Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Riding Technique First Bike

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post so hello and thanks for the great site.

I’m looking into getting my first bike and wanted to know if the Triumph American would be a good choice. I have been doing some research and resources on the Internet seem to say that you should start out on a 250cc bike. Seasoned riders that I know tell me that I should be looking at something over 650cc’s in a cruiser style bike so that I can get away if needed. I’m 35 so I don’t think that I’ll be tempted to push my boundaries too much. What are your thoughts?

Thanks for the help.

Kevin,
The america or Speedmaster are both good all around bikes- decent midsize cruisers to start out on that you will not grow out of too soon- both in power and size/weight.
There are many "seasoned" riders here and many beginners, and I think they'll all tell you about the same thing.

I'm now 47, and my SM is my first bike. Excellent choice.

I have learned to really appreciate smaller cc bikes since I started riding and reading so much about them. I'll toss out the Triumph 675 as a good example....major horsepower and torque numbers even compared to our bigger machines.

If you are looking for a cruiser-styled bike, you can't beat the "cool factor" and reliability of these two (Speedmaster or America), and for a beginner, I found mine to be very forgiving when learning to ride it. The long wheel base gives us an added measure of safety when compared to a shorter wheel-based sportbike, in the event of a rear brake "panic stop" tire skid...if you let up on the rear brake pedal you just might be able to save your hide without going down. I have on a few different occassions, and know I have the bike to thank for it.

I'll bust 36k today, and the bike was only 3 years old in June. Took a 750 mile, two-up trip to the Hill Country last weekend with my wife aboard - our first trip - and I can say that these bikes are big enough to do anything you might ever want to do, or go as far as you might ever want to go. I am sure others here will chime in. A heavier bike might not blow as easily in a cross-wind, but these are certainly manageable. Plenty of power and room to get comfortable in the saddle and pillion to.

I consider the SM a sportbike, or sport cruiser, with it's more aggressive riding position, and the America with it's pull-back bars more of a "cruiser". I ride mine hard, rarely ever loafing it anywhere.

My motto: NO PUTT-PUTTS!

I'm one of those "newbies". Got my first bike, an 07 America, in April. While shopping for a bike, my riding friends at work all told me to get bigger to start out. My friend with the 750 Shadow says it was a great starter bike for maybe a month, then he started wishing he'd gone bigger.
Starting with an 500lb 865 was a little intimidating (after that little 250 at the MSF course) for about two days, then I was comfortable.
And the America is more than capable of getting out of it's own way...or out of that inattentive semi's way more importantly.
After a few months I started to get that "wanna go faster" feeling - new pipes and a jet kit made her run like a scalded cat and I'm happy now.

Oh and Gretsch - I can relate, I'm 36. I guess it's a good age to start riding cause we've figured out we're not bulletproof. Anyway, I do hope you get a Triumph, I think it really is the best (and coolest) choice out there - but whatever you get, good luck and enjoy. It'll change your life.

I just got back from the Triumph dealership. WOW! No concerns about size now. I sat on a SM and it felt great but I think I would like America even more. They are a little more expensive than the Japanese bikes but WOW. They just ooze cool. I still need to take the MSF course but I think a Triumph is in my future.

Thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement.

The Triumph Speedmaster and America are the only bikes over 400CC that I feel are well behaved enough for a new rider. There are no nasty surprises hidden there waiting to bite you in the butt. Also, the mechanical bits are very well engineered. Most Triumph twins will still be running well after most of the plastic and tinfoil Japanese bikes are wadded up and tossed in the bin.

Gretsch,
I am also a first time biker. I almost bought a Yamaha, but my brother persuaded me to re-look the Triumphs. A little time researching and discovering this board (and similar boards), got me thinking about the Triumphs. I really started liking the different look to them and after I saw the Blue/White colour combo for the TBA, I was sold. I took the MSF course last February and finally got my new bike in July '07. I can assure you that it is an excellent bike for a beginner and still has enough power to keep up with the others.

I would recommend that you wait until the 600 mile service before changing the pipes and removing the AI. I had two very low speed laydowns with the only real damage to the stock pipes. I would have been more upset if I had scratched up the Bubs on there now.

Make up your mind soon and enjoy her!!

My TBA was my first bike and 37.5k miles later I've never regretted it for a moment.

