The modern Bonnie

[A10 JWO]

I am currently looking at a 2009 Bonnie for popping to work and back. What are the views of these 2009 machines. They look over engineered to me. Thanks lads.

Colin

[stu.andrews]

They are not a light bike although the seat height is fairly low. Yours would be an injection model. The main problem with them is corrosion, particularly hubs & wheel rims. Brakes are good although not spectacular. The wheels are quite skinny so find the grooves in the road. For the cc, they are not unduly sprightly, have moderate MPG but seem to be very reliable. Some seem to gobble oil although mine uses none at all. The seat is like a plank & I'm going to get a King & Queen for mine for any distance work. I like the riding position, which is fairly upright & have a screen on mine, which although it gives some protection also reflects any engine & road noise.
For a day to day bike, I personally think it will please you but don't pay over the odds- there are a lot out there.
Regards
Stu

[A10 JWO]

Thanks Stu.
A good honest opinion is what I like. The one I am looking at is 2009 but appears to have carbs which look Japanese style. Would this be old stock. It has chrome engine cases and the tank is all one colour ?

Regards Colin

[Flatboy 1950]

May not answer your question , but I have an 02 Bonny from new.
Coil packed up & was advised not to buy the Tri. part but get a German coil from newbonneville.com
One spoke in the back wheel broke , ordered one from the Tri. agent .... cost about 5X the price of S/S HD spokes that I sell !!

Otherwise hassle free , reliable , staid & undergeared.
Wanted to go 1 or 2 teeth up on the gearbox sprocket , Tri. cannot supply.
Ordered one from nb.com & it got stolen in the post!

First bike I ever owned that you got to take the gas tank off to take out the spark plugs !!!
May be a special tool ?? Dunno.

Flatboy.

[A10 JWO]

I heard that they don't come with a centre stand ???

Colin

[muskrat]

The carbs are dummies hiding the fuel injection.
Cheers

[Flatboy 1950]

Yes , the first thing I bought was a centre stand , over 100 quid.

Cheers , Flatboy

[stu.andrews]

Muskrat is quite right. The injectors are in fact housed in dummy carbs to make it look retro! Spokes did break on some bikes but have never had the problem myself. Gearing is a little low but if you are doing a commute then that might be an advantage. It still cruises comfortably at 70mph & we don't exceed the limit, do we! Most second hand Bonnies I've seen have had a centre stand, obviously fitted by a previous owner. As I said, there are a lot out there so you can afford to be selective.
Regards
Stu

[Tomcat]

G'day Colin, the Hinkley Bonneville is a great motorcycle. I bought an '04 790 new, had a good run, then traded it on it's 5th birthday. The only problems we have with them here in Oz is Peter Stevens (Triumph dealer) Cheers Tomcat

[A10 JWO]

Well I got one with 2,500 miles on the clock. It has a center stand and rev counter. Had a quick ride, smooth as silk, great g/box. Must admit that press button start is good for an old boy that needs a new back. I shall wait for the stick. I have joined a modern Forum for these bikes. These chaps have not been very nice at all. Not helpful at all and some rude, a waist of time. We are lucky to have this forum and it's members.

Colin