Distinctive, Retro, Head-Turning Machine
Written: Jul 25 '07
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Pros: Beautiful DOHC 865 cc parallel twin that stands apart from the crowd.
Cons: Mods can be expensive and dealerships not as close as other models.
The Bottom Line: If you are willing to talk to strangers about your ride, buy a T100. They can't help themselves, once they see it.
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| jcomey's Full Review: 2007 Triumph Bonneville T100 |
Since 2000, when I returned to bikes after 15 years or so, I have owned an 01 Suzuki SV650, an 04 Aprilia Scarabeo 500, and an 05 Suzuki Bandit 1200S. As you might be able to guess, I have been searching for the right ride. The SV and Aprilia are gone. Neither felt stable, for me, in strong crosswinds. (I am 5'11'' and 150 lbs.) The Bandit is solid as a rock and truly the UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle). And yet, I was still looking for something more to add to my riding experience. Something that would harken back to why I started riding in 1970.
I found it in the 07 Triumph Bonneville T100. There are three Bonneville models, all with 865 cc, sold in 07: the Bonneville Black, the Bonneville, and the T100. See www.triumph.co.uk/usa/ for info about each. All are handsome bikes. In my opinion, the T100 is one beautiful bike. There is chrome all over the engine, a two tone, hand-painted, black and white, with gold stripe, tank, and a tach. I have grown used to people, especially those over 40, stopping and staring at the T100, with many saying things like: "Whoa, a Triumph! Great restoration, man!" They are stunned when I tell them that it's new. Once I start the bike, with the modifications I've made, they are even more wide-eyed. Is it necessary to make modifications on this bike? Yes, in my opinion. Here is what I've done:
Exhaust and Carbs - To pass the very strict Euro emissions, the T100 sounds like a polite sewing machine and runs very lean. It also burns exhaust fumes through an air injection system that causes the pipes coming out of the header to turn blue. I had the air injection system blocked, the carbs jetted, and Norman Hyde Toga slip-on pipes installed, before I picked the bike up. Now, the bike sounds like the Bonnies from the 60s, with a throaty growl that draws the attention of the distracted drivers on their cell phones, as well as hardened cruiser riders who spin their heads around as I pass, taken by the gorgeous, non-Harley sound.
Suspension - The rear shocks and front fork springs do not do justice to the ride and stability of this 451 lb bike. Any kind of bumps can be jarring from both ends. I had Ikon shocks and fork springs installed with 15 weight fork oil. The bike now rides much smoother.
Seat - For my boney butt, the 30.5 " stock seat was not comfortable after 45 minutes. I put on a Thruxton (a cafe racer version of the T100) gel seat, and use a Alaska Leather sheep skin pad. I can now ride much longer with more comfort.
Flyscreen - I installed a Dart flyscreen to keep the wind blast off my chest. For such a small piece of plastic, it truly channels the air higher, causing less fatigue. It is also much less expensive than the Triumph flyscreen.
Centerstand - The bike does not come with one, and this is most helpful for multiple reasons. Not only can you lube the chain and gain access to check the air and clean the rear wheel spokes better, you can also fill up at gas stations to a more even level. Although the bike holds 4.3 gallons, it is necessary, so far for me, to flip the petcock (yes, there is a petcock) to reserve at about 100 miles. The more gas in the tank, the longer before the petcock needs to be turned. So far, I've reached 42 mpg if I don't thrash the bike too hard.
Tailbag - Although this is not really a mod, this is NO room to store anything on this bike. So, around my local area I use an LLBean Sling Bag. Longer rides, I attach a Chase Harper 5501 Sport Tail Trunk. It fits the rear seat cleanly and snugly with nice bungies, two in the front hooked beneath the seat, and two in the rear to extension seat bolts that I installed. (The traditional way to get the seat off is by taking off the right side cover and removing a little allen wrench, and then unbolting the seat. The extended seat bolts eliminates this.)
Leverskins - little item but very nice from Motovation Accessories. They are contoured, dual layer, foam rubber tubes in different colors that fit snugly over the brake and clutch levers. These actually help a lot, especially in heavy, stop and go traffic, in reducing finger fatigue.
Brakes - Not done anything. Single disc front and back. I am spoiled by the dual discs on the front of the Bandit that I use most of the time. On the T100, I can stop on a dime, but I have to use the front and rear to do so.
So, how does the bike ride and feel? It took a little while to get used to using a slide choke enricher to start the bike. Like the Bandit, that has a choke enricher on the handlebar, the T100 is cold-blooded, but once you understand the nature of the sleeping machine, it isn't hard to wake it up. Where my Bandit has an almost car-like feel in its smooth power delivery, the T100 has a more elemental sensation, especially when I open up the throttle coming hard out of a country turn. I can really feel the 17" rear Metzeler tire dig in and grip the road as I nicely lean and steer the 19" front tire easily with the comfortable reach handlebars. Like the Bandit, the Bonnie has a low center of gravity, and although you wouldn't want to push it by hand very far, it's very stable on the open road. Like the Bandit, it is 5 speed, and I find myself looking for a 6th gear. Some have changed the front sproket, going up a tooth, to help this. Like the Bandit, it is oil cooled, and you will feel heat off the engine on a very hot day at a red light. After the 500 mile service, when Mobil 1 Racing oil replaced the dyno oil, the T100 has run even smoother. The shifting on the Bandit is butter with its hydraulic clutch. The shifting on the T100, so far, is smooth, with a bit more clunk going into first gear. Both of these bikes have a huge web presence and aftermaket availability. For all of the Triumph models, I recommend Triumphrat.net.
The bottom line? Both of these bikes are excellent, but so far, after 1,300 miles, I have found myself drawn to the T100 more. Maybe it's because it's new and that will wear off. Or maybe it's because the ride on the Bonnie has a more holligan feel to the entire experience. Or it's my ego enjoying the attention that this distinctive looking and sounding bike brings. Time will tell.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 10,500 w/mod
Condition: New
Model Year: 2007
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Epinions.com ID:
jcomey
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 1 member
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