Have 2008 air cooled bonneville 865cc classic. Staintune exhsust, Ohlins rear shocks, disconnected pollution gear, high flow air cleaner one less tooth on the front sprocket, giving it perfect gearing and fantastic midrange power and torque. All simple things to do for a much better bike. Riding for 50 years and had loads of different bikes but this is one I'll never part with
I've said the same thing... I'll never sell this one. Or, if I do, it would simply be to experience a different tier of Bonneville. T120, Speed Twin 1200, etc.. However, I can't imagine my garage without some form of Triumph Bonneville ever again.
Wow, looking at a review of MY bike, but mine is a 2009 SE, 50 year anniversary model, same colours. Mods I did, much louder Chinese stainless steel mufflers,, made a windscreen for $35 since the German ones were 600 Euros to New Zealand.. lol, set up an oil dripper to a paintbrush on the inside of the chain as an no fail oiler. and YES, I LOVE THIS BIKE. It is my second one, the last was all black 2009 and loved it too.
@jeffs6675 it is hard to put into words, but everything is just right with this bike. A pleasure to zip around on, every time. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching! Cheers 🍻!
I don't know if it still exists with you, but mine will go with beyond me, is a 2015 all black SE A3 with 68/68 . The best work of art on two wheels in terms of Simplicity.
@@aspinaki I love it. Great little city bike that doesn't mind a little highway duty here and there. Now that I have one, I can't imagine my garage without a Bonneville in it. The only way I'll part with this machine is if I am upgrading to a better version of it, such as a Speed Twin 1200 or a T120. Thanks for watching!
I have just bought the exact same bike today. Identical. Immaculate condition. Only circa 6000 miles on the clock having been mostly garaged. Runs beautifully. I haven't ridden it myself yet as the previous owner delivered it whilst I rode behind in my Yamaha 125 YBR. Yes, this beautiful bike will be my first and last big bike 🙂 Everything is stock. I don't think I'll change the exhausts, they're beautiful. Hagon shocks have been recommended but I'll see how i find the originals first, heated grips (I'm in the UK), a second king queen seat with dolly looks great too. I olan to go camping with it so some lovely satchel panniers and then I think that'll do. Not keen on over customising the core features. Gorgeous bike 🙂
@@cdm121880 I buy a 2010 blue/white bonnie se and then the same day your vid shows up in my feed... It's as if the internet knows my every move... 🤔 Next weekend I'm going to completely winterise the bike (for riding purposes on wet, salt gritted roads - this bike will be "garaged" no longer), treat rust specks on the exhaust, then coat the whole bike in Rust Shield and the underside in thicker waxoil. I think I'm going to use the Jenolite products. Maybe I should make a video on it too :) Do you have any views on preservation?
@@Riggy2201 I do not. I just keep it in the garage and wipe it off often. I also do not ride in the rain... on purpose. I was caught in a downpour one time when I failed to check the weather as far away as I was going.
@@cdm121880 hahaha, that's why my bike only has 6000 miles on it. It's always raining here haha. ... Actually, I found the Bennett's website yesterday, it's a bike insurance company, with community pages. Great resource. Their guy did a test of many brands, there's a youtube video too, with pieces of metal, salt water application daily and a weekend wash, over the course of weeks (until they reached min 80% rust). The XCP products seem to be a hellova lot better than all the others. It's well worth a look.
Outstanding! like anything else, there are good and bad examples on the used market. However, I found that, when searching for a Bonneville, a large majority of them were very well cared for. Stock suspension on the SE is rubbish, but that is easily upgraded. Cheers!
Hi Clint- Man am I glad that I came across this video. You did such an awesome job with all of your detailing on this bike. My wife & I were glued to the screen while eating supper. So thank you so much for your time. I was so impressed that I subscribed to the channel. I think I will start looking for one of these bikes. How to begin my search other than craigslist? Any pointers? How did you find your? Are you from St. Joseph, Mo? If so, do you know Ace Malott? Have a beautiful day! Cheers!! Illinois, USA
Wow! Thank you for the kind words and for the sub! I was actually born in nearby Atchison, KS, but grew up in Saint Joseph. Unfortunately, I can not say that I know Ace. As far as locating a good example of a Bonneville, I would say it's generally a bike that is well cared for. Obviously, there are always some exceptions, but for the most part, the majority of the bikes I looked into appeared to be loved. Last year, when looking for a Suzuki SV650, many of them were not as fortunate. Mine was found on Facebook Marketplace in Kansas City. Owned by a 67 year old gentleman who simply could not ride anymore due to leg and back pain. This bike was his baby. It will receive the same care in my garage as it has in his. I love this machine. Like most things, just be diligent. Look on Craigslist, (a few people still use it) look on Marketplace (by far the hottest method of selling these days). Most of all though, be patient. Don't settle for a machine that doesn't check the boxes for you. If you want a mag wheel Bonnie, find one! I passed on a pretty nice T100 because I really wanted the SE. I knew I would regret settling at some point. These bikes are a bargain in my opinion. They offer a fun, comfy, characterful, British riding experience for very little coin. Good luck and ride safe!
