Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge First Bike, Looking for some input

Hello gang,

I just found this forum online and thought that it would be a great place to ask some Triumph riders some questions. First off, let me introduce myself.

My name is Jake, I'm 33 years old. I'm a full time technology professional, but my real love is in illustration, which I do primarily as a side job at the moment. I have never owned a motorcycle, but have been thinking about getting one, and wanting one for the last six or seven years. Anyway, about a month ago a buddy and I decided we're going to bite the bullet and finally take the class and get bikes. It's very exciting.

Anyway, I guess I should preface this by saying that I'm 6'4" and weight roughly 200 lbs. I'm not a 'big guy' but I'm tall and rangy, and have been wondering what sort of bike would be most comfortable for me. I've been window shopping online and have stopped in to a few shops in the greater Washington DC area to sit on some bikes and talk to other customers and sales people. After a great trip out to the Triumph dealership in Frederick, MD, I think I've really made a decision on what I think fits me personality wise. The Triumph Bonneville.

Here's what I figure... I'm not buying a sports bike, and after spending a few hours in Harley dealerships I realize that all they are really selling is an attitude and image that I'm not really that interested in either. Maybe when I was a little younger I might have thought that I wanted everyone on the highway to think I was a bad ******, but now I realize that I am a bad ******, and don't really need to advertise it. I'd rather have a bike that's dependable, comfortable, and maneuverable. On everything I've sat on so far, the Bonneville fit that most for me. I also figure being in a metropolitan area forces the need for maneuverability. If I was living in the country I think getting a big cruiser might be more practical, but I don't need any cab drivers or metro bus putting me in a situation that I can't get out of.

So, here's where I'm at. My class isn't until October, and I'd really like to save up a few grand and buy something used with cash that I can learn on. If I find that in a year or two that I'm riding every day (or nearly) and it's really become a part of my everyday life, like I think it will, I'll buy a brand new Bonneville. For my first bike I'd LOVE to get a late model Bonneville, but they seem to be hard to come by online. I don't really have a problem buying from a personal seller, so long as I can take the bike to a shop for an inspection before I buy. I was hoping to get out to the Virginia British bike swap meet in October, but it's the same weekend I'll be on the course learning to ride, so I don't know how realistic that would be.

Do you guys think I'm on the right page? Are there any taller Bonneville riders in the group that might be able to attest to the comfort of riding more upright, or if I should expect back strain or whatever? Am I thinking too much into it and maybe should start off with a simple Yamaha or Honda than trying to track down a reasonably priced Triumph?

Jake, you are on the right path. Question, is it the standard Bonneville that you are interested in or the Bonneville America? There are a few standard Bonneville owners on this forum, but more at www.newbonnevilleriders.com Either way, if you can find a good used japanese bike to ride around on while you learn the ropes it might be a good idea. That way if you drop it, its not a brand new bike. The Bonneville America is a good bike for beginning and experinced riders alike. Nice low seat height, easy to modulate clutch, just easy to ride all around. Good luck.

Are you speaking of the classic line of T-100 and bonnie black etc or America and Speedmaster? Either one would be fine as long as it fits you or you make it fit you with a few adjustments. Wendys first bike is her America and she loves it. I am all for buying what you want instead of buying something you are going to get tired of. Just start off slow, just because you have power doesn't mean you have to use it right off.

Im 6'1 and 242lbs and the bonnevile america is the first bike ive ever owned. "streetbike" that is. I dont feel like I need anything bigger or smaller. Im not uncomfortable riding it, and I can push it miles when I run out of gas..haha

I sat on an America and Bonnie Black, and to tell you the truth I prefer the Bonnie Black. I feel like while it's probably less cool to ride so high, that because of my height I'd be able to see over cars in traffic, and be more seen than if I was sitting lower.

I'm sure I'll end up on a Shadow or a Virago or something to start, but I really want a Triumph to be what I'm riding down the road. I'll check out the other site as well, but may just start hanging out here from time to time as well. Thanks for the feedback guys.

Either way, if you can find a good used japanese bike to ride around on while you learn the ropes it might be a good idea.

I'll second that suggestion

I don't know how many 'new riders' I've told the same thing, only to have them ignore the advice, buy a brand new shiney thing, and then drop it a couple of weeks later (and usually, not just once).

