Triumphrat

50yrDream · 09-30-2005

I've had a lot of bikes since 1960 & a lot of Honda's. They are dependable durable etc etc. Great appliances!
The Bonneville vertical twin--For me nothing else has the grin factor--as someone said SOUL!!!
Go test ride one--thats all it will take!
My Babe said you'd better go get it--you won't be happy til you do!! Such a smart woman!!!

dawgfan · 09-30-2005

From someone who just purchased his first Bonnie...

Never had a street bike (tons of dirt and dual-sport) but have ridden several street bikes. Was referred to look at a Triumph by a friend of a friend who works at Triumph (I just enjoyed drinking beer with him at some functions) who is just a really cool guy. I finally did check them out and...

When I did my test ride I thought, OK, I will just go down the street and come back as the loop is at least several miles...

Several, several laps later I walked back into the dealership and said its time to talk money..

Very happy with first 100 miles to say the least.

TC

Billybob · 09-30-2005

OK, I don't know anything about Hondas, but I do know a couple of things about women. If you ask her and she says "yes" then Bob's your uncle. But what if she says "No?" If you go ahead and buy it anyway, there is a risk that she'll get really ticked, you won't be able to undo what you've done and you'll be moving to a place called Lackanookie. So, here's what I do: I don't ask her anything, I just tell her I've done it before I actually do it. Now, when the smoke clears, if it looks like she accepts it, then you actually buy it. On the other hand, if she goes off the deep end, you back off and say you were only kidding ("Awww, can't you take a joke, Honey, etc."). This is really works; I call it the "Speed Triple Technique." :-D

EL84 · 09-30-2005

I rode a VLX 600 for years. It was a great, reliable bike. My Bonnie, however, is an absolute dream.

Bryan · 09-30-2005

You probably really like your Honda but you'll absolutely love your Bonneville. Just tell her it handles better and that makes it safer to ride. :-D

tshadow6 · 09-30-2005

Thanks everyone for your replies. Triumph will have their demo bikes at Biketoberfest, so I'll test ride one there. I did check out the Bonnie today. I loved it. It is a real motorcycle. I will keep everyone posted on my progress.

trumpyfan60 · 10-01-2005

Japanese engineers, designers, and manufacturers are masters of practicality, efficiency, and longevity. That's why I've returned to driving a Toyota after thoroughly enjoying a BMW for 5 years but seeing the end of my warranty.

The Japanese make good motorcycles, and they make good saxophones (my other favorite toys), but their products are so "good" that they lack a certain je ne se quoi. My Bonnie isn't as fast as a Honda or Suzuki of similar displacement, but it's fast enough. It requires more maintenance and attention, but I like providing that. And every time I ride it I feel better than I did before I rolled it out of the garage. The Bonneville has a certain something that makes me want to ride it.

To me, Hondas are strictly tools, and darn good ones. Triumphs are friends.

boozefighter · 10-01-2005

I seem to remember an old saying that went something like this--"I'd rather have my sister in a whorehouse than my brother on a Honda." Or was it -- "I'd rather have a brother in a whorehouse than my sister on a Honda." Joe :-D

d2mini · 10-01-2005

Quote:

So, here's what I do: I don't ask her anything, I just tell her I've done it before I actually do it. Now, when the smoke clears, if it looks like she accepts it, then you actually buy it. On the other hand, if she goes off the deep end, you back off and say you were only kidding ("Awww, can't you take a joke, Honey, etc."). This is really works; I call it the "Speed Triple Technique." :-D

That is pure genious!!!

But what happens when they pull a counter attack and say that they are ok with it, but you're not sure if they really are or if they are just hiding the fact that they are pissed and will explode later? What do you do then?

DrEnglish · 10-01-2005

No man I just go for it and the thing shows up in the garage. Mrs. E is mad for a little while, but she gets over it. Fact is, if she doesn't want you to have a bike (or another bike) and you wear how down, she'll still be mad for a while when you actually buy it. I skip the upfront drama and just plonk down that cash. Less pain overall for both of us.

Now back to the original question--the Bonnies are awesome. It's like when you had or borrowed a minibike as a kid. A little funky, very simple, and lots of fun. I love my Thruxton...