When I saw the T-100 at the dealer's I was hit with a surge of deja vu that almost made me weep for my mis-spent youth and the 1969 650 Bonneville I used to ride; that Bonnie was the sweetest riding motorcycle I've ever sat on, the two-wheel equivalent of what the poet John Keats meant with that old truth and beauty thing.
I like all facets of motorcycle riding, but what I love best is oxygen-depriving acceleration and quickness in the curves. The T-100 in its stock incarnation, and with the windshield and panniers on, is merely OK off the line, and romping up to 60-80 mph. Giving it a bigger set of lungs has made a huge difference. Now it gets it on a lotta mo' harder. The D&D; megaphones have given it a snarl more in keeping with the unshaven Limey Yobbo punk lurking underneath its genteel veneer: indeed, that lurks inside every Triumph, I think.
This T-100 runs canyons and curves with flair, and can easily outperform its owner.
On the interstate, it handles the big speeds and the mileage like a big tourer, though after a long day you know it's not a big tourer--you'll be fuzzed and glad to do something else for a while.
Everywhere I ride I end up in long conversations, started by people who want to know about the bike: Did I restore it, what year is it, and the inevitable testimonies from guys who rode Triumphs as young men.
The speedometer cable failed at 1500 miles, the only warranty issue so far.
This Bonneville is a fine motorcycle and I love it like I loved my old Bonnie. This Triumph thing can run pretty deep.
Upgrades/Accessories: Windshield, cloth panniers, tank bag, larger air intakes, re-jetted carbs, D&D; megaphones, plugged exhaust air rercirculation.
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