Hello Everyone. I am super excited about this bike. I lost everything in the Tubs fire in California 2 years ago, including my motorcycles. Our house has finally been rebuilt so I decided it was time to replace the street bike. Seeing a deep discount on a 19 Speed Twin helped push me. I have always loved Bonnevilles. My dad has had a 67 since 68 and he has an 01 as well. I had and inline 4 and wanted a lighter bike with a throatier sound this time. The Speed Twin came out right when I needed it to. I would have liked a little more power, but it really checked a lot of boxes. It really does have a good power level to have plenty of fun and keep me out of too much trouble. I was hunting for a little more power on Friday though coming out of some higher speed corners and it will see the drag strip. My dad races his 01 Bonneville every week. Unfortunately the tracks are closed now because of the Rona. Anyway, I already have the Vance and Hines on order but I do want to get rid of the cat to really give it the exhaust note I am looking for and let the motor breathe and remove some of that heat. I think I have settled on the Motone pipe. Hopefully it will give me some extra power along with it. I only have 500 miles on it though and have been trying to keep it under 5000 rpm so I haven't flogged it too hard yet at the higher rpm, but it doesn't seem like it has any extra hit up top like I am used to, but it sure has got gobs of torque down low and in the middle. I want a pipe with no fitment issues. Also, has anyone had any success getting more power out of it with a power commander? I have read mixed reviews on the booster plug and really want to have more power to tune. I had a 10 second Mustang that also burned up that started in the 14's and I tuned it after all my mods so it would be nice to be able to tweak it. I will also add a K&N filter for good measure. Any input is appreciated. Thanks, Craig
I have choose to not decat. From those I have spoke with who have they haven't noticed anything but an increase in the exhaust note. If that is what you are looking for go for it. I would suggest taking that money and upgrading the suspension first. My two cents. My upgrades include Corbin Saddle, KTech rear shocks, Tec fork springs and adjustable preload fork tube caps, upgraded levers, Vance&Hines slip ons and DNA air filter. Interesting note, I switched the air filter so I would have a reusable one and wasn't looking for any performance pick up. Surprise I have found is better engine pick up in low RPM's (1500 - 2500) when in a higher gear than you would typically use. It pulls smooth and doesn't have a stumble. This allowing me to go into a 2 gear corner in 3rd gear and not have big engine braking when rolling off the throttle.
Your bike looks good. My Meerkat cat delete showed up 2 days ago. This one proved itself on the drag strip on a Thruxton, so I went with it. I definitely want the exhaust note enhanced by deleting the cat and it will also unchoke the motor and make it have less engine breaking at low speeds so it won't be so touchy. I agree that the suspension does need some work. I thought it was great on my 120 mile ride home the dealership but now I started pushing it hard and have ridden on less smooth roads and I can see an upgrade is needed. I'll hold off as long as I can, but I do want to get rid of some of that front brake dive and improve handling. I am super busy right now so the mods are going to wait, but the parts are here. I will not get a power commander but I will do an ECU Tune to go along with the decat, V&H, and K&N with snorkel removed. It might get a cam and retune later if that isn't enough. I'll start investigating suspension. Did your change make big improvements to handling? Oh, and how do you like that seat? I miss the step up that my old bike had in the seat. It helps keep you planted when doing drag launches and hitting 2nd gear hard. Probably better 2-up as well, but my wife still hasn't been on the back yet. Thanks, Craig
The suspension upgrade in the back made a big difference and a moderate difference in front. The bike doesn't kick out when leaned over when hitting something like a frost heave. So the shocks are definitely worth it. The stock front forks are well set up, a cartridge kit would probably make a bigger difference but for the way I ride don't know if it is worth $800.00. The Corbin seat is great and I cannot even imagine riding on a flat bench seat anymore.
