Triumphrat

DennisVR

EDIT: now looking at the Thruxton instead

Hi,

(first paragraphs as posted in welcome center)

At the age of 41 i've decided that it's time to get my motorcycle license. I've driven a 50cc bike when i was 16-19, and i feel my muscle memory is still present. So it shouldn't be too much of a problem getting the hang of it again.

I intend to drive for pleasure and commuting. One way is about 50kms(30miles) including 30kms(20miles) freeway. But only when the weather's good.

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

I would like to get opinions from Bonneville riders, who can tell first hand if these remarks are valid or not.

Thanks!

SlowPocono

A beginner would be better off with a smaller bike, but you aren't really a beginner.
The Bonneville is a general purpose bike. A "standard".
I'm including the Scrambler and Thruxton variations along with the Bonneville.
For almost any specific mission there are more suitable bikes.
The exception to that is in the general satisfaction category.
There is no bike that I've ever ridden that more consistently makes me feel happy.

Nickwiz

None of what they've told you is true Dennis.

(They've probably all got small willies so need something bigger and faster between their legs to compensate


The Bonnie will cruise at highway speeds. 80-90mph enough?
Will tour, commute, handle a gravel road, etc with style. Its not underpowered per se (though a bit more would be ok) it makes its power predictably.

Here read this article from MCN over here.

__________________
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind......Dr Seuss

TrumpetRat

I'm 43 and started riding at 41 two years ago. My first bike is a 2002 Bonnie. I had read and been told and accepted that I should start on a smaller bike. I was looking for a 250-500 cc used bike when I found the Bonnie at a price I knew I might never see again for a bike this well-maintained.

So I bought the bike and because I was concerned about starting on something larger, I have taken the journey very slowly and intentionally. For example, for the first few months I rode primarily on rural, lightly travelled roads. (Since I live in the city, I planned rides so that I would be leaving the city at the least congested times--early Saturday mornings or mid-morning weekdays.) I then took short trips in town to get more comfortable in traffic. And I've always remembered the words of advice from a retired flat-track racer: "Just don't ride beyond your ability, and you'll be alright." I have found that I know when I'm riding too fast or loose for my ability--I recognize the feeling; and I have so far been smart enough to back off. Over the last year, I notice my skills have improved remarkably so that things are smoother and less-conscious than they used to be--but I still try to be very cognizant of the "noob-ness."

Based on my experience, I would recommend something smaller just because I think my skills would have developed more quickly and sharply on something smaller. (In fact, I still keep my eye on Craig's List for used 250s.) I would also argue against commuting until you had some significant seat-time--for me, there is a real difference in riding to get somewhere and riding to intentionally develop skills. I'm much more aware of my riding style and ability when I'm just riding than when I'm thinking about getting to work on time.

Anyway, you'll love the Bonnie when you get it--even if it's not the first bike--and best of luck to you!

__________________
Hoping my Scoutmaster wasn't lying all those years ago when he said, "There's no such thing as a dumb*** question."

PeteV

I returned to motorcycling after 25 years off, and bought a new T100 Bonneville last December. Here's my answer to your questions:
No ABS- my reaction is who cares. Didn't have it before it came out, and never had a problem braking. But you must practice braking hard, and on different surfaces, and with different amounts of front and rear brake. Don't just ride in the beginning, try different things as you go, and learn.
Too heavy- yes it's a little on the heavy side, but if you take it easy the first few months you should get used to it. Also, the Bonneville not being overly tall makes the weight less of a problem. Weight is a reason why I don't prefer a bike over around 550 lbs. From what you are saying, you may drop the bike over in your driveway, or when turning around on a back, dirt country road, so it's nice to be able to pick it up again.
Underpowered. No, the riders on this forum would probably all agree that the power is about right for the bike. It's an 865 cc after all! It's more important in the beginning for it not to be overpowered.
Naked bikes are good all round. I went cross country on a naked BMW years ago, and no problem. Naked bikes, I believe, are probably the best to start on. Easier to handle than a cruiser, more comfortable than a sport bike.
Last, because it is a fairly big bike for a beginner, I think you mainly need to take it easy the first 6 months anyway. It's beneficial to try other bikes too, if your friends offer.
My 2 cents, hope I have been some help.

richm

I'll pretty much second everything the others have said here. A couple of thing though:

1. While you have ridden before, it was a long time ago. Yes, you should get back into it a little quicker than a complete novice and you have (I assume) a good deal of driving experience, so that will help with road sense. However, do yourself a huge favour and consider yourself a novice and force yourself to ride accordingly, at least for the first few months.

2. With the above in mind, sign up for a rider safety training course - you WILL learn something and it might even help with your insurance.

Other than that, get the Bonnie and enjoy!

tsmgguy

Buying a bike is an emotional decision. Not much that will be said here can really persuade (or disuade) you. That said, the T100 is reliable and always fun to ride.

What the article above had to say about the bike being enjoyable at lower speeds has certainly been true in my case! I sold my Ducati for just this reason.

__________________
2003 Lucifer Orange Triumph Bonneville T-100, completely stock except for chromed fenders.
2007 Anniversary Red Ducati GT-1000

Photo: The GT1000 at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats

Dan McGrath

Buy the Bonny, you won't regret it. Good looking, plenty fast, easy to maintain and will get you where you're going. BTW, get into a Basic Rider's Course.

Bendix

As a potential Triumph buyer myself, I think this youtube video might answer any questions about sufficient power...

rwantin

Lots of wise advice here. Maturity and approach are also factors. It may be a tad heavy for a new rider, but I'll add this: It has easily been the most forgiving and easiest-to-ride bike I have ever owned (of some twenty or so). That it is so elemental (or pure) is a huge draw.

Good luck.

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Robert
2007 Bonneville T100 - Ricor Intiminators, Ohlins 36E's, TOR's, Burton DS003 and other geegaws.