Triumphrat

10-05-2005, 12:47 PM

Hi all...nOOb alert.

The deal is that my girlfriend and I have flipped out over the bonnie in a really big way. We wants it..so we are taking the riders edge course this month.

Research is advising that we start on a small 250 bike and work our way up to the bonnie. (The riders edge course uses a 500 cc bike so I will have to ask about that at class).

So what would your advice be for a trainer bike that would be a nice transition to the bonnie?

Actually..I may get a bonnie and a thruxton...I am having dreams about that bike too.

Thanks for any advice, it is nice to have this forum to bounce questions off of.

Tenover · 10-05-2005, 12:51 PM

I took the MSF class two years ago, then bought a Honda Nighthawk 250 and rode it for the next two years, always dreaming of getting the Bonneville when I was "ready". I was really glad I went that route, as it taught me basic "survival skills" that you need on a motorcycle without having to worry about any excess horsepower that might get you into trouble with a larger bike. I felt that I was ready to move up about 6 months ago, so I sold the Nighthawk (I actually sold it for $200 MORE than I bought it for, they have excellent resale value) and bot my 2005 blacked-out Bonnie. Couldn't be happier.

jsdc2005 · 10-05-2005, 01:10 PM

The bonneville is my first bike. I bought it after taking the MSF on a Nighthawk. I looked at bikes ranging from 250s to the Bonneville's 790. I solicited lots of opinions. You shouldn't follow anyone's advice more than what your own judgment tells you (assuming you can trust your own judgment). I got two contrasting pieces of advice: go small at first so you don't "get yourself in trouble," and don't go too small, or you'll get tired of it and are in no better position to get out of the way of traffic than someone on a scooter. There is merit to both positions. But I know myself well enough that I'm exactly the kind of person who would quickly tire of a smaller bike and that I live in the kind of area (short onramps and no merge lanes, beautiful countryside about a half hour out of town) where a bigger bike would be appropriate.
So pick a bike based on what you think suits not just your skill level - which in all likelihood will rapidly improve to match the bike you get - but your personality and riding environment.

thruxtonone · 10-05-2005, 01:34 PM

Bonnevilles really are some of the easiest most natural bikes to ride that you can buy. If you have the mentality to take it slow and grow into the bike, along with the availability of some lightly used roads or large parking lots, I would go with the triumph. Spend time initially just getting used to the controls and shifting in a non threating environment.-good luck-T1

d2mini · 10-05-2005, 01:38 PM

I took the MSF last spring and went out and bought the bonnie. I was gonna go the 250 route, but the power band is so easy on the bonnie and the bike is so light, that it just didn't make sense financially to get the smaller bike. Don't let the 799cc or 865cc numbers scare you.
The only thing is I don't know your gf's strength so a lighter 250 may be better for her. But I'm 5'8" and 155lbs and the T100 was no problem.

RandyDTFR · 10-05-2005, 02:26 PM

The Bonnie was my “re-entry” bike. I was without one for about 10 years. Started back in 1987 on a Suzuki 450 (photos in members photo album under “R”) and out grew that in about 6 months.

The Bonnie is a great first bike, one that you don’t have to worry about outgrowing. If I could only have one bike, it would be a Bonnie.

My wife rode dirt bikes as a kid, and when we started dating rode on the back of the Bonnie with me. It didn’t take long before she wanted her own bike. So, now married, the Bonnie is her’s and I ride a Truxton.

That’s a long way of saying; the Bonnie and Thruxton make great bikes for either beginners or experienced riders.

The best advice I’ve received when beginning / returning to motorcycling is- Ride your own ride. Meaning, ride at your own pace and comfort level. Start out with the MSF course, and don’t rush yourself or your wife. It took me about 2 months before I was ready to ride on the freeway. Ride on your own first, then when your comfortable and have several months under your belt, then try riding with a small group.

Have fun!

~Randy DTFR
Ride safe!

10-05-2005, 02:29 PM

Thanks all! I guess I'll see how well we handle the 500cc bikes in class. Probably have a better idea of where we're at then. We have a big parking lot to practice in, but we do live in the city with a lot of traffic.

She's strong. She would rather just get to it on the bonnie (her dad rides a Rocket III, which is how we found these motorcycles and lost our mind over them).

I haven't talked to him about it yet, but I bet he recommends just get the bonnie.

I am more concerned about busting it up practicing in the parking lot than being able to take it easy. We aren't in any rush to go fast..we just want to explore, have fun and prowl around.

[ This message was edited by: savoy on 2005-10-05 12:35 ]

DP525 · 10-05-2005, 03:03 PM

Hey, you can get just as dead on a 250 or 500 or 790. If you are an idiot, your career as a motorcyclist will be short. The Bonneville is as safe as you make it. Treat it with respect (but hey, it's not a Hayabusa

) and it will take care of you. It is a very easy bike to ride but with enough power to keep things interesting. Good luck and be smart!

muss · 10-05-2005, 03:17 PM

just echoing what has already been said...

go with what you are comfortable with. my bonnie is my first bike. i bought it a little less than a year ago. i rode around and into DC almost daily from nov until may, unless it was below freezing. i took the MSF class in may and got my license then. my only advice is to respect the bike and don't out ride your skill level. just try and stay comfortable and enjoy the ride.

10-05-2005, 03:40 PM

I just hadn't really considered it, told my gf "no way, the experts say don't do that". I just assumed 800-900cc would be too much for most people based on all the noob sites. I have since found a couple professional reviews saying it is a good first bike (one guy loved the bike and but nonetheless called the engine "a p***y", which might work in my favor). There is conflicting info out there for sure.

Can't wait to take the class. Then we will now if we are comfortable on a bonnie and if so...sweeeeet!

I know my gf is not going to want to share for long though.

[ This message was edited by: savoy on 2005-10-05 13:41 ]