Greatest Ever Motorcycles: # 5 - Triumph Bonneville T100

[dom69foco]

voted down because the company was bought? fuck that! perfect bike

[ted850760]

Norton commando....need I say more

[fritshits65]

TRIUMPH is T R I U M P H !.... cant or wont compare to anything else ..check ( TRIUMPH T140 ; HOW TO BURN OF A TYRE & ANNOY THE NEIGHBOURS! ) on YOUTUBE and see what fun it can be !! Just cherish your Bonnie , give her LTC and she`ll NEVER LET YOU DOWN!! ( just to be sure > bring a toolkit along !!) L O L !!

[abot19]

i should get one my last name is bonneville lol

[mezcal1111]

My Yamaha SR vibrates much more on standstill, but when she runs she's soooo smooth! :-)

[jenniferalls]

I don't see anything shaking. 

[toboe156]

I think I'd rather a y2k bike.

[rvh3]

Great bike, but I prefer BSA Gold Star

[looxgood]

A big virbrator between my leg!!! I love it!

[DAVIE1488]

i have a 40 yr old triumph bonneville bobber and that cunt starts on the first kick everytime...

[rloebe34]

These old Triumphs I'm in love with.. It just says Rock N Roll, Sexy and Style.. All over the bike

[rloebe34]

I'm 22 in college and ride a '73 Triumph Trident. I helped my dad restore it a few years back, he's had it since '73. I probably get more thumbs up and compliments from people than any harley or crotch rocket. I had 2 hot girls that go to college with me, come up at a gas station while I was filling up.. They wanted to take a picture of the bike and with me on it. THey said it was " a REALLY REALLY good looking bike. I like it alot". To end what they said.

" My bfs got a ninja but i like this"

[luciferdy9]

I'm thinking about buying my first bike and I really love this one!

[gregorylee888]

You cant beat a Triumph .....or a BSA or Norton ...great bikes ....they handle really well ...

[synapsepg]

I've owned my 1966 Bonny for over forty years! It still Rocks. Check out my Triumph vid: Classic Sunrise Ride.

[bLitz72]

Sexy Bike!!

[MikSane]

i want a street triple but im seriously considering this bike for some reason. still keep my first bike (KLR250) for the winter. is this bike fun?!

[Alisterwolf66]

@MikSane I own an '08 T100 - yes, they are fun! Very easy and pleasant to ride, handle well, inexpensive to maintain, and good fuel economy (I get 48mpg or so, if I keep my wrist out of the throttle). If you get one, do lose the stock mufflers. I've heard Briggs & Strattons that sound better! Go for Staintune, if you can afford it.

[kgugis]

I recently sold my Hailwood Ducati which I'd owned for 12 yrs because I never rode it and bought something much more fun and practical - a T120 Bonnie. Yes, it requires plenty of fettling to keep it happy, but I love it. Heaps more practical and useable than the Duc!

[plonker00765]

sexy ? cool yes, fast,definately not,i've ridden a 2008 model which is quicker than the sixties model and it was gutless,mind you it was a loaner while my daytona was

being serviced,the difference is night and day between old and new bikes.

[mansavian]

lol I was going to buy the t100 but after jay leno's mention of the castrator i'm having second thoughts

[955nsim]

@mansavian Depends on what T100 you are talking about.The film is all about the 'old 'bonnevilles from the sixties.The new Triumphs are quite different beasts and don't have those tank racks to which Jay Leno was referring.I have a Daytona,but all my mates with Bonnies love them and so do I..Go on!!!!! Get one.

[mansavian]

@955nsim haha cheers for the heads up - I'm certainly glad they decided to change that! Will be making the purchase sometime in the near future hopefully :)

[Yamieguy64]

A landmark bike. The fastest stocker around for some time with reasonable handling to boot.

