Should You Buy A Used 865 Triumph Bonneville?

Pros and cons about the bike I've owned the longest. These bikes are used bargains, but aren't perfect. Some things to be aware of and consider before you buy.
This is a new version of a video I created years ago before I knew how to talk on camera.

[bm]

One of the easiest bikes to live with. That entire range, all the derivatives, such trouble-free riding. Simple maintenance. Lots of custom options. Modular for easy mix-and-match. Can't go wrong.

[southernmike]

Own the same year model here in Australia which is fuel injected. Had it for 3 years and racked up 43000 ks. Has a few mods like staintune exhausts (eliminates the wheel removal issue and sounds great). Ohlins rear shocks, removed pollution rubbish, and crashbar with highway pegs. Regular oil changes every 5 to 6000 ks, and tyres is all the maintenance I've done. These bikes are near bullet proof! Been riding 50 years now and owned a swag of different bikes over the years. Can say i have no plans on ever parting with it. Fantastic hassle free bikes with class and style. Highly recommended if thinking about one. They do everything well. Not outstanding, but they will hold their ground and are very reliable.

[richardmarotto]

Considering purchasing a friend's 2007 model tomorrow. Sincere thanks for an informative and knowledgeable review! I'm 75 years old and would love to do some simple, calm, relaxing rides.

[richardclegg]

Bulletproof. I've done 40, 000 in 8 yrs, bought used. NEVER a problem. Mapped and breathing well. Easy ton all day

[davapod]

You clearly enjoy this bike. Kudos to you. As a Brit I love how John Bloor resurrected the brand. When I started riding in the mid 80's Triumph were defunct and no longer in business.

[primaltone]

Good review. '06 T100 owner here since 2008. Bought it with about 3000 miles, now has over 19, 000 miles. Mine came with a Corbin seat and I'm 5'6", not cramped for me at all! Mine has an Icon shock upgrade, fork brace, airbox removal, and Predators among other minor things. Since it came with the pipes, I can't compare sound confidently, but as-is it is one of the best sounding bikes out there. It roars. Due to my own neglect I've had to redo the carbs a few times, and the regulator went out. It's a good bike, but it does have something going on, in which the throttle seems to cut randomly. I need to have it checked out because I don't feel comfortable cornering with it like that. An unexpected drop in throttle while digging into a corner is a recipe for a bad day.

[billythebosn]

Bought a 2003 790cc new and now have 58K trouble free miles. Overbuilt is an understatement!

[michaelking]

Got one today. 2013 t100 with 1800 miles at 1/3 of the cost of new. Loving it.

[umik]

I've got a 2007 t100, as you said I brought it for the looks as it's a fun bike when the weather is nice, I've changed the shocks for Tec ones and exhaust to dunstall and rejetted the carburettors. Still love it, mines got the chrome engine. Nice video 👍

[charlieb]

I am 64 and just sold my 2015 t100 865 68bhp spirit Special edition! If you’re after a cruiser’s and enjoy a weekend run around the country and local run outs you will have a lot of fun! ( I had the triumph tor silencers fitted awesome sound) Can’t fault the owner experience and you will always find a buyer if you want to sell 👍 reason for selling I miss the fun I had in the twisties on my triumph street triple! The bonneville is a beautiful bike and you will always attract attention just not ready for the big easy yet 😎🤙 if you buy one the special edition are worth the extra 👍 in my opinion the one’s to buy Triumph Bonneville T214 top choice if you’re into custom T100 Spirit 😎👊

[kdsowen]

Nice laid-back honest-review, relaxing and informative . I bought the first classic-retro that was priced-right (ie. tidy and cheap ! ) It's a W650 and is a great little-bike, it could have been a Triumph or an RE650 and I'm sure I would have been just as-happy . I think yours (ist-gen Triumph-retro ) has the same 360-degree-crank as mine, giving that old-classic sound and feel, takes-me back to days gone-by when I push it through the twistys . Dave NZ

[frederickwoods]

Nice review, I am just south of you in the Virginia foothills. I bought two 2012's a month apart in 2013 (leftover units) a Bonneville SE in September and a Thruxton in October; the SE just turned 12, 000 miles, the Thruxton will soon turn 2, 000 miles, riding it more now in retirement. I like the tach that you added, the lack of a tach kept me from buying the standard Bonnie. Mine are fuel injected, have front fork kit and full stainless-steel exhaust on the Bonneville SE, it weighs 475 wet, the Thruxton is 495 pounds. I am very tall, over 220 lbs and mileage is right around 58-60 mpg on both bikes. My 2020 Enfield 650 has almost 27, 000 miles and yes, less weight particularly with the TEC headers and silencers: 429 wet, it was 468 pounds new/full of fuel. Best clutch and gearbox ever, very easy valve adjustment and economy of 74-76 mpg. All three go 170 miles before low-fuel warning with well over a gallon left at 180-190 miles.

[michaelreuss]

I own a 2009 EFI since 2011 and modded it considerably. It‘s a fantastic, reliable café racer style bike that turns a lot of heads.

[CostosLotsamoula]

I have a mag wheel Bonnie, fantastic bike, I was so impressed with Triumph I bought a later model Speed Twin which is even better. The Bonnie is a keeper though, it's a hard life puting up with 2 Triumphs in the family.😅

[serious_in_seattle]

I might try to find one of those next year and have a sidecar made for it. I think it would be fun and beautiful. A great conversation piece for running around town with the family, including the dogs.

[frankmarkovcijr]

Shim under bucket valve adjustment very expensive and difficult to doby owners. My 1965 Triumph Tr-6 l have had her for 40 years.Very reliable and dependable.Commuted on her for 20 years. I have had her for 40 years. Will run for ever.

[JohnCunningham-syug]

Nice review I have a new to Me Thuxton bought used @2000 miles 2011 replaced tires. Yes there is no storage which is crazy the old bikes came with a flip seat and tool kit oh well? I'm 68 and have done two all day runs surprisingly comfortable. Have owned a goldwing 5 Harleys. A Roadking still my favorite all around but a thrid childhood requires a bike that brings me back to 1972 xs650 good times brothers.

[guenter]

I have a 2015 Bonneville SE. The last year of the air cooled models. No problems, love it.

[glenkay]

appreciate your comments and opinions, thanks for the video! I'm considering a 2002 T100

[jibjab]

The T100 version has a tacho, The seat is reaaly hard to remove and harder to get those bolts back in.Agreed, the rear light is hideous, I got a T140 Meriden replica and T140 indicators to replace the 'Jetsons' style originals. A bit sneaky having no centre stand - but the mounting brackets are there and they will sell you a centre stand. Agree again with the rear shocks, I replaced with Hagons with damping & spring adjustmant, and progressive front springs while I was at it. Handles great now. Also the exhausts need upgrading, the originals are too restictive [modern laws] I have Mototwin stainless pipes which come with bigger jets, adds 10% to the power and sounds great without being too loud. [Mine is a 2007 model in the UK] The tank is too small for my liking, only does 90 miles before going onto reserve. A good tip for comfort is one of the Triumph King and Queen seats, super comfy but does look a bit chunky. Also if you like cruising fit a 19 tooth front sprocket. lowers the revs by 500prm.