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Motorcycle Reviews . . . by women . . .
for women!
Riders share in-depth information about the bike they ride
2007 Bonneville
2004 Speedmaster (2)
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2007
Triumph Bonneville
The
Reviewer
Name: Bonnie Lass
Height: 5'6 1/2" (166.4 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 20
Bike
Basics
Manufacturer: Triumph
Model: Bonneville
Year: 2007
Type: Standard
Purchase Details: New.
Engine Displacement (cc): 865
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 30.5" (775 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.4 gallons (16.7 liters)
Weight: 450 lbs dry (204 kgs)
Comfort
(original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: I wish the handlebars were
about 2" higher and 2" closer to the seat. There are tons of
aftermarket choices... I just haven't gotten around to replacing them yet.
The clutch reach is adjustable, but the reach is still farther than I'd
like it to be. I don't recall the brake lever being adjustable, but that
one is less troublesome. Foot controls are reasonably placed to I can
reach them without taking my feet off the pegs, but I wear a size 8.
Seat: People generally complain that the stock seat
is too hard. I don't hate it, but I switched to the Scrambler single seat
(Triumph) because it's softer and the nose is narrower which allows me to
get my knees closer to the tank.
Long Rides: I have over 6800 miles on the bike.
Recently did 425 in one day, about half back roads and half blasting on
the highway. I find the standard posture extremely comfortable. Basically
you can drop a plumb line down through my shoulder, hip, and foot. I don't
have a windscreen, so sitting upright means catching a lot of wind on the
highway. Expect sore neck and back muscles until you strengthen up, but no
problem after that.
Handling
Highway Power/Zip: I'm not a speed demon, but
I've got no problem commuting on a highway with aggressive drivers. I
cruise at 70-75mph, and there's plenty left to get out of the way of a
crazy driver. Another rider on a Bonnie, recently kept up with a group of
sportbikes on a 300+ mile ride, in the rain, with sections over 100mph.
BTW, stock mirrors give plenty of vision even at 80mph.
Tight Turns: At speed: drag pegs if that's your
deal. Slow turns: As long as your technique is good, you can turn it
around in your lane.
Twisty Roads: The bike and I love them. Because of
the frame geometry and height/width of the stock bars, this bike is easy
to turn, but not twitchy. I tell people that I just have to think where I
want to go, and the bike does it for me. :) If you like a faster response,
switch to lower, flatter bars (like my husband did on his)
Wind/Rain/Heat: It's a naked bike, so you don't have
a lot to catch wind, but it's also somewhat light, so in a really hard
crosswind, I've had it skip sideways. I probably have less than 100 miles
in rain/wet pavement, but I haven't had the bike lose traction. It's also
been good on gravel and new asphalt (but I treat both with caution). The
bike is air-cooled. I've spent lots of summer afternoons in stop and go
traffic with no problems for the bike... lots of engine heat that could be
unpleasant if you don't wear protective gear.
Braking Power: Not grabby, but always had plenty
when I needed it. I've only had one emergency stop so far... stayed in a
straight line, felt the front end shimmy a little, but it came back under
control.
Modifications
Made
What I Changed: Softer, narrower seat.
Different jets and air filter to get more consistent power. Will
eventually switch handlebars.
Added
Extras
What I Added: It doesn't come with a tach
(tachometer) so I added that. I've made lots of cosmetic changes to make
the bike look older. There's no onboard storage, so I have a tank bag,
tail bag, saddlebags, and various straps and bungie nets to mix and match
for traveling.
Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Oil changes and milestone
service done by my dealer per the manual (though generally everything is a
bit earlier than specs). Air filters, carb tuning, tire pressure, chain
lube, bolt checking/tightening done at home.
Conclusions
What I Think: The classic style really draws
attention. I love the upright posture of this bike. The handling is great.
I wish it were lighter, but it's light enough that I can push it around.
It's been absolutely reliable so far. I can imagine adding to my
collection, but never selling this bike.
2004
Triumph Speedmaster
The
Reviewer
Name: Penney from Iowa
Height: 5'3" (160.0 cm) with 30" inseam
Years of Riding Experience: 1
Email Address: ron_penneywheeler@msn.com
Bike
Basics
Manufacturer: Triumph
Model: Speedmaster
Year: 2004
Type: Cruiser
My Bike's Name: Trumpet
Purchase Details: New. I am a new rider. I depend on my
"sisters" from this site for expert, experienced information. I
just turned 59.
