BONNEVILLE SE OR T100? HOW I CHOSE.

The Triumph Bonneville is sold in 2 variants in India, the Bonneville SE and the higher version Bonneville T100. The basic bike remains the same. The engine, drivetrain and brakes are exactly alike. The detailed comparison of the major aspects of the bike is as follows:

	BONNEVILLE SE	BONNEVILLE T100
Colour Schemes	Comes in complete silver, black and 1 two tone colour scheme	Comes in several 2 tone colour schemes including Orange/Black, Red/Black, White/Gold etc.
Wheels	Cast Aluminium alloy wheels	Classic spoke wheels
	17” tyre in rear and front	19” tyre in front and 17” in rear
Seat Height	740mm	775mm
Rake Angle	27o	28o
Features	Comes with single speedo dial and warning lights in separate housing	Comes with matching speedo and tachometer. The warning, neutral, low fuel and turn indicator lights are integrated within the two dials.
Engine Looks	Comes with standard black engine	Comes with chrome engine covers
Silencers	Comes with reversed cone silencers	Comes with peashooter silencers
Length	2115 mm	2230 mm

After testing the bike to my satisfaction, and having made up my mind about buying the Bonnie, I got down to deciding the model.

I zeroed in on the Bonneville T100. This was based on four main advantages that the T100 has over the SE.

• The larger front wheel affects handling and makes it more comfortable by being smoother on potholes and bad roads. 
• The rake angle of 28^o of T100 as compared to 27^o of the SE makes the riding position less inclined leading to lesser strain on back and wrists.
• The increased height of the T100 helps in protecting the bike over large speed breakers, a common problem in India and also makes it more comfortable for taller riders. 
• Spoke wheels, from my personal experience, are much tougher than alloy wheels, which can crack under hard impact. Spoke wheels, however have the disadvantage of having tube and not being tubeless.

These four points distinguish the T100 from the SE and the SE can’t be modified to match these specs. All the other differences such as engine covers, instrumentation cluster etc. are purely cosmetic and accessories available for the Bonneville SE can be used to upgrade and customize the bike.

Finally, after much researching, testing and comparing, I booked the Bonneville T100 in Orange / black / silver colour scheme. 

   

Read on for my roller coaster ride as an owner of Triumph Bonneville T100. 

MY COMPLETE TEST OF THE TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE

The first test ride of the Triumph Bonneville ensured that I returned soon to the showroom during my very next visit to Mumbai.

As usual, there were no unnecessary procedures, no marketing gimmicks or any type of commitment about when I wanted to purchase the bike. I was given the keys to the Bonneville (Or Bonnie as it is usually referred to) and off I went. My detailed views on every aspect of the Bonnie T100 (There are two models available the Bonneville SE And T100, discussed in detail in my next blog) follow:

Engine:

I was a little more adventurous during this second test ride and revved the engine more to see the potential of the 865CC engine putting out 67BHP of power and max torque of 68NM. I was pleasantly surprised. The engine was just as elegant and smooth at 6000 RPM as it was at 3000 RPM. Also, the engine behaviour at higher and lower revs was the same. No additional vibrations, no loud exhaust note, nothing. Just the uninterrupted power delivery through the smooth accelerator. I believe that the engine comes equipped with balancer shafts that cancel out vibrations created by the movement of the two pistons.

I was told that the Bonneville also comes standard with oil cooler (I am not sure if this is in India only or in all Bonnies). This helps control the viscosity of oil and ensures that the engine does not switch off, even if the engine temperature increases in traffic or at low speeds. This is a unique and very essential addition made by Triumph and it makes it possible to use the bike daily without hassles.

Oil Cooler in front of the engine

During the test ride, I found that the tall gears ensured that the torque was distributed throughout the rev range. This meant that I could ride at 60 km/hr or at 120 km/hr in the 5^th gear. No need for frequent gear changes, which is a boon in city traffic.

Ride:

The ride quality of the Bonnie T100 is where the real surprise lay for me. I was prepared for a heavy, difficult and awkward handling bike, especially in the city (Thanks to my earlier test rides of the HD).  But the rigid frame & swing arm of the Bonnie, along with the  19” front wheel and 17” rear wheel made the bike agile and surprisingly easy to ride. 

