Jovial Henry Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 Due to my age (76) and the fact that I no longer take any long trips I am thinking about trading my 02 rt in on a new Bonneville. Traded my pan head in on a new Bonneville in 66 and liked it. Sure wish I could use one for a few days.
George S. Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 I had an '08 Scrambler and it was a superb ride. It felt a litle "skinny" to me, like a throwback to a time of lighter bikes. Mechanically it was first rate, not like the original Bonnies. I just needed wind protection is why I sold it. But if you don't hit the highway slab, you'll like it.
Deek Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 I've got both an RT and a Bonnie, love them both. I find the lighter and smaller Bonnie is a lot of fun, and have used it several times for 2-3 night trips and it does just fine.
Silvergator Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 I have a 2005 Bonneville America (fwd controls) and love it for arround town or solo riding. Bought a new RT last year for longer trips with my wife. BMW is better in everything but It's 6 years newer and cost twice as much. Other than a failed igniter replaced under warranty, its been very reliable and just as much fun. Tried to make it into a touring bike but its a cruiser and will never compete with the RT for long rides or riding double. Bill
catneck Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 I have an 08 T100. Or more accurately my wife does. It is among several bikes in the garage, and is used occasionally. A great bike when used within it's intended purpose. It is better at attracting girls than a puppy. And and every 50+ guy who ever owned 1 back in the day. A great relaxed ride, just don't push it, and enjoy the scenery. And while the new Bonneville has gained reliability, it also gained weight. Again, use it as it was designed. A recommended 2nd bike in my opinion, but if there was only 1 bike in my garage, it would be the RT. Or the F800S. My 2 cents. Christian
sardineone Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 Henry, as Catneck mentioned it's heavier than the Bonneville's' of old. Actually somewhat top heavy compaired to the original. Just bringing this up if you desire a bike as easy to ride as the original. The new ones are nice enough if the weight isn't a deal breaker.
CVA-42 Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 I had a 790 Bonneville for a couple of years. I wanted a Brit bike again but not an old one. Been there and done that. The Bonneville was okay for what I bought it for - - day rides and such - - but it just didn't excite me. I did some things to enhance the performance as well as the sound ("off road" mufflers, carb re-jetting, plumbing removal) and installed some nice accessories but I just couldn't seem to warm to it. I finally sold it. Just my experience - - everyone buys a particular bike for their own reasons.
tallman Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 See how you like it, but suggestion about F800's has merit due to weight, ABS, accessories, etc.
dirtdreamer50 Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 Had an 09 T100. It was a cool run around bike but I was always looking for that 6th gear. FWIW, the SE has 17's front and rear and handles much better than the T, with the 19 up front. Which ever bike you choose, might I suggest replacing the stock seat with the Scrambler solo seat with rack, or Scrambler dual seat if needed. The ride improvement is more than worth the small expense. tomp dd50
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.