Triumphrat

04-18-2007

Well, I bought a 2007 T-100 today, and I'm scared to death I made the wrong decision. If you read my other 2 posts (just joined), you know I was vacillating between the T-100 and a BMW R1200R. My riding will be mostly in the mountains around Boulder, CO with 2 or 3 long trips a year of 1,000 to 3,000 miles.

I had a BMW R1200RT and sold it shortly after it had 1,000 miles on it - very expensive lesson. I really didn't like the massiveness of the bike and the complexity (it has 3 computers, servo brakes - yuck, plastic-plastic-plastic, etc.). The last few times as I was heading to the garage to go for a ride, I actually dreaded riding it. It just didn't work for me, but I'm the exception - it's a great bike for touring. Even with this experience, I still really like BMWs.

I was considering the much lighter R1200R or the new 800ST. So last Saturday the local BMW/Triumph dealer had an open house, and I figured after test riding both I would know which bike to get. Rode the ST and didn't like it (very snatchy at town speeds and a "plinky" clutch/transmission), but, just a whim, thought I'd try the Bonneville. Nice, fun ride. Surprisingly, much smoother clutch and transmission than the ST. Much, much simpler than any bimmer. And lastly, my first bike was a '73 Triiumph Tiger (same as the Bonneville but with one carburetor) so major connection there. To make a long story short, I was smitten. So, now my choices were down to the Bonnie or the R1200R.

If I bought the Bonnie, I would have to get an aftermarket tank to extend the totally unacceptable stock range (can you say expensive Norman Hyde?), get a windshield (would have to do this on either bike - probably a Parabellum Scout), figure out what panniers to get, update the suspension, open it up (intake, jets, and exhaust), etc. And I hate chains. And it doesn't have ABS. Also, very worried about the varying mileage numbers you read about.

If I stuck with the R1200R, get a windshield and bags and I'm done. Tons more power, much better for long distances, handles wonderfully, SHAFT DRIVE, ABS, very smooth for a twin, etc. BUT, still a complicated bike - it still has 3 computers even without the servo brakes (the '07s have eliminated the servos - except for their barcalounger LT). God forbid it breaks down on the road. But it is virtually guaranteed that it will get 50 mpg - I was getting 52 - 56 on the R1200RT.

So, after much consternation, I bought the Bonnie. However, on the way home when I was passing someone (I drive a Toyota Tacoma with an anemic V-6) and wishing I had more power, I immediately thought, "I bought the wrong bike." And then I started thinking about all the mods that have to be made for it to be acceptable to me. Oh God, what have I done?

Anyway, I would have brought the Bonnie home today, but the tonneau cover was on my truck, so I'm supposed to pick it up tomorrow. If I don't haul it home, it will be about 30 miles of a droning, fairly constant speed on the highway - not good for break-in. When I get I get it home, I'm going to ride around 50 miles in the mountains with constant on/off throttle to start the break-in process and then change the oil.

Someone please tell me I haven't screwed up. Please?!#$% I need some support! :???:

[ This message was edited by: Triumphdrummer on 2007-04-18 17:54 ]

REVOLT · 04-18-2007

Terrified...that's a pretty strong word...breath...sounds like you should have done a little more homework? You are comparing two ENTIRELY different motorcycles...the R1200RT is a whole other monster, just looking at it someone without any knowledge of the two could tell you that. The Bonnie really isn't "set-up" for touring (Although we do have quit a few members here that enjoy the Bonnie that way)...unless you take on the mods you listed...but you can do that with any motorcycle...***** near...Sounds like you simply enjoyed a "Joy" ride at the dealership with the Bonnie, and that will get you in trouble with anything. I hate to be forward about it...

Good Luck!

FattRat · 04-18-2007

Embrace it. Worry not about it's 100 - 150 mile range, enjoy the ride instead. The power IS there...... all ya gotta do is choose your pipes, rip the snorkle off, and stick some 125 mains in there. About four thousand miles later the broken-in engine will come to life and you'll realize just how capable the Bonneville is.

You can choose to spend the big bucks (via NewBonneville.com or Twisted Throttle) for some Hepco Becker bags..... they're really quite handsome and come off for motel camping. Or you can go the route of the inexpensive Ventura Rack System.

Chain drive is NOT an issue.... don't worry about it. The ONLY concern you might want to worry about would be the innertubes.... But I didn't get a flat in over 25,000 miles.

