Triumphrat

biker7

I know....an obtuse comparison of two wonderful but very different motorcycles. Let me state my case before you all lean to the side of the Bonny faithful right off the bat. I really need the advice from those that perhaps own both a big sport touring bike and a Bonny. Therein may be my ultimate dilemma because no bike is all things and perhaps the only way to scratch my itch would be to purchase both.

Some brief background... I have been bikeless for the last five months or so having sold my cruiser in anticipation of the economy in Michigan collapsing around the auto industry which it has. I am an engineer and have sought refuge in Indiana in an unrelated industry but still doing what I was born to do...product development. I fit the dem of a guy who appreciates a Bonny for its pure and unpretentious art form...yes I am smitten as all of you are for many reasons that mostly only we understand having owned many motorbikes and coming back to our roots so to speak. I can't sell my home of course in Michigan competing with all the foreclosures and therefore a romantic notion I have in the spring is on clear weekends ride my motorcycle home to visit friends and family...about 340 miles one way. I don't know how many here have looked into big sport touring motorcycles but they have an allure in their own right. Top of my list is the new Connie. The thing is about perfect for me...upright ergos with mid controls...lots of wind protection...ABS....stonking motor...shaft drive for negligible maitenance and that intangible....the bike doesn't look liking a rolling lounger...more like an overgrown sport bike. BTW, it handles like a fat man that can dance as well albeit slow speed handling is a handful as you would expect for a 600 lb behemoth.

If I bought the Bonny...no doubt trips to Michigan wouldn't be as effortless even with windshield and bags. Around town, I would without question enjoy it more including the occasional romp in the countryside because it is so tossable and to me a sensory feast in sight and sound. I have to say, I do love a strong motor however and am leaning toward the Connie as my re-entry in motorcycledom due to the afore mentioned high speed gobble up mile capability of what would be considered a sport bike on steroids. So what say the Bonny collective? Buy the Connie and pick up a Bonny later?...or buy the Bonnie first and worry about visiting friends and family and the house I can't sell down the road?

Thanks for reading in advance for your advice,
George

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELSNazTcpQg

Silverado57

George, did you say you were seeking refuse in Indiana?

I've read some very good reviews of the new Concours. For the type of riding you'll be doing, it should fit the bill nicely. Good luck.

__________________
Kevin
Luceo Non Uro
NJ USA

biker7

Understanding there is no refuge against this death spiral of an economy we are in...I am trying to seek refuge...or at least trying to avert the disaster of the auto industry that many of my friends are suffering tremendously in....both those with and mostly now without jobs.
Thanks Kevin,
George

Flaco

It appears your plight revolves around friends and family and the comfort in the 680 mile round trip.
I hate to say this, however if you plan on frequent visits, maybe Connie over Bonnie...
:...nah...
Bonnie first senerio...You'll ride it ALL the time and love it! (Might even forget about family and friends). Set up, like you say, with windscreen, bags and seat the Bonnie will make, force you to go visit more often in style!
Plus the satisfaction of taking care of yourself will reflect profoundly on friends and family.
Myself and many others ride our Bonnie's 350 miles a day no problem. No worry about visiting!

My vote... Bonnie first! Connie later...

Good luck to you!

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'05 Bonnie, 73 RWHP "Goodwood Green Chili Dancing Machine."

BigChiefWoody

I have a neighbor that has the Concours. I ride with him a bit...two completely different bike. Around town, I'd pick my bike over his. 650 mile trip? The Kawi, hands down.

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"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best

topanga

The Concourse is a great bike. I would consider the FJR1300 as well.

Haggis

The bonnie is cheaper - read far better value - more fun, better looking, won't ever look dated, cheaper to repair (maybe), easier to mod, easier to personalize.

Apart from that the Kawa wins hands down.

Why not check out the Sprint or Tiger too?

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Triumph Riders of Calgary and Southern Alberta

HiDesert

Go with what's best for what you'll do most often. I'm guessing that's riding in and around your home. You could do the Michigan run on a Bonnie, no question. Who needs 600# of accessories to take a motorcycle trip?

You could, of course, get a Sprint, but it really sounds like you want the Bonnie, and your practical side is fighting your gut.

This is a motorcycle we're talking about. Go with your gut.

The preceding opinion was not paid for by Triumph Motorcycles, nor was it influenced by any Bonnie ownership experience. All rights reserved. Shake well before opening. Always wear protective gloves while peeling carrots. If you experience pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath while riding, pull over and remove the 12mm wrench from your helmet. Unleaded fuel only.

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I won't stop riding because you tell me about someone who died in an accident, just as I won't stop eating because someone died of e.coli.

HiDesert's ride photos

Catenaccio

I looked seriously into the C14. It had everything I wanted in a big sport tourer. My wife even gave the green light. But I couldn't get past the price and the infinite possibilities offered by used bikes. Sat on my haunches for awhile, thought of other options, and found a pristine Super Blackbird for much, much less (Thanks Hide). Similar bike, different set of parameters, a little more maintenance due to chain instead of shaft drive, but out on the super slab or on longish trips, the comfort and speed is much appreciated. My suggestion? Find a used FJR or ST1300 or C12 or CBR1100XX, buy whichever twists your wallet, buy it, and then buy the Bonnie. The end result is you'll have both for about the same price.

02redbird

Unless you plan on two up touring of the entire north of America, the Bonnie will make you happier when all else is in the crapper. Get the Bonnie try a tour.

Or pick-up a used Sprint or Tiger. Save money on gas and have more fun getting there. Nothing wrong with a Connie but I feel shes for the Big touring 1000 mile iron butt crowd of retired folks and the wives. The working man has to be flexible in these hard economic times.

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Eric
"You're going too fast young man. Me? fast? I only look fast."