Triumphrat

jorwesflow

I am 25 and about to take a beginner's riding course here in CT. I don't know much about anything, but all I know is that I want a Bonneville.

I am pretty much clueless about what gear to buy, where to buy it, what size I am, etc. for things like helmet, gloves, shoes, pants, rain gear, etc. Are there certain styles of helmets and accessories that are appropriate for a Bonneville owner? Where should I buy them?

HiDesert

That's it in a nutshell. The rest is just details.

Check out our sponsors; a lot of them give discounts to Triuphrat.net owners. I've gotten good service from Bike Bandit and Dennis Kirk. Newenough.com is also a good place for gear.

Styles? Why should you care what everyone else thinks? Buy what you like! ...just not power ranger flashy leather whole body suits. To get full marks for Bonnie style, every article of clothing must be visible in at least one Triumph, BSA, or Norton poster circa '55-'68. Preferably being worn by someone of your gender. Black leather jackets, jeans, and simple boots are more traditional garb for the Bonnie bound. Make the jeans abrasion resistant at least; armored pants are better, especially when learning.

Now, take that course, study at the feet of Hough, wear all that gear on every ride, and have fun!

:

__________________
I won't stop riding because you tell me about someone who died in an accident, just as I won't stop eating because someone died of e.coli.

HiDesert's ride photos

SambaMark

I found a bitchen' helmet made by Fulmer (V2, mod. 5UK)

SambaMark
2001 Bonneville

Attached Thumbnails

 

jorwesflow

What is BSA and Norton?

And what kind of helmet should I go with? Full face? Open face? Half helmet?

koifarm

Stay focused my man, get a bonneville, you have choices
1. Bonneville T100
2 New Bonneville
3 Bonneville SE
4 Thruxton
5 Scrambler
See em here:
http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/10279.aspx
Go to the above, pick one you like and go buy it!!!!

__________________
Sitting on a cornflake waiting for the van to come!

kkrueg0

BSA's and Nortons are other some other classic British motorcycles. As for the helmet, I'd try a couple on and see what you like. I prefer full face helmets myself, as I'm also a pretty new rider and they provide the most protection. I started out with an open faced half helmet and didn't like getting hit in the face by bugs at 70-80 mph. I also have an armored leather jacket with vents that I got from leatherup.com. I have some kevlar reinforced riding jeans as well, but I usually only wear those on longer trips. The motorcycle safety class is an excellent idea!

jorwesflow

I'm looking around online and finding what I think are pretty cheap prices on helmets (like under $50). are there certain cheapo brands to stay away from?

also, i went to motor sports place today and tried on some helmets. the guy looked at my head, and gave me a large, which wobbled around side to side. then we progressed to M, which also wobbled, and then S, which still kind of wobbled. i finally tried on an XS! it didn't wobble around anymore, but it was super tight. i have a thin face, so not sure if that makes a difference. he said it should kind of squish my cheeks, which is why it took an XS to do it. But it was cutting circulation off at the top of my noggin!

kkrueg0

I don't think the helmet should squish your cheeks. I would pick the snuggest helmet that is still comfortable. I'm no expert, but I think a little wiggle room is ok.

Thatch

Cheapo is to Helmet as Ugly is to Bride. You can get one really easily, but do you really want one?

If you are looking for on the low end for close faced helmets I'd suggest looking at the Scorpion EX0-400. They are DOT and Snell certified and come in from $100-150 have pretty good ventilation and a fog free visor. Now if you're looking for a particular style no matter fullface or retro openface, you are looking at $300 up. (that is a pretty big generalization)

As for sizing, tighter is certainly better than looser but it sounds like your's is an issue of helmet shape not size. Helmets have different shapes to them some will fit a rounder head, some fit a more narrow head. They 'tend' to be shaped consistently by brands, but not always. You'll need to get into a big shop and just put on helmets till you find one that accepts your head shape. The helmet should be snug and when you turn the helmet it should grip and move the flesh of your head, before it slides across your skin (if that makes sense) if you pull the helmet forward your brow should crinkle, side to side your cheeks should be pulled. You should not however have it so tight you are getting a tension headache and certainly numbness is not a good thing.

Just some thoughts on things. Good luck and don't hold back if you have questions. Everyone starts sometime.

coldnight

Sadly, some of us have interesting head shapes. Arai ( pricey helmets ) makes 3 or 4 model lines, each catering to a unique head shape. Your helmet shouldn't move around if you shake your head as in saying no. The cheek pads should move your face around but as others have said, it shouldn't ever be painful. The first few hours you spend in your new helmet will fit the foam to your head (slightly) and it should be as comfortable as leather gloves after that.

A good helmet, shaped to your head may be lots of money, but it really is the most important piece of gear you will buy. I try to wear my new gear around in the house to get a feel for how it narrows your vision, its weight and so on. Just don't let anyone see you doing it!

There seem to be good deals on Bonnies if you are looking around. As a new rider, this is truth: you will drop the bike. As you get to be a seasoned rider, you will learn another: You will drop the bike. I've had my T100 about a month and so far, I've been lucky with it. *knock wood*

Where in the world are you? Chances are, there are Triumph riders nearby who can help you out or help you avoid mistakes (dealers, used bikes with bad repairs etc)

Welcome to the community!