2008 Triumph Bonneville

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Looking for the nicest Triumph Bonneville you can find? Here it is! This bike is a one owner, always garaged (and covered) and only 697 miles. A well known and highly regarded Atlanta architect purchased the bike and then had two children and has not had the opportunity to ride it much. It has a few tasteful mods- “sixty8” rear fender, cowl, café racer style handle bars, billet gas cap, side mirrors and an acrylic sprocket cover compliment the Bonneville’s styling and make the bike look old-school sporty. The Bonneville is the most successful British motorcycle of all time, and after riding this bike you will see why. By simply taking a look at the 2008 model it seems that Triumph has never stopped producing the Bonneville at all (at least that’s what I like to think). No motorcycling fan will ever have a hard time identifying it as the bike features timeless British design from the sixties. Best characterized through its stylish fuel tank and fenders, the Bonneville speaks about times long gone when café racing was in vogue and the girls couldn’t wait to get behind one of the bad boys. Concerning the last aspect, things aren’t very different today. Also beautiful and kept unchanged on this roadster are the chromed mirrors, spoke wheels, the exhaust system, and the spring twin shocks. Hmm, did I mention the headlight and taillight? The Bonneville likes to blink in style so it implements a round headlight and oval taillight. Everything supporting these elements is covered in chrome, as well as the signal lights attached to them. The only things that “betray” the sixties look are the disc brakes which may not give the impression of a reconditioned Triumph, but they sure come in handy out on the streets. I quickly fired up the two cylinders for a quick sound check and the Triumph Bonneville seem brought from the past. Only that this time it disposes of better performance thanks to its reliable and excellent performing, carbureted 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360 degree firing interval engine. You simply cannot love it once you’ve heard it. The engine pulls smoothly and confident, allowing you to keep it easily at 60mph, but also having the ability to be taken up to 80mph in a few seconds. If you want more, it can deliver, but the numbers that I presented to you are the most appropriate for passing cars and staying far from the vibrations which don’t make an entry until 100mph are reached. I was fascinated by the bike as it provides an awesome riding experience and it intends on giving you a clue on how motorcycles felt in the early days. Bulletproof built and damn comfortable. As soon as you jump on it, you know that this is not going to be your usual harsh ride, as the handlebars are high and at quick reach, seat is very comfortable, and the footpegs located like on a true roadster. Handling the Bonneville through twisty roads is an absolute joy because it does it with ease and great fun. Without a doubt, this is the bike that makes you say “Once a Triumph, always a Triumph” and the way it handles has much to do with this. It is stable through high speed corners and feels light even at slow speeds. I enjoyed going through the five gears because the gearbox is precise and easy to operate, resulting in no missed gears. The clutch doesn’t make a bad impression either as it is smooth, and easy to deal with. The Triumph Bonneville is a great performer also thanks to the disc brakes. In the early days, drums were the key, but now riders can stop faster and benefit of more safety thanks to 310mm disc up front and a 255mm one at the rear, both featuring two piston calipers for efficient braking power. Braking feel is, as expected, powerful and reassuring without any down points. Displacement: 865cc Type: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360 degree firing interval Bore x Stroke: 90 x 68mm Compression Ratio: 9.2:1 Fuel System: Twin carburetors with throttle position sensor and electric carburetor heaters Gearbox: 5-speed Final Drive: X ring chain Clutch: Wet, multi-plate Frame: Tubular steel cradle Swingarm: Twin-sided, tubular steel Front Wheel: 36-spoke, 19 x 2.5in Rear Wheel: 40-spoke, 17 x 3.5in Front Tyre: 100/90 19 Rear Tyre: 130/80 17 Front Suspension: 41mm forks Rear Suspension: Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload Front Brakes: Single 310mm disc, 2 piston caliper Rear Brakes: Single 255mm disc, 2 piston caliper Length: 87.8in Width (Handlebars): 33.1in Height: 43.3in Seat Height: 30.5in Wheelbase: 59.1in Rake/Trail: 28 degree/110mm Weight (Dry): 451lbs Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.4 gal 2008 Triumph Bonneville Engine The Bonneville’s air-cooled, parallel twin cylinder engine offers a cubic capacity of 865cc for excellent midrange torque. Both pistons rise and fall together via a 360° crankshaft firing interval so the classic character of a British twin-cylinder engine is retained, whilst twin balancer shafts provide civility and refinement. 90% of peak torque is maintained from around 2500rpm through to redline providing smooth, effortless acceleration throughout the five gears. 2008 Triumph Bonneville Fueling Twin carburetors with throttle position sensor and electric carburetor heaters. 2008 Triumph Bonneville Exhaust A pair of classically styled peashooter pipes handle the exhaust gases and enhance the retro feel of the bike. 2008 Triumph Bonneville Front Brakes The braking set-up of single front 310mm disc and 255mm rear, both worked on by powerful twin-piston calipers, offers sensitivity, control and ample stopping power. 2008 Triumph Bonneville Seat The Bonneville’s seat is generous with plenty of room for two and elegantly embossed with the Triumph logo. 2008 Triumph Bonneville Chassis The Bonneville’s low seat height (30.5inches) and similarly low center of gravity, make it a manageable motorcycle that all riders – ranging from those with little experience to those with lots – can appreciate. The tubular steel double cradle frame and box-section swingarm are incredibly strong and the relaxed steering geometry allows composure at speed as well as ensuring the Bonnie needs only light input at the handlebars.