Triumphrat

Wlvrine

Ok, Here's what I think.
I say Get it!
I just started riding only 3 months ago. I'm 38 and had NO experience with motorcycles until now. I took the MRC here at the local Comm college, to learn and feel comfortable with a bike, AND honestly it was so I could just go and try out a Can-AM which I originally ORIGINALLY was considering buying....until I got on 2 wheels.
I test rode a Honda 250 that someone was selling (which is what I rode in the course) and honestly, as soon as I got off that thing I knew that it was too small for me. During the course it was no big deal. I spoke to others and they all told me that if I got a 250, I would be over it after about a week.
A month after taking the course I (and reviewing diff bikes online) I went out and purchased my '13 Bonnie T100. And I Love It!!
Is it heavy? Yes. Heavier than a 250.
Can I hande it? Yes. I', 6'0 185lbs.
How are the slow tight turns? Fine. I practiced in the course and then afterwards. "Friction Zone"! I'm still a noob. :-)
How is it on the Hwy? Just took it on a 100 miler yesterday with 85% of it on the Hwy. Got it up to 90 (for a little bit, maybe for 2 miles) and it was no problem. Most of the time it was 75mph, and handled very well. Should have worn my full face though, damn bugs and wind. So, is it underpowered? No. Although I think I do feel more comfortable (for the bike's sake) at lower speeds like 70-75mph. I dont think I need to be pushing her that high, but she can do it!
Oh, and "naked"? In my opinion, naked or not, Hwy riding (to me) is probably a risk just as busy city riding can be. Always assuming others don't see you is paramount whether going fast or slow. Of course going faster can get you REALLY injured if hit by someone not paying attention.
ABS? Like some of the others have said, if you're riding smart and paying attention and always anticipating what could happen, then you don't need to hit it hard most of the time. I had to hit it hard once because the light changed on me (my fault for not anticipating it) but it was fine. I think practicing hard breaks in a parking lot or open area is good. A lot of what I learned in the course, I've practiced and try to use during my riding.
I also felt that I needed a smaller bike to feel more comfortable and confident. Knowing what I know now, I'm VERY glad I did not get the 250 bike because i would have just given it up sooner than I would have thought I needed to.
I'm very happy that I bought the Bonnie and I know that you will be too!

steve betts

Johnny, I feel your fear. If my 20 year old son got a 1000 Gixer I'd worry a lot. It's bad enough he drives an Acura Integra.

Moogs, this is a thorny issue that speaks to such fundamentals as freedom. I do however think the state is justified in restricting certain things for the greater good, for example, not allowing sale of alcohol to minors or not letting 13 year olds drive cars on the road. I think the good of saving lives outweighs upsetting a few guys who think they have what it takes to fly a 150 hp bike straight away.

You go ahead and bet on "common sense" and impulse control. I'm gonna bet on the fallibility of humans every time, especially when it comes to the judgement of young males as it pertains to measuring risk. And no, I do not favour a "nanny state".

SlowPocono

To reiterate a point that can't be overstated:

Learning to ride on a "full size" bike can be successful and provide great satisfaction but it precludes the learning of some fundamental skills and joys accessible only to the rider of small bikes. Missing out on some of these fundamentals results in a shaky foundation that can never be properly shored up.

Moogs

Comparing this to 13 year olds and alcohol or driving isn't a fair comparison. These are children. Kids eventually become adults. A purchase this significant is often subsidized by parents. At this age MOST parents should have influence on the bike purchase itself.

Whether a 16 year old or a 40 year old, a new rider is a new rider and they should have the choice. If my 230lb butt was only allowed to ride a 33hp scooter as my first bike, I would never have bought one. At some point people are allowed to make informed and sometimes not so informed decisions.

As a compromise, I would not have had a problem taking further training on more powerful bikes, to be allowed to purchase my first without such restriction. This would have provided an opportunity to see what riding a 100-140hp bike is like and purchase accordingly as well.

I guess cars will be next.

__________________
Whomever said all good things in moderation certainly never rode a bad ass Bonneville

steve betts

[QUOTE=Moogs;2439819]Comparing this to 13 year olds and alcohol or driving isn't a fair comparison."

You're right. A better comparison might be the restrictions put in place for adults wanting to fly an aircraft.

My point is, bikes have changed. People haven't.

Rubicon

My first bike was a bonneville. They are very tame in stock form, and are confidence inspiring. They ride themselves basically, lean into the wind naturally, are forgiving, and looks cool.

__________________
09 Bonneville Black
Triumph Tax paid (BCARK,Pipes,TTP tune)

DennisVR

UPDATE!

My Triumph Thruxton has arrived! Rides like a charm

Mods:
TOR exhaust
Rear Fender removed

Future mods:
Clip ons
...

J Free

reiterated again I do think all of those points against in your first post are silly. When I was a kid we had dirt bikes and street bikes. They were different displacements of course, but not the horses for courses we have today. I do think a scrambler/bonnie is better suited with a flat wide bar to someone more on the beginner side of things. You can always cafe it out later.
Ah, just saw your update-enjoy, ride safe-and let's see it!

Askari

[QUOTE=DennisVR;2437183]EDIT: now looking at the Thruxton instead


I've have set my eyes on a Bonneville. For it's looks and forgiving torque curve.

I have quite a few friends who are into motorcycles. And i've asked there opinions on the Bonneville for me as a beginner. And gotten following remarks:
- No ABS
- Too heavy for a beginner
- Underpowered
- Naked bikes are not a good idea for the freeway

Not reeally valid.

-ABS well an advantage if you drift on too the dirt. Just be careful.
-Weight well more of an issue when manoevering at low speed. If you are longer in the leg then mot an issue.
-Underpowered?? compared to what! So you wont pop a wheelie, not many cars you cant out drag to 60. Plenty fast emough to kill you and loose your licence for a long time.
-Naked bikes do become tiring but in my experience not untill you are well in excess of the speed limit.
As you mention not having to ride then i presume you have a car as well. Dont gain your experience in rush hour commuting. Ride on the weekends on some nice flowing country roads and get some expert tuition. Hedge your bets. A bonnie is a good bike to start on, at the end of the day that right wrist makes all the difference!