Given your size, something in the 500-750cc range would be a good bike to learn on. You can find them everywhere for very reasonable prices (read: under $2000). You won't feel too bad laying down a used bike you don't have a lot of money into, but it will sting pretty bad doing the same on a new bike.

After you get comfortable riding, you can sell the old bike (and usually recover most if not all of what you have into it) and get that new or slightly used bike you have had your eye on

Cheers,
Brad

Thanks Brad. That's what thought would be a sound way to go. I figure I'm bound to drop it, or have it fall off the kickstand, or whatever initially. I figure if I can't keep a pair of sunglasses in one piece throughout the summer then the first bike is likely to get a little dinged up.


I don't mind the idea of spending $8-$10k on a bike, but would rather wait a couple of years to see if I'm really going to be a full time rider, or just a fair weather hobbyist. If it's the latter, there's no sense in investing that type of money. Anyway, thanks again guys.

Buy something cheap and cheerful first. Make sure you like riding before you take a plunge on a new bike.

With you being 6 foot 4, you might find the American or Speedmaster a little (excuse the pun) more comfortable. The standard Bonnie with its narrow bars and higher foot pegs may feel a bit cramped in comparision.

Here I go again

Jake, for a first bike you should get a small/medium-size dirt bike. You need something you can drop, pick up, dust off, and nothing is broken. Learning in the dirt means there are no cars or trucks to worry about, you can just concentrate on your riding skills. And a low speed oops! won't mean you scratched your Triumph.
Make it a dual-sport and you can take it to the street after you get enough experiance.

I actually would really like that, but I live in Washington DC... You aren't allowed to ride dirt bikes in the national parks around here, and as much as I'd love to do doughnuts in front of the white house, I don't see it happening. With any luck though I'll stay clear of the beltway for a few months.

Hi mate, if I lived in a city I would get the scrambler, nice and manouverable with a bit of grunt. Go for the Steve McQueen look.

Small Japanese bike would be a perfect first for you. I'm 5'10" / 175 and started on a Suzuki GS500. It's a sporty looking bike but still very comfortable riding position. Not too hard to find used since most people keep them 1-2 years and trade up. I think I sold mine for $400 less than I bought it for so it was a cheap summer of riding!

i'm also 6'4", and i chose the america because except for it, the only other bike that i had sat on and felt like it fit was a used suzuki c90. i would have bought it too (this was before i found the triumph) if it wasn't for the off-turning sales people. i'll never go to that shop again (intentionally, anyway)

Im 6-1 and a solid 300#. My America is my first bike ever owned. Some of my concerns were typical:
- will a 900 be enough for me?
- Triumph...they still make bikes! I wonder if they are any good?
- will I regret buying this thing? I have always wanted a Harley.

Bottom line...no regrets at all in any way shape or form.
As a matter of fact I bought two. Its Karens first bike also...EVER and she handles it well and loves her Trumpet too.

For more Bonnie answers check out Newbonnevilleriders.com as stated above.

Oh...and even though you dont own it yet you will so welcome to the club!

5-6 years ago, I was right where you are, only I was over over 40 already. Wanted the Honda VTX. Had to be a cruiser, because I'm no squid. I'm no lemming, either, so HD did nothing for me. (I respect the marque a little more now.)

I saw a couple of Triumphs one day, so I started checking them out online, found this forum, discovered the Speedmaster really spoke to me, and the rest is history. As soon as I knew the SM was the one, after checking out the Honda for more than 2 years, I registered for the MSF class, and then went and bought a SM without yet ever having ridden a bike on the street. Had it delivered to the office, and I rode it home from there.

Best advise? Buy the gear, be serious about the sport, learn how to wrench a little, and ride, ride, ride.

I have learned that the Triumph Bonneville engine is pretty lively - it was a racer back in the day, and they are only bigger and more powerful today, and a lot more reliable. Bullet-proof, actually. Maintenance is easy, simple stuff, that teaches you more about your ride, and gives you more confidence as you learn how to do more to it. Save your money and buy gear and gas.

Keep doing your homework, and you will find that the Triumph is a lot more motorbike than any Japanese bike ever will be. These are fine machines, and because of the heritage, they bring their own soul into the equation - that you don't get from many other marques, either, and that is hard to put a price on. It will make more sense later, but I certainly have found it to be true.