The fuel tank design ensures that the legs fit perfectly around them and the tall riding height means minimum strain on the back and wrists. I found the foot pegs slightly behind as compared to the RE, but this position is very comfortable and also keeps the legs away from the engine heat.

I do wish that the bike with a 6 speed instead of a 5 speed. The engine seems to be stretching in the 5th gear and I found myself often checking if I was already in top gear.

Overall, I found that the bike is perfect for city traffic and is no slouch on the highways either, always asking for more, accelerating through the gears and eating up the tarmac without any fuss. For a lifestyle rider like me, this is the best combination, as I get a sensible and practical bike for the city and also an eager and powerful bike for the long weekend rides.

Looks:

Although the performance of the bike was good, the looks are also important in choosing any bike. Triumph has spent a lot of time and effort in maintaining the classic looks of the Bonnie. The result is a bike, which still has its ‘60s styling charm, but is packed with the latest technology.

Classic Peashooter Exhausts

Engine-wise, the look is old school with Triumph going to long lengths to maintain the classic look, even making the fuel injection look like a pair of carburettors  I personally loved the chrome covers over the engine and the peashooter silencers, which complete the look to the T.

Chrome engine covers

Clever EFI design

Cosmetically, the spoke wheels, flat seat with white piping, embossed tank badges, dual tone colour theme with hand painted lines all scream old-school design. The instrument cluster comes in the traditional round dials but is upgraded with analog speedo and tachometer along with the warning lights and digital odometer with 02 trip meters. There are some warning lights and turn indicator lights. No low fuel warning light or engine temperature information though.

Smart & Functional Instrument Cluster

Overall, the look of the bike is charming and I loved the small details put into the bike.

Safety:

The Bonnie comes with Nissin dual disc brakes as standard. Unfortunately, I found that ABS is not even offered as an option, which is surprising for a bike with such power.

Overall, I can summarize the bike in its pros and cons.

Pros:

• Exceptional paintjob with customized detailing by hand  
• Classic looks with old school looking engine
• Great ride quality 
• Comes as a “riding” bike with all basic requirements as standard. All accessories are for customization, and not compulsorily required. This is a complete change over Harleys, which even require a rear seat, sold separately as an accessory in some models.

Cons:

X Key socket on the left hand side, beside the headlight. Inconvenient to reach and the keys scratch the paintjob

X Separate keys for ignition and handle lock

X No fuel gauge. Only low fuel warning light. 

X Fuel cap without lock

  

Ignition Key Socket

The entire experience of the bike is understated and classic. It’s difficult to immediately make out that it’s a large imported bike. The exhaust is smooth and classy, and you can ride by any vehicle without them realizing that such a huge and powerful bike is passing them.

The Bonneville is not a loud, in your face type of vehicle. It does not announce it’s arrival through loud exhaust notes, but rather glides in on a magic carpet, keeping the rider smiling and wanting more till the very end. You can say that the Bonnie is for the connoisseur of pure art on two-wheels and not for the wannabe rider.

This was it. My mind was made up. There was something magical with this bike, and I wanted to be part of the magic. 

Keep reading my next blog where I share the commonalities and some very important differences between the two Bonnie models available in India. Of course, my final choice is also disclosed :)

WHY I CHOSE TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES IN INDIA

They say that change is the only constant in life. And so with stars in my eyes and hope in my heart, I decided to upgrade my ride from my sturdy and dependable RE Classic Desert Storm 500 to something better. Believe me, it is not possible to replace the charm of an RE, but I figured that there was no harm in trying something new.

Lets face it. Customers looking to buy high-end bikes in India are not really spoilt for choice. My search began with finding information about available bikes in India over the Internet. I started with the obvious names like Harley Davidson, Kawasaki and Ducati, which were some of the first international biking brands to set up shop in India.

The Ducati Monster 796 was my first dream bike, having come across its pictures and reviews in many auto magazines. I had spent countless hours researching and ogling over its pictures on the net. Indian customers only have the option of buying the slightly lower spec Monster 795, which comes without the single sided swing arm, lower seat height etc.

But alas, when I went to visit the Ducati showroom in Mumbai, I was told that Ducati had ceased ties with its distributor in India. Although their bikes were still available for sale from the existing stock, the shortage of spares and servicing issues in the future scared me enough to research other options.