Engine Displacement (cc): 790
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Air
Seat Height (unmodified): 28.3" (719 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.4 gallons (16.7 liters)
Weight: 504 lbs dry (229 kgs)
Comfort
(original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: The handlebars are almost straight across.
It seems easier to turn and handle. Footpegs are far forward, all the
better to relax with!
Seat: The stock seat was comfortable, but I changed it anyway.
Long Rides: As I am a relatively new rider, I haven't been on any
real long trips. 200 miles is easy, though, I don't even get tired.
Handling
Highway Power/Zip: When I picked my bike, I tried out several.
I cannot say enough about how a Triumph handles. Very smooth, easy to
control, corners very easily, no vibration. I simply love the way it
rides.
Tight Turns: No problem.
Twisty Roads: I live on a gravel road, so very early on had
experience with that. Twisty roads are easy, I am a defensive, slow rider
on twisty roads.
Wind/Rain/Heat: Wind, no problem. Rain, I hate.
Braking Power: The brakes are excellent on this bike. Dual rotors
up front. I use both brakes to stop.
Modifications
Made
What I Changed: Lowered the bike 1" with Progressive
shocks. I have moved the handlebars 2" closer with risers, because of
my height. I ordered a very nice Corbin seat that they constructed for me
to put me lower. Also, I like the looks of it better.
Added
Extras
What I Added: Rear peg chrome covers (I only ride solo), rear
fender chrome bib, Memphis Shade windshield, fringe, of course.
Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Regular maintenance.
Conclusions
What I Think: My bike is not a v-twin, it is a parallel
twin but Petra welcomes me anyway! [hee, hee,
the VTwin Mama site is non-denominational and VTM herself now rides an
opposed twin!] I think this bike is perfect, the ride, the quality
of workmanship (the Brits do a hellofajob!) And I used to live over there,
another reason for a British bike.
2004
Triumph Speedmaster
The
Reviewer
Name: Andrea Ank
Height: 5'1" (155.0 cm)
Years of Riding Experience: 15
Email Address: anklodge@earthlink.net
Bike
Basics
Manufacturer: Triumph
Model: Speedmaster
Year: 2004
Type: Cruiser
Purchase Details: Bought it new, it is my second new bike. Quite an
upgrade from my HD 883.
Engine Displacement (cc): 790
Number of Gears: 5
Final Drive: Chain
Cooling System: Air/Oil
Seat Height (unmodified): 28.3" (719 mm)
Carburetion Type: Carb
Fuel Capacity: 4.4 gallons (16.7 liters)
Weight: 504 lbs dry (229 kgs)
Comfort
(original set up)
Hand/Foot Controls: No comments.
Seat: Lowered back shocks and front tubes, about 2"
Long Rides: I got this bike in February 2006 and couldn't wait
until Spring! It has a longer wheelbase than my HD which makes for a
smoother ride. Since I put on the luggage rack, I plan to use it. I have
put 1,000 miles on it so far and my hubby and I are planning some
long rides.
Handling
Highway Power/Zip: Handles beautifully. I didn't' think I
would like the forward controls, but my knees don't ache like they did on
standard controls. I is a very nimble and smooth ride. Corners great. It
is also well balanced. Even though it is less cc's than my Sporty, it is
much, much quicker.
Tight Turns: Makes all turns beautifully.
Twisty Roads: I am finding I accelerate when I see a "Curves
Ahead" sign. I really look forward to twisties with this bike.
Wind/Rain/Heat: I just rode through 2 washed out roads and a
terrific rain and lightening storm. I was energized and marked it as the
most exciting ride of my life! It awakened me, I loved it! Keep in mind I
was also wearing my Frogg
Toggs and stayed dry!
Braking Power: Excellent braking. Dual disc on front just like a
big touring bike! Love it!
Modifications
Made
What I Changed: Nothing
Added
Extras
What I Added: I added a windshield and a luggage rack.
Maintenance
What I'm Doing: Regular maintenance.
Conclusions
What I Think: By far my favorite bike yet. Unique and eye
catching!
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