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Total rookie and in need of Bonnie advice!

6K views 56 replies 40 participants last post by  Av8trx 
#1 ·
Rode a bike last year for the first time (35 years old) and fell in love.

Took the MSF safety course last week and loved every 20MPH second of it.

Picked up my new license from the DMV and I'm on the hunt.

I was originally looking at cruisers, but came across a 2005 Bonneville T100, 19k miles and $4500 at a dealership.

I'm sure you all deal with a bunch of new riders all the time, asking about a good starter bike. I've asked a dozen people thus far, and have been astounded by the friendly nature, outgoingness, and generosity of the people in the motorcycle community I've met thus far. Half intimidated to ask this question, to the group of people who may know these machines best, but screw it, who better to ask than you all???

Is this bike a good choice for a beginning rider? I'm 5'10", 165, and relatively strong. When I saw the styling of this bike, I couldn't take my eyes or mind off of it.

Just curious if you think this is more of a bike for an experienced rider, or if it'd be a good choice to cut my teeth on. I live in upstate NY, with a short 3-4 month season, and would use this mainly for cruising around the finger lakes on country roads, with some minimal expressway travel.

Thanks so much for any feedback, and apologies if I come across as a total nerd. I'm totally out of my element here, but want to make a smart decision.

BRIAN THE NOOB:geezer
 
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#3 ·
I'm 5'10", 165, and relatively strong. When I saw the styling of this bike, I couldn't take my eyes or mind off of it.
You must be my long lost twin brother. :)
I have a 2008, the last year for carbs. I bought mine roughly two years ago with (I think) around 7000 miles on it for $5300. So that price seems high to me. I'd browse CycleTrader to see what prices are averaging out to be. As far as a good first bike or not, I'll list some pros and cons.

Pros: low seat height means easier to balance when stopped. Good power. Cruises at highway speeds no problem provided you can stand the 70 mph wind blast to the chest unless you install a windshield. Reliable. Tons of accessories available. Good looks. Shifts well. Easy to work on.

Cons: harsh rear suspension. No ABS. HEAVY compared to older Meriden Bonnies and may feel cumbersome to a beginner. World's dumbest tail light design. Useless standard mirrors. 125 mile fuel range. Not fuel injected until 2009 (not a deal breaker but you'll need to really do proper storage over the winter to avoid problems).

The Bonneville is a very versatile machine. Perfect for back roads, decent on the highway, can be used for touring with creative application of luggage and will do gravel with proper tires. Acceleration is capable but won't pull a wheelie every time you twist the throttle which I think is a good thing for a newb rider. In my opinion it is very important to buy a machine you really like and excited about vs what a spec sheet or some 'expert' tells you makes more sense. Some will suggest a smaller bike to start with, or something that handles better, or, or, or. My first bike was too tall, too heavy and had poor brakes and mediocre performance. But, it is what I learned to ride and master and after a few months I felt right at home on it. That was two bikes ago and I have moved on to better machines that do more of what I want. It is entirely possible the Bonnie will thrill you for a year, merely please you for a year and then get traded for something else. Or, you may keep it forever. Just keep in mind that no bike needs to be permanent. Buy what you think you will like but be open to change if things start to bug you about it.

Other bikes with a similar look you may consider:
Suzuki TU250X (light, nimble, super reliable and has more performance than you'd expect)
Yamaha SR400 (a decent bike but not terribly exciting. Kick start only.)
Royal Enfield Bullet (super cool looking, questionable India build quality, spotty dealer network, unhappy over 65 mph)
Moto Guzzi V7 ($$$)
Harley Sportster (cheap, antiquated, dealers galore, mediocre performance for its size, Harley stigma)

The main key to happiness with a bike is finding one that fits you. Trying to force yourself onto a machine that doesn't feel right is a huge mistake. I find the SR400 uncomfortable, for example. Sit on a bunch of them. I don't like cruisers AT ALL nor sport bikes.

I would not look for cosmetic perfection in your first bike as you WILL drop it at some point. If you can find the inexpensive one with the first drop damage already in place you will save both money and future heartache.

Let us know what you decide!
 
#4 ·
I think it's a great bike for a variety of reasons. Is it the perfect starter bike? Maybe not. But I still recommend a Bonnie for you, just maybe not that one, as the price seems WAY high for that mileage.

I grew up riding dirt bikes, but then didn't ride for 15 years before I had the opportunity to buy a new Harley Davidson Fatboy for $5K below dealer invoice... (Overseas military sales.) So I took the MSF course which had Suzuki GZ250's for the loaner bikes. It was such a fun little bike, I went out and bought one since the Harley would take 6 months to deliver. I was very glad I did that because the Fatboy is a HUGE bike, and I didn't want my first street-riding experience to be that...