[BostonNomads]

The Wild One movie came out in 1951 or 1952, and there was no Bonneville then. Brando rode a 6T Thunderbird sprung hub in the movie. The Bonneville didn't come out until 1959. There was also never a T100 Bonneville; the dual carb T100 was the Daytona.

[daveyshrike]

@BostonNomads There is a T100 Bonneville now though - I own one ;)

[gamesbok]

@BostonNomads I believe it was a Speed Twin.

[MrJimmy1437]

It was a sad day when my bonnie was no longer the fastest bike on the road. I still wish i had it back

[Aejotz]

I don't think care what overgrown little boys think of my bike. And I'd stand by my bike in a parking lot anytime because I like to look at it. I also enjoy talking about my bike when it catches someone else's eye; and it does all the time. I enjoy my bike every way I can and I don't care if status-addicted wieners approve. My friends ride standards, cruisers, baggers, choppers and crotch rockets and we don't put each other's bikes down. Grow up.

[hissingfetus]

@Aejotz spoken like a true BIKER, ride your shit and fuck what anyone has to say. if they dont like it, owell.

[remoorejr]

The Bonnie is still the coolest and sexist motorcycle ever built. Thanks so much to Triumph for keeping this legend alive!

[Toro76aus]

and im sorry but EVERYONE buys a HD these days, and they most certainlt do not say "fuck society" it is no longer badass.

unless you happen to be one of the old dudes from the 60-70-80's who started the whole lifestyle, they are true bikers.

[Toro76aus]

i prefer a pencil over a pen, a steak pie over a gourmet' caviar dish, i prefer to drive manual over automatic, todays music is shit- the old stuff however is THE shit :)

just because something is "new" or "modern" dose not mean it is better...example all the cars today are made of fking plastic vs old steel cars :)

-beauty is in th eye of the beholder.

in other words, WHO FKING CARES! live ur life.

[number1Schumacherfan]

NSU was the first motorcycle to reach and pass 200 MPH. They did so in the mid 50's too. Don't forget about some of their fantastic bikes.

[h4rleyhog]

BarneyFart, I'm a Harley owner just turned 30. I've had Harleys since I was 21 and most of my mates own Harleys, they too are around 30. So your comment of washed up old men, you're clearly way out of touch, maybe you yourself behind the times. We often ride down to Spain and catch up with the latin connection, all these guys are 21+and they all have Harleys, the girls are stunning latinos and ride their Harley fast and hard, you won't find that scene with the sports bikes ever! We party HARD!

[OneFastGoose]

Barney, in what ways are modern Harleys "way behind in technology"? Be specific. And compare apples to apples such as cruiser-to-cruiser, or heavy tourer-to heavy-tourer, not a Road King to a track ready Honda Superbike.

[YoHuckleberry]

I'm 23 and I think I'm gonna get one of these. My dad is always telling me about that "uncomfortable" vibration but now that I see it it actually doesn't seem too bad. God, I can't wait.

[Gias1]

love the comment of jay leno at 02:00

[dmunoz12]

the bonneville is gonna be my first bike

its veeeery nice

[mikedkc]

I popped for the 2010 Bonneville T-100. Black over white color scheme. Best balance and handling of any I have owned. It is quick, powerful and nimble. This bike is just raw motorcycle. Nothing but what you need for a sweet ride. They fixed the vibration. It was some older fellas in my neighborhood back in the 60s who owned Triumphs and Nortons that captured my imagination as a kid. I was too young to ride, but I admired the beautiful bikes those guys rode and tinkered with. Ride safe.

[Dealit707]

They may have "fixed" the Bonnie vibrations as you say...but that vibration in the old school Bonnie's was the thing that made them unique, in feel and ride. The vibration wasn't to the point of being annoying, or that you felt it was about to come apart, but it rather gave the feeling of being on top of some sort of living/breathing beast. If you ever get a chance to ride one, you'll get a better idea of what I mean.

Enjoy your T-100.

[mikedkc]

I'm 54 and I am going to own one of these. Just sold an '04 Harley FLSTCI.

