Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories accessorizing a new America

All, I will be buying an Bonneville America (2007) this year and want to accessorize it the right way. I know accessorizing is a personal but it doesn't hurt to get some advice. So here goes: What would be the best size saddle bags be for someone who wants to store necessities (rain gear, gloves, etc.)? I will be getting a summer wind screen but wondering if additional road lights (small lights on each side of the primary headlight) does more for you than just look cool. Finally, what accessories did you not get that you wish you did get the first day you bought your bike? Thanks guys for your advice!!!

I got a tall sissybar when I bought the bike, but wish I had bought the luggage rack that attaches to it at the same time. Luckily I found one for sale on this forum. If you do any 2 up riding, or plan on doing some long trips, the sissybar + luggage rack combo is good to have.

For any accessories you're thinking about, just do some searches in this forum. Nearly everything out there has been posted about in this forum, and usually there's pictures with the posts.

ps. I finished high school just east of East St Louis, in Edwardsville.

The summer screen will only benefit you if you are sub 5' 10"ish. I'm 5'8" and it works fine on the highway but I've read some have issues with it if they are taller.

as far as bags go: I have an 07' speedmaster. I went with a local shop that makes there own bags on site. They are VERY thick leather and are better then anything I've seen out there. I went with this type because I wanted to use the easy brackets. They are pricey but worth every penny.
If I didn't buy those then I would have went with leatherworks.com's bags.

I'm new here too and not an expert on these bikes (yet) but I figured I'd chime in for ya.

no screens
no triumph accessories
rain gear??????????????? wot don't ya have a car

I also agree that if you plan to ride 2-up and travel with additional bags, get the tall sissy bar with rack. The only regret of initial accessories I bought was the Triumph Summer Screen. If you're over 5'8" tall, the wind may be worse than no screen. I replaced mine with a taller Clearview that fit the Summer Screen hardware and am now very happy. I like having a screen, especially one that looks sporty.

I added the Triumph slant bags which many claim are small but they work great for carrying stuff you want to keep with the bike. I use additional bike luggage for traveling. I would also add the tach. It will be epecially helpful while you're getting used to the bike, plus I just like having a tach.

I'm 6' 1" and the summer screen just directed wind straight into my face, hence my buying a clear view screen which allowed me to re-use the Summer screen hardware. I found my screen was invaluable 3 weeks ago when travelling through driving rain and even fog. My mate that didn't have one copped the full brunt whilst I was able to hide behind, making a huge difference to what would have been a really uncomfortable ride. My point is, do some good research on this site so that you don't buy a screen that's inadequate in doing the job properly, and likewise with anything you are thinking of and if unsure just ask as you are doing now.

My only advice is to do what your heart tells you to do and what makes your chest puff out with pride when someone asks if thats your bike. Well that and examine any chrome parts closely you buy from Triumph. I have had several bad experiences with Triumph chrome.Went through about 15 chrome sprocket (I know thats stock on the 07) covers and the chrome was bad on every one.

I myself would say invest in a light bar also. It comes in VERY handy if you choose to ride at night,a better horn, Touring seat.

Hey Charles,
Welcome to the site. Did you get your bike at RPM?
Nice people there.....I bought mine in '03 and purchased some accessories with it. Tall Sissy Bar, Slant Bags, TOR's, Floorboards.
If I was going to do it again I would get the Saddleman Jumbo Drifter Bags, Easy Brackets, Bub exhaust.
Currently using the Triumph FlyScreen....I like the wind in my face.
Talk to steve at RPM. He can point you in the right direction.
BTW....get the Air Injection off of there.
Now running Progressive's front springs and 440 shocks on the rear. Greatly improves the ride and trackability (sp)?

i find that brent has good stuff
what are you looking for touring if so check out the bags and light bars on the net
if it is customising then check out the stuff thats non triumph
i just buy adapt and ride the thing

I got the slant bags. I hate them. If they didn't slant, the size would be ok. I'm shopping for something else now. I also have the tall sissy bar that I bought from someone here. I sometimes wish I had the luggage rack. I have a windscreen that came with the bike (not sure if it's summer or not) and I love it. I'm 6'0. I took it off once to check the look and put it right back on the same day. A windscreen makes a huge difference.

Other than that I've added some chrome and TOR (which I absolutely love). I have an alarm on order and I'm looking at adding a tach and light bar.

TonyG,
Yes I am getting it from RPM. I haven't ordered it yet but will be very soon.

All, thanks for your input. Sounds like the summer screen will be good for me since i'm only "5'6". the light bar sounds real inviting even if I don't ride too much at night it sure looks nice.

I have to second the bub pipes....I've only had my bike for a few weeks and 1500miles but even frank who is a member here says they ain't too shaby.