That said, while the Bonnie isn't nearly as light as the GZ, it's still a pretty light bike (almost half the weight of the Fatboy). Personally, I'll never go back to Harleys (bought another one after that Fatboy). I've ridden many other motorcycles since, from a range of types. My T100 is the best-riding bike I've ever ridden. It's not perfect, but I love it.

I say get one! But shop around--you can find a much better deal on one!
 
#6 ·
I think it's a good question and the right place to ask it, although bear in mind most of us here love our Bonnies warts and all, and will therefore have a bias. The way you describe the kind of riding you are likely to do and the fact you are 35 is in favour of buying a Bonnie. I always advise a noob to start with something light, inexpensive and easy to resell, but there's nothing inherently dangerous or intimidating about a Bonnie if you're sensible and let the game come to you. When you're learning, it's the kind of bike you are more likely to lose control of in a gravel parking lot or accidentally tip over at a stop because of the weight rather than overcook a corner (although that is always a possibility for anyone, any time, on any bike).

Overall a Bonnie is an easy bike to ride, surprisingly versatile, infinitely modifiable to whatever your taste, and an absolute joy on a country road. Plus it's nice to look at and that gives pleasure even when you're not riding. 19,000 miles is nothing on these engines. Plenty of testimonies here of guys going well over 100,000 miles.

I can't comment on the fairness of the price because I don't know the supply and demand or going rate in NY but it doesn't seem outrageous to me. I have noticed a tendency on this forum whenever somebody says they're looking at a bike for X dollars, inevitably there are responses that say "Nah mate, you're paying wayyy too much!" They're probably trying to help you out and they may even be right, but the only way for you to know is to do your homework and shop around. You also have to ask yourself how much your time is worth and how far you want to drive to save money.
 
#7 ·
No way should you start on a Bonnie ......unless you have the maturity at 35 to know your limitations and take it steady and progressively up skill. I returned (after a 35yr lay off!) to a similar spec bike and just love it. It is fast enough to get into trouble but the biggest downside for a newbie is weight. Provided you can come to terms with its relative bulk I would swallow hard and take the plunge - just take it steady for a few months.
 
#8 ·
The Bonnie's probably a decent choice of first bike and possibly a bike that you would keep for a while as opposed to spending a short time on a "suitable newby bike" and then buying the bike that you really want. However, my advice would be to buy a trail bike and use it "off road" at every opportunity, especially in the wet and learn more about machine control in 2 months than you would on tarmac in 2 decades.
 
#9 ·
My first bike was a Kawasaki KZ400. I bought it new back in the 70's. 9It was about the same size as a Bonnie and it had a similar engine layout.) It was a great starter bike for me. A Bonnie was what I wanted at the time but I couldn't find one. :|
 
#10 ·
Thank you so much for the responses.

I test rode it today, (albeit around a few large parking lots) and was blown away. I could obviously tell that it was much more powerful than what I rode during the safety courses, but by being respectful to the power it has, I felt fairly comfortable.

I was able to bring the price down a few hundred, and pulled the trigger.

Insurance is set up, and I pick the bike up tomorrow morning at 9:30.

I'm slightly terrified of pulling the bike off the lot and getting into traffic, as I truly have 10 hours of experience, all of which is under 40mph.

My 45 minute ride home tomorrow morning will be backroads only, and hopefully I'll START to get a feel for the clutch and throttle with a good amount of low mph start and stopping.

I've enlisted a friend to give me 2 hours a week of training on mechanics, care, and upkeep, for the stiff price of a pizza.

I truly appreciate all of the advice, and will post a photo this weekend, and look forward to being a part of this community, and learning about this bike. There's so much to learn.

Brian
 
#11 ·
Congratulations! I suspect you'll gain confidence quickly after some more practice and parking lot exercises. I don't quite agree with starting on a tiny flickable dirt bike, they have none of the characteristics of a Bonnie, so the transition to a Bonnie would introduce another steep learning experience.

Ride every day, read about riding from good sources, do the research here on maintenance, and you'll be fine. It isn't rocket science, just don't be dumb about it, things can happen very quickly.

Good Luck!
 
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#12 ·
Remember, look through turns, look at where you want to go. Do not apply the brakes in a turn, do it before the turn. Always assume that the distracted driving a**hole cagers want to take you out, because they do. Better to ride on the highway where everyone is going the same way vs on city streets where they are coming at you from all sides. Head on a swivel.
 