I look at my SM now as an 800cc sportbike disguised as a cruiser. She just wants to go everywhere fast, and it feels safer that way - I'm managing the traffic around me, not just being a "sitting duck" in the slow lane.

I may not say this right, but it goes something like:

"You don't own a Triumph. You just get lucky enough to be one's caretaker."

Mostly though, if you buy one, ride it. Practice makes for a better rider, and the more you ride, the more you want to.

I'll caveat this by mentioning that i've only been riding for a few months now, my girlfriend even less, and therefore lack a significant amount of experience these other guys have..however a different point of view.

The America was my first bike (ignoring the ones i rode on for my 5 day direct access) and i found it reasonably easy to ride as long as i took it fairly easy and stayed within my skill level. A few months later i'm significantly more confident and while still not able to throw it around with ease (i still suck at tight corners) i can see that by riding lots on it that i've got used to its different positioning and weight etc.

My girlfriend failed her test first time and spent 6 weeks on a Chinese bike called a Skygo. It was a 125. Once she passed her test after that 6 weeks she got straight on a Triumph Scrambler which i believe is roughly the same as a T100 but with a bit of varience in engine tuning (?) and style (Steve McQueen!). About a week later she's successfully translated most of the skills she picked up on the Skygo to the Scrambler and again with a bit of care and attention will no doubt be 100% comfortable on the thing soon enough.

so in terms of picking a bigger bike as your first (or in Tanyas case her almost first) i think it's totally feasable.

however to reiterate others points.

you will probably drop it, i've dropped mine once and so has Tanya (dropped hers that is) and it's a fairly gutting experience.

I realised beforehand i was likely to drop mine so had kind of prepared myself mentally for it anyway. Plus i'd bought engine bars (figuring it would be cheaper to repair if the engine was safe) and put 4mm carved/decorated vegetan on the exposed bits of tank and handles. The result, no scratches (but my heart in my throat).

Tanya was less lucky when she dropped hers and snapped the drivers footpeg off. Again replaceable but again totally gutting for her.

personally i think because of the way i am sat on the America that i'm less likely to drop it than Tanya on her scrambler (my lower seating position vs her higher one).

anyway, i guess i'm ultimately saying that from my point of view there's nothing wrong with getting the bike you really want (both me and her did - though she dropped the Skygo about 1037 times beforehand) it just needs treating with a bit of respect and the foreknowledge that you'll probably drop it at some point (which is deeply gutting, but liveable with if you prepare).

but both are awesome machines (i do occasionally steal hers for a hack around and a bit of wire fence jumping)

All the best,

Anthony

Not sure what its like in DC, but here in the Motorcity, you can get older running bikes CHEAP on craigslist.com. Buy a beater, learn and get solid on it. Then, restore it and sell for a profit! I did that with a 1970 Yamaha CS3. Paid $100 for it rode it for about 6 months to renew and improve my skill set ( I took 10 years off from riding while I restored a couple of Austin Healeys). Then I restored it and sold it for $1500 beyond costs. Then I bought my America and I absolutely love it. I am 6' 195lbs. However since test riding a T100, I now see that I also love the T100 and am looking to ad one to my stable.

Buy a Harley. That way, you won't mind dropping it a few times.

Seriously, my first real bike ('way back before the turn of the century) was a Bridgestone 350. It was fast in its day, but not too heavy (about 350 lbs.) It had a traditional frame and seating position, much like the Bonneville. Being able to tuck your feet under while learning to maneuver and balance the bike is extremely helpful, and if I had to do it again, I would want something similar. I love my America, but would never recommend the forward control position to a beginner.

Jack

My 1st was a 1977 Honda cb 360t, my 2nd was a 1978 Yamaha 400, then a XS650, then a 2002 R6(figured out that crotch rockets are not my thing)and started patiently saving for a Harley. Saw an article on the Rocket 3 and just had to check it out online, and there she was, all black and all mine 3 weeks later. And all she cost was the down payment i was planning to put down on the hog. My first three bikes were very similar to the bonnie in riding position/style, so i can recomend them to the beginner. My back isn't what it used to be so i needed something a bit more relaxed in riding position, so i am loving my speedmaster. i have to agree with the previous poster in that you should get a beater first or even a dirt bike(I was schooled in the dirt)because you WILL drop whatever you start on. And maybe whatever you graduate to.

