Triumphrat

stein

Hi!

I´m planning on getting a license during the spring/summer, and in the fall i was thinking of buying my first bike!
I´ve absolutely fallen in love with Triumph, but as i have no experience whatsoever i need some tips&hints&advice as to what bike to buy.
I love the caferacer style Thruxton, but also think the Bonneville is a classic beauty.
All purchase advice is much appreciated.

I´m 32 years old, male, 6,1 feet and weigh 185 pounds.

Gretsch

I’m a new rider also and had all the same questions. Here’s my 2 cents.

Please take the MSF course. Its well worth the money (~250 USD) and it will cut down the learning curve. You’ll learn about turning, low speed maneuvers (harder than it sounds), and most importantly, emergency breaking. In most states you will get your endorsement once you pass the class.

As far as a first bike I would wait until after the class. You’ll be using a 125cc to 250cc trainer bike that’s about 300lbs. The new Thruxton and Bonneville’s are ~900cc’s and ~450lbs, so that’s a big jump in power and weight. It might be worth looking at a starter bike that’s a little smaller. That being said, a lot of folks here started on a Bonne/Thrux and have had no issues. I would look for something used.

GeoDiablo

I'd go with a UJM to get started on. Ride that for a season or two, see how you feel about riding, and then think about the new/newish Triumph.

__________________
"Who gives a rat's ass what the public thinks. It's their job to catch up."
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Oh, and stop calling me George. My forward peg bars

stein

Thanks, i was actually thinking the same thing, that a 220 kilo bike maybe would be too much for a rookie at first. (what´s a UJM?)

But how about the old ones? I´ve seen a 69´ Triumph 650 Bonneville T120 R for sale that is absolutely beautiful.


Or a 70´Triumph Trophy

killian101

do the MSF course first. After that...just remember, you will lay a bike down. Ive already laid my 07 bonnie down a few times. You live and learn...

geolpilot

You don't want an antique Triumph, unless you are a good mechanic. I had them when they weren't antiques!

UJM + Universal Japanese Motorcycle.

You might be best off on a somewhat beater used motorcycle of 250 to 500cc for a first bike.

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2005 Bonnie, TORs and Unifilter, AI gone, Modre's peg kit, headlight & brake modulator, tach, bright leds, NC wind deflector, gaiters, steibel, vmax mirrors, dresser bars, Hagons & Progressives. http://TexasCoastGeology.com

Old Scratcher

A UJM is a universal japanese machine, & is a generic term to describe jap commuter bikes, which are basically all the same (ie easy to ride & maintain).
They make a good learner because you don't have to mollycoddle them, & it's not so heartbreaking when they get the inevitable bumps & scrapes that most learners put on their rides.
Personally I think the Bonnie makes a good learner bike too. They're heavy, but the weight is low & well balanced. They've got great handling, good brakes, & they're not that powerful (dispite their 865cc's). Plus theyr'e so pretty they make every proud owner extra careful about keeping their bike perfect, whether they're a newbie or not. & that's gotta be a good thing.
I think the Thruxton's ride position is a bit extreme for a newbie (though you are a good size, weight & age for one). But I'd get used to a standard ride position, like the Bonnie (or a UJM) before tackling the racer's crouch.
So my advice is to take the MSF, buy what you really want, & take real good care of it (& it'll take care of you).
Ride Safe
Scratch

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"They told me I was goin to have to work for my living, & all I wanna do is ride." Jackson Browne (the Road & The Sky)

texas94fs

Take the course, you won't regret it. I rode dirtbikes when I was younger and thought oh a street bike isn't that different. . .boy was I wrong. The course was great. As for the bike, make sure the fit is for you, dont just buy it without at least going and sittin on it! Otherwise I say go for it you won't be dissapointed!

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"If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough"

J44Clark

Agreed with Old Scratcher. At 6' 1" you will have no trouble with the weight of a Bonny. Just take the MSF course first. If you can spend some time on a dirt bike learning about the limits of traction. Don't ride the road until you take the MSF course. Make the techniques you learn there habits and you will do fine. I also recommend the 'Proficient Motorcycling' books and the 'Ride Like a Pro' video. Be sure to take the MSF course. Did I already mention that? Anyway, take the MSF course and buy yourself the Bonny you want.

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'05 T100 creamsicle, TORS, xSnorkle, xAI, xRestrictor, Uni, 128/42

innominate

i bought my bonnie before i took my MSF course. before that spent maybe 10 min on a street bike about 20yrs ago. i'm about your build, 36yo 6' 175#. a couple friends and my gf ride. after lookin at some older japanese bikes simular to the bonnie i just bit the bullet and got the bonnie after i saw one on ebay that i just had to have. it arrive the weekend i took my course. i've put almost 5k miles on her in the last 7mths and 2 days and have loved every min of it.

like everyone else i highly rec the MSF course. i was nervous as hell till that first riding day of the course. confidence has been building ever since.

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