Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Other Bikes Standard Bonneville as Second Bike

So a year ago when I bought my TBA as my first bike I didn't know exactly what type of riding I would get into but it turns out that I enjoy really getting it over in corners. I have ground my side stand down on the left and completely ground off one of the bolts holding the exhaust on on my right and am flattening both my exhaust pipes pretty good. Yeah, and my floorboards,... well, you can imagine.

So I need something with more ground clearance. Being short and, ahem, "stout" any repliracer is out. My 100 mile per day commute and my 300 mile excursions on Sundays would point me more in the sport tourer direction but frankly, none of them really speak to me. So I'm looking at standards.

I had the pleasure of riding a Scrambler a few weeks ago as a loaner while my TBA was in for service and I really dug the riding position and the styling and the experience as a whole. I did not like the tires or the position of the pipes and I only rode it about 80 miles so I can't attest to it's comfort but I still liked it a lot.

I'm also working on a budget and want to keep my purchase price under 5K. I'm also looking at Honda VFRs (which would definately fill the sporting aspect of what I need, but not sure about the comfort) and ST1100s (comfort for sure, but not sure how sporting - plus it looks like a big scooter). I really want to keep it in the family. I've seen the various Sprint models as well and am not crazy about their styling either. Would a Bonnie meet my needs our should I keep searching?

Out of the Triumph family, but a Suzuki SV650 would work well for you. I came close to buying one but got a '98 Thunderbird Sport instead. Not many TBS's around in the used market, but well worth the look if you can find one.

I rode a Bonnie at a demo truck a ew times, dragged my toes in corners... Freaked me out the first time. I would imagine if I was actually thinking about it, I could re-position my foot to avoid that when not shifting or braking.

VFRs are very comfortable. My VFR is definitely the most comfortable bike I own. If you're near Northern Virginia I may even have one for sale. Only 70k miles on the odo, barely broken in.

later,
Hugh

Yeah, a thunderbird sport would be ideal - I sat on one a few months back as a Salvage shop but didn't buy it because it was a little too banged up. Hard to find though.

HughTWG - I'm located in CA but what year VFR do you have? There is a 93, a 94, and a 00 for sale locally that I am looking at.

Mine is a 98. Of the three you mentioned I would pick the 00,94,93 in that order. I may be a bit biased but I think the 98-01 model was the best made. The latest model has v-tec which is kind of gimmicky and can be pretty unnerving when it kicks in mid corner. The only problems you have to worry about with VFRs are bad Regulator/Rectifiers. Luckily they're easy to replace.
I recently let a friend who just bought a new R1 ride my VFR and when he got off of it he said it felt like a new motorcycle. It really is fantastic. Unfortunately I can't seem to swing a leg over it without getting a speeding ticket. It's often referred to as the perfect motorcycle but we live in an inperfect world.

Here's a pic of VFR on a weekend road trip to Ohio this summer;
http://twowheelsgood.net/ohio2006/7.jpg

later,
Hugh

Well being short is actually a good thing when it comes to fitting on more sport oriented bikes as they all seem to be made for somebody that's around 5' 8".

A Thunderbird Sport is also the first bike I thought of, but you could also take a look at a used Speed Four since you want to keep it in the family. MotorcycleUSA.com had good things to say about the bike in this "Reality Bike" shootout back in 2004. You should be able to pick up a good one fairly cheap as it sold for only $6499 new. What it has over the competition is adjustable suspension, and puts out decent hp, 85. Should be a fun bike to flick over through those curves you like.

Any of the T-bird/TBS/Legend family would probably be good.

Damn, I went to check out the Bonneville I'm looking at has the same green and silver paint scheme as my TBA and it's so damn fun to ride. I bet with some rearsets, high exit exhaust, and Metzers I could turn the Bonny into a pretty mean handler. It's only money... Thing is I can get more performance for less money with any of the bikes discussed here but nothing is calling to me like the Bonny. Well, there is this Ducati 900ss that I'm salivating over for the same price, but I can't even sit on it for 5 minutes without my back going into fits and my wrists screaming for mercy.

Get the Moto-Guzzi Griso!!!!

Well, this debate is over. I just bought a 98 Sprint with low miles that someone was selling on consignment. It fits me like a glove and is in super good shape. I pick it up tommorow morning. Rock on!

BTW - anyone know where I can download an owners manual for a 98 Sprint?

gratz on the purchase..

Just to keep this thread going a bit, Janet and I were up at Palm Beach Triumph a couple of weeks ago and this couple pulled in. He on an SM and her on a blacked out Bonnie. We were looking at the Bonnie and the lady invited Janet to sit on it. She did and said "Oh, I like this!". Here's some pics of that hopefully fateful day......

Bonnie in front and SM behind. Check out the bars and the seat.


A little closer on the seat. It's a Corbin and has a little storage compartment. Great for the ladies!


Another view. The seat changed, bars changed, and bike was lowered an inch. That's Janet's Rebel behind


Another shot

Dang, that is one sweeeet looking Bonnie. I think im in love all over again.

I've been wanting a black bonnie for about 6 months now. I want a 2nd bike to keep with me as a city bike while I keep my BA out in NJ. Black D&D's, chop that rear fender off, low bars, maybe rearsets too.

And you guessed it...NEVER wash it.

Are those America bars? Look like it. I think Corbin calls that seat "the smuggler".

Benny,
sure looks like america bars...if that were a tangerine and white T100...of course i'd put narrow bars on it...

Phil, no wonder Janet liked the set up...it looks about perfect for her.

Yeah, I love the look of it too. I believe youse guys are right about the bars. Considering the T100 is still the Bonnie, I'd love to get one and do this treatment to it. Janet wants another few thousand mileson the Rebel before she takes the plunge on her keeper. I am just so happy she likes the Triumph over others we've looked at.