#13 · (Edited)
Ok, you've bought a great bike which is fairly sure footed, but it is heavy, especially when making tight turns in slow moving traffic. I think you are going to have to be particularly careful on your first trip home. I've been riding for 40 years, but put me on an unfamiliar bike, and it takes me quite a while to settle into it, and its nuances.

A few pieces of advice (for what its worth ) ...

Always try to make eye contact with other drivers. They then may register that you actually exist.

Always ensure you are in their line of vision eg. appearing in their wing mirrors.

Always check your mirrors, especially when slowing down in traffic, and be ready with an escape route if some loon decides not to brake behind you.

Be careful, get home safe, and repeat.
 
#15 ·
a good choice for sure!! service is easy + if you intend to DIY a factory service manual or a cheapo clymer will help. lots of good info on the forum with members willing to help. you can change your oil under $50 with quality oil, no lift needed, dealers prolly charge $150 because they check this + that MAYBE!!
 
#16 ·
So glad to hear you pulled the trigger! I bought my first bike at about the same age 4 years ago... Bonneville T100 for me as well. Like you, my only experience was in the MSF class so I was a little nervous that the T100 would be too big, heavy, powerful etc. Well, 4 years on I have not regretted it once; I've loved every minute that I've owned the bike. You are going to be really happy with your T100.

I will say for that many miles, the price seems high, so good thing you negotiated down. Nice work & happy riding!
 
#17 ·
Congratulations! The Bonnie is a type of bike that seems to be just what a motorcycle should be. Far from perfect, but not too small or too powerful. A tad heavy but you can push it around the garage without too much effort. One additional piece of advice ....... KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD :BigEyes .......... no matter what she looks like!! That way you will be sure to make it to age 36. Seriously, don't let distractions pull your focus from where it needs to be. Best of Luck.
 
#19 ·
Congrats on your first bike. Mine was also a T100 (21013 Steve McQueen edition). and am still loving it 2 yrs on.

Some tips for new riders:

Practise emergency stops in an empty parking lot some place. Spend 30-45 min at a time doing drills until you can do it without having to think about the steps as you do them. Learn how the bike responds to hard braking...using both front & back brakes together. To avoid over-braking/locking up with the front, I learned to only use two fingers on the lever at all times. In an emergency, practise counting "One, one-thousand" while gradually applying more and more front brake pressure. This helps prevent front lock ups (BAD!) by easing on pressure as the weight shifts forward giving more tire traction.

After pracisting a good braking technique that works for you, do it every time you brake, no matter if an emergency or not. For example always be using front and back brakes at all stops. It is the normal routine that your automatic reflexes will use in a real emergency...so unless it's your normal thing, you'll be in trouble.

"Cover" your brakes (fingers on lever, foot on pedal) when in traffic, near intersections etc.. The extra fraction of a second it takes for you to move fingers,foot to levels/pedal can be costly.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Hey Brian
Fear Not ! You are on the right track, the "starter bike" theory may not be a universal truth. Yes, a lot of us climbed the displacement ladder, and got larger displacement bikes as our experience and bank accounts grew. I think that most of us started on dirt bikes, or small light weights of around 125 ccc or so. Riding in the dirt, you will encounter just about every off balance experience that the earth can throw at a motorcycle - and that is why it can be such great training ground for riding the roads. Its not what you see, its what you dont see that matters.
If, as a new rider, you go right into a "large" displacement bike, over 400 lbs, you will not bring your "agility memories" from smaller bikes. You will be like my father in law, who during WW2, was dumped right into a P38 (400mph) and learned to fly it because he wanted to - he was a chosen volunteer with the right capabilities. You may understand my analogy here - I see no physical reason why you cannot ride a Bonnie as your first bike, if you have the proper learning curve. You will need to learn that particular bike very well, and get to know it very well by gradually building up to riding in traffic.
Traffic (morons in cars/trucks) is your enemy, stay away as long as you can. Peak traffic hours (3 to 7pm) is also to be avoided. With enough hours in the saddle away from traffic (just you and the bike) I think you can accomplish enough "ridership" to make it work for you, if you have the proper modivation. Patience is the key here.

Let us know whatcha doin! Weedie
 
#21 ·
Great choice. I took the MSF course three years ago at the age of 59 and bought a new 2014 Bonnie mag wheel. Liked the T100 styling better but thought the advice of a better handling mag wheel version would be a better start. Stayed vigilant on the road always with an eye on my mortality. I love the bike and plan to keep it as long as possible. I don't ride in bad weather and stay off of interstates unless it's absolutely necessary ( and it rarely is). Delboy's YouTube videos have given me the confidence to maintain the bike myself. My only regret is not starting earlier but the time was never right. Best of luck. I know you will enjoy it.
 
