Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Help please. New bike purchase opinions needed

Hi all.
Well the sad news for me is that my beloved speedy was written off by the insurance. I am covered for new bike replacement since mine was only 12 months old. In the dealers they have the last of the carby models or the new fuel injected models. I loved my 2007 Speedy that had a carby but Im not sure which way to go. Any opinions or advice for me.
Thanks

My personal preference would be carbs.

I tried a FI model America when they first came out and didn't like it one bit.
When I got back, the mechanic admited they hadn't yet done the Triumph course so I put it down to the bike not being set up correctly.

Any chance you can have a test ride on the FI model before deciding?

I think you would like the power/torque curves of the fuel injected version. There is a slight reliability risk because the injection system is more complex.

I would expect that, even now, there are people working on new maps for this injection system. When a few maps become available, you will be able to "rejet" by plugging in an adapter and downloading a new map.

The 2 big advantages to the carb version is that they are tinkerable and have a positive fuel reserve, so you don't have to worry that you missed the low fuel warning or the warning lamp failed just as it came on.

You know, there may be a third option. If there is enough left of your old bike, you might be able to buy it back from the insurance company for scrap price and build yourself a nice custom with the insurance payoff.

Hi willy,
I am in a similar situation as you, except no EFI models in USA. I loved my 07 TBA and am keeping my eyes open for another to replace her, partly because I just bought a bunch of bits & pieces specifically for her and I don't like the new tank on the 08 TBA.

I never played around with the "carbies" on my bike, but I would think they would be more tinker-friendly than the EFI model. And there's enough talent around this board to help you out if you run into a problem with them. The EFI's are too new for a good pool of knowledge to be built yet.

Personally, because of the uniquely Triumph tank design on the Triumphs up to 2007 models, I would go with an 07 or older bike. Think carby mate...rhymes with Barbie!!!

I can't wait to get to SA in late July (possible stopover in Perth & Fremantle on the way). We might even go spend some time in QLD (sun coast or gold coast maybe?), after I finish my work in late August.

Steve

I am leaning towards the carby model as I have had a practice run when I rejetted mine based on the Dinqua program. It turned out spot on as verified by a dyno. The insurance have no by back policy for my old bike. I would have to go to the auction it is at and bid on it. It will go for top dollar since I washed and polished it every other week. It looks smick

The 2 big advantages to the carb version is that they are tinkerable and have a positive fuel reserve, so you don't have to worry that you missed the low fuel warning or the warning lamp failed just as it came on.

---

Painful memories of warning light failing and pushing my EFI TBA for 3 miles the other day!

Let's face it we all like Tinkerable - who wouldn't!

EFI, no doubt in my mind.

Half the fun of the carbies is them being tinkerable, and that comes from a bloke who knew nothen about them 18 months ago. BTW, I reckon there's probably more knowledge about our bikes here than in most of the Triumph workshops.

I mentioned this thread to the OL. Now she is unhappy 'cause her fuel injected HD is non-tinkerable. Of course, her '54 Servicar has low and high speed adjustable jets, making it fully tinkerable while it's running!

Linkard?

I think you should ask yourself 2 questions:

-are you going to be constantly modifying your bike, requiring beaucoup changes to the fuelling system?

-do you like the new tank?

If you're constantly tinkering and modding, carbs would be the way to go. If you just want it to run well out of the box, go for FI. (Bear in mind the FI bike already has a big performance advantage over the carb models: +7 hp and a few more ft/lbs with the latter being a lot lower down the rev.range.)

The tank is subjective.

Neill

Yes I like tinkering since i knew stuff all about bikes till i came across this site. Now ive become a tinker addict. In saying that I maybe should stick to riding and less tinkering. I like the old tank but im sure I would like the new one as much
B02S4 , why do you say no doubt about EFI ? any more info please.
Im tempted to ask for a pay out from the insurance and wait a while till I know what to do

Buy a Garage Queen.
No, it's not a guy who changes his oil in a dress.
It's where the first owner was smart enough to buy a Triumph, but too stupid/unlucky to ride it.
I got a 2003 Speedy, 3 years old at the time, with 1800 miles on it.
Cost about two-thirds the price of new.