't really know where to put this. I've been hitting dealers and doing research, looking for the perfect new or used bike, preferably a newer T-100 or T-120 or ?
I was looking at the 2022 models and the T-120 felt like I was sitting on a pig compared to my relatively svelte '72 Tiger (387 dry). I'm loving my 5-spd Tiger but I need something that will be reliable for extended trips (It has been trouble free for 2 years but I don't trust it out in the middle of the Mojave Etc.).
My question is this: Was there a (modern) year Bonneville that is lighter? Is there a year bike that is known to be better than others in terms of performance and reliability and also doesn't weigh 500+Lbs? I don't mind carbs, I've never had F.I. Thanks! -BA

You might look for a Speed Twin. It's a sporty and higher spec 1200 with less weight than the T120 and lightest next to a Thruxton. Should be happy to carry luggage. The 1200's have a 6 speed gear box the 900's don't. The 1200 Scrambler sits higher and should make a great highway bike.

 

[brooke]

You might look for a Speed Twin. It's a sporty and higher spec 1200 with less weight than the T120 and lightest next to a Thruxton. Should be happy to carry luggage. The 1200's have a 6 speed gear box the 900's don't. The 1200 Scrambler sits higher and should make a great highway bike.

The Thruxton R feels like an anvil to me . The street fighter bars , jezz ,where do they come up with all these terms , help a little bit but a 500 / 650 is the answer . The Tiger 850 sport weighs the same as the Thruxton but feels 50 kg lighter . Some of my Harley friends have given up long ago . I’m in good shape for my age but a Harley would be way over my head . Electric bicycle will be next .

 

[2WHEELST100]

Didn't really know where to put this. I've been hitting dealers and doing research, looking for the perfect new or used bike, preferably a newer T-100 or T-120 or ?
I was looking at the 2022 models and the T-120 felt like I was sitting on a pig compared to my relatively svelte '72 Tiger (387 dry). I'm loving my 5-spd Tiger but I need something that will be reliable for extended trips (It has been trouble free for 2 years but I don't trust it out in the middle of the Mojave Etc.).
My question is this: Was there a (modern) year Bonneville that is lighter? Is there a year bike that is known to be better than others in terms of performance and reliability and also doesn't weigh 500+Lbs? I don't mind carbs, I've never had F.I. Thanks! -BA

So if you're not stuck on a Twin there are several choices from the new 660cc Triples-(Trident or Tiger) to the 800 and 900 Tigers. Otherwise the Speed Twin 1200 would be the best twin all around considering weight, capibility and features. A less capable twin would be the Street Twin or Speed Twin 900. You'll have to add a center stand to most models now-a days.

 

[Bloodknot]

Does it have to be a Bonnie? I have been riding my Ducati for the past 20 odd years and could see the day coming when I would be looking for a less aggressive riding stance, a lighter machine and one I could flat foot both sides with ease.

When you speak about the new bikes feeling heavy, is that lifting it off of the prop stand or riding it because my youngest has a 2012 Thruxton which I find very heavy to lift off of the stand but a joy to ride.

The various machine weights mentioned above are unbelievabl. My Ducati weighs 188 kg, 415 lbs dry and I was looking to better that.

My eventual choice was a Street Triple R (LRH). 168 kg, 370 lbs dry. The lower seat height gives far more confidence when paddling it around. Another 20 bhp on the 1200cc twins. Shift assist auto blipper for changes up and down. Circa T100 price or 2 grand less than the T120. Performance from the 765cc lump is unbelievable. My only criticisms of it is the pillion seat is a joke, but all of my lads now have their own bikes and the underseat storage is very limited when compared to my Ducati.

PS I have now removed my pillion footpegs but with the pillion seat still in position it will fail the MoT so I will need to replace the pillion seat with a cowl when the time comes.

 

[BAinLA]

It’s not the weight. It’s the balance.
Can you put both feet on ground?

I'm 6'1. No problems there. Just seems like they are top-heavy to me and heavy in general. I read that the Speed Twin is a lot lighter. I'll see if the shop has one around to check out. -BA

 

[BAinLA]

Does it have to be a Bonnie? I have been riding my Ducati for the past 20 odd years and could see the day coming when I would be looking for a less aggressive riding stance, a lighter machine and one I could flat foot both sides with ease.

When you speak about the new bikes feeling heavy, is that lifting it off of the prop stand or riding it because my youngest has a 2012 Thruxton which I find very heavy to lift off of the stand but a joy to ride.

The various machine weights mentioned above are unbelievabl. My Ducati weighs 188 kg, 415 lbs dry and I was looking to better that.

My eventual choice was a Street Triple R (LRH). 168 kg, 370 lbs dry. The lower seat height gives far more confidence when paddling it around. Another 20 bhp on the 1200cc twins. Shift assist auto blipper for changes up and down. Circa T100 price or 2 grand less than the T120. Performance from the 765cc lump is unbelievable. My only criticisms of it is the pillion seat is a joke, but all of my lads now have their own bikes and the underseat storage is very limited when compared to my Ducati.

PS I have now removed my pillion footpegs but with the pillion seat still in position it will fail the MoT so I will need to replace the pillion seat with a cowl when the time comes.