@@cdm121880 Thank you for your response & information. Ace is a top notch mechanic in your area & lives on Lincoln St. He specializes in Moto Guzzi's, but that guy I swear can fix anything. We'll be looking forward to your videos my friend. Cheers!!
You said this is where everything began, you were more right than you know, at 6:31 you can see where the highway meets the bluff, directly under there is where Joseph Robidoux built his first trading post, which would have been the first structure in St. Joe.
Lol. "Back then," it was called a motorcycle 😂. I have a 2014 Bonneville that's two tone, but no Tachometer. I picked it up barely brocken in a couple years ago. The only thing I don't like is the previous owner put a 2 into 1 on it. I think they sound a little better with 2 into 2. I'm also replacing the rectifier with a mosfet as the charging can be erratic with the stock one, ala Freddie Dobbs and his hard starting issues.
That's fair... a standard motorcycle certainly would have simply been a motorcycle before the introduction of other categories, huh? 😉 Before I purchased this one, I had looked into some of the aftermarket exhaust options and Tec made a 2 into one as well as a 2 into 2 that both seemed to sound solid. However, finding this one with the TORS exhaust was a bonus! Thanks for watching and for the comment, cheers!
weird seeing old expensive homes that are now abandoned and their once wealthy owners are probably dead. Just goes to show do not chase money, life is short, and Gods judgement is only around the corner.
What a pleasant revew sir.
@danolopez662 thank you for the kind words!
Have 2008 air cooled bonneville 865cc classic. Staintune exhsust, Ohlins rear shocks, disconnected pollution gear, high flow air cleaner one less tooth on the front sprocket, giving it perfect gearing and fantastic midrange power and torque. All simple things to do for a much better bike. Riding for 50 years and had loads of different bikes but this is one I'll never part with
I've said the same thing... I'll never sell this one. Or, if I do, it would simply be to experience a different tier of Bonneville. T120, Speed Twin 1200, etc.. However, I can't imagine my garage without some form of Triumph Bonneville ever again.
I got 2012 base model with mag wheels. Love this machine.
Me too! Thanks for watching and for commenting!
Wow, looking at a review of MY bike, but mine is a 2009 SE, 50 year anniversary model, same colours. Mods I did, much louder Chinese stainless steel mufflers,, made a windscreen for $35 since the German ones were 600 Euros to New Zealand.. lol, set up an oil dripper to a paintbrush on the inside of the chain as an no fail oiler. and YES, I LOVE THIS BIKE. It is my second one, the last was all black 2009 and loved it too.
@jeffs6675 it is hard to put into words, but everything is just right with this bike. A pleasure to zip around on, every time. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching! Cheers 🍻!
I have a 2013 SE. Thanks for the tip on replacing the rear shocks to increase comfort and handling.
You're welcome! The difference has been night and day. Stay safe!
I don't know if it still exists with you, but mine will go with beyond me, is a 2015 all black SE A3 with 68/68 . The best work of art on two wheels in terms of Simplicity.
@@aspinaki I love it. Great little city bike that doesn't mind a little highway duty here and there. Now that I have one, I can't imagine my garage without a Bonneville in it. The only way I'll part with this machine is if I am upgrading to a better version of it, such as a Speed Twin 1200 or a T120. Thanks for watching!
I have just bought the exact same bike today. Identical. Immaculate condition. Only circa 6000 miles on the clock having been mostly garaged. Runs beautifully. I haven't ridden it myself yet as the previous owner delivered it whilst I rode behind in my Yamaha 125 YBR. Yes, this beautiful bike will be my first and last big bike 🙂
Everything is stock. I don't think I'll change the exhausts, they're beautiful. Hagon shocks have been recommended but I'll see how i find the originals first, heated grips (I'm in the UK), a second king queen seat with dolly looks great too. I olan to go camping with it so some lovely satchel panniers and then I think that'll do. Not keen on over customising the core features. Gorgeous bike 🙂
@@Riggy2201 outstanding! Thank you for sharing. Yes, these bikes are gorgeous as they are... I do not see the need to change much of anything.
