2009 Triumph Bonneville

2009 Triumph Bonneville

by Madeline Velazquez
(Worcester, Masssachussetts, USA)

Picture Was Taken While I Was Taming the Dragon

I have two bikes. I have a 2000 Ducati Monster 750, which I have owned since 2000 and put over 20,000 miles on it. For the age of the bike, I feel I should have more miles, but that is what happens on a bike that is not so comfortable for long distance riding. Then, I have my 2009 Triumph Bonneville that I bought specifically for long distance riding. I am 5'3" and most touring bikes are too high for me to reach the ground. Last year in 2010, I wanted to take a long 3000 mile journey with a group of friends and did not want to take the Ducati. Went shopping and saw the Bonnie. Bonnie is the name given to a Triumph Bonneville. It was a used bike with 1700 miles but it had everything I needed for the long ride, especially a very comfortable Triumph seat, not the standard stock seat which is very hard. It has crash bars, windshield and heated grips.

Took my Bonnie on the 3000 mile trek and many, many other long rides. Put 8000 miles in 3 months. As a result, I am now planning a coast to coast ride, see my website, missrider.com.

My motorcycle is not the most sexy and beautiful bike in the world, but let me tell you, it fits my short body, it is light and when I tell her to go from 20mph to 70mph onto a busy highway from the ramp, that girl moves and is usually the first one in the pack. I ride with men and always the only female, the guys like to ride very fast because they have large stronger bikes. They make fun of me because I have the smallest bike in the group, but I am the one they respect the most because my Bonnie demands and earns that respect.

I think the new Triumph Bonneville is a perfect match for a female. She is suited for long and short riding experiences. I love how easy it is to ride my motorcycle. My Ducati Monster is also an excellent choice of bikes for a female, but it is also a very demanding bike. I compare the two bikes like this, the Bonnie rides me, I ride the Ducati Monster since it handles a little more complicated than the Bonnie.

Comments for
2009 Triumph Bonneville

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May 05, 2012

Handlebar too far
by: Andy

Hi :-) It is nice to know someone enjoys the Bonnie so much. I have a used 2006 which I purchased early 2011 and am barely 5ft 6in. I have added about 2k miles on it...mainly because of the problems I have with the seat and handlebars. I can reach the ground alright but my bike has the stock seat and handlebars - both are a problem for me as the seat gets uncomfortable after just an hour of riding so I aim to fix that shortly but the handlebars are even more of a problem - my short arms force me to lean forward making my entire arm and shoulder hurt even after a very short ride. I need to change them or add the right kind of pullback risers. Any suggestions? After I fix these two items I intend getting the same windshield you have :-) I love the bike and how it feels riding and would thoroughly enjoy it with these fixes. Look forward to your reponse. Thanks.

Jul 07, 2011

Bonnie
by: Fran

Its was good to read your post. I am picking up my 2010 Bonnie this weekend. My guy has a 2011 Thruxton, (which I have not had the pleasure of driving, oh well, I guess I will be that way with my Bonnie), so I am looking forward to seeing how this bike handles, heard a lot of good things about it.

Jun 25, 2011

The Bonnies
by: Madeline

Hi Linda,

Glad you have experienced the power of the Triumph Bonneville. My Bonnie is faster and handles better that any of my friends motorcycles I ride with. We always end up leading the pack because the Bonnie's handling and speed power, totally amazing. I love my motorcycle. She is currently on route to Los Angeles where I meet her on July 4th to ride her back alone. Only bad thing with my Bonnie is finding suitable affordable saddle bags for her that look good.

Will be posting a new blog about that on my site, http://missrider.com/

Madeline

Jun 25, 2011

Long Trip with Bonnie
by: Linda

Just finished 2500 mile ride on my 2009 Bonneville; temperatures ranged from 33 degrees to 101 during trip; bike handled so well and I was able to keep up with friend's 1200 R BMW - people really underestimate the beauty and drive-ability of Bonnie.

Jun 15, 2011

Windscreen
by: Madeline

Everything on the bike is by Triumph, and I love the seat, extremely comfortable. The windshield is very stable and removable. There is no vibration or nothing with it, very, very strong windshield. It has the little Triumph logo on it. It was made for the Bonneville. I bought the bike used with 1700 miles and now it has over 11,000 miles. Put those in less than 1 year because the bike is so stable and comfortable, I can ride hundreds of miles in one day in comfort.

Jun 15, 2011

Windscreen
by: Cam

What wind screen do you have and are there in buffeting issues with it? Your bike looks great and also congratulations on your many journeys!

Cheers

Apr 14, 2011

Long Ride
by: Lynn - Florida

Also, I look forward to following you on your cross country ride! Totally awesome - I'm jealous!

Apr 13, 2011

Bonnie
by: Lynn - Florida

I had a 2007 Bonneville, before they lowered them with smaller tires, etc. I am 5'2" and although I loved that bike, I was on tip toes at the lowest shock setting. Had I known they were going to make a shorter version, I wouldn't have bought the '07. I have to disagree about the bike being for long distances. I considered it more a cafe style as it would kill me after 100 miles and was a reason I decided not to lower the bike. I like my VStar cruiser much better for long distances. I did 1200 miles over a long weekend and besides being tired, wasn't beat up physically. Your Bonneville is really nice and I'm glad you like it! I love the retro look and was why I was drawn to it initially.

Apr 13, 2011

Classic
by: Wanda

I love the classic lines of the Triumph Bonneville. I sat on one when I was shopping for a bike, and I agree the fit is very good for a woman. I'm 5'4" tall. I could flat foot it and reach the handlebars easily which is important. If I had wanted just a road bike, that very well might have been the one I bought, but I had my heart set on a dual sport. I actually went to the dealership to sit on the Triumph Scrambler which is a dual sport bike, but it didn't fit me well; it was just a little too tall and the reach to the handlebars too long for my short arms. I ended up with a BMW G650GS which I adore, but I still admire the classic lines of the Triumph Bonneville. I know you will get many years of enjoyment riding it. Good luck on your cross country ride!

Apr 12, 2011

Bonnie
by: Lois

I love your Bonnie I had a 2006 and I agree with everything you said, she rode like a dream. I sold my Bonnie this year I have short legs and was getting tired of tiptoeing it at every stop. It was hard to let her go but I knew I needed something easier to reach the ground on. Safe riding, enjoy.

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