Welcome to the wonderful world of two wheels!

I bought a new '79 Bonneville Special 750 in '79 for a song. Kept it three years and after a buddy ran off the road and killed himself I sold it. http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj187/dancorrigan/?action=view&current=Bonnya.jpg

Skip ahead 25 years and with the price of gas and my truck only getting 8 MPG I went looking for a new Triumph. I first went to MSF experienced riders course and plunked down my $150 to reaquaint myself as now I am a spry 65 and I want to see 85 in one piece. Very good investment...learned a lot and boosted my confidence level.

Saw the 2007 and 2008 Bonneville T 100's and liked it. However it was still light in weight and very tall in the saddle. Actually not too soft and a long way to the ground. With the mid controls that meant keeping my knees bent and I would tall in the wind (good visibility) but not comfortable in windy conditions. We have a lot of wind here in Vegas.

Then I sat on a Speedmaster. Much more comfortable seat, low with lots of padding for my girlish figure (5'9' 225#) and forward controls. This meant I could lean back in the saddle and stretch out my legs and sit lower to the ground. Out of the wind and easy at those traffic lights.

On 3/17/08 I bought a new 2007 Speedmaster and rode it home. Today at 5 K miles I am totally satisfied and my truck has not moved in 3 months. I am saving on gas and enjoying all the rides. I have yet to drop it or have any close calls. It goes a lot faster than I want but when I get on a freeway I can outaccelerate any oncoming traffic and claim my lane quickly and safely. It is comfortable, safe and easy to take care of. The brakes are better than the Bonneville or Bonneville America as they are twin rotor design and the bike has a very comfortable ride and is easy to maneauver.

Yes, get a used bike from Craigs List or wherever and learn how to ride and then step up to a Triumph. However I would just go out and get a Triumph today and skip the learning step. If you can control your emotions and keep the speeds reasonable and don't get real twisty with the throttle you can safely learn on a Triumph until your skill levels rise to the level of the bike.

Mine will go a lot faster than I want or need to go. This is a powerful and balanced ride and you can kill youself on it just like on any bike. Get the gear and wear it because you cannot always control everything in life. Good boots, helmet, riding pants and a full face helmet with gloves will save your skin and make you a better rider.

http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj187/dancorrigan/?action=view&current=IMG_0065.jpg

http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj187/dancorrigan/?action=view&current=IMG_0072.jpg

http://s272.photobucket.com/albums/jj187/dancorrigan/?action=view&current=IMG_0119.jpg

To answer all your questions in as few words as possible, let me say Triumph America.

This is as close as you will ever get to a true 'one size fits all' motorcycle.

It has enough power and class that you will never "outgrow" it as you surely would a small training wheels bike.

The Triumph twins are the only motorcycles larger than 450 CC that are well behaved enough for a first time rider.

There are few riders (just the ones who don't know any better) that don't respect Triumph.

You can spend a lot more money and still not get the design and build quality you will with a Triumph.

Youd be pretty cramped up on a virago

I'm 6' at ~220lbs.. I can personally attest that the Virago 250 will be too small!

Had the opportunity to ride one about 50 miles back to town after a friend bought the thing. I know it didn't look like it, but I felt like one of them circus clowns on one of them teenie weenie little tricycles!



Cheers,
Brad

Definitely stick with Frederick if you decide on a new Triumph, they're service is better than the DC dealership.
I'm going to the Oct. VA (VBMC) meet, usually folks in this area post something and try to go in a group or meet there so keep your eye peeled here on the events page.

There's a neat vintage "Nostalgia Run" in Thurmont MD on 9/7 you may be interested in. Just up Rt. 15 from Frederick.


I live near Hagerstown. You would be welcome to come up here sometime and look over my bike.

Man, you guys are all so awesome. I really appreciate all the input. I think one of the things that I'm noticing right away when I go talk to people in bike shops is that motorcycle people LOVE talking about their motorcycle experience. Like, they don't mind sharing at all. It's sort of this brotherhood, and it feels very inclusive. Even some friends I have that ride sport bikes don't have a problem discussing the differences between their rides and cruisers, and even admitting that their bikes have some shortcomings in design.

Thanks a ton guys. This forum is bookmarked, and I want to try to stay active (especially as the class date and my purchase gets closer).