Tried out a new Bonneville 900 today

Frank,
That's a nice looker too and an impressive amount if work in the engine. I'm a little lucky as my wife bought both bikes for me. Might be something to do with my life insurance policy lol.

bcbatman said:

Badger
Short runs are the main reason that I bought this bike.....I too had an original Bonny. A T120R 650 1968 vintage. Was surprised at how well this new Bonny handles with the 17 inch mag wheels. Having this and the R3 Touring is a great combo.
Flip
Going to leave this one alone for the better part. I will change out the exhaust, have the Triumph remap done after break-in. When the chain and sprockets are due for repair I will install the after market belt drive system from New Bonniville.com. I think the belt drive replacement has a taller ratio. Like my R3 Touring, no big changes. Hopefully put lots of miles on them both before I get too old to ride.
bcbatman

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Maybe I shouldn't mention it here but Mike Selman from Selmotion is a friend of mine and he's not too crazy about the belt drive. I believe he sells them as well. oooops, I slipped.

I've run the same chain with a larger (one tooth) fromt sprocket since new, pulling a chair and I've never adjusted the chain other than an initial adjustment. Same is true for my KLR 650 and that bike sees lots of dirt roads too. I use a Lubman on the KLR and a Scottoiler on the Bonnie. Never a chain problem, never an adjustment and no sprocket teeth problems either.

I'm not at all fond of chain wax or any 'dry' type lubricant. Roller chains, whether 'o' ringed or not, require wet lubricant between the chain plates and rollers. I get a little mess on the rim that wipes off with a rag....Part of the nostalgia.

My 60's Triumph's with the swingarm needle valev oilers spewed motor oil all over everything. That was nostalgia as well.

My 60's Triumph's with the swingarm needle valev oilers spewed motor oil all over everything. That was nostalgia as well.

And my Commando drips oil right from the tank. Awesome.

baadactor said:

My 60's Triumph's with the swingarm needle valev oilers spewed motor oil all over everything. That was nostalgia as well.

And my Commando drips oil right from the tank. Awesome.

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Are we referring to a Norton Commando? That was my first bike. Loved it. Didn't like the kickstart, though. But that was about 38 years ago. I was looking for a used restorable Norton when I bought my 09 Bonnie. Always thought they were the best looking bikes in my days.
Later