Broken spoke/ nipple. I had noticed my rear tire flat on my motorcycle in the garage, when I looked to see how it became flat I found a broken spoke/nipple. A piece of the spoke nipple had punctured the inner tube and caused the flat. When the local motorcycle repair shop fixed the problem, they actually found another broken spoke and replaced it when they found it. I know of many other people having these same issues and several friends with the same motorcycle to have had the exact same problem. Nobody has gotten hurt yet, but I believe that day is coming.
The worst 2002 Triumph Bonneville problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Wheels7
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Wheels7
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Broken spoke/tire deflation
This pe was opened on the basis of 6 owner allegations concerning rear wheel spoke breakage with resulting rear tire inner-tube puncturing.no crashes were or have been alleged.after gathering information concerning this issue from subject vehicle owners, triumph dealers, and triumph motorcycles ltd, we find no defect trend currently exists concerning this subject.should circumstances change as a result of our continued monitoring, we will take appropriate action.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further actio if warranted by the circumstances.
PE06019
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Triumph Bonneville 99
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Daignostic software and dealers should begin using it...
- Dealer notice advising to check for an immobiliser software update before replacing any TPMS components on...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-07 and dealers should begin...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-06.1 and dealers should begin...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Technical Bulletin 264.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool version 2026-06 and dealers should...
- Technical Bulletin 264 provides instructions that relates to: Triumph Diagnostic Tool
- Dealer notice advising the availalbility of TDT version 2026-05.2 which resolves the ABS as Not Connected...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2026-05.1 and dealers should begin using...
- Dealer notice reminding of Motorcycle Cleaning, prohibited use of High-Pressure & Steam Cleaning equipment.
What 2002 Triumph Bonneville owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While riding motorcycle on highway, let rear outer spoke on rear tire breaks suddenly and catastrophically once at 6200 mile, second at 23,000 miles on the odometer. First broken spoke damages brake fluid hose and rear wheel rim. Second broken spoke causes immediate flat tire sending bike almost out of control at 60+ MPH. I feel angry and fortunate to remain unscathed. I have no confidence in the existing spokes. First broken spoke repaired under warranty. 2nd. Spoke break out of warranty period, nothing done. Manufacturer shows no concern, but has finally redesigned the rear hub of new models, probably in response to thousands of complaints. Should be a class action lawsuit me thinks...
Broken spoke on rear wheel causing flat tire at highway speeds.
Broken left rear outer spokes on rear wheel.
I have had 3 spokes brake on my 2002 triumph bonneville motorcycle. All three were on the rear wheel, left outer side. The motorcycle has been always been ridden modestly for it's 6,000 miles. The spokes have been replaced professionally. The broken spokes are available. *jb
Riding at highway speeds had a rear spoke break. This caused a flat tire and a busted rear brake line. I ordered a spoke from triumph and had my local bmw dealer replace it.
2002 triumph bonneville breaking left rear outer spokes and flattening rear tire at speed, I have documented 24 motorcycles, 36 spokes all the same part number, somewill is going to get hurt.
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Questions about the 2002 Triumph Bonneville
Is the 2002 Triumph Bonneville reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2002 Triumph Bonneville, 2.3 times a typical Bonneville model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Triumph Bonneville?
Wheels, with 7 complaints, typically around 12,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2002 Triumph Bonneville have?
No recalls on record.
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