Here's why you want a new triumph. 1. You are an independant type. 2. You like classic styling, and Hardly and Triumphs are the only two classic styles to choose from. 3.You choose triumph styling because you also want to actually ride. 4. Triumphs have a good rep for reliability. 5. Again, you like the classic styling of the BA or SM and you're an independant type. Welcome to the really cool Trumpet crowd of riders and owners.

Gretsch,

I bought a used Honda rebel to practice on for a month and then an America. I love it, and I know it rides better than my wife's Harley. An added bonus of the America is actually this forum. People are very helpful. Anyway I'm 37 with about 6,000 miles on my bike and very happy with my decision. Good luck.

Gretsch,

I Started out with a Suzuki Bandit 600cc. I thought it was ace, then the wife and I decided to get a newer bike, so I shopped around. Initially I had my eyes on a Kawasaki VN... in the same shop that I went to see the VN they had a range of Triumph's... as soon as I saw the America it had to be mine. I've had it for about 3 months now and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Don't let the engine size put you off... it's all in the wrist I'm 36 and look cool on my TBA... I know this because everybody looks at me as I ride past. You won't regret your purchase mate...enjoy!

Had my TBA delivered to my house last spring. The first thing I thought was that the bike seemed a lot smaller on the showroom floor. It's been fun ever since. Good Luck!

My America was/is my first bike. When I was shopping I heard every variation of what to buy. Buy bigger, youll outgrow a small bike fast, buy small so you can learn. I bought what was comfortable to sit on. As a matter of fact...I bought two. Mine and Karens.

These bikes are awesome! Plenty of power and you can squeeze some more out of em if needed. Dont worry about the size of the motor on this bike....if it feels good then youll be happy.

BTW...I too am in my mid 30s and weight close to 300#...no compaints at all!

My Black Speedie is not the first bike I ever owned but its definitely the most fun.......although that first litle Honda dirtbike I had as a teen was close.

The cool factor never seems to diminish. People turn their heads and they NOTICE our bikes while bigger heavier Japanese and American cruisers seem so la de da.

My Speedie has developed into my personal primary form of transportation. I drive my truck about once a month to circulate the oil and charge the battery but the truck sits in favor of the two wheeled Triumph.

By the way get a Black Speedmaster. If you do a search of threads old and new on color preferences you will see that its a scientific fact that the Black Speedmasters are the fastest and coolest of our bikes.

I got my TBA last Sept.after not riding for about 10 years.When I told my brother-in-law what I was getting and how many cc it was he went on and on about how it will be under powered and I wont be happy.When it came time to pick up the bike I asked him to drive it home for me since after 10 years I didn't want to ride the 13 or so highway miles.Bottom line he loved the bike and secretly tells our friends how well it runs.You will love the bike

Gretsch - I faced exactly the same decision. I passed the BRC late this summer and was looking for my first bike. The advice was " don't get a 250 you'll outgrow it in a few weeks" vs "start on a 250, develop your skills, then move up when you are ready". I found both pieces of advice to be true. I got a used 250, put 400 miles on it in 3 weeks, and sold it to get a 2007 Speedmaster. Personally I wasn't ready for the SM just after passing the course. Maybe I would have "grown into it" and saved a few hundred dollars from the first bike transaction. But maybe not. My point is, I don't care. My view is I spent a few hundred dollars (because I traded for a little less than I paid for the 250)to "rent" a training bike and significantly improve my skills - particularly the slow speed stuff that is more difficult on a bigger bike. I'm sure this approach isn't right for everyone, but I have no regrets. From everything I've read (as a newbie)the only real way to reduce the risks inherent in riding a bike is AGATT and improve your skills. Starting on the smaller bike was the most effective way for me personally to do the latter. Good luck with your decision.

You may have made a choice by now, but I just had to add my 2 cents. I am a 33 year old "newbie". I took my MSF course in Sept and I'm now the proud owner of a 2003 BA. Oh, man, I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful, forgiving bike this is. Enough power to keep up with whoever and the curves...oh we live for curvy roads. This bike was no mistake. I never (and I mean never) see America's for sale on our local Craigslist, but it was a fluke that I checked out a 2007 America at a local dealer (been looking at Harleys) and loved it. I was looking to line up financing for a blue/white when lo and behold, I discovered my 2003 on Craigslist. It was fate. $4500 later, I can't tell you how much joy mine brings. This has truly changed my life. I can't tell you what to buy, but if you ride one, I have a feeling you won't want to go back to the Harley or Yamaha dealer. Whatever you buy or have bought, I wish you the best. Enjoy the ride!