#23 ·
Here's my .02, my first and only legal bike was/is 2005 Bonnie T100 it had 3000 miles on it and I paid 4000 for it... the so price seems high. I personally think the bonnie is a great bike.... not to fast not to slow. Bottom line get the bike you want, you'll keep it longer and learn exactly how it handles. I would look in the CycleTrader for a better deal. Good luck.


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#24 ·
I would look in the CycleTrader for a better deal. Good luck.


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He's already bought it:wink2:

Nice to save cash obviously, but if you do the maths, its not life changing .....

Say you do 10,000 miles in your ownership, and you've paid 500 dollars over the odds. That's 5 cents per mile additional cost, hardly worth stopping to pick it up.

Enjoy the ride :smile2:
 
#25 ·
Let the Mods begin! ?

Seriously... Just take your time, get to know the bike and gain experience.

Biggest problem is that people will want to talk to you about the bike.. Get ready for "Nice old Triumph! What year is it?" "REALLY? They still make them?!"

Basically add 10 minutes to your gas full up or parking times.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
 
#26 ·
Congrats on the new bike. My Bonneville was my first bike (aside from a 50cc scooter) and it's been great to learn on. Admittedly it's probably got a lot more power than I should have had starting out, but once I checked myself and toned down the immaturity I have had no complaints.

And it sounds like you've got a great area to ride. My wife has family in upstate NY, after my first visit there I've been itching to take a trip up
 
#27 ·
You already have the bike so no need to talk about alternatives. The best advice I can give you as a new rider is to find somebody experienced to ride with you. You follow him and watch how he positions the bike on the road, how he sets up and follows a curve, how he stops, etc. Then, trade off and have him follow you so he(she) can get some idea of how you handle the bike, notice what you're doing right and notice what you're doing wrong.

Most of all, you need time in the saddle. It takes a lot of miles to get to be safe with this hobby and keep in mind there are no guarantees because there will always be some idiot who will turn in front of you while texting on the phone. Try to ride often and don't let the bike sit idle too long. It won't care but you'll lose your edge pretty rapidly.

Good luck, be safe, have fun.
 
#28 ·
UPDATE

Picked up the bike at 9:30 AM. 40-45 degrees, overcast. 30 miles from home.

Salesmen was so kind, walked me through EVERYTHING. Answered every question, and there were a bunch. Nervously geared up, new armor lined jacket, full face helmet, gloves, fired her up, and did a few circles in the lot.

Felt the clutch, felt the throttle, the gear shifter, the brakes. Ok, this is doable.

Pulled up to the edge of the 45mph road, and took off.

Holy ****. What a machine. Took the LOOOOOONG way home, but one way or another, had to hit a few 55mph roads, with light to moderate traffic. Amazed by how stable the bike was. Wind was whipping on open country/farm roads, but the bike didn't care. The wind whipped through my clothing, wow, so cold.

I've got this. Stopped once at a dunkin' donuts to warm up and take a breath, but didn't even finish 1/2 of my coffee. I wanted to be back on that bike.

Head on a swivel. Head on a swivel.

Kept a safe distance, engine braked, learned that friction zone, wow wow wow wow. This is something else. Turned, turned, turned. One turn was a little wide, came close to the double yellow. Will learn from that.

Made it home, parked her in the garage, and damn, had to go to work.

Day off tomorrow, and we're looking at sunny at 65 degrees. I may never come home.

Questions

1. Any estimated gas mileage? What's my best bet for my first fill up? Reset the odometer before I left, so I'm up near 30/35 miles. Just keep an eye on it? I think the dealer told me that I had a small reserve.

2. I live in Rochester NY, small/moderate city. City neighborhood, nice yard and garage. Do I use the fork lock each time I put her away? Any other advice for reducing the potential of theft? I want to keep this machine FOREVER.

3. Parking on the street for a few hours, should i chain this thing up? Is that crazy? I own a restaurant/bar, and people often leaves their bikes on the sidewalks out front. Obviously I should ask them for their experience locally.

Lastly, working w/ an experienced rider to spend a few hours a week, talking upkeep, safety, maintenance, and riding together. Going to pay him well, this is such a great experience.

Thank you everyone for the time and knowledge. I reread EACH response before leaving to pick up the bike this morning.

Sincerely,

Brian The Noob
 
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