I believe that Ducati is now back in India, but thankfully through a direct subsidiary. Check out their Indian website.

Back to my online search, I also came across news reports of Triumph Motorcycles from UK having entered India. Check their Indian website.

Intrigued, I researched on social sites and came across a couple of bike reviews and user blogs of Triumph, India. The reviews were nowhere on the scale or volume of Harleys or other big international brands such as Suzuki or Yamaha. Just a couple of short but positive reviews.

What intrigued me initially was the line-up of Triumph bikes being sold in India. The Striple twins (Street and Speed Triple) having the 3 cylinder engines, the Rocket III having a massive 2300cc engine, the classic Bonnivelle and Thruxton Café Racer, the sporty track bike Daytona 675 and the off-road specialist Tiger covered every type of riding genre.

The sexy yet intimidating eyes of the Rocket III

Excited by the new information, I had to check out these bikes. The opportunity presented itself soon, when during my visit to Pune, I got to visit the Triumph showroom on Pashan Road. They had the entire collection of bikes on display. The accessories and merchandise section also offered great selection.

The Tiger, Daytona 675, Street Triple and Bonnie

I checked out the whole gamut of bikes. The quirky looks of the Tiger catches your attention immediately. But it’s the Rocket III that leaves you in awe with its sheer size and presence. The other bikes including the Street Triple and the Bonneville were much bigger than they looked in their pictures. Unfortunately, I was unable to take a test ride due to the incessant rain.

Rocket III and Thruxton

Impressed by the finish quality of the bikes and the obvious heritage of the brand, but not having heard the exhaust notes or test rode the bike, I immediately visited the Mumbai showroom in the very next week.

Large, airy and glass walled with plenty of bikes on display, the showroom was inviting but not intimidating. The sunlight filtering through the glass walls helps in seeing the true colour shade of the bikes, without having to take each bike outside.

The Wall of Fame

I was pleasantly greeted and given information on all the bikes in their line-up. I was given frank feedback by Zubin, the service in-charge that the Bonneville was more my cup of tea, but I had my heart set on the sporty Street Triple and so I had to test ride that bike.

No hassles or questions. No planned test-ride route or a lead rider to follow. This was really surprising as the bikes are expensive and difficult to manoeuvre in traffic and it takes a lot for any company to simply give a test ride to any person who walks in. Also, my earlier experience with other brands such as Harley Davidson was to provide driving license, fill a form and then to be escorted by a lead rider for the test ride.

A simple form was filled & I was given the keys to the Street Triple. I was advised of an approximate route. And off I went.

The famous Bug Eyes

Unfortunately, the test ride of about 4 kms. was heart breaking. I couldn’t adjust to the seating position (Which was too sporty for me) and the 3 cylinder engine, which can deliver huge amount of power from a very small engine (105PS from a meager 675CC engine) was scary with the huge amount of power delivery on the lightweight chassis. I was unimpressed and couldn’t wait to complete the test ride and return back to the showroom, hopefully in one piece.

On my return, at the insistence of Paras, the sales consultant, I took the Bonneville out for a test ride. And it was HEAVEN. The seating position was just so right. The power delivery was extremely smooth. The vibrations through the handlebar were next to nil and I could actually see the road in my rear-view mirrors (Having gotten used to not being able to see anything in them thanks to the vibrations of the RE). Don’t get me wrong, I love my RE to death and have completed long rides with it, including a 4000+ kms. ride to South India. But after having ridden the Bonneville, I realized that RE bikes are still in the 19^th century in terms of quality, fit and finish and technology.

Bonneville SE

Back in the showroom, I was further impressed with the professionalism of the sales staff. There was no marketing pitch, no questions regarding my buying intention etc. On the other hand, they were available to answer any and all questions regarding the bike and the brand.

The only thing that caught my attention was the small service room. It had two lifts and hardly space for a 3^rdbike. But I figured that with the limited number of bikes sold, the small service room must suffice.

The overall experience with the brand and the team convinced me to seriously look at Triumph Motorcycles for my next bike. The Bonneville was my clear favourite. 

Read on about my views and some unknown facts about the Triumph Bonneville, which led me to making it my ride.