Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge First Bike Purchase...Possibly

So as I have been researching bike's lately and am getting ready to purchase my first bike. I really like the looks of Triumph bikes and one is in our local paper for $5500. Its a 2002 Bonneville America, 3500 miles, Black and Silver, pretty much stock, 1 owner bike, very good condition. I am going to look at it tomorrow but don't really know what fair pricing vs. overpriced would be on a bike with these specs. I really like the the Bonneville T100 but cannot seem to come across one of these locally but came across the America and thought I would check it out.

keep in mind this will be my first bike and I'm around 5'10" 180lbs.

Any information would be appreciated!

Its an easy bike to ride , smooth and dependable , 3500 miles is nothing on these if it's maintained. $5,500 might be a little much but not way too much. If you like it and aren't looking to make money then I would buy it.Any extras on it? That would count for something to me. I have almost 11,000 on mine and it hasn't missed a beat and there are guys with 50,000 that say the same thing. So if you are just looking to keep it and ride the wheels off it and have a great time and you have the money to spend then I would say go for it.

Hey Nathan, Welcome!! In my opinion... Go For it! I am about the same height and weight. My Speedmaster (the America's more sinister twin brother) fits me perfect. You will find it a great bike to ride around town or across country.

Soren

Your situation is much the same as mine was. I was looking at a Bonneville. I wanted a Black one. There was no dealer in my town at the time and this dealership had some stock of Triumphs in the back warehouse. I looked around the place and Lucy JUMPED out at me. I was there to look at a Bonneville but fell in love the minute I saw her. I do not regret my decision at all.

One of my best friends is about your height and a little heavier (too much beer) . He bought one two years ago as his first bike and has been fine. 2002 is the 100th anniversary bike, I'm not sure what the value is but brand new it was about $8,000.00.

It probably looks a little like this one.

I will add I am 5,9 a little over 200 lbs and I ride with a guy who is about 170 soaking wet and I can out run his night train with big bore , 6 speed trans and dyno tune box. My bike has hollowed out stock pipes , freak kit to eliminate the air box , air injection removed ,and rejetted carbs. All fairly cheap mods. Then come the shiny bits!! LOL It's a sickness but a good one to have!

You can't go wrong. I'd try to get it for $4800 to $5000.
My 2002 America has 48,000 miles and I think I'd almost pay $6000 for it today. If I sold mine on ebay, the starting bid would be $3500 with no reserve(but she's not for sale - EVER!!!).

Skillet has a good point. Chances are if you do buy it you won't ever wanna sell it.

The bike looks almost identical to the one that you posted Shane. The seat on the one I'm looking to purchase looks a little different though (which I imagine your seat is not stock?). The guy said that the bike was basically all stock so I'm sure I'll be putting some money into certain mods that people recommend

I love the way the bike looks and it seems like this guy has taken really good care of the bike. I plan on driving the bike to and from work and around town on the weekends and maybe some long trips once I get used to riding it.

What are some things to look for on used bike's prior to purchasing? I know I sound green on these kinds of questions...but I guess its because I am. I figured that I would try to offer around 5000 cash and see what happens. I'm not looking to sell the bike but I just want to get a good deal since I'm new to all this.

Thanks for all the info guys. Hopefully I'll have some pics of a bike to post soon!

Tire wear/dry rot , oil , inside of tank , breaks, lights working , plugs if he lets you , underside of motor (signs of bottoming) Something that low miles shouldn't need anything though. I'm sure you will get more reccomendations. Ride it is most important. does it shift smoothly? You will hear some valve train noise , that is normal since it is oner head cam and no hydrolic dampening.

The bike I posted has different shocks, pipes, bars and seat. If you look really close there is no front fender. Thats the way my bike looked before I hacked the fender and painted it. I say do it! Dogg is right, Just give it a good look. It should be fine with such low miles. Mine has around 6,000 and has run like a champ. Welcome to the world of BA! You'll find everything you could imagine doing to your bike here.

that and we will all be sure to tell you what to do just weed through the BS and pick and choose what suits you. Ofcourse if you listen to me you can't go wrong!!

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What are some things to look for on used bike's prior to purchasing? I know I sound green on these kinds of questions...but I guess its because I am. I figured that I would try to offer around 5000 cash and see what happens. I'm not looking to sell the bike but I just want to get a good deal since I'm new to all this.

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Check to make sure it has not been droppeed. Scratch makes on the outside edge of the rear turn signals, scuff makes on the edge of the front brake and clutch lever are a dead give away.

Check the wheel rims, dents or dings maybe a sign that he bumps up and down kerbs with out to much care. Check the chain, on a five year old bike with only 3500 miles it has been standing a lot. If the chain was not properly lubed it could have some rust issues on it, which would mean a replacement. Not particually expensive, but an indication that it may not have been as well taken care of as the seller claims.

When you go to look at this bike and take it for a test ride. Arrive 30 minutes early. That way he wouldnt have started and ran the bike for a while to warm it up before you get there. If im looking at a used car or bike, then i like to see and hear the thing started from stone cold.

Good luck. If everything checks out and you buy it you will not be dissapointed. They are truly wonderful machines. And ownership has its privaledges. You get to hang out with us.

Kelly Blue Book's "Suggested Retail Price" for a 2002 is $4895.

You have made an excellent choice and are obviously a man of high quality!

Welcome to the site.. top notch people here really.. always willing to help out with any question.

Trev

I bought my '03 SM used for $5,200. I did have a couple grand in Triumph upgrades so I was pleased.

The one thing that I did not want was a bike with scorched pipes. Several used ones I saw did have a lot of pipe bluing. Most everyone removes the Air Induction as soon as purchased, which helps to alleviate that problem. You might look to see if the AI has been removed. The AI is evident by looking near the spark plugs. Almost looks like an extra spark plug wire, but it is actually a hose.

Gerry