Thanks, good info.
I like a bike that is reasonably "flickable" in that one can change direction nearly instantly without too much delay in case of a sudden hazard. This Tiger is OK. I suppose I could get used to a Speed Twin. I'm fairly strong still and can still lift heavy weights, at least for now. I have a center stand now and would really miss having one on a new bike but I could adapt I guess, maybe just pay to have tires changed Etc. Are you happy with your Street Twin? -BA

 

[2WHEELST100]

I'm 6'1. No problems there. Just seems like they are top-heavy to me and heavy in general. I read that the Speed Twin is a lot lighter. I'll see if the shop has one around to check out. -BA

So the Speed Twin is a bit lighter and has all the power of the better 1200 twins plus the 6 speed tranny and twin front rotors. However it may not have cruise control or a center stand. The Speed Twin does use the 17 inch front wheel like the Thruxton so it steers quicker with a slight forward lean compared to the Bonnie's. I've been on the search for THE Triumph twin I thought was the best all around choice and it came down to the Street Twin which is now called the Speed Twin 900 for 2023 or the Speed Twin 2021/22 with it's most recent upgrade specs or one of the Bonnies 900/1200. The weight was a close watched spec to me as well as the compromises of a 900 verses a 1200 and their feature variations. The Speed Twin 1200's don't seem the style of bike I would put a full size windshield on but looks OK on the Street Twin, now the new Speed Twin 900, and the Bonnies. I'm 5'-10" and am happy on any of the twins. I ended up on a 2022 T100 Bonneville that is very happy and fun around town or regional suburbs and can hold it's own on the interstates. 3K to 4K will get you cruising speeds of around 55 to 75 MPH. The 2020/21 plus 900's have higher spec motors and suspensions. The hardest part might be getting all the accessories you want. Still waiting for my rail/rack for behind the seat. I put the center stand and touring windshield on myself which were available in a couple weeks wait. It pushes and maneuvers around just fine so it's better than my 99 900 Trophy for that situation. My carrying features, tank or seat bag or saddle bags, are not figured out yet. Bikes are always a work in progress. I've had the luxury to have a dealer with demo or used bikes to test. Happy hunting! The 900 and 1200 Scrambles may be a great choice also. for a taller guy. Higher bars may make it feel easier to push around.

 

[BAinLA]

So the Speed Twin is a bit lighter and has all the power of the better 1200 twins plus the 6 speed tranny and twin front rotors. However it may not have cruise control or a center stand. The Speed Twin does use the 17 inch front wheel like the Thruxton so it steers quicker with a slight forward lean compared to the Bonnie's. I've been on the search for THE Triumph twin I thought was the best all around choice and it came down to the Street Twin which is now called the Speed Twin 900 for 2023 or the Speed Twin 2021/22 with it's most recent upgrade specs or one of the Bonnies 900/1200. The weight was a close watched spec to me as well as the compromises of a 900 verses a 1200 and their feature variations. The Speed Twin 1200's don't seem the style of bike I would put a full size windshield on but looks OK on the Street Twin, now the new Speed Twin 900, and the Bonnies. I'm 5'-10" and am happy on any of the twins. I ended up on a 2022 T100 Bonneville that is very happy and fun around town or regional suburbs and can hold it's own on the interstates. 3K to 4K will get you cruising speeds of around 55 to 75 MPH. The 2020/21 plus 900's have higher spec motors and suspensions. The hardest part might be getting all the accessories you want. Still waiting for my rail/rack for behind the seat. I put the center stand and touring windshield on myself which were available in a couple weeks wait. It pushes and maneuvers around just fine so it's better than my 99 900 Trophy for that situation. My carrying features, tank or seat bag or saddle bags, are not figured out yet. Bikes are always a work in progress. I've had the luxury to have a dealer with demo or used bikes to test. Happy hunting! The 900 and 1200 Scrambles may be a great choice also. for a taller guy. Higher bars may make it feel easier to push around.

Thanks, this is just what I need to know! And thanks to everybody who replied in this thread.
That 900 looks like just the ticket. I'll check on the scrambler version. If anything my legs feel too bunched up on some of the bikes, including my '72, and I have to get off and stretch after an hour or even less. Plus I do like to go off-road, but who takes a 900 street bike off-road? Maybe it's just a marketing ploy. Anyway, I'm going to Burbank Triumph for a look-see. Thanks again to all. -BA -I wonder when the 2013s come in and do these dealers sell past year models at a discount. I'll have to check this out.-

 

[Bloodknot]

Thanks, good info.
I like a bike that is reasonably "flickable" in that one can change direction nearly instantly without too much delay in case of a sudden hazard. This Tiger is OK. I suppose I could get used to a Speed Twin. I'm fairly strong still and can still lift heavy weights, at least for now. I have a center stand now and would really miss having one on a new bike but I could adapt I guess, maybe just pay to have tires changed Etc. Are you happy with your Street Twin? -BA

Instead of the centre stand you will have a track stand for those maintenance tasks that require the rear wheel off of the ground. By the way my machine is a Street Triple not Twin and yes, extremely happy but it will be a goodly while before I regard it with the same affection that my Ducati and my 1961 Thunderbird purchased in 1966 receive.