 Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
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Ok Triumph listen up from your customers! We like your bikes obviously enough to buy them. The air cooled Bonneville, Thruxton, T100, America and Speedmaster models have a simple classic quality that many riders appreciate. We don't need "best in class" high-tech or most horsepower bragging rights. It's a challenge to keep retro-classic machines fresh year after year but here are a few suggestion from the owners:
1. Bump displacement (and power) to about 990cc at least.
2. Get back to basic single color paint with possibly subtle color matched pin stripes, not contrasting. Example; use dark blue or dark green metallic paint on an America to make it's chrome "pop." And go with a brighter (not light) blue for the Bonneville...single color. Oh, and forget the black primer fad.
3. For the Bonneville and T100 use the polished engine cases, the parallel twin is a functioning work of art painting it all black just doesn't do it justice.
4. Upgrade material quality. Thicker seat covering, possibly steel fenders and side covers, painted model logos not stickers under clear coat etc.
5. Build the bikes in England! At least the ones for the U.S. market. I know that aint going to happen but I'm going to say it anyway.
Those are my suggestions, how about some others...
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Be careful what you wish for. Just look at what they have done already at the, ahem, suggestions of the public? Bigger displacement? Heck they gave us the 865 except they de-tuned it. (soft cams). They gave us the way bigger motor and put it not on the america or speedy but created a baby fatboy. What the hell have they done to our wheel sizes? Tapered shrouds? Bullet speedometer? 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17 |
And that damn squashed fuel tank.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Don't forget better suspension!
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Quote:
Don't forget better suspension!
That would be a good start.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Most of those Gawdawful Harley monstrosities look like they were designed by a marketing committee (this poll says, "It would be great to have a beer fridge on the back.").
I just hope Triumph doesn't go that route.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Personally, I was riding a much bigger bike for a decade before I got my America. Bigger isn't always better, it's usually just bigger.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Go with the chrome spoked wheels that can use tubeless tires.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Oh, I forgot to mention, how bout 6th gear!!
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
6th gear for sure.
Pegs not so forward and maybe a bit lower.
better shocks and springs
better mirrors (OEM)
nicer tail and signal lights
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 152
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 152 |
I wish the Bonneville was just a little bigger. I'm 6'3" and it seems too small for me in the showroom. Never ridden one, but I want one. Have a Speedmaster now.
I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,471 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,471 Likes: 3 |
Build what you like Triumph, I've got what I want. 
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
I love the look and size of my bike but
I really would like a more powerful engine.
Maybe offer a 1000cc+,but keep it the same size bike the way Harley do the 883/1200 sportster.
With my busted leg the pegs are ok for me.I wouldn't want them any further back but maybe.Make them easy to adjust to different length for other folks.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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 Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Don't need a bigger engine.
Add lightness.
If you can make ridiculously powerful Superbikes weigh 400lbs
you can make a 65hp Cruiser weigh 450?, 425?, certainly
alot less than 525lbs.
Wouldn't need extra hp then...
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
Don't need a bigger engine.
Add lightness.
If you can make ridiculously powerful Superbikes weigh 400lbs
you can make a 65hp Cruiser weigh 450?, 425?, certainly
alot less than 525lbs.
Wouldn't need extra hp then...
+1
My America would blow the socks of my 1500cc V-twin on a mountain road.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
That's another way of doing it.Strip some weight off the America.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
I agree the 6th gear and a larger displacement option (like the sporty's).
All and all I'm pretty happy though. Thanks to sites like this I've been able to work at getting my bike the way I want it.
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490 |
Quote:
6th gear for sure.
Pegs not so forward and maybe a bit lower.
better shocks and springs
better mirrors (OEM)
nicer tail and signal lights
+ 1 on all above.
Ride like you mean it.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497 |
6th gear would be nice. Back to twin disc's on the Speedy-just for looks is nothing else. pegs fine where they are for me-adjustable would be a good idea though. factory bore kit-ala HD. 
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2011
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Quote:
I love the look and size of my bike but
I really would like a more powerful engine.
Maybe offer a 1000cc+,but keep it the same size bike the way Harley do the 883/1200 sportster.
Yes, this was my idea, same size bike just bigger jugs, at least on the America/Speedmaster. They're long wheelbase cruisers heavier than standard Bonnevilles. the idea is to go for a lot more torque to pull the weight and a lower more relaxed RPM when cruising over 70 MPH.
Sure, you could just buy a Thunderbird but I don't like their excess weight, liquid cooling and style (they look like Hondas with a parallel twin transplant) and Triumph could have at least tucked their radiator between the frame tubes like Honda does.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
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OP
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Quote:
Personally, I was riding a much bigger bike for a decade before I got my America. Bigger isn't always better, it's usually just bigger.
You do realize the 865cc Triumph America is 3.5 inches longer than a 1,690cc Harley Dyna Fat Bob. We're talking about a larger engine which does not equate to a larger motorcycle.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
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OP
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Quote:
Be careful what you wish for. Just look at what they have done already at the, ahem, suggestions of the public? Bigger displacement? Heck they gave us the 865 except they de-tuned it. (soft cams). They gave us the way bigger motor and put it not on the america or speedy but created a baby fatboy. What the hell have they done to our wheel sizes? Tapered shrouds? Bullet speedometer?
There can be a disconnect between what customers suggest and how a company executes the changes. Personally, I like the new digital ODO speedometer with clock and 2-trip functions. Wish they would have added an ambient temperature reading and maybe oil temperature to the scroll-through data because the ECM already has that info available. The tire sizes are personal preferences so they have the Speedmaster to cover both bases.
Most riders say the 11-up America has better ergonomics than the previous bikes but again that's another area you cant please everyone.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
Quote:
Personally, I was riding a much bigger bike for a decade before I got my America. Bigger isn't always better, it's usually just bigger.
