OP
5030
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2003
- Messages
- 26,998
- Location
- SE Michigan in the middle of nowhere
- Tractor
- Kubota M9000 HDCC3 M9000 HDC
Jeff:
Actually, the cases are painted silver just like my '68. The cylinders themselves are black and the heads are silver paint, again, like the '68.
The side covers (primary side and timing side) are chrome plated though you can still order polished (just like the '68).
The rocker box covers (which are now cam covers as the engine is DOHC instead of OHV) are painted, but you can get chrome ones. I'll probably remove them and polish them and clear lacquer them too. I like the chrome side covers. I used to spend a lot of time polishing the case covers with Simichrome polish.
Remember, now the cases are split horizontally instead of vertically and the engine is wet sump instead of scavenged dry sump with a remote oil tank.
One thing that does kind of bother me and that is the final drive is chain. I remember the '68 and the miserable chain oiler. The new final drive is "O" ring chain. The dealer told me that minimal lubrication is required as the lubricant is contained by the sealing rings. I guess they make a specific lubricant for the chain and a light coat is all that is necessary.
I like the large disc brakes front and rear. My '68 had a small 1/4 width drum on the rear and a double leading shoe on the front. The disc brakes are light years ahead of the '68's.
With 61 horses on tap, I don't think the new Bonneville is a stoplight stormer. I'd have to get out the shop manual for the '68, but I think the '68 had somewhere around 53 horses. The '68 was a 650, the '03 is 790.
No kick started bothered me too. The Triumphs, in general, were extremely easy to start and had a long arm kicker. The dealer told me I could "glue" one on, if that would make me happy!!
I'll see how this new adventure goes. If it is an enjoyable venture as I suspect it to be, maybe next year I'll order a new Royal Enfield 500 side valve with a matching sidecar. In black, of course.
I just might divorce myself from snowmachines and fill the garage with motorcycles. No rice rockets or Harley's allowed.
Actually, the cases are painted silver just like my '68. The cylinders themselves are black and the heads are silver paint, again, like the '68.
The side covers (primary side and timing side) are chrome plated though you can still order polished (just like the '68).
The rocker box covers (which are now cam covers as the engine is DOHC instead of OHV) are painted, but you can get chrome ones. I'll probably remove them and polish them and clear lacquer them too. I like the chrome side covers. I used to spend a lot of time polishing the case covers with Simichrome polish.
Remember, now the cases are split horizontally instead of vertically and the engine is wet sump instead of scavenged dry sump with a remote oil tank.
One thing that does kind of bother me and that is the final drive is chain. I remember the '68 and the miserable chain oiler. The new final drive is "O" ring chain. The dealer told me that minimal lubrication is required as the lubricant is contained by the sealing rings. I guess they make a specific lubricant for the chain and a light coat is all that is necessary.
I like the large disc brakes front and rear. My '68 had a small 1/4 width drum on the rear and a double leading shoe on the front. The disc brakes are light years ahead of the '68's.
With 61 horses on tap, I don't think the new Bonneville is a stoplight stormer. I'd have to get out the shop manual for the '68, but I think the '68 had somewhere around 53 horses. The '68 was a 650, the '03 is 790.
No kick started bothered me too. The Triumphs, in general, were extremely easy to start and had a long arm kicker. The dealer told me I could "glue" one on, if that would make me happy!!
I'll see how this new adventure goes. If it is an enjoyable venture as I suspect it to be, maybe next year I'll order a new Royal Enfield 500 side valve with a matching sidecar. In black, of course.
I just might divorce myself from snowmachines and fill the garage with motorcycles. No rice rockets or Harley's allowed.
The dealership carries BMW, Triumph, Ducati and Indian (for the moment at least). 