[Dealit707]

I'm a few years older than you, but, back in the late sixties I owned a "67" T120 Bonnie. What a sweet bike. The whole feel of the thing was in total balance....size, weight, power, handling....and of course that rumble vibration throughout.

You knew, without doubt, that you were "riding" a bike, rather than being pulled around while perched on top of an over-sized beast.

I'm looking to buy a 2010 Thunderbird next spring, but my heart will always belong to my old "Bonnie".

[5tonyvvvv]

i can suck my own dick too

[BarneyFlart]

I always thought the Bonneville had a classic motorcyle style. Still does. And the coolest gas tank ever. Harley's are on the way out. They are over priced, and in terms of technology are way behind the times. I've been behind harley's at a traffic light and the machine shakes so much i don't understand how you could enjoy riding it. The average age of a harley rider has got to be around 50. You never seen younger guys riding them. I think they will die out with that generation.

Or not.

[mizzTbubbles15yo]

Here's an idea, BarneyFlart: instead of watching Harleys from afar, why don't you try RIDING ONE or more? Then form your opinions from *experience and knowledge*. Admittedly, that wouldn't be nearly as easy and convenient as pontificating from near complete ignorance by just repeating what you've heard other people say...

[BarneyFlart]

Pontificating? Do you even know what that means? Over a motorcycle?

I stand by my comments. Harleys are way behind in technology.

The only people you see riding them and washed up old guys with grey beards. Thats why they have only a 6% of the market. There's a reason for that. Harleys are on their way out.

[mizzTbubbles15yo]

PONTIFICATE: to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way.

You've never ridden a Harley.  You obviously know shit about them.

[BarneyFlart]

Yes, I have had the opportunity to ride a Harley, In fact several. I stand by my comment. They are way behind in technology.

My town is full of Harleys. All ridden by guys over 50. They drive to coffee shop then stand with their coffee in the parking lot beside their bikes to see who's looking at them.

I ride motorcyles for the enjoyment of it. Not because i want to be "cool". That is so old.

My friend has three Harleys. He says some days his hands are numb from the shake of them.

[MKHellBilly55]

Truthfully you make valid points, The Harley design has not evolved that much in 50plus years, But they are still the most resellable Motorcycles on the Market . I have a 1956 triumph, that i am rebuilding. Its not stock , but still a beauty, bored to 750, it'll smoke a sportster.

[ntrudr800]

At 25 I'll take some Bonnie... be a cool gal to move up to once I get more experience! People respect 'er too.

High-end sportbikes these days look stupid. Like plastic crickets. Not to disrespect anyone... they're ok. Probly won't buy one till I got a Bonneville-style bike... y'know... if I had a money tree.

Bonnevilles were good all-around bikes! Sportbikes are extreme Weeny Wrockets. Not good all-around bikes! Would you transform your sportbike for dirt? Would you wanna?

Bonnie is so fine!

[studiosguignol]

I had a rear view mirror on mine and couldn't use it because of the vibration. So I got rid of the mirror.

[pencon61]

Yeah right the Bonneville is better than the Britten Whatever.... Idiots

[ezpzlemon]

im 22 and i have a restored 71 daytona...

[getiboom86]

i am also a 22 bike head and i am a jealous man right now...top machine

[jonnightrain]

looking for knowledge, i own 1971 bsa a65l. nearly same as triumph.hard to find information on the period??

[doable1]

180 km/h is approximately 112 mph

[313foxbody420]

aaahhh thats gay, sounds like a lawn mower burning oil.

[Kymbo1957]

Hey! One day you'll be 52 and have your very own mid-life crisis. You're watching the vid? There must be just a sneaking love of them gorgeous lines?

At any age... a Bonneyville is pretty cool.

