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¤t=Bonnya.jpgSkip 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.
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