TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE – THE SECOND SERVICE

Soon.. I had completed 1 year with the beautiful bike. Apart from the pathetic service standards (Read in my earlier blog here), the bike was now running great and I was enjoying it thoroughly (Read my first year experiences here).

The service manual mandates that the 2^nd service should be done at 10,000 kms. or 1 year, whichever is earlier. I had completed 1 year & only 4,000 kms., but still decided to service the bike. This was due to several reasons including my worry that Indian riding conditions (high temperature, dust etc.) would require change of oil and filters irrespective of kms. ridden.

I researched online and also discussed with several other experienced Bonneville riders and prepared this list of things to be checked / replaced during the 2^nd service. The below points are for Bonneville T100 but I doubt that they will change much for Bonneville SE:

• Engine oil change – Mandatory. Do it irrespective of the existing oil quality.
• Air filter cleaning – Important because of the dust pollution, especially if you have been off-roading. Also a chance to shift to better quality BMC or DNA air filters. These feature a much higher air flow capability and better filtering efficiency.
• Engine check with software and tuning – This is the SOP and the basic servicing includes attaching the laptop and checking for any red flags that come up.
• Clutch cable check and lubing – Smoother and lighter clutch operation
• Battery check – To determine the battery condition and top-up charge if required.
• Brakes check – Fast bikes need good brakes. Open and check both front and rear brake pads. Mechanics tend to take shortcuts by checking the pads thickness with torchlight, without going through the hassle of opening the brakes.
• Headlight alignment – The Bonneville headlight tends to shift upwards. I aligned the headlight and also included an additional rubber washer to try and keep the headlight aligned for longer duration.
• Electrical insulations check – Important to check, especially during rainy season.
• Chain lubing and tightness check – The chain is the most important part, as it is constantly getting dirty, wet and greasy. I recommend regular chain maintenance even at home. I use 3M chain cleaner followed by 3M Chain Lube, every 300 kms. or so.
• Front Sprocket cover open and cleaning
• Pistons cleaning and lubing – Only if you are facing some specific problem. I did not get this done.
• Bike wash and cleaning – Careful with powerful spray wash. The rectifier and other chrome parts can easily get damaged even sprayed from a close distance.

Apart from these, I also felt that the handlebar was very heavy, especially when I was turning into corners. The mechanic checked: 

• Fork cone and
• Yoke nut

We found that the Yoke nut was not properly tightened. A slight adjustment followed by a test ride to check the adjustment made, and the handlebars were much lighter and precise.

Triumph Owners Handbook also gives a comprehensive checklist for every servicing from page 62 – 105. So be sure to read this before going for the servicing. The two most important pages:

Apart from the above standard service points, I also made some practical and required changes to the bike. These include:

Horn – The standard horn on the Bonnie is horrible. I have installed 2 standard horns in front of the rectifier. These ensure that I get way when needed.

Foot peg reinforcement – The problem of foot peg breaking and falling off (Read about this in detail in my last blog here) had me worried. It always stayed in the back of my mind while riding, causing unnecessary worry. So I decided to take action and went in for foot peg reinforcement. This is basically adding 2 additional bolts, apart from the standard 1 bolt provided by the manufacturer.

Light bulb – I find that the headlight in the Bonnie is not sufficient, especially at night on roads that do not have streetlights. I searched for an alternative, and zeroed in on the OSRAM 12V 60/55W Night Breaker Unlimited. Make sure to get the bulbs made in Germany. Although the output is same as the stock bulbs, I find a significant difference in the light throw distance and brightness.

I hope that the above details will also help you in getting your Bonneville serviced properly so that you can keep enjoying the ride!!

Please remember to add your comments below for additions that you think are necessary. It'll be helpful for all other riders. Cheers!!