Making Life Simpler

[Qship]

Conversations in another thread prompted me to start this one.
How can we make life simpler in this fast paced computer aged world?
For me I have been contemplating for a while getting a different bike other than my beloved T'bird. Something I can do alot more of the maintenance on myself and gets better fuel economy and lower running costs in general.
The T'bird is a great bike, but plaqued with problems that I have been fortunate not to have too many of but do not look forward to the possibility of them occuring(Bad engine rattle, bad wheel bearings, belt alignment issues, shorter life on components in general due to it's weight).
I have been thinking of a simpler bike that I can do most of the maintenance on myself without running to the dealer almost two hours away.
Love the older Bonnevilles (03-15), for their simplicity, lighter weight, easy maintenace and lower operating costs. Oh yeah, and they are pretty bullet proof as well from many articles that I have read.
Found a great example here: Triumph 2016 Bonneville T100 Fusion White / Aurum Gold

My take on making life simpler.

 

[Rocky]

I can only speak from my own experience with the Bonneville.
The 2016 mentioned above would have fuel injection whereas my '06 has carbs. FI is a plus, but I've never had any problems with carbs and have never had the bike back to the shop.
I think the Bonnie is really a single rider machine to get the most out of it, which is something to consider depending on your riding style, but it will haul two people quite easily, albeit a bit slower due to the extra weight it has to pull.
I improved mine by fitting Ikon shocks on the rear and progressive fork springs up front. Ride and handling is much better. While I had the forks off I fitted a set of gaiters for that 60's look.
I began to get a pulsing front brake so took the opportunity to fit an EBC brake kit of pads and disc. Quite a bit better braking now.
I'm using Bridgestone tires which are more than adequate for my style of riding. I'm not into knee dragging these days

In this picture you can see the vast difference in fork springs. The factory fitted a short spring with a huge spacer. The progressive spring is much longer and you make a short spacer from the PVC pipe supplied and cut according to instructions. Went together like clockwork and works really well.

 

[Qship]

What was the cost of the suspension swap if you don't mind me asking, Rocky?
$ front =
$ back =
My two up riding days may be less and less due to my wife's inability to enjoy the bike because of medical conditions.
Hence my desire to go smaller and simpler.

 

[Rocky]

I bought the suspension items in 2011 when the dollar was equal to the U.S dollar.
The Ikon shocks came from NewBonneville in Texas and were quite expensive at around $450.00.
I sourced the Progressive fork springs in Canada for around $100.00.
Not cheap, but the improvement in ride and how it handles the bumps was well worth it.
I like to divide the cost of mods by the years in use and they get cheaper every year

 

[Qship]

The front springs sound reasonable in price. The rear set are pricey but may be able to find something a little cheaper.
Will have to consider this if I proceed with this.
Thanks for the info.

 

[triumph david]

Qship you sound like me, my wife has quit riding for the same reason, i have also been looking at selling everything and getting a new used Tri. of about the same year, FI isn't important to me at my age so i am open to just a simple bike to poke around town.

 

[Rocky]

The front springs sound reasonable in price. The rear set are pricey but may be able to find something a little cheaper.
Will have to consider this if I proceed with this.
Thanks for the info.

I wouldn't rush into anything until you've had some time on the bike.
It took me six years before I made the change

 

[DaveM]

I don't think anyone can go wrong with a Bonnevilles as they just all round great bikes, my only problem with them when I tried one was it does not have a seat but a rock that you sit on

 

[Rocky]

I don't think anyone can go wrong with a Bonnevilles as they just all round great bikes, my only problem with them when I tried one was it does not have a seat but a rock that you sit on

I agree that the seat isn't all that comfy, but not many factory seats are.
I bought a Triumph King & Queen seat which is very comfortable, but it doesn't look right on the bike. As a result, I don't use it that often.
Judge for yourself, but I suppose it's not all that bad.

 

[Qship]

The nice thing about the older Bonnevilles is that they are air cooled and the last of their kind. Instant collectable in my opinion. The new T 120 definitely pics my interest for all the good it has as well; bigger motor, heated grips, newer chassis, etc. Still able to do my own maintenance on that too.

 

[shanered6]

I like them too and would like the scrambler but ive sat on a few now and there just to small i look silly on one all legs and arms

 

[Qship]

That's one of my main concerns as well, Shane. I am fairly tall at 6'2" and long inseam.
Need to go to the dealer here and sit on one for a bit to check that out.

 

[Rocky]

That's one of my main concerns as well, Shane. I am fairly tall at 6'2" and long inseam.
Need to go to the dealer here and sit on one for a bit to check that out.

I would certainly do that as you don't want your knees up in the air.
I'm short so the Bonnie fits me well and the riding position suits me. I can ride all day, not feel cramped and can put both feet down.

 

[shanered6]

The T100 is a small bike but ive not sat on a T120 but i have seen one close up and it dose look a bigger bike ... but not by much !

 

[keystiger]

ITs missing a cylinder!

 

[Qship]

ITs missing a cylinder!

You're just partial to those Triumph Triples.
I have not ruled out the Tiger line up. Kind of like the idea of a go almost anywhere type of bike and the fact I may 'fit' better on an adventure type of bike.

 

[Qship]

Heading to our"local" dealer tomorrow to look at at a T 120 and possible other models(800 XCa), and have to pickup a new rear tire(tyre) for the T'bird, Man this thing likes tires. Third rear at 27K kms. Will get it put on when the weather warms up a bit. Also have a front tire to go on. Still on original.
Not exactly bike weather as the daytime high is expected to be -14 Celsius.

 

[shanered6]

Enjoy the look round its a nice feeling when you start to look for a new bike , i'll be waiting to see what you think of the bikes you look at

 

[Qship]

This was the new 2018 Bonneville T 120 I looked at today. They uncrated and PDI'd it just for me. Don't I feel special. New colour for this year; Competition Green(NICE!)
Was comfortable on it for the short time I was able to sit on it, and would have to get used to a proper riding position again.
I like it! Simpler, waaaayy lighter than my T'bird and back to the basics. Did I mention I got to fire it up briefly. It sounded pretty darned good. I was surprised.

 

[Qship]

Just thought I'd share this view as well.