Triumphrat

beagldog · 04-21-2007

Well, I got up and went down to Engle Motors this morning and they did have a Bonnie Black with the daisy tank cover, red side panels and cam covers and it was lowered. I sat on it and was able to put my feet on the ground. I must say that the daisy tank cover actually looked pretty cool. I talked with Teri who was very nice and informative. I asked about test rides and she said that usually they let people take them out on the highway. Well, the highway is a 6 lane interstate and I'm not ready for that so no test ride.

I've looked through the forum but didn't find too much on women riding Bonnie's. So, any women out there who ride Bonnie's and what are your experiences on it?

bmetz99 · 04-21-2007

Okay, for starters I'm definitely not a woman. But I have owned a 250 Rebel and currently ride a Bonnie Black. So outside of, uh, biologically-based issues, I can maybe give you some helpful advice.

Your 250 Rebel sits a lot lower than a stock Bonneville, but you already know that. The big difference, of course, is in weight. What you have to ask youself is whether you're comfortable with the Boinneville's extra weight.

Sounds like you've made a good start in checking out a lowered Bonnie. But when you say your feet touch the ground, do you mean you can flat foot it on both sides, or that you're on tiptoe, or somewhere in between? If you can flat foot it, chances are that you'll have no problem with handling the bike at a stop.

But that's not the end of the issue. You'll also need to be able to roll the bike around, particularly when parking it or backing it out of a driveway or garage. Go back to the dealership and ask them if they'll let you roll the bike around. If the salesperson is good, they'll give you tips on body positioning that will help you with the weight and balance. Try to maneuver the bike while seated on it, as well as standing next to to it. Again, how comfortable and in control are you? Yes, you'll get better with practice, but if the bike is simply too heavy or cumbersome for you, then you won't be happy with it.

Power-wise, the Bonneville is a lot like the Rebel, only more so. Both bikes make good power just off of idle, so it's easy to get the bike moving without having to feather the clutch and throttle. The Bonneville just makes a bunch more power, and will reach a higher top speed and get there more quickly. The nice thing about the Bonneville is that the power comes on smoothly and is easily modulated with the throttle. Other bikes, like my SV650, can have a tendency toward immediate and intense throttle response- crack the throttle and the bike leaps forward. No such drama with either the Rebel or the Bonnie.

From a comfort standpoint, the Bonneville wins hands down. The Rebel has a "butt in a bucket" sort of seat that allows you exactly one seating position. The Bonnie's long, flat seat allows you to shift around, making it much more comfortable for longer distance riding. Do be aware that the Bonnie's seat foam is of roughly the same density as, say, a wet pine board. After 45 minutes to an hour in the saddle, you'll be ready for a break. I'm told the seat foam breaks in after 3500 miles or so, but there are also a number of options in terms of softer foam, gel inserts, aftermarket seats, etc.

The Rebel is a great beginner's bike- light weight, user-friendly, unintimidating, with good handling and brakes. Great for short trips and around town riding. The Bonneville is far better suited for freeway riding (the extra weight and power both come in very handy for higher speed riding). THe Rebel will certainly prepare you well for riding the Bonneville. The only issue I can think of would be your physical size and strength in dealing with the Bonnie's larger size and weight.

Hope this is helpful

Bill P.S. Regarding a test ride- there have got to be some not-too-heavily travelled surface streets near your dealership. They should be able to recommend a backstreet route, or even better, lead you around the neighborhood on a test ride. A good dealership should be accommodating to your needs.

BlueBird · 04-21-2007

There were a few threads a while ago, here's one: Here

I'm more than happy with the bonnie, but I wish I had gotten a honda rebel to start out on - That was my original plan, but I was seduced by the classic lines of the bonnie!

I agree with bmetz99 - Get a honda rebel (or something like it) to learn on.

kaffles · 04-21-2007

I am a woman and I love my bonnie black. The biggest bike I had ever owned before was a Yamaha RD360 cafe style bike, and that was back in the late 70's. I started riding a scooter to work a couple of years ago to do my part in conserving gasoline. My husband and I had been thinking about a bonnie for a couple of years. We finally took the plunge in late december. When I 1st got on the bonnie I was a bit concerned that it was too big. I saw my husband riding it, and as I am a bit taller and have longer legs, I felt there would be no problem in the fit. There wasn't and we both haven't looked back. I really, really love this bike and ride it more than my husband. The power is great, especially since we have installed TOR's and the AI kit (all at my doing, my husband wanted to keep it stock).

Come this summer we are going to buy a Thruxton for my husband.

Bonafide · 04-21-2007

I got up this morning, put on my uniform, and headed in to work - the GF got up with me, put on her leathers, and headed for the Ga Mountains on her 2005 Bonnie Black. I worked a 10 hr shift and she got in about 30 minutes before me from her ride.

Guess she enjoys the devil out of her bike. Her previous bike was a 883 Sportster. She comments the bonnie a "WAAYY BETTER OF A RIDE"

MikeinLA · 04-21-2007

I recall from a while ago that Alanis Morissette rides a Bonnie. What other endorsement could you possibly need? :-D

Mike

oldguymx · 04-21-2007

My wife has taken the bonnie around the neighborhood a couple times and loved it. Now keep in mind she only did it so I know she could get it home if something happened that I was unable to drive it home and she is not a bike driving enthusiast at all. still she was able to handle it just fine and she is only 5'4" and the bonnie is not lowered at all.

Why not ask someone at the dealership to take you and the bike to a less travelled road where you can try it and once used to it drive it back with a passenger for a true test ride?

LRM1965 · 04-21-2007

I am a woman, I have never driven a motorcycle before, but have ridden on the back of my hubbys for 4 years. In Jan 2006, The hubby paid for me to take a motorcycle safety course, I did and loved it!!! 2 weeks later I got my 2003 Bonnie and rode it 150 miles home from the dealership. If you know you love to ride, get what you love for a beginning bike. I did .
I just recently lowered mine, but have ridden it stock for more than a year.
I am 5'4".

Good luck and go for it!!!

Lisa

Sheepdog · 04-22-2007

I hope that this works out for you Beagldog...these really are fantastic bikes. Bonnevilles really capture the essence of motorcycling.

beagldog · 04-22-2007

Thanks for all the great feedback. I am going to go back to Engle next weekend and talk to Teri some more. I am about 5'6" but I do have short legs. Sitting on the lowered Bonnie, my feet were almost flat on the ground but with my right foot on the peg, my left foot was completely flat. I've had my Rebel for a few months and I am getting bored with it especially after taking the MSF class.

By the way, I did read the thread by LRM1965 about lowering hers and took a look at the pictures-it looks great.

Thanks again. :upthumb: