Triumphrat

Jomac · 06-29-2008, 10:00 AM

Hi All,
Here where I live it is compulsory to ride a 250 or under in your first year of riding. Now it is time to look at upgrading since passing my test some 9 months ago and my Trimph Bonnie obsessed husband (smac) is really keen for me to trade in my 250 for a Bonnie.

Now don't get me wrong, I think the Bonnies are gorgeous and when he has condescended to drive Waaaaay out of town where he won't be spotted and trail behind me on my 250 while I stick the Learner plate on his beloved Bonnie I have found it surprisingly easy to go down your average highway on and do u turns.

My concern is that for a relative newbie it is not the best choice for my next upgrade and perhaps I should go for something lighter, maybe a 500/600 cc.

I would love to hear how other lady riders/newbies went with the Bonnie.
Appreciate any feedback.

Phil-1100 · 06-29-2008, 10:06 AM

The Bonneville would make an excellent next bike, not over powerful yet still capable of doing what you want. A 500/600 commuter bike is not capable of much more than your 250 and you will regret not making a bigger cc step 3 months on.

ljnichols · 06-29-2008, 10:36 AM

Go for it. I went from a 250 straight to the 865 Bonnie and I love it. Why waste precious time and money on a 500CC bike you'll just get rid of sooner than later?

jp99tbirdnm · 06-29-2008, 11:35 AM

The Bonnie would make an excellent choice for your next bike. You didn't say how tall you are. You need to sit on a Bonnie and see if it fits you. They are great motorcycles that feel much lighter than they really are. Good luck on your search and purchase.

Jomac · 06-29-2008, 11:50 AM

Thanks for the feedback, you are making my husband a very happy if not somewhat smug man!

Now I don't suppose that here on the Trimph site there may be slightly biased opinions

I am 173 cm or 64 kg (about 5 foot 7 and 140 pounds).

After riding something that is relatively light and easy to manourvre for daily commuting - I suppose I need to take the advice and just learn to handle it.

Brooksie · 06-29-2008, 03:17 PM

Power and handling are very nice on a stock Bonnie. If you are shorter than a 30 inseam, you may lower it if needed. There's a reason why your husband is a Bonnie nut: they're great bikes!

Bonnybunny · 06-29-2008, 03:49 PM

My husband and I just got our first bike yesterday, Bonneville 865cc but I haven't ride yet, hopefully won't be too much for me. Our plan is to share this one so I can get use to it, and next year we'll get our second bike to ride together

boobird11 · 06-29-2008, 04:07 PM

Hi Jomac! After riding a 150cc manual transmission Vespa for 3 years, this spring I upgraded to a Bonne and I love it! The Bonne is obviously a lot more powerful (but that's part of the reason I wanted to ditch the scooter and trade up for him) and once I got used to it I've found it very pleasant to handle (I live in the city and took a lot of time in parking lots getting used to the added power and practicing my slow speed maneuvering). I'm 174cm tall with longer legs and a shorter torso, and I feel like the seat height, pegs, etc. are just about perfect. I don't wish for a second that I would've gotten anything else. Go for it, and happy riding!

Regards,
Another Woman Rider

Bad-Tat · 06-29-2008, 09:37 PM

Don't know about a second bike, but my new Scrambler I'm picking up on Tue will be a good 13th bike!!!

Kirkus51 · 06-30-2008, 02:04 AM

Glad yer on the Bonnie bandwagon. A nice fairly compact bike.