Hi folks, just signed up today. currently have an Aprilia Tuono v twin, , i love the bike to bits, had it for 7 years and don't think i'll part with it but for a good few months have found myself hankering after a Bonnieville, just not sure whether a T100, or one of the older ones would suit, like the look of them all and so much things you can change to make them different. Does the older ie 865 bonnie cope well enough 2 up, what sort of cruising speed is it capable / comfortable at as i would be using it for run outs with the wife now and again.
Welcome to the forum Jim. Great bikes the Bonnies, I have an 865 EFI, it has plenty of bottom end torque and cruises easy at 80 (track days of course) Pillion, you don't even know they are on the back!
Cheers Mick, sounds promising, i'll have to see if i can test ride one when i'm off on hols next month
welcome Jim, if your'e intending on going longish runs it might be an idea to get a comfort seat pad for the mrs
Jim get the Bonnie you wont regret it,i've had the new 900 for 5 weeks now and it's gonna be a keeper.
Hi Tal, have you had any experience with the 865 models, just wondering how it would compare to them.
Hi Jim, I just noticed I didn't at least attempt to you give you an answer re the performance potential of the 865 Bonnies. I had a 2010 T100 Bonny and did lots of kms on her over a 5yr period and loved most of it. Here's my pluses and minuses : Pluses: Well it's a Bonny innit? So of course it's beautiful to look at and attracts positive comments wherever you go which is nice for you and will impress your missus. I found average tank range to be about 220 to 250 kms. After that I would be ready for a coffee anyway. Good fuel consumption average 55mpg. Std suspenders are crap but can be cured for modest money. TEC Progressive springs on the front (about £80) and Hagon or TEC shox on the back (£120 to 200). Changing the springing will also help with two-up riding as you can spec the spring rates for the back-end. Comfortable two-up cruising speed about 70mph, of course she'll do a lot more. But bank on speed-legal cruising and you'll not go far wrong. Lots of modifying possibilities to make her yours. Minuses: The seat is crap! I changed mine for an alternative Triumph seat but for me, that was crap as well. So for touring I would say you need the std. seat converting for more long-distance comfort.
Thanks for that Dave, yep cruising at legalish speed is good as on the Tuono it just eggs you on to go all the time, so looking for something more relaxed with the wife on the back, seats an easy fix as is the suspenders. Cheers, Jim
Tuono hey , gen 1 or 2 . Just come from a gen 1 rsv , cracking bike but back didnt like it . Now ride a Street triple with no regrets . welcome.
Hi Snox, it's a Gen 2 Factory, bonkers bike, just fancy something more relaxed and more comfy for 2 up runs with the wife now and again, keep the Tuono for runs out on my own or with the lads .
Well as others have said, the Bonnie is very easy to live with. I found one of the last carbed models in fairly pristine nick for quite modest money and did the suspension and seat before sorting the breathing. Its mid range torque is markedly better for 2 up although my wife gave up pillion years ago still not sure if that was a good thing!