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| | | Road Test : 2007 Triumph Bonneville America-Engine boost to Triumph’s America |  Written: 30/08/2007 : 11:04. Read 48569 times (30/day). | One of Triumph’s best kept secrets may just be the Bonnie America. Very rarely do we hear about it, but in 2007 the America got Triumph’s latest 865cc parallel twin engine.
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The America is the most laid-back in the range with forward mounted foot pegs, raked-out fork and a comfortable seat. The comfortable seat is the first thing that I did notice along with the relaxed forward mounted foot pegs. The engine is also very quiet so I lulled myself into cruiser mode after kicking up into fifth gear which is the top gear on the America.
There is one thing that keeps surprising me about the 54bhp 865cc parallel twin engine and that is how little vibrations there are. Everything is just smoother than smooth. I am a bit tempted to say that the big Triumph is a bit like a Honda in that respect, but I didn’t say it did I? I know how these engines really come to life just by replacing the stock exhaust with Triumph’s aftermarket items so I’ll shut my gob. So the engine is up to 865cc from the 790 from last year but still fed by two carburettors rather than fuel injection. The carburettors are of the electrically heated type to avoid icing in cold weather. As it happens I got a rough deal on my one long journey on the America. Returning from the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England I rode all the way up to the North We(s)t in constant rain showers. All the way it rained and rained. After more than 120 miles of constant riding at motorway speeds it seemed that the carburettors just drowned in rain somehow and burrrp, the engine died right there on the M40 in the rain. I had a déjà vu moment there from pre-fuel injected Harleys that threatened me to stop in the same way without actually doing it. I am not sure exactly what happens, but it seems to happen if the throttle has been opened fully for a number of miles in pissing rain with little fuel left in the tank. I left it for a minute or so and hit the starter button again. The America started fine and we could ride a few more miles and hopefully to the next garage to fuel up. But no, brrrp again. This time I left it a little bit longer before starting the engine again, crossed my fingers and luckily got all the way to the service station this time. It never happened again after this and I stopped slightly more frequent for fuel just in case. To be fair to the America, it’s not that often that it rains as heavily as it did for so long as this day. When arriving home after this journey I felt like I had swam the odd 300 miles rather than riding them.
You might have guessed that the America is not the most exciting motorcycle on the motorway. I was happiest on the A and B roads where I could slow the pace down and just cruise along and sometimes look at the countryside view with one hand on the throttle and the other scratching my balls.
Triumph is aiming at a customer group well grown up with the America. After spending a lot of time on one I’d say that the Bonneville America is the perfect born-again motorcycle. Whether it’s perfect for Americans too I don’t know, but the forks look fat, the fork is raked out and the wheels are solid so I guess it is.
The solid cast aluminium wheels are new for 2007. On the beefy front fork sits an 18inch front wheel with a 110/90 front tyre. The rear wheel is a 170/80-15. The tubular steel chassis along with the cast aluminium wheels rides pretty good through the corners too. Chromed twin rear suspension with adjustable preload is in place and the 41mm fork is wide and solid with lashings of chrome. It is actually fun to throw the 226kg Bonnie America around a bit and it handles well for its size. But let’s not forget, Triumph has got the Bonneville T100 or Thruxton 900 on offer should you want more handling than cruising.
Conclusion:
The new 865cc parallel twin is a welcome addition to a model such as the America. More torque is always good on a cruiser and enables more extensive usage of the top gear. Bonneville America handles well and does not shy away from tight B-roads. I didn’t like having to stop on a rain-soaked motorway, but blame the carburettors and they will be replaced by fuel injection next year anyway. All in all it was a pleasant acquaintance meeting the America, but for me it is a bit too bland. For some that is just how they want it and my final word is that the America is just easy going.
+
New 865cc engine with plenty of lazy torque
Comfortable both for rider and pillion
No vibrations whatsoever!
-
Handling changes too much for my taste with a pillion
Short breakdowns on the motorway are never enjoyable
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Martin Leyfield & Tor Sagen
Triumph Bonneville America Technical Specifications :
Engine :
Type : Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 270 degree firing interval
Capacity: 865cc
Bore/Stroke: 90 x 68mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Fuel System: Twin carburettors with throttle position sensor and electric carburettor heaters
Ignition: Digital - inductive type
Transmission:
Primary Drive: Gear
Final Drive: X ring chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox: 5-speed
Cycle Parts:
Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm: Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel: Alloy 12-spoke, 18 x 2.5in
Rear Wheel: Alloy 12-spoke, 15 x 3.5in
Front Tyre: 110/90 18
Rear Tyre: 170/80 15
Front Suspension: 41mm forks
Rear Suspension: Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
Front Brakes: Single 310mm disc, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Single 285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Dimensions:
Length: 2420mm (95.2in)
Width (Handlebars): 960mm (37.8in)
Height: 1170mm (46.1in)
Seat Height: 720mm (28.3in)
Wheelbase: 1655mm (65.2in)
Rake/Trail: 33.3 degree/153mm
Weight (Dry): 226kg (497 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 litres (4.4 gal US)
Performance (Measured at crankshaft to DIN 70020) :
Maximum Power: 55PS (54bhp) at 6,750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 69Nm (51ft.lbf) at 4,800 rpm
Colours: Phantom Black/Sunset Red, Phantom Black/Tornado Red, Phantom Black, Pacific Blue/New England White
Price: £5,799.00 'on the road' retail (single colour), £5,949.00 'on the road' retail (twin colour)
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