Around 1968-69, two guys in my old neighborhood returned from Viet Nam and purchased two British Triumph Bonneville motorcycles. I have vivid memories of them doing “wheelies” down the street in front of our house! I thought those were the coolest motorcycles I had ever seen and I dreamed of someday owning one. It’s funny how a childhood impression or memory can pop back to the surface later in life. I have no idea why this memory was so ingrained in me or made such an impression. It just did… and captured my imagination.
Last Saturday I went out riding on my Honda cb650, and returned home with a brand new 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black… a virtual copy of the two bikes from my childhood memory. This purchase was not planned – it just happened. Some may say that it was an impulse purchase or that I fulfilled a subconscious dream. I prefer to think that I made a rational decision based upon all the facts! Maybe I delude myself! 
The reality was that the Honda was aging (1981 model), needed a growing number of major repairs, and even if they were completed, the bike would never be a very reliable mode of daily transportation. 4 carbs that all need to be in perfect sync is no easy task to maintain. On the other hand, the British Triumph Bonneville (made famous by actor Steve McQueen) was redesigned and retooled in the early 2000′s using modern engineering and manufacturing methods and has made a comeback as one the the most reliable, efficient and sought after motorcycles available today.
Now I can take longer trips with friends without worrying so much about a breakdown or repair. I can have more confidence in the machine responding to my braking and handling commands as I navigate through city streets and highways. I can also enjoy increased performance both with added horsepower and acceleration, as well as with fuel efficiency and economy (around 40 MPG on average). The 2008 model features a larger gas tank (4+ gallons) for an increased range of 160-200 miles.
This bike is an incredible joy to ride. I find that I am now watching the weather reports daily!
Hi Birkey, fabulous looker…I will be in receipt of one shipped to me in the original Triumph crate in about two weeks…after having your bike now for alomost a year have you had any issues…or anything that might help me in terms of what to look out for.
Mine is actually a 2009 B. Black with efi….this model does not appear in any of the official website information but i have been told that a few have been made available as a 2009 model albeit with the efi.
Paid $10384.00 Canadian for her.
I think you made a nice choice….am hoping I have.Please let me have your comments.
Gary
GW, thanks for the note. I have had no problems at all with my Bonneville! I don’t think you will either. They are very low maintenance bikes. I just did my first oil change yesterday and it was very easy. I’ve adjusted my clutch and brakes which were also easy. Rides great! Enjoy yours!
At what mileage did you do your first oil change? What weight of oil did you use?
I just changed the oil for the first time at about 3300 miles. I used the recommended weight by the manufacturer… can’t remember offhand what it was… but I used a synthetic Mobil brand.
Hi RB
I too rode out on my 9 year oldtrusted Vespa 200PX and returned with an ordered blue/grey Bonneville 60. But now need to wait till June for delivery.
Love the bike, hope to cover many miles with her.
H