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Twins Technical Talk Technical Talk for Hinckley Triumph Twins: Bonneville, T100, Speedmaster, America, Thruxton, and Scrambler

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Old 08-31-2007   #1 (permalink)
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Question First bike - Bonnie or America

Hi Everyone!

This is my first post here so WELCOME - I'm from Poland (Warsaw) and I like the forum!

I don't have the license yet but I love Triumphs and my plan for next season is to get the license and buy a bike for myself.

I've been dreaming of a bike for my whole life but couldn't get one ... I took my first riding course 14 years ago but due to bad luck I couldn't take the exam and didn't get the license then

Now I'm 31 and it's high time to make the dream come true :-)

I've been reading quite a lot about the Triumph bikes and don't know which one would be better for me. I'm quite tall person ... 203cm (around 6'9") and 110 kg (around 242 pounds). I'd like to use the bike to get to work in the city but also to go for some trips (up to 250 miles) from time to time ...

I can't make the decision which one is better for me ... Bonnie or America/Speedy - I love the look of all of them
I know the final decision will be made after sitting on them but maybe you'd recommend something :-)
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Old 08-31-2007   #2 (permalink)
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Welcome Robert and congratulations on your soon to be new bike. If you love the look of all of them it should be an easier decision. Which on feels more comfortable. I'm sure there will be other posts from riders around your height that can help out. Whatever you get I know we all can't wait to see some pics posted.
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Old 08-31-2007   #3 (permalink)
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I' am afraid at your height you would get uncomfortable very quickly on the Bonneville. The seat to peg distance on a Bonneville is almost too small for me and I am much shorter than you. An America, or any other cruiser style bike with forward controls might be more comfortable, but cruisers do not always make good first bikes, in my opinion. They tend to by heavy and the raked out front end is not particularly cooperative with a new rider's clumsy steering inputs and braking.

My standard advice to anyone starting out on motorcycles is to find a used standard or dual sport type bike to learn on. You are probably going to get very cramped up on most standards, like the Bonneville.

Given your height and inexperience, I think your best choice as a first bike would be a dual sport with a small to medium displacement engine [200-500cc's]. Typically, dual sports have a much taller seat height and are light. I don't know what's available in your market, but something like a Suzuki DRZ400? Normally I wouldn't recommend that as a first bike, but you are so tall, it might work for you. The seat isn't very comfortable, though.

After you have gotten some experience, you might want to consider a Triumph Tiger or a similar bike with a taller seat height and foot to peg relationship. I know a gentleman who is a bit taller than you. He rides a Japanese cruiser of some sort, but has had the forward controls modified and moved forward a few inches. It works for him, but he looks really odd when he stands up over the bike. The seat seems to be at his knee level. That style of bike really isn't a good choice for him, but that is what he likes and he makes it work.

Your height is really going to effect your choice of bikes I'm afraid, as you are much taller than the "average" rider that bikes are designed to accommodate. It may not be practical for you to get the bike that appeals to you the most.

Good luck and welcome.
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Old 08-31-2007   #4 (permalink)
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Hi Korba. Welcome! I wish you lots of luck getting your bike license and with your choice of bike.

You might struggle to fit a 6'9" body onto a bike with a 30.5" seat height without feeling cramped, so make sure you at least get to sit on both a Bonnie and a Scrambler, or preferably test ride them both. If they do feel too cramped for a tall guy like you, the Tiger would be a great bike to aim for once you're ready for something bigger.
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Old 08-31-2007   #5 (permalink)
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Welcome. You're a tall fellow and as mentioned you might want to consider the Tiger.
That being said, the Speedy/America is a great first bike. Good luck!
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Old 08-31-2007   #6 (permalink)
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Like everyone else here, I think that both bikes could be too small for you. I wouldn't worry about 200-500cc bikes though, just find one you're comfortable on. The Tiger could be it. I'm 6'1" and when just sitting on one with both feet down, I have to be on my toes. That one might fit you pretty well....and they are sharp-looking bikes too!
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Old 08-31-2007   #7 (permalink)
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I'm 6'0" and the Bonnie is actually a little small for me. at your height, your knees will be above the tank...

I'd suggest something like a KLR 650 or a KTM 640 adventure...
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Old 08-31-2007   #8 (permalink)
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Korba, those saying the Bonneville will be too small could be correct in some cases, but not all. It depends on how your height is proportioned. For instance, at 6'2" tall I find the Bonneville perfectly comfortable, but not the America. The only sure way to tell will be to sit astride one of each, and if possible, to ride them.
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Old 08-31-2007   #9 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattrat View Post
I'm 6'0" and the Bonnie is actually a little small for me. at your height, your knees will be above the tank...

I'd suggest something like a KLR 650 or a KTM 640 adventure...
Yep...good suggestions. A BMW F 650 Dakar with the tall seat or the new BMW 650 GX Challenge would make suitable bikes for a tall beginner, I'd think.

I believe there are several mid displacement "trailie" models available in Eu that aren't available in America ...Transalps, TDM's etc. One of those might work en route to the Tiger which is probably where a tall guy interested on Triumphs is probably going to end up.

I can't imagine someone getting a Tiger as a first bike. I'm sure it has been done, though.
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Old 08-31-2007   #10 (permalink)
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Thanks for your advices ...

As for Polish (European in general) market, we have pretty much the same stuff as you do (sometimes named differently) but you've got that cheaper

Anyway, I've posted here because of three reasons.
1) I like Triumph bikes (not Suzuki, BMW or KTM)
2) I like modern classics or cruisers most (not the dirt bikes)
3) Parallel twin is much more unique than V engine and don't want to follow crowds

Overall, tiger is nice but as the beginner > 100hp is too much ... I still have my life to live

Still got some time, I'll have to make the decision on my own - siting and riding both bikes, but I'm pretty sure now that America or Speedy will be my first bike, unless it's really too small.

Thanks again, and it's going to be a loooonng winter
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