[Davelena1]

Dont you think that now the bonneville is a mid life crises bike? from the age of 32 upwords, any younger bonny owners younger please reply

[rcowboy4]

I've got a t160 and im 24 I love older bikes also had a xs650 and a cb750

[rloebe34]

lol hell no. I'm 20 and my Dad and me restored his 73 triumph Trident. Badass bike. I plan on getting myself a 2002 Triumph Bonneville T100 this summer. I love those damn bikes. Bonnevilles look so much better than every other typical Japanese bike out there. You get a lot of double takes riding a Triumph over riding a Yamaha or whatever.

[PanamaJack69]

thought i'd chime in. i ride a bonneville and i'm 22. the reason you don't see many younger riders on them is because it has class. i'm also going to call bullshit on the caption for this video, says the 2001 bonnie has 64 hp and tops at 180 km/h. mine's the fuel engine version granted - but correct me if i'm wrong 180 km/h is 90 mph, and mine topped over 130 mph when it was stock. i don't think the carbed 01' would be that much different.

[Ayrshirenutter]

divide by 8 then multiply by 5 is how you work KMH to MPH

[Outlaw409]

Everyone rides a Harley now. me i want a good old triumph, not the same thing everyone else is riding. By the way im 24, so not everyone our age wants to ride a crotch rocket. lol

[slannmage]

@Outlaw409

Cause they're superior to these bikes in every way but comfort and at 24 who needs that?

[dunelly]

choppers are for rednecks who enjoy nascar

leave the bikes alone

[hillbilliejoe]

Thats funny cause like I hate nascar and I love choppin these things.Great motor but they just look like dog shit stock.

[dshine55]

just goes to show you these guy dont know what they are talking about! the bikes shown on the video are T120's not T100! and the honda cub is number 1? go ride your honda cub to work at Mcdonalds! do some reasearch next time!

[anzac23]

i love my jap bikes...but the bonnie is a awesome bike!smash corners easy.

77 jubilee

cbr400rr

[Burnoutsarestupid]

I thought Brando rode a Triumph Thunderbird in the movie.

[videot999]

little known facts... that was Brando's own Thunderbird, most of the rest of his "Black Rebels" gang also rode Triumphs, Lee Marvin's gang rode Harley's, Brando's seen in a publicity photo on a Matchless, it was a stuntman's... I know, too much info

[frankmorris5]

Brando didn't ride a Triumph. He rode a Matchless in "The wild one".

[GodzillaGlenn]

Google Brando and Wild One and you will see a picture of him on a Triumph.

[frankmorris5]

You are correct! He did ride a Triumph in the movie. I was misled by a studio photo of his character "Johnny" sitting on a Matchless.

Google Brando Matchless and you'll see it.

[Resolveo4]

that's the best part of the bonneville, you can definatly feel its power, and it is all around, kewl machine

[JAMESbG00D]

Google "NEW BONNEVILLE RIDERS"

[miken16]

what the hell has this got to do with a T100?

surely its going to be a 120 or a 140 as its meriden not hinkley?

fucking fools....

[dalozer666]

nice jap bike!

[ext3reme]

Idiot it's English bike!!

[foghorn1982]

my old man has a 67 model same as in the video, its flys when its not jumping out of gear!

[cruzere120]

my girlfriend likes the vibration

[DarthVantos]

lol she lyke the vibration becuz she anit getting any good vibration from u

[cruzere120]

Nice spelling Jethro, You dont even have a girlfriend, oh, except for the one you pull a stump up to from behind

[vasilipao]

lol

[banderse]

lol the castrator

[onearmbiker]

I had a 1978 blue Bonny. It got stolen ! You see a Tenn. asshole on a black 1978 Bonny, its mine.

[hardison72]

hahaha im sorry ill look

[hillbilliejoe]

that vibration is why i love my bikes and why tri twins make awsome choppers

[a10111213141516]

Please stop chopping these bikes up.....

[hillbilliejoe]

wat are you talking , chop em all they make awsome choppers.

