New Bonneville

**Mike** · #1 23 Mar 2005

Hello everyone

I posted something similar on the Triumph board, but that seems as quiet as quiet can be, so forgive a re-posting here.

I can't be the only person who wants to take the new Bonnie out on the road, can I? Is there something you all know that you're not telling me?

I'm planning a long ride through Europe - on road only, at least as long as there are roads.

Any experince, tips, horror stories?

And in particular, any hard luggage - I'm leaning towards metal panniers. Anyone make them? Anyone who *can* make them?

Thanks...

--Mike

**Gipper** · #2 23 Mar 2005

Hi Mike,
Nothing wrong with the Bonnie at all,
Europe is a great place for a trip away - the Bonnie doesnt lend itslf to meatal panniers very well as it sits lower than the 'normal' more upright bikes overlanders generally use - so they would have to be one offs. Look at Touratech, Oxford, Heine Gerike, and keep asking for recommendations here too.
Having toured Europe quite a bit, I would be quite happy using soft panniers - throw overs type - I use Ortlieb waterproof ones with a frame which are also very good.
You should not have too many problems with people stealing your gear - though dont give anyone the chance to. I would be concerned about bike theft though - I know a few people whose bikes were stolen in Holland, Germany and Spain.
Make sure you have a good quality chain with you and if possible use bike friendly accom and camping - theres a lot of camp sites that dont accept big motorhomes and caravans they just have cars and bikes and get them to keep an eye on your bike.
Also why limit your riding to Europe, get over to Morocco - just a short ferry crossing from Spain. -Lots of Tarmac all over the country suitable for a sports bike even, and Beautiful scenery, culture and people. Its also considerably cheaper than Europe !
Cheers
Grif

------------------
Ex Rockape, Ex Drago,
LR 90 300 Tdi Overlander - Lighter than CF 80 Fridge
Ex Suzuki DR650 Overlander *Stolen - L185 KDA *
..and Bloody Nice Bloke!

**Mike** · #3 23 Mar 2005

Grif

Wise words and thanks.

Reasons for considering metal panniers:
1. this will be a long, long trip, so size and space are important, and I'd rather not be lugging soft luggage over my shoulder every time I stop.

2. my definition of 'Europe' in this case includes most of eastern and southern Europe; I think the added security will be a factor in certain areas. For peace of mind, at least.

Point taken about Morocco, but I've got a cunning plan that does require me staying within Europe this time. I like the idea of travelling so far.. without actually getting too far from where I started. Believe me though, this Bonnie's going to do some miles (I mean kilometres!) if everything pans out.

Thanks again. I'll be looking into those pannier people and plaguing oyu for more info.

--Mike

**Gipper** · #4 30 Mar 2005

Mike,
Have you checked out the 'Overland Solutions' link up top - They have done metal pannier frames/boxes on a Harley Sportster - I am sure he could help you out - they are not cheap though, but hey, if you buy cheap you buy twice.
Cheers
Grif

**Mike** · #5 30 Mar 2005

Hello again

Yes, they're in my bookmarks... (and I'll make sure I click on the ad to get there, Grant!)... I need to contact them, but I'm still unsure of timing... unless someone reading this wants to buy my flat in Ladbroke Grove (very nice it is too) I'm at the mercy of the housing market.

But I digress: yes, Overland Solutions look good and I certainly agree that getting it done right beats just getting it done.

Cheers

--Mike

**Chris Scott** · #6 20 Apr 2005

I was also considering a new Bonnie for an easy but long dirt-road trip.
Did my research and dug my way through various owners forums (which I'm sure you've found) and they all came up with barely more probs than a UJM which is great news even if it is still a bit hard to compute having once owned a Meridan Bonnie.
Having only test driven one for an afternoon I think for your sort of trip it will be ideal and , it has to be said, not inconsequential in the dept of babe magnetics.
Plenty of metal pans around these days but boy wil it ruin a great-looking bike, add a lot of weight, be too big if off the shelf, and they're only as good as their locks (some of which are crap). I saw that Harley that Overland Ernie metal boxed - he should have carried on and built the box around it!
Not being very helpful is it - I suppose the only other hard option is Givi: "love the boxes hate the racks" they say but that's usually on hard RTW trips.
Anyway, have a nice ride - I'll give you fifty quid for Ladbroke Grove to help you on your way ;-)

Chris S

------------------
Author of Sahara Overland II and Adventure Motorcycling Handbook 5 - out now

http://www.sahara-overland.com and http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com

**Mike** · #7 26 Apr 2005

Cheers Chris -

"easy but long dirt-road trip" -- sounds perfect, especially if you slip some smooth tarmac (and smooth

s) into the mix as well. And that's before we stop to consider the magnetic qualities. Is it *that* obvious that I'm newly-divorced?!

I'm less worried about the look of the bike, to be honest, than the weight issue. That's a good point. And the longer the trip, the less easy the weight is going to be.

But even more than that - security. I can't afford to be carrying too much gear every time I step off the bike because I am going to be taking my time and stopping to smell the roses.

Givi would be a good compromise (I had one plastic top box, a bungee'd backpack and a tent when I rode to Ushuaia in 2001 on a 400cc Honda Falcon.. I'd hoped for a bit more space and comfort this time.)

So: Givi + cheap stuff bungeed + valuables in a tangbag or similar. I may have to leave the suit behind ;-)

Unless I do it in a car instead.... nah, that's never going to happen. Unless, of course, your offer for the flat is the best I can do. Then I'll be hitchhiking instead.

--Mike

**Chris Scott** · #8 21 May 2005

Actually, I just saw a Bonnie with a full Metal Mule set up at the BMF today and it'd didn't look bad at all.

Chris S

**trand** · #9 24 May 2005

Hi Mike.... I'm actually on a XVS1100 Dragstar... i had my panniers made by a specialist welding company i rode my bike there and between us we designed what i have ... it was the first time he had done anything like it ... and between us we came up trumps...locks as well ...i then took them to a spray shop and had them sprayed/oven baked...to match my bike ...This man is just out side Oxford .... if you want to mail me i can send you a pic of mine fitted ,,, and the phone no.. and address.... Ted..

**Mike** · #10 24 May 2005

Have emailed off-site for the pictures. Thanks a lot. This really is a very friendly and helpful little part of cyberspace, isn't it?

**trand** · #11 25 May 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike:
Have emailed off-site for the pictures. Thanks a lot. This really is a very friendly and helpful little part of cyberspace, isn't it?

Thanks to Grant and he's hardworking team...Yeah we are just BIG happy family...

**Grant Johnson** · #12 25 May 2005

and widespread...

thanks guys, and you're welcome!

Grant and Susan, and all our very helpful moderators!

NOTE:
We could use more moderators, if anyone wants to volunteer for a forum or two.