HD or Triumph?

[juno]

I am wondering if anyone has opinions on which is better:

Harley Sportster 1200R or Triumph Bonneville T100

Right now I am heavily leaning toward the Bonnie

Anyone rode both?
Thanks

[ukchickenlover]

Get the triumph, I would love to get one myself but have no money.
I have always liked the look of them from the first time I saw one, but have never riden one.

[indestructibleman]

i'd definitely go for the Bonnie.  from what i've heard, it's one of the best all-around do everything bikes.

Peter Egan did a great column on the new Bonneville sometime in the last year.  he was very positive about is, as was everyone else i've heard talk about it.

cheers,
will

[scratch]

I'd take a '69 900 Sportster over a '78 Bonnie...no, wait...

[cernunos]

Well, you know I'm gonna reply to this. I've not ridden either the new 1200 Sportster or the new T100. I have owned both iron-head Sportsters and earlier Triumph 650 twins. I liked both bikes but HD will always be in my heart. I do know the HD remains true to it's heritage in the way that it is a simple design, easy to maintain and repair and the aftermarket...well, of course the aftermarket is second to none. There is no other bike you can personalize as well as a Harley. As far as the Triumph, from what I understand it does not trace it's roots back to the original pre-unit twins in anything other than name. However, I think the new Triumph company is building bikes that have looks similar to the old 650s of yore. Either machine would be a great choice in my opinion but I would choose Mother Harley any day. It will last you so well that you can will it to your Grand-kids and they to theirs and so on. If you really want to go for the gusto, get a Glide. I love the Baby GS, Harley Davidson, Greenland, and this forum.

C........

[juno]

I can't afford one now either, but am looking at one or the other for a second bike later.

For some reason, the bonneville has always been the definition of a motorcycle for me.  But then again, I grew up around Harleys so they tug the heartstrings as well.  I think  the bonneville is lighter and cheaper which are plusses.

Thanks for the input guys!

[John Bates]

I'd go for the belt drive Harley.  Chain drive on the Bonney, like the GS, is messy & high maintenance.

[cernunos]

Belt-drives are the bees. No maintenance other than periodic inspections. If I could buy a new Harley it would be a new Low-Rider or Electra Glide. But if I had that kinda money layin' around I might just get a new Sportster AND a new Trumpet. Love the little twin, Scotland, and this forum.

C........

[geekonabike]

See which is more comfy to you.  I tested a T100 and loved it very much.  I like standard ergos anyways (and no, the SV650 isn't a standard!).  I once rode a tricked out 1200 of old but today's are supposed to be nothing like the old vibey ones, with the new rubber mounting, etc.  Some things to think about.

Triumph:  I have heard it was once the case parts were hard to get quickly.  Harley dealers are everywhere, as is the aftermarket.

OTOH, you might get more abuse from the HOG's if you get a Sportster than if you get a Triumph.  (As in, get a "real" Harley.)

I've heard your senses really come alive on Sportsters of old.  But you might want to give them a rest on a longer ride.  Want quiet?  Go with the stock T100.  And get the Britbike experience!

Now if choosing a regular Bonnie versus an 883 Sportster, that might be more difficult for me since I'm hung up on gas mileage, and the Sportsters are supposed to be in GS land, while the Bonnies are more 40's.

My ride on the T100 made me want one, to be sure.  Very smooth but responsive.  I didn't detect much if any chain lash at all.  I really love the elegant gauges (no orange!), though the indicater lights are very hard to see in the sun.  I was reminded that those flat seats are perfect for the wind to try to launch you off the back, so a windshield might be a good thing, though it was not an issue until highway speeds.  I've read Sporties need them too if you don't want to hang on for dear life on the HW.  My GS has enough seat slant I'm actually relieved to get some headwind, to keep from being too personal with the tank, IYKWIM.

If I were to get a 1200 Sportster, I'd want the config with the pegs closer to the seat.  You can get a Sporty with almost standard ergoes, but I don't think the dealers like to keep them in stock because IIRC the more forward pegs are more expensive.  Just try finding the "base" 883.  Not in my area.

I think the Triumph is probably a better machine technologically (not to be read "more reliable" though their recent  owners defend them mightily), but I can understand that if those are your options, how hard it is to choose.  Good luck, and do tell what you decide.

--Mike D.

[drvmystck]

For some reason, the bonneville has always been the definition of a motorcycle for me.  

I'd have to agree.  Even the speedmaster speaks my language.  Something about the symmetry sp? of the twin cyl engine, dual pipes, and classic look just drives me nuts.   :kiss:

There's a dealer in town with Ducati and Triumph.  I go there to salivate frequently .

[Sprinklerhead]

Go with the Triumph.  I'm a little biased though since I just bought an 05 Speed Triple.   :mrgreen:

[Zilla]

I am wondering if anyone has opinions on which is better:

Harley Sportster 1200R or Triumph Bonneville T100

Right now I am heavily leaning toward the Bonnie

Anyone rode both?
Thanks

My experience is with the Ironheads and my 72 Triumph. SO, i'm probably not much help there. BUT, I would tak a Triumph Thruxton over both of them. Just looks like a neat bike.

[Ed_in_Az]

[cernunos]

To the Sportster... . Love the Baby GS, Sportsters, and this forum.

C.......

[davipu]

toys, all you kids and your toys.  if Daddy here had the cash it whould be a rocket 3   there is just something about fast power cruisers, and that you can do rolling burnies at 80.....

[fettcols]

I saw a magazine that did a comarison with the 1200 sportster and the 900 thruxton... The article was called... "The Mild Ones"

My old man is a harley guy... I was looking at getting a sportster once, I called him and told him about the deal I was offered and he said... "don't get a sportster, you'll want something bigger next year. Get a dana"