[PooPoo2U]

they make a terrific bobber, what're you talking about?

[ianjk]

Why?, it isn't like people are taking pristine bikes and chopping them up. You could also be a purist and say stop restoring them because there are so few original unrestored bikes around...

[slitpill]

the feeling of power!! gotta luv that bikes' horsepower man!

[GREEVES246]

triumph Bonneville was a T120 the T100 was the alloy 500 pre/unit the unit engine was the T100SS .

if you ballance the engine 76% there are no viberation at all and 5 bhp gain !!

[spiritof78]

Every young THRUSTING male wants one.

[jimmyjammy008]

timeless

[YourMama1K]

wat ever u wan try to say!!

i just wanna it 1

[dawnnaYT]

The Bonnie was actually the T120 and had 650cc. A T100 was the Tiger and had 500cc.

Like the new retro Ducatis, the new Triumphs are a nice try but look pretty ungainly compared to the old models.

[smigdaddy]

Non sense. The proportions of the newer bikes are far more refined. Plus, with Japanese electronics they are more reliable as well.

[dawnnaYT]

Of course they are more reliable but I'm sure most will agree that thirty years from now folks will still be talking about the "sheer beauty" of the originals, and the current copies will likely be just a footnote in the collectors guides.

[krustybiker]

I've got a REAL T100, which is also a REAL Daytona. With electronic ignition and good maintenance, it's just as reliable as my Ninja. With some work (hotter cam, polishing, lightening etc), it cracks 50 bhp. Being a short stroke, it tops 11,000. It can hold its own with most modern 500 twins, like the GS500 the CB500.

What could have been, with a little more development.

[beastinblack]

actually thats mainly due to modern regulations and production costs, my new bonnie now looks drop dead gorgeous even only a few small changes.

I love both generations for different reasons

[rebel728]

I am currently looking at a new Bonneville, so in your opinion is the new version a good motorcycle?

[somdtrumpet]

the new bonneville does everything well, but does not excell in any category. it is a great all around bike, but it is really about the looks. if you are looking for performance at its zenith, look elsewhere. if you are looking for are looking for a retro styled pleasurable ride, this is the bike for you.

[onearmbiker]

If you got cash go buy a slightly used one cheap on EBay. The folks at the factory need a job., its also nice getting a new one and you help someone feed thier family at the same time!

[p22adraig]

Those specs are for the re-launched Bonneville, not exactly the machine under discussion.

[beastinblack]

The vibration makes the bonnie human, alive, soulful. I get emotional about the bonnie the same way people get emotional about the spitfire or the etype jag.

I am at war with inline fours!!! They have no place on the open road!

[billywiz]

I love riding my '79 Triumph Bonneville! It give you a little vibra-massage! AND yes, you do have to kickstart it!

[davidhow37]

I have been riding Triumph's for years.And still Ride My Triumph,750, Bonnieville.(T140V)And loving it 20+ Years.

[5252dan]

"castrater!" jay leno rocks!

[MazeppaPZ]

Hurrah for Bonnivilles! I confess my favorite part is Jay Leno's description of "the castrator" - a traditionanl tank-top luggage rack!

[benjimetalhed]

swap a triumph t bird 900 for a commando or a bonnie anyone ? scotland.

[pernicketty]

Bonneville T120 you mugs. The Triumph definitely deserves it's place. But this Greatest Ever Motorcycles list is just so wrong!! Do it again with people who understand motorcycles.

[beastinblack]

For sure, that jet bike is so dumbass beyond belief. And where the hell is the norton commando!?

[pernicketty]

Yea, the Commando is certainly a high level contender but if we're only allowed one British twin the Bonnie takes the crown. It ruled unchallenged for around a decade. It should be noted that the British triples were still ruling the racetracks well after the Honda 750 came on the scene too. The Honda may have had more refinements and top speed but it was no racebike.

[StrikeForce9]

Well you sure screwed up the data specs on this bike.