As the world of riding motorcycles expands more and more, it is clear that not everyone has bought a Harley Davidson. When my husband Spencer began the process of looking for a motorcycle that he could afford to buy and one that was going to be around for the next few years, he thought of a Triumph. For many years the rider refused to go on a typical Harley. He wanted a car that was powerful and fun, as well as cost effective. In 2008 the Triumph Bonneville Black became the obvious choice.
The Bonneville air-cooled, parallel-twin cylinder 865cc engine offers a simple look, but with modern and construction. Baker’s engines rise and fall in one – through 360° crankshaft firing gap – which retains the classic feel and character of a British cylinder engine, yet has a modern day feel that goes with that even the most expensive Harley Davidson.
6,000 rpm, maintained from around 2,500rpm to red creates effortless acceleration in every five years. Twin electrically heated 36mm carburetors with throttle position sensors. “Peashooter” style pipes handle the exhaust gases while maintaining a traditional look as they cover the triangular engine.
The Bonneville’s low and wide seats provide comfort and have a low center of gravity. This makes it easy and fun to ride for new riders or experienced riders. My husband has ridden his whole life on one bike or another. He loved this triumph. He says the handling ability of this Bonneville is amazing. He says the same thing that gives you the impression that no matter what, Bonnie can handle it.
We drove about 400 miles to Bonn. This bike is great. He had a soft bar, a Triumph of course, put it on for me. I was worried when I first saw the seat. It was wide and thick, but I wondered about its long riding capabilities. I was astonished. I was comfortable, and for some time I could ride without feeling, as my back was numb.
This is the first time he rides a horse. It’s a real ride. I made my husband’s dirt bike 13 years ago. Not to be considered real riding. I am a novice. Riding in this Bonneville triumph made me an avid fan. I gave up very easily and adapted to riding. The seat was great, and the handling of the bike was excellent. I never felt like a passenger that had a bike to pull us to work. He had great power and torque.
Another great feature of the 2008 Triumph Bonneville is its handling on the road. It’s almost effortless to maneuver with confidence through the beautiful Colorado Rockies. Spencer tells me it handles better than any bike he’s ridden before. During the experiment he acts in acting scenes, he was not sure if he wanted to handle the way, but he says that it was more than what he expected.
The 2008 Triumph Bonneville is a cruiser. It is not meant to be used with Ducati and other bikes. The goal was to provide power for you to enjoy, but keep the comfort and cruisability factors more appealing by putting the crowd back. In many ways the Triumph is a much better bike than any Harley Davidson you can ride.
It is as powerful as a Harley and has all the features to provide an amazing riding experience. The best thing about the 2008 Triumph Bonneville is the price tag. For less than $10,000.00 you can have a motorcycle that is well built, powerful, looks great and has a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty. If you live in Colorado or other parts of the country that are pretty cold most of the year, this is a way to have fun and not break the bank. In the middle of winter with 4 or 5 inches of snow, it’s no fun if you can’t make any decisions to get out and ride. Or you don’t want to go out and ride.
The 2008 Triumph Bonneville is a different kind of motorcycle. If you are more interested in having fun and enjoying the awesome experience of a motorcycle vs. trying to look cool on a Harley will cost you an arm and a leg, check out this fabulous bike. The best is not a one-size-fits-all ride, unlike a Harley that is unheard of to see and hear. All the cool “Bikers” are on them. 300,000 miles after the purchase they hated the payments and had nowhere near the fun of the Bonneville.
Here are the specifications of the new 2008 Bonneville Black Engine:
Air cooled, DOHC, parallel twin, 360º ignition interval
865 cc
Bore/Stroke
90 x 68mm
I force the system
9.2:1
Twin carburetors with throttle position sensor and electric carburetor heaters.
steel head, twin chrome silencers
Digital-inductive type ignition
The first drive to be delivered
X chain ring
Wet-wet, multi-plate
Gearbox-5-speed
Apparatus Ratios-Primary: 108/62
1st: 41/15
2nd: 37/19
3rd: 34/22
4th: 31/24
5th: 29/27
Final: 43/18
Oil capacity
1.2 US gals
frame
Tubular steel
The wheels
Front
The 36-spoke is 19 x 2.5in
Back
40-inch 17 x 3.5in
Suspension
front
Kayaba, 120mm travel, 41mm forks
Back
Kayaba chromed twin coil springs with matching preload, 106mm rear wheel travel
Brakes
Front
Single 310mm disc Nissin 2 piston floating caliper
Back
Single 255mm disc Nissin 2 piston floating caliper
Instrument display / functions
Analog speedometer with odometer and block information
Dimensions:
Length
87.8in
Width (Handlebars)
29.1in
Height
43.3in
Wheelbase
59.1in
Rake/Trail
28º
Weight (Dry)
451 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity
4.2 gal
Action:
Maximum Power
67PS at 7,200rpm
Maximum Torque
52ft.lbf at 6,000rpm
This motorcycle gets an A+ for design, handling ability, affordability and fun. Rides on the market? Consider this a great bike. Well worth the price.
