11-03-2013, 10:07 PM
The most disappointing thing for me with the Bonneville during my 2 h test ride was the "bloodless" sound of the engine combined with the exhaust pipes. To me, it sounds like kicking some screws into an empty beer can. 
Sorry. No comparison to e.g. the Guzzi V7 sound. Even the sound of the CB 1100 is better. Some Bonnie drivers (e.g. one of my colleagues) mount Zard exhausts or other pipes with better sound (but legal restriction limit here in Germany the options) therefore. The engine has plenty of power (for me), that was not the problem.
If if you are used to a smooth and soft Honda gear box (I owned a Honda Transalp at that time), shifting the gear with the left foot is .... hm ... a bit rustic. Long way to shift and a harsh sound. Only Guzzi and BMW (yes!) gear boxes are worse. (After I test rode the BMW R 1200 R I nearly destroyed my Transalp gear box because I was still in "BMW kick it hard and brutal" gear shift mode with my left foot.)
Sorry. No comparison to e.g. the Guzzi V7 sound. Even the sound of the CB 1100 is better. Some Bonnie drivers (e.g. one of my colleagues) mount Zard exhausts or other pipes with better sound (but legal restriction limit here in Germany the options) therefore. The engine has plenty of power (for me), that was not the problem.If if you are used to a smooth and soft Honda gear box (I owned a Honda Transalp at that time), shifting the gear with the left foot is .... hm ... a bit rustic. Long way to shift and a harsh sound. Only Guzzi and BMW (yes!) gear boxes are worse. (After I test rode the BMW R 1200 R I nearly destroyed my Transalp gear box because I was still in "BMW kick it hard and brutal" gear shift mode with my left foot.)