Bike guys: Triumph Bonneville or Thunderbird?

[Nostril Cheese]

I've been setting aside some play money and want to get get a new bike. I've been really impressed with Triumph stuff and was thinking a Bonneville T100 was the way to go.

I've been looking on cycle trader and notice that the Thunderbirds are dirt cheap. Is there any considerable advantage to these besides the triple engine?

Got a chance to test ride a Bonneville last week and was really impressed. Just a good, solid all rounder.

My days of going fast are over and just want a retro-ish good upright sitting bike for cruising.

One thing that really impressed me at the Triumph dealer was a used Honda CB1100. The seating position was utterly perfect.

[Don Ro]

That T100 looks good to me in blue/white - takes me back to 1962 when i had a '60 Bonny at the age of 16.
I don't care for the looks of the T Bird.
I do like this Scrambler but I'd trash that ugly exhaust and have a nice clean SS fabbed up.
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Decisions, decisions, eh?
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2015 Triumph Scrambler - Picture 609116 | motorcycle review @ Top Speed

[craigster59]

^^^^^ Has a "McQeenish" look, I like the exhaust. Ride that baby wearing a turtleneck and you'll be a chick magnet Don.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by craigster59

^^^^^ Has a "McQeenish" look, I like the exhaust. Ride that baby wearing a turtleneck and you'll be a chick magnet Don.

That would call for a ton of ab work first.

[nostatic]

The triple engine is so much more than the twin. I'm really impressed with the 800cc triple in my Tiger. Did 200 miles today (entire length of Angeles Crest) two-up and it cranks right along.

Retro looks cooler, but I don't find the T-bird a particularly comfortable bike - too small/tight but ymmv. My old knees don't fold up tight so that may be part of it.

[LakeCleElum]

I'll sell you a '78 Triumph 750 Bonnville - $3,500...Needs brake work. Maybe even deliver to Portland area?

[Scott Douglas]

Do NOT ride the CB1100 or it will spoil the other bikes for you.

[HardDrive]

Thunderbirds are ugly as sin. Bonny.

[JavaBrewer]

Speed Triple. Done.

[Nostril Cheese]

I could live with this. Some shocks and the Thruxton nose fairing.. Call it a day.

Yeah, I didnt ride the CB1100. Figured I shouldn't be going that fast on a bike anymore. Used my get out of jail free card once.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

That T100 looks good to me in blue/white - takes me back to 1962 when i had a '60 Bonny at the age of 16.
I don't care for the looks of the T Bird.
I do like this Scrambler but I'd trash that ugly exhaust and have a nice clean SS fabbed up.

I built this a few years ago out of a few boxes of parts. I had the same bike all through high school 20 years ago. Where does the time go?

My dad brought home THAT bike as a rolling frame. Rebuilt the engine, brakes, etc.. So many good times just running that thing (absurdly) out on fire roads up in Fillmore, LA to San Francisco for the weekend.

I want that again with fuel injection and decent brakes.

[Nostril Cheese]

Then again...

[ledhedsymbols]

The Bonnie is cool, the Thunderbird is a great cruiser, but the Honda was the nicest bike I rode. Bear in mind, I decided that my Nighthawk 700 was enough for me but the cb1100 would have gotten my money for a new bike.

Love the Bonnie look though. I don't think you can make a "bad" choice.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

I built this a few years ago out of a few boxes of parts. I had the same bike all through high school 20 years ago. Where does the time go?

My dad brought home THAT bike as a rolling frame. Rebuilt the engine, brakes, etc.. So many good times just running that thing (absurdly) out on fire roads up in Fillmore, LA to San Francisco for the weekend.

I want that again with fuel injection and decent brakes.

I remember you posting that photo a while back and I commented on the story that you told.
I was and am impressed.
Go out there and reward yourself with a good rig...you deserve it!
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[Don Ro]

I recall that Moses lusted after, or bought, a Thruxton.
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Edit: BTW, those big Triumph twins have a great sound...especially aftermarket pipes.

[jorian]

Of course opinions are totally subjective but the Thruxton is the only Triumph I'd buy. Loads of aftermarket for it as well.

[Gogar]

Go for the look and your needs. You can't really go wrong with either engine. The triple is a great motor; but mine is the Cosworth version.

But to me Thunderbirds look like a crappy attempt at the American Hog market, and you never see anyone fawning over a Thunderbird.

As mentioned, a Thruxton is great too and holds its resale a little better, but it's not as comfortable.

[Bowling]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

Speed Triple. Done.

[SpyderMike]

I have had a 2004 Bonnie standard since new. It is one of the 800cc Carburetor models. It has been trouble free. I have modded it - that is the fun with the Bonnies - lots of mod parts out there. For the premium, the T100 or Thruxton has already been partially modded. Ealry 2000 bikes like mine were 800cc, and now they are 900cc and with EFI.

It is a light bike (about 500 lbs). Well handling. Not really a highway bike, more of a backroad one. I did the following:

removed smog equipt
off road pipes
Airbox delete
rejetted carbs
chopped rear fender
Burton seat
Norman Hyde M Bars
changed mirrors
added a tach
dart screen
new front sprocket with more teeth - 19T



The newer T-birds are a whole different bike. Much larger and more of a cruiser. We are talking 1700cc and 740+ lbs.

The older T-birds 900 (1995-2004) are closer to the Bonnie but with the triple engine. That would be interesting for sure.

[Don Ro]

Here is what I was talking about RWT the Scrambler's exhaust.
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2014 Triumph SCRAMBLER 900 GO AZ Motorcycles Scottsdale, AZ (480) 609-1800
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Mo bettah than this, eh?
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