In may 2010 I noted three broken spokes in the rear wheel while on vacation in arkansas. Since that time three more spokes have broken for a total of six. These have been found individually, as I now inspect the rear wheel frequently. The motorcycle now has 23,000 miles on it. I have been riding for 35 years, over a million miles and 30 different motorcycles over that time, many with spoke wheels and have never had a spoke break. Research on the web now reveals that this is common on the bonnevilles, especially on the 17" rear wheel. I also see this complaint is already registered with the federal safety agency. My motorcycle is a 2005 triumph bonneville thruxton model, not specifically in the drop down list, but has the identical rear wheel as the standard bonneville.
The worst 2005 Triumph Bonneville problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Wheels2
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Wheels2
- Electrical1
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 2005 Triumph Bonneville 98
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 2005 Triumph Bonneville owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
2005 triumph bonneville motorcycle. Rear spokes keep breaking. Triumph will not do anything about it. Bike is not on warranty any longer. But something is wrong with the manufacturing of the wheel in the rear of the motorcycle.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 MPH in the rain, the instrument panel on the motorcycle became clouded over with condensation. The motorcycle was taken to a service dealer, who determined that the cloudiness was due to the way the motorcycle was being operated. The manufacturer was also notified.
Compare the 2005 Triumph Bonneville
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Questions about the 2005 Triumph Bonneville
Is the 2005 Triumph Bonneville reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2005 Triumph Bonneville, close to a typical Bonneville model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Triumph Bonneville?
Wheels, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 2005 Triumph Bonneville have?
No recalls on record.
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