Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Triumph Tech
Triumph Tech Triumph Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Triumph riders only.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Sep 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 16
RTW New Bonneville

Geoff and group.
My plan is to take my new 2001 Bonnie round the world in '03.(july Uk -Aus?)
Yes, a BM would make more sense etc but where's the fun in that ?and the Bonneville is a pretty simple bike.

I've done a couple of big ones before.. London-Cape Town (GS) and Alaska to Chile(XT600) this would probably be the last before i start to reproduce...

Anyway early days, but any exchange of info would be usefull.

eg. are there any good overland specials builders in the UK( or US )that would work on the Bonnie.? Welding. Big tanks , etc.

dave
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Sep 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Leeston,Canterbury New Zealand
Posts: 12
With regards to the new Bonnie, I'm afraid they haven't been out that long so I'm not too sure about their relieablity or usefullness as a RTW bike, from what I've seen they are pretty low which cause clearance problems in areas where tarmac ain't so common. With regards to specials builders who would modify the bike for you you cound try the guy who built Simon Milwards bike, links at www.millennium-ride.com
Maybe a question posted in the "Equipting the Bike" section would get more useful response.
With regards to fitting longer forks as you asked about in your other post, have a look around at whats available on jap bikes from breakers, but look for something of a simular weigh to avoid too much messing about with springs. Bear in mind it would be easier to take a complete front end including the wheel so you do'nt end up getting special axles made up. There are plenty of people who will make you new yokes (triple-trees) up, checkout one of the custom mags e.g. Back Street Heroes; for some addresses. Iwouldn't try and get more travel out of the existing forks unless you can get some longer legs properley made, could be pricey. Don't forget you will need to do something with the rear as well! Cheers and good luck

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Sep 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 16
Geoff.
Thanks for the speedy reply. I will look into some of your suggestions.
dave.

P.S. I read that the boss of Numero Tre in Italy was thinking of building a 'GS' style New Bonnie.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Oct 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 3
Hi Davec

taking a bike that you are comfortable on is as important as anything else i think, and if you have to trim your ambitions to suit so be it. My old Bonnie seems to work ok off road, and being able to get both feet comfortably on the ground is very nice, when its sliding around. The roads we have encountered are very slippery esp when wet! like ice sometimes and a tall bike is a liability.

id be interested to hear if you take a test ride what you think.

Ride on, TriumphChris. www.worldtriumph.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: In a tent right now.
Posts: 25
I'm with you on that!

I know there a plenty of bikes out there that are designed for extreme conditions, are perfectly engineered and look/are unsinkable.
However a little bit of style doesn't go amiss.
Something that'll have a character and above all some soul.

I've test riden the 900 scrambler - It certainly looks good but I didn't feel great on it. Up close the accessories were tinny and plastic. Don't think they'd last 500miles. The brakes were made of soap.
The bonneville felt like a bike that could cover some long distant journeys into the sunset. I forgot about the time and got lost and ended up having a 2.5hour test drive to the anger of the triumph dealer. Just had to sweet talk them and buy a new set of gloves. Some little tweeks and I think it could be a bike that you could really trust. Again the brakes could do with some attention but you can't fault the classic lines of a triumph.

Really my ownly disappointment was that the speedo and tacho units were all plastic - would have been nice to keep the consistancy of metal.- just a bit tougher you know?

They're not as common off the beaten track and its always good to make the challenge even tougher than it already is - and do it in style.
Open face and goggles. Thats what I'm talking about!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 6
I'm touring Scandinavia for three months on my 06 bonny, I rode it from England to Norway and broke down twice in heavy rain. . . turned out that a drop of water was sitting on the over flow/vent pipe and preventing that tank from breathing, I just "slash" cut the end to prevent it happening again
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
The OEM GIL coil is about as waterproof as a ripped teabag:

https://sites.google.com/site/threew...10/the-repairs

I made a cover for it visible towards the bottom here although any bit of plastic shoved in the triangle of frame under the tank helps (cut up milk bottle works well):

https://sites.google.com/site/threew...d-improvements

Then switched to a Nology which is better.

Enjoy your trip.

Andy
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:24.