Triumph Bonneville America

LeeTriumphAmerica
Reviewed: 16 June 2010

Good looking, comfortable, capable cruiser

When I first saw this bike I fell in love with its shapely lines and modest raked fork.
The low seat height and wide, comfortable seat, make for a bike that is easy on the body for moderate trips.
The power is adequate for freeway riding; passing most motorists is effortless. The 865 cc engine is more than enough to give one quick acceleration.
It is more refined than a Harley, and very reasonably priced.
The 5.1 (US) gallon fuel tank gives it long legs between fuel stops. I generally start looking for a fill-up at about 160 miles.

Its width makes it difficult to do lane-splitting.
The tachometer was an option, not a standard accessory.
One has to take care at low speeds to keep the bike balanced and under control.

This bike brought me back to motorcycling after a 13 year hiatus. Previously I rode a small Japanese standard bike.
I was initially drawn to the America because of its styling and looks. Once I rode it, however, I discovered that it is a comfortable, easy-to-manage, powerful bike with no frills and pretensions. It draws attention and favorable comments wherever I go.
I have added leather saddle bags, the Gunfighter seat, engine guards, the roadster windscreen, the light bar kit, and a tachometer.
The light bar puts out superb light for night riding--but the bulbs burn out very quickly.
It rides very well over rough pavement and takes potholes in its stride.
Some may consider the ultra-quiet stock pipes a disadvantage, and I have heard the sound of the bike compared to a sewing machine; however, one can come and go at odd hours without annoying the neighbors.

Censuwine
Reviewed: 15 May 2009

A BEAUTIFUL MACHINE BUT ...

1. Aesthetics - it really is the best looking cruiser around;
2. Good consumption - I can take it to 230 kms before I have to switch on to reserve.

1. It is not as manoueverable as a road bike - far from it!
2. To be used strictly on smooth road surfaces;
3. Only single discs at the front;
4. Sparse instrumentation - very, very sparse - for e.g. no fuel lamp;
5. Not half as comfortable as other reviewers make it out. 45 minutes on it and you back feels quite sore;
6. No tools were provided with mine.

If you're one of those guys who like to be noticed, go for it. The same goes for those who prefer a relaxing ride to breakneck speeds. I also actually prefer the muffled sound of the standard pipes. However, the reduced manoueverability, sparse instrumentation and limited comfort would militate in favour of my next bike being a naked BMW.

H.D.
Reviewed: 26 December 2008

FUN BIKE. LOVE IT.

Looks, handling, reliability, plenty of power for me.

Plastic dash.

I love my 2007 America and plan on many more fun miles with it. Some try to portray it as a retro thing but I think it is just a traditional beauty that looks great anytime or place. Plenty of power and good handling for me, but then again I don't have any illusions of being a racer. Just a great looking all around bike.

Ron Comtois
Reviewed: 30 March 2008

MIDDLE WEIGHT CRUISER THAT CAN'T BE BEAT

Handling is very good for a raked out machine. Balance and slow speed manevability is excellent. Looks are unbeatable and with a few minor mods she's a real performer. That 270 crank gives it that little extra torque and sound.

Braking is just ok but more than adequate for this weight cruiser. Stock seat could be a little better but Corbin makes a great seat.

Overall it's the best middle weight cruiser I've ever ridden. She gets complements all day long where ever I stop. Put aftermarket exhaust, Freak Airbox kit and bigger main jets and she'll blow the doors off anything in it's class.

User 79076
Reviewed: 21 February 2008

GIVE YOURSELF A TEST RIDE WHEN YOU CAN. IT MAY SURPRISE YOU

Don't see the many on the road, great to look at, even better to ride.

I haven't found any yet!

If any body is sick of having various parts of their body aching due to the hunched up riding position of most ‘crotch rockets’ or a so called ‘sports tourer’, they should give this bike a try. It puts a smile back on your face as it’s a bike for riding and enjoying the ride in stead of rushing all over the place just cause the ‘sports’ position of your bike means it only goes well when pushed.

The America can happily take you along at walking pace or illegal speeds with a stable fuss free ride. No it will not get you there at warp speed, but you owe yourself the chance to enjoy the journey.

If you really must announce your presence to the boys in blue, then the optional pipes do sound good. Although, I prefer not to wake up my neighbours when I go to work at 6.30 am and not draw attention to myself at other times.

With many of my previous bikes I was lucky to get 30 miles without having to stop to recover from the stiff, neck, back and wrists. Now with the America I haven’t had to stop for any of the above, and cover well over 100 miles at a time. Then I’m usually stopping for a drink, petrol or one of nature’s calls, not because I’m in physical pain!

To put it in a nutshell, it’s puts more fun back into my biking than I thought possible, and at a very reasonable price for such a well made and finished bike.

Give yourself a test ride when you can. It may surprise you to find out why cruisers are bought. I know that it did me, and I ended up changing my Japanese crotch rocket.