Find the right bars for comfort, buy a sheep skin seat cover from Alaska Leather to sit on, and just stick a little screen from National on the front (Parabellum Scout is DA BOMB though!).

Time to enjoy yourself and your new bike. It's the ONLY bike that I've had two of..... selling my second one tomorrow, and already thinking about a third (don't ask, I've got 'issues').

You didn't make a mistake, you're adding to your experience of how bikes differ. Oh.... that RT you feared..... I LOVE the 2002 - 2005 RT's, but they're top heavy and full of plastic to break in a parking lot tip over. My 5' 2"ness fears them too.

Go for a ride on your new Bonnie!
:-D

[ This message was edited by: FattRat on 2007-04-18 19:42 ]

Sprint_Dude · 04-18-2007

+1 Revolt, just what I was thinking.

The two bikes you are talking about are apples to oranges.

Now that you have the cool bike, you should get a touring bike for the long halls.

Long rides are possible on the bonnie, but it would not be my first choice.

mecscc · 04-18-2007

Wow! Do you worry about all your decisions like this? Bikes are supposed to be FUN. I'd tell you to relax, but it doesn't sound like that comes easily for you.

Ah, hell: RELAX! :-D

Enjoy the Bonnie. You'll love it. If you don't then sell it.

Life is short. Live it.

Monte

rbrian_taylor · 04-18-2007

If you really feel that way, call the dealer and see if you can back out. No harm yet. I don't have any first-hand experience with the Beemer, but $8,300 for the T-100 and $12,600 for the BMW is a huge difference in price. I think the T-100 looks nicer, and if you put $4,300 into the Bonnie, I think you would definitely be happy. Besides, the mods are almost as fun as riding. When I bought my Thrux, I was shopping for a Speed Trip or a Ducati Monster S2R 1000 or S4RS, I am totally happy with my underpowered (comparatively) Thrux.

mayfiebl · 04-18-2007

The BMW will look old with the next model change, The Bonnie will always maintain the classic lines of the first, Ride her for a year put her up for sale at 6800 or so and get whatever you fancy by then, The BMW you will ride pissed about the modern stuff and then your 13K bike will sell for 8K, Different bikes for different styles, Both are great, Throw in a Harley Dyna for 14K and ride the ***** out of it and sell it a year later for 12K.....Its just part of bike life, Enjoy that you have a NEW bike and have some fun.

RT · 04-18-2007

Quote:

On 2007-04-18 18:28, rbrian_taylor wrote:
If you really feel that way, call the dealer and see if you can back out. No harm yet.

+1

No doubt your talking about two different rides.

Why worry about the small tank, just a reason to stop and stretch. Enjoy the ride and don't be in such a rush to get where your going.

My Bonnie is at about 3800 miles. What a difference I have seen over the past 1000 miles. The bike just gets stronger. When you twist the throttle it just wants to go.

No I don't do any long distances rides beyond 200+ miles in a day with the RAT pack, but others on this site have, read the past posts. My plan is to add a 2nd bike for two up touring with the wife. However, riding on my own I would not hesitate to head off cross country on the Bonnie.

Ridge · 04-18-2007

Drummer, don't sweat it.

What the Bonnie lacks in horsepower, torque, long distance comfort, stopping power, advanced onboard computers and the latest German engineered technology, it more than makes up for with its...um...wait...what was I gonna say? Never mind. Now I'm thinking I should have bought a BMW!

I'm with the guys. Just ride it! You'll love it. You can always sell it if it doesn't suite your needs.

I'm in Superior, btw.

Pat, your selling? How come?

Berta · 04-18-2007

My 2 Cents - I have owned about 10 bikes over the years, 8 of them have been BMW's - R65, R100RS, R1100S, R850R, R1100R , and the list goes on - while I liked the BMW's, I was never 100% satisfied with the looks and riding experience - I bought a 2003 T100 last year, and I can say that I like it better than any bike I have owned - not as much technology, power etc like you said, but I enjoy the riding experience more with the Triumph. Most of my riding is 50 mile trips, so I don't know how I would feel on the types of rides you are describing - I would live with it for a while, relax, and don't do too many modifications that cost you money until you are sure that you want to keep it - if you decide to sell, I think you could move it prety fast.

Good luck with your decision.

Bob