@@cdm121880 I buy a 2010 blue/white bonnie se and then the same day your vid shows up in my feed... It's as if the internet knows my every move... 🤔
Next weekend I'm going to completely winterise the bike (for riding purposes on wet, salt gritted roads - this bike will be "garaged" no longer), treat rust specks on the exhaust, then coat the whole bike in Rust Shield and the underside in thicker waxoil. I think I'm going to use the Jenolite products. Maybe I should make a video on it too :)
Do you have any views on preservation?
@@Riggy2201 I do not. I just keep it in the garage and wipe it off often. I also do not ride in the rain... on purpose. I was caught in a downpour one time when I failed to check the weather as far away as I was going.
@@cdm121880 hahaha, that's why my bike only has 6000 miles on it. It's always raining here haha. ... Actually, I found the Bennett's website yesterday, it's a bike insurance company, with community pages. Great resource. Their guy did a test of many brands, there's a youtube video too, with pieces of metal, salt water application daily and a weekend wash, over the course of weeks (until they reached min 80% rust). The XCP products seem to be a hellova lot better than all the others. It's well worth a look.
Good review, I've got an Bonnville Newchurch model.There are a few little things that irk me about it but it's such good fun to ride and looks great.
Great video, it’s convinced me to buy one!
Outstanding! like anything else, there are good and bad examples on the used market. However, I found that, when searching for a Bonneville, a large majority of them were very well cared for. Stock suspension on the SE is rubbish, but that is easily upgraded. Cheers!
Progressive springs. Koni shocks, (long time ago) transformed my R75 immensely.
Hi Clint- Man am I glad that I came across this video. You did such an awesome job with all of your detailing on this bike. My wife & I were glued to the screen while eating supper. So thank you so much for your time. I was so impressed that I subscribed to the channel. I think I will start looking for one of these bikes. How to begin my search other than craigslist? Any pointers? How did you find your? Are you from St. Joseph, Mo? If so, do you know Ace Malott? Have a beautiful day! Cheers!! Illinois, USA
Wow! Thank you for the kind words and for the sub! I was actually born in nearby Atchison, KS, but grew up in Saint Joseph. Unfortunately, I can not say that I know Ace.
As far as locating a good example of a Bonneville, I would say it's generally a bike that is well cared for. Obviously, there are always some exceptions, but for the most part, the majority of the bikes I looked into appeared to be loved. Last year, when looking for a Suzuki SV650, many of them were not as fortunate.
Mine was found on Facebook Marketplace in Kansas City. Owned by a 67 year old gentleman who simply could not ride anymore due to leg and back pain. This bike was his baby. It will receive the same care in my garage as it has in his. I love this machine.
Like most things, just be diligent. Look on Craigslist, (a few people still use it) look on Marketplace (by far the hottest method of selling these days). Most of all though, be patient. Don't settle for a machine that doesn't check the boxes for you. If you want a mag wheel Bonnie, find one! I passed on a pretty nice T100 because I really wanted the SE. I knew I would regret settling at some point. These bikes are a bargain in my opinion. They offer a fun, comfy, characterful, British riding experience for very little coin.
Good luck and ride safe!
@@cdm121880 Thank you for your response & information. Ace is a top notch mechanic in your area & lives on Lincoln St. He specializes in Moto Guzzi's, but that guy I swear can fix anything. We'll be looking forward to your videos my friend. Cheers!!
@larrywade9041 thanks again! Cheers!
You said this is where everything began, you were more right than you know, at 6:31 you can see where the highway meets the bluff, directly under there is where Joseph Robidoux built his first trading post, which would have been the first structure in St. Joe.
A lot of history down there. It'll be interesting to learn the fate of i229 through there.
Lol. "Back then," it was called a motorcycle 😂. I have a 2014 Bonneville that's two tone, but no Tachometer. I picked it up barely brocken in a couple years ago. The only thing I don't like is the previous owner put a 2 into 1 on it. I think they sound a little better with 2 into 2. I'm also replacing the rectifier with a mosfet as the charging can be erratic with the stock one, ala Freddie Dobbs and his hard starting issues.
That's fair... a standard motorcycle certainly would have simply been a motorcycle before the introduction of other categories, huh? 😉
Before I purchased this one, I had looked into some of the aftermarket exhaust options and Tec made a 2 into one as well as a 2 into 2 that both seemed to sound solid. However, finding this one with the TORS exhaust was a bonus!
Thanks for watching and for the comment, cheers!
love the exhaust
Thanks! I do as well. Just the right tone and keeps the classic, stock look.
weird seeing old expensive homes that are now abandoned and their once wealthy owners are probably dead. Just goes to show do not chase money, life is short, and Gods judgement is only around the corner.