I was lucky enough to invited on a RAT Pack ride of the new Bonneville America while I was in Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest. I had test rode the Bonneville America on three other occasions, but these were all short, 7 to 15 mile test rides. The RAT Ride covered over 130 miles of city, highway and back roads. The speeds went from a crawl to a tad (wink) over the speed limit. We also rode through a nasty little rain storm. At the end of this ride I was trying to figure out a way I could sneak out with one of these bikes. The Bonneville America is simply awesome.

First of all, the bike is absolutely beautiful. It doesn't look like a Harley or a metric clone. It looks like a Triumph. The fit and finish is excellent, and whether you like the red or the black, the silver accent paint blends in beautifully. (The bike I rode also had a Triumph offered aftermarket tank and front fender which has flowing British flags on either side. Very sharp looking.) The bike looks long & lean and the engine is a work of art. The forward pegs are really nice (floorboards are an option) and the wide handlebar comes right back to where it should. Triumph has learned a little from Harley and already has a whole lit of tasty little options, from seats to chrome, to individualize your America.

The clutch engages easily, and the transmission is very smooth. Shifting is a matter of snick, snick, snick. No clunking. The power really surprised me. It is rated at 61 hp & 44 ft/lb of torque. The bike accellerated smoothly & crisply. I rode one with the "off road" pipes and I say they are a must. They give the engine a nice little burble. This bike was very easy to get to speed and could hold 80 mph effortlessly. The fat hand grips caused no tingling or numbness. The bike was incredibly stable, even when riding through a driving rain storm. The bike handled turns well and could easily be flicked from side to side with no problem.

The brakes were very good considering that the front is only a single disk. They were nicely progressive and did not fade. The bike I rode also had a Triumph after market seat & windshield. Both were very nice and of high quality.

It is not a matter now of if I will buy this bike, but when. I am very impressed and will be adding a Bonneville America to my stable soon. I own other Triumphs and like my dealer and the company. It's rather nice to stand out from the crowd with a bike of which you can be proud.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 7,999
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002