You do realize the 865cc Triumph America is 3.5 inches longer than a 1,690cc Harley Dyna Fat Bob. We're talking about a larger engine which does not equate to a larger motorcycle.
I think he meant heavier, fatter (with accessories), larger displacement, more substance, and more content.
Of course, I AM just guessing, and BEFORE ya say it, I KNOW that's NOT WHAT HE SAID!
One MUST be able to infer. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2011
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Personally, I was riding a much bigger bike for a decade before I got my America. Bigger isn't always better, it's usually just bigger.
You do realize the 865cc Triumph America is 3.5 inches longer than a 1,690cc Harley Dyna Fat Bob. We're talking about a larger engine which does not equate to a larger motorcycle.
I think he meant heavier, fatter (with accessories), larger displacement, more substance, and more content.
Of course, I AM just guessing, and BEFORE ya say it, I KNOW that's NOT WHAT HE SAID!
One MUST be able to infer.
You could be right. I was assuming we were not comparing a 900lb hard bag touring bike to an America.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
You could be right. I was assuming we were not comparing a 900lb hard bag touring bike to an America.
You mean "to a ???lb hard bag touring America?"
PS., I'm glad you didn't read that post as derogatory.
I don't post rebuttals to be aux bonnes moeurs, I do them in good humor.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Quote:
You could be right. I was assuming we were not comparing a 900lb hard bag touring bike to an America.
You mean "to a ???lb hard bag touring America?"
PS., I'm glad you didn't read that post as derogatory.
I don't post rebuttals to be aux bonnes moeurs, I do them in good humor.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
Quote:
Personally, I was riding a much bigger bike for a decade before I got my America. Bigger isn't always better, it's usually just bigger.
You do realize the 865cc Triumph America is 3.5 inches longer than a 1,690cc Harley Dyna Fat Bob. We're talking about a larger engine which does not equate to a larger motorcycle.
My America weighs 234 pounds less than my V-twin did. That makes up for a WHOLE lot of hp and torques. Power to weight ratio.
"Fat Bob". What a perfectly named bike.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
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OP
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For example the ready to ride weight of a Harley Fat Bob is 156 pounds more than my America.
A good apples-to-apples comparison albeit the Fat Bob has dual front brakes and steel fenders/covers etc. The 103 Dyna F.B. makes TWICE as much torque which should easily cover the 156 lbs.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 386
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Adjunct
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I have a 02 bonneville america. Love the Tank,brakes, wheels, and everything else .It is comfortable and does everything I want, It is only 790cc. 
I was so much older then, I am younger than that now (Wrote By Dylan Sung by the BYRDS,)
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
Quote:
For example the ready to ride weight of a Harley Fat Bob is 156 pounds more than my America.
A good apples-to-apples comparison albeit the Fat Bob has dual front brakes and steel fenders/covers etc. The 103 Dyna F.B. makes TWICE as much torque which should easily cover the 156 lbs.
What brings you around these parts?
There's plenty of Harley forums. It's the baloney on stale white bread with Miracle Whip of motorcycles.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Quote:
For example the ready to ride weight of a Harley Fat Bob is 156 pounds more than my America.
A good apples-to-apples comparison albeit the Fat Bob has dual front brakes and steel fenders/covers etc. The 103 Dyna F.B. makes TWICE as much torque which should easily cover the 156 lbs.
What brings you around these parts?
There's plenty of Harley forums. It's the baloney on stale white bread with Miracle Whip of motorcycles.
I started this discussion about Triumph Bonneville/Americas YOU brought up Harley in your first post on this topic. I've just been setting the record straight with facts.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
I started this discussion about Triumph Bonneville/Americas YOU brought up Harley in your first post on this topic. I've just been setting the record straight with facts.
Okay yous guys. Untwist the panties. I inferred Milwaukee first. "They gave us the way bigger motor and put it not on the america or speedy but created a baby fatboy."
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
I have a 02 bonneville america. Love the Tank,brakes, wheels, and everything else .It is comfortable and does everything I want, It is only 790cc.
Dang right. 2007 was when the screw-ups started. The one that shines the brightest is the narrow steering stops. Heck, when I get the gezzers asking about my ride(s) mention is made of just how corporate has walked away from nostalgia in favor of the somalia. I am now saying, "Back in 2001 all of em used to have spoked wheels, ..." lol
Andy, you nailed it.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
How 'bout titanium frame= lighter, stronger and faster.
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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OP
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Quote:
How 'bout titanium frame= lighter, stronger and faster.
True, but way more expensive.
It wouldn't cost Triumph more per bike to increase displacement a bit after the initial tooling change expense.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
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Oh yea, one more for the list:
#6. Better stock exhaust. Something with a little volume and deeper tone.
Oh, yea and it wouldn't cost more for a deeper/louder horn.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Quote:
Quote:
How 'bout titanium frame= lighter, stronger and faster.
True, but way more expensive.
It wouldn't cost Triumph more per bike to increase displacement a bit after the initial tooling change expense.
Yeah, prolly round about 3-4k for the frame, but it would be cool 
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Yeah, but WHY would ANY manufacturer spend ANY extra timre/money on exhaust???
My unsubstantiated opinion is that the exhaust IS the one item that 99.9% of ALL owners change, even when they don't change anything else.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Bonneville recommendations
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
"...Oh, yea and it wouldn't cost more for a deeper/louder horn." I bought a 130 db standard auto horn (black & CHROME) from PepBoys for $15 bucks. Direct replacement in less than five minutes, and it SOUNDS like a '60's Oldsmobile! It's work flawlessly for years now. (SOME of you younger yutes may need to Google "Oldsmobile")
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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