Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge 48 yrs and still jonesin for a Triumph. Advice?

Hey all:
I have been jones'n for a Triumph since a young pup. For some reason never had the chance to even learn how to ride a motorcycle though.
The child is now a man-child and living out on his own in Philly and my wife and I are here in Denver, CO with what I would think would be some prime territory to finally learn how to ride and get that Triumph I have been lusting after since my older brother pulled his into the drive many years ago!
I am taking a weekender training class next weekend and taking off the following week to test drive some Triumphs. While I was allways set on the Bonneville, after sitting on it and the America, the America seems to fit alot better, perhaps because of my 6'2 frame?
Anyways, sorry to ramble but was wondering if you could offer your opinion as to wether or not either of these Triumphs, (and the Speedy as well), are too much bike for a beginner?
I would hope to use the bike primarily for weekend cruizing with the wife on the back, and on occassion a very short commute,(5 miles), to work and back. I am pretty physically fit, competing in Triathlons, marathons, Ironman events, which involve 2 to 300 miles a week on my bicycle. My weakness is probably just being hard headed.
Any thoughts as to which bike and the degree of diificulty in learning how to ride given my age, etc?

Thanks all!

I would say no. Wendys America is her first bike. She loves it. Alot of people make the mistake of buying too small when they first buy. If you buy something small you will be tired of it in a month or 2 then be sorry you didn't get something you really wanted. Might want to get some crash bars so when you lay it over at slow speed if you do it will protect the bike to a point. If you want to start small go get some little junker for a couple hundred bucks to play with then at least you can still have the Triumph once you are comfortable. Like I said Wendys first was her America and she did drop it a couple times when she stopped. No damage or even a scratch but it did fall over.

My strongest and biggest advice is don't get over confident and drive cauciously. I also wouldn't reccomend a passenger at first.

I think either bike would be fine. Just what ever you want style wise and are most comfortable on. Some guys are not comfortable with forward controls at first. Was never an issue with me or wendy.

Don't worry about the age. I am pushing 64 and will be getting back on a bike in a couple of months, after about 25 years off of them.

My first bike was a Harley Pan Head police bike. I had never ridden a motorcycle in my life, and I was selected for an open position in the motorcycle division. Not only was I riding a monster bike as my first ride, I was flying through town with red lights and siren often times. I would be lying if I said I was comfortable - ******, I couldn't even stop it comfortably the first day or so, but I soon adapted. Now after over 40 years of riding I would counsel you that the Bonny is a perfect bike for either a beginner or a veteran Iron Butt. It is the prettiest, best handling bike I have ever ridden, and with the help of the great people on this board, I am actually learning how to work on the bike a bit!

For around a hundred bucks and a couple weekends these guys will teach you how to ride.

Motorcycle Saftey Foundation

I had never ridden, took the class and it was a snap. In Utah if you take this class you don't have to take the riding test at the DMV to get your endorsment either. My first (and only so far) is an '04 Bonneville and I love it. I'm only 5'7" with shoes on though.

I'm 61 and getting back after almost thirty years off. My only advice is don't wait. Do it now.

My America is my first street bike, and I only had a little YZ80 dirt bike when I was a kid and I got too big for that at about 15 so hadn't ridden since then. It was fine to learn on, but I would suggest practicing low-speed manuevers in an empty parking lot at first. The front wheel sits out there a bit and doesn't handle as easily going slow as my buddies Bonneville T100. Don't sweat it though, take the course, practice, you'll be fine.

48? He!!, you're still a pup. But you won't be much longer .
Get out there and ride.
The America/Speedmaster is very easy to ride, yet can handle the more challenging stuff too. A really good all around street bike. Good for beginners as well as experienced riders.

I got my Speedmaster as a first bike at age 48, after taking the MSF Course.

It's GREAT! GO FOR IT! Best wishes & ride safe.

Like BigBill says, there are a lot of older riders than you on this site. Well, not me, but Bill would be pretty darn old.

Get what sits well for you. Go slow, and develop with the bike, it is not too big if you are not too impatient.

Hey welcome...like Dog33 and others have said you really do waste money and time with a small bike that you then have sell. Just look in many classified sections and you see Honda Rebels for sale with 300 miles on them. There's a reason for that. On the other hand I think way to much has been made of the wheelbase length of the BA and SM. Gee wizz you are 6'2" and you should be able to plant your feet with ease. Don't be fearful of the length it's not as if Triumph has created some flop monster. Buy a BA ,ride it, be happy, and do it before you get old like so many of us.

I'm 56 and I just traded my trusty old Honda Shadow for a TBA. I'll never regret it, either; the handling is just so much better. But, that said, I have some rider retraining to accomplish at low speeds. Take the MSF course and ride your butt off!

Just turned 51.......I'm re-entering the motorcycle area on a Honda VLX (600 cc's) and I'm ready for something a little bigger. I'm trying to get into an America after sitting on one at the local dealer. I think you won't go wrong with either that or a speedy....

I purchased 07 america after 40 years off bike...mariage,a child,divorce,another mariage,another divorce,etc add infiniteum!!64 years old and best thing I ever did..more than my old 64 triumph 650 but I re-learned skills and love the ride.Going to yellowstone 7/21 with 6 harley owners(still my friends..we all make mistakes...they are not to be held accountable for their choices!!)Saturday we had planning meeting and all rode to the bike shop for fun..they wanted me to lead and all the bikers at the shop admired my america..Im used to the attention now but my friends were continuing to point that out to me.Be careful and enjoy the ride!!

Thanks everyone! I wonder if my local dealer is open tomorrow, Memorial Day? I may have to pull the trigger before the class!
Look forward to your words of wisdom as I carry on Triumph-antly...
The other day I saw a bike with flat black exhaust pipes. Though it would look pretty slick with the black engine of the speedy. Can anyone point me to where I might find them? I only find chrome...

Flat Black BBQ paint

Hey Irony44,like Nike's slogan,just do it!I was a former racer and stopped riding when I got kids and etc.and I hadn't been on a bike for 20+ years until the day I bought Lola,and when I let out the clutch,it was indescribable the balance and agility of the machine,for it's size.Have ridden Harleys,Yammers,ect. and have not found them to be near as user-friendly as the America.I can meander around in a parking lot at nearly full lock when the Harleys would pass out or charge.Get the girl and go follow your destiny.Give her lots of love,listen to her every nuance,and satisfy her intimate cravings and she will reward you !!

Iron44,

Just an FYI, I got a quote from Jet-Hot to coat a pair of D&D mufflers flat black for $130. The BBQ paint (or VHT for that matter) will work but will peel eventually.

The America should be a great 1st bike for you. It is the best handling cruiser I have ever ridden. The clutch feel is better than most bikes out there too. That is a big deal for a beginner. My neighbor started out on a 650 v-star and was very intimidated by the machine. After I rode it I understood why. They are overweight, underpowered, and have almost no room in the clutch pull to modulate the actuation. I would say it was her bike, but every one I have rode is the same way!! The triumph is waaaayy better!! Enjoy, and be safe!!

Albeit that it will eventually peel,the barbecue paint is a great way to get that down-home Southern flavor on almost any edible non or semi-porous surface.Use only as directed.Too late,waaayy too much of the great alkaloid,caffeine,and a prisoner of my own imagination,somebody help me.