Thanks for all the info!

-I've been looking and now I'm thinking of getting a Bonneville Black and doing some 68 mod's. One thing that is somewhat intimidating is that at 5'8" I'm just barely flat footed or a little on the balls of my feet on this bike. I really like the classic look of the Bonnie.

So same question, different bike...

Update: Just passed the MSF class! I asked the instructor what he thought about this decision. He said I didn't seem to have the confidence for the 865cc bike quite yet and recommended a =<500cc bike. I think I'll take his advice. Any suggestions in this case?

Not much to choose from in the 500cc range. Not cruiser type bikes anyway.

Gretsch- You are in exactly the same position I found myself and for that matter the other newbies in my class. We all seemed to feel the same way. We were good enough for the parking lot, but weren't all that sure about taking it on the road. I bought a 1999 GZ250 and it was a great bike to learn on. When I bought my Speedmaster three weeks later I didn't have any doubts. I'm sure most of the other 250s would work just as well for this purpose. They all have downsides that nobody wants in the "next" bike, but they are great for a first bike when you want to build your confidence by building your skill level. Good luck.

TBA and Speedy are very forgiving of handling errors, are not over powered, but have enough, with some subtle changes, fit my 24" inseam and are GREAT rides! that get attention everywhere they go, no matter what else is around, I've been thinking of getting a 'rat' ride just to ride and not talk........

Thanks again everyone for your help. I decided to get a Suzuki Boulevard (LS650) to learn on. After about 2 months I decided that it was time to move up to the Bonneville. I found a used bike for ~6k and have been riding it ever since. I’ve got about ~3k miles on it now. The seat and center of gravity on the standard Bonne is higher than the America or SM but you get accustomed to it. It’s a sweet ride and I love shooting around town on it. The Triumph cruiser style bikes would be a much better option long hauls but I really dig the Bonne. Who knows, I might be able to find room in the garage for another bike.

Well, I'm in the same boat. Decided Triumph America was just enough to handle as a newbie, yet I won't feel I've outgrown in 6 months, echoing what most have said here. I definitely respect the power, and glad it has the forgiving nature other reporting. I will take baby steps, just looking to take it easy and cruise while I practice and practice. Looking forward to many years with the same bike, so "bit the bullet" on size and price now for long term.

I'll report back here in hindsight in how it works/ed out. Waiting delivery with some accessories being added (tach and bags).

Ride on...
CHUCKLES

I've just got an 07 Speedmaster, my first bike in 20 years! One consideration for me was size (I'm 6'5"). I was going to get a VN900, but saw an America and took it for a spin. For me, I felt there was something missing (maybe it was the stock pipes making it sound like a sewing machine!). When i got back to the dealer I saw my Speedmaster and had to take that out too. I found it a much better ride, easier to handle, although the twin disks on the front are a bit "sudden"!

My brother-in-law, being the copy cay that he is, bought a speedmaster identical to mine and he had never been on any bike, he didn't even know how to drive a stick shift car. I had fun teaching him to ride the same day i rode his bike home 80 miles i had a wedding to attend so i couldnt give him any pointers. well he decided to take it out in the neiborhood anyway,and dropped it, twice. when i returned from the wedding he had broken the clutch handle, bent the handlebars, and the shifter. But with me riding along with him he managed ok, try teaching someone to ride and telling him it just like a clutch in a car and they give you a look like you have two heads....anyway he is a good enough rider now, the point is if that chucklehead can do it anyone can..........

Well folks. I got a Triumph. Not a TBA or a SM but a Bonneville. I love it. That being said, I can see where an America or Speedie would be awesome for cross country rides. Everyone here has been very cool and helpful so I wanted to say thank you. I can definitely see an America or SM in the cards one day. It would be nice to have the bonnie for scratching around town and a cruiser for very long rides. The LS650 is gone. Good learner but I wanted...no, I needed a Triumph. I hope we can still be friends even if I'm riding a Bonneville.

Anything Triumph rocks with us. Enjoy your ride!