November 30, 2010

Triumph, Please Build This Bike... We Will Supply the Exhaust

The Motorcycle Classics/Dairyland Cycle Insurance 2010 Triumph Bonneville

Excerpts from Motorcycle Classics Magazine

We brainstormed. We planned. And then we got an offer to use a bone-stock, brand new 2010 Triumph Bonneville for a build. As much as we love restoring old motorcycles bikes, this presented a unique opportunity for a project any of our readers could do. It's not hard to find a new Bonnie -- as long as you've got the dough -- and most of the changes we made here are simple bolt-ons. The rest, mainly the paint and the building of the custom seat, were projects we handed off to local businesses right here in our town.Overview

With Sweet Sounding D&D Pipe

Bobber build-up

Some ideas need a little breathing room -- and in this case more than a little hands-on time -- to fully develop.

The motivation behind our Custom Triumph Bonneville Build was the opportunity to craft our take (Motorcycle Classics) on the emerging modern bobber, a category that's been showing lots of activity. Following our line of thought, we also wanted to use a modern classic motorcycle, and Triumph's latest Bonneville is a natural foundation for our build. From its time-honored parallel-twin engine configuration to the swooping R logo on the tank, its classic appeal is undeniable.

The new Bonneville is also the most successful of the so-called retro classic motorcycles, which means a healthy aftermarket has already sprung up to supply custom motorcycle parts for enthusiastic owners who want to give their bikes a little extra personality.

Replacing the Exhaust

The way-cool faux titanium exhaust system from D&D Performance Exhaust is almost a foot shorter than the stock system, and -- surprise, surprise -- is actually easier to install than a stock system since it doesn't have a cross-over pipe. It bolted up without issue, using the stock rear mounting point while deleting the mid-point hanger as used on the stock system. Slung just a bit lower and tighter, these pipes scream speed. We think they'll probably just plain scream, too. (It does, checkout the video.)

Bonneville Build Suppliers
BellaCorse -- www.bellacorse.com: Joker Machine products, custom hardware
D&D Performance Exhaust -- www.danddexhaust.com: Faux titanium exhaust
D9 Brackets -- www.newbonnevilleriders.com: Custom instrument bracket
Joker Machine -- www.jokermachine.com: Custom headlamp ears, counter sprocket cover, ignition switch relocating kit, scads of cool billet pieces
Motorcycle Superstore -- www.motorcycle-superstore.com: Drag bars
Omar's DTR -- www.omarsdtr.com: Custom tail light/license plate bracket
TC Concepts -- www.tcconceptsllc.com: Custom paint, graphics and tank fab
Tom's Upholstery Plus -- 785-235-2061: Custom seat fabrication
YSS Racing Suspension -- www.yssusa.com: Rear shocks, custom fork springs

November 30, 2010 2:39 PM | send page