[chonpuun]

i have a 07 bonniville  and a 05 re classic 500  ,the triumph is a hundred percent  realiable  and more than enough power.the  bullet is a member of the family, it has had a few problems but it has made me get involved with it .to me on acold morning  no one around motor thumping as  only a  500 can do, it is one of lifes experiances  ,i feel so happy i shout and sing ,that has not happened when riding the bonny.     chonpuun australia

[1 Thump]

Ok, so I went to the dealer, test rode a c5 and I do indeed like it. I had a little smile as I put-putted along. Last year I was very interested in the Bonneville, so I opted for a test ride on a 2010 FI Bonny t100 whilst my salesman was busy. Perhaps this was a mistake because driving the two bikes back to back, I realized how much more refined and powerful the Bonny is than the RE - it also corners beautifully; confidence inspiring. It made me feel like if I were to buy the RE I'd be buying a low quality machine.

I think the other thing that bothered me a bit was the vibration. After 10 miles, my hands were pretty shook up on the RE. This bike has 30 miles on the clock btw.

So my internal fight now is: Do I want a quality machine or a machine with character. I internally value each of these things equally, so now I find myself at a standstill as to which bike to get. Thinking out loud, here is a summary the matter..

RE:
-classic styling
-transforms me into James Dean
-conversation piece
-forces you to slow down, look around
-thumper reminds me of my first bike
-$2500 less.

Bonny:
-much better quality and engineering
-a bit common looking, but after a pipe and air box removal, sounds and looks better (I'd do a blacked out look) - lovely little backfires and burbles with the Arrow exhaust
-much nicer for two-up
-presumably higher resale
-In stock, wont have to wait to order one

Its frustrating, bit I guess this is a good dilemma to have! Maybe some of you that have owned both can chime in..

The vibration gets significantly better with time.

[UncleErnie]

I think you should join up at Triumph Rat and give the Bonnie equal time.

[r80rt]

I sold a darn nice '05 Bonnie to buy my C5, I do NOT regret it. And I've had no quality issues with my Enfield but the Bonnie's wheels rusted pretty quick.

[Beankyu]

Why don't we consider it.
I think it's good idea.

[Sub]

Beankyu, whats a good idea?!

UncleErnie-  I've been a member there for a year or so. I researched the Bonny and thruxton heavily last year.

...i feel so happy i shout and sing ,that has not happened when riding the bonny.

This is what I'm going for.. I remember singing dum dee dum to myself on the test ride.

There is no question the Bonney is a better bike, and I think if I were to only have one bike, the Bonney is the obvious choice - it blends some of the old, but is throughly modern in execution... but it lacks one thing IMO, character.  I think my heart really is tugging me towards the Bullet for this reason. It goes against most of what I've trained myself to look for in new vehicles (technology, modern looks, speed), so this all feels very strange. I guess the worst case is that I bore of it quickly and take a bit of a monetary loss.

I'm still waiting to hear back from the dealer how long it will take to order & recieve a black UCE. They didnt seem to know at all, but were guessing its a LONG wait. Anyone know of any black UCE's in NY?

BTW, thanks for all the replies, it really has been helpful.

[r80rt]

Well, I'm not convinced the Bonnie is the better bike and I have only one motorcycle, a C5.

[REpozer]

There is no question the Bonney is a better bike, and I think if I were to only have one bike, the Bonney is the obvious choice - it blends some of the old, but is throughly modern in execution...

Not sure I would call it better. Different yes. For me, I had to chose between the Triumph Scrambler and a Classic frame RE.
 I thought the Scrambler was  a fine motorcycle, but it was very heavy, high priced, and still slow.
Also, my riding speeds are not above 55mph. Had Hy -way riding been an issie,  I may have leaned to the twin engine Scrambler.

To date ,  I enjoy my RE. I need a high torque , light weight single for most of my riding. I even take it on an occasional cow trail with stock tires ( they do in India). I enjoy getting in the 60's for mpg.

In closing , purchase the motorcycle that suits MOST of your needs....no one bike is a be all and do all machine.......chose wisely my friend...enjoy.

[Sub]

Just to close the thread.. I ended up ordering a black C5 Bullet. It should be here in a few weeks.

[r80rt]

You have chosen wisely, Grasshopper  

[Ice]

Just to close the thread.. I ended up ordering a black C5 Bullet. It should be here in a few weeks.

Congrats ! and PM sent

[Blltrdr]

Your purchase was do to SUBliminal messages encoded in all the posts you read by forum members. Congrats on your purchase. You will need to condense a version of the low down on your new bike, this will save you time from the mobs of interested people that will approach you on a constant basis (less time talking = more time riding).

[Sub]

Hah, ok I'll work on my Bullet speech.

One week down. Two to go!

[1 Thump]

Wow thats a long wait .

[r80rt]

I waited three months for mine, seemed like three years!