First Post, First Motorcycle!

Discussion in 'Newbies Hangout' started by JayDHD, Dec 15, 2021.

  1. David Cooper

    David Cooper Triumph Rocketeer.
    Subscriber

    Hello Jay.

    gump (1).gif
     
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  2. Golgotha

    Golgotha Guest

    Sweet ride, cous'. You have done well.
     
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  3. JayDHD

    JayDHD New Member

    Dec 15, 2021
    19
    3
    United States
    I'm just old enough to have remembered the Sears wish books, it's been forever since I've seen one. I've been looking through the Triumph catalog in much the same way. Don't plan to do anything too crazy. Want to get sliders/crash protectors, and definitely want to get the center stand. It's a shame they don't come from the factory with them anymore.

    Going to be a long winter full of hanging out in the garage, daydreaming of the open road. Here's hoping its a short winter and and the anticipation doesn't drive me mad :laughing:
     
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  4. JayDHD

    JayDHD New Member

    Dec 15, 2021
    19
    3
    United States
    I'd certainly have to agree, it's been a very welcoming and helpful family so far. You have any recommendations on some good pipes or brands?
     
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  5. Steve O'Connor

    Mar 9, 2021
    70
    18
    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Nice bike and welcome to the forum. Hepco & Becker is a good source of after market accessories such as racks & luggage.
     
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  6. JayDHD

    JayDHD New Member

    Dec 15, 2021
    19
    3
    United States
    Thanks Steve, I appreciate the info. I'll have a look and see what they have.
     
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  7. Steve O'Connor

    Mar 9, 2021
    70
    18
    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Moto Machines appears to be the sole distributor in the US.
     
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  8. Jet City

    Jet City Noble Member

    Sep 24, 2018
    522
    343
    Seattle, Washington USA
    Welcome, Jay!

    That’s a beautiful bike and you are going to love it!

    To me, the one essential upgrade for the current generation Bonnie is to modify to tubeless tires. The issue is that if you get a flat, the wheel has to be removed and the tube replaced. On the rear, this means removing both mufflers, and then the tires need a bead break just like tubeless ones! You are not gonna do that on the side of the road.

    There are a number of threads about this on the forum, or you can PM me if you want.

    Again, welcome to the joys of owning a Triumph. No disappointments!
     
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  9. JayDHD

    JayDHD New Member

    Dec 15, 2021
    19
    3
    United States
    Thanks, Jet!

    Never would've thought about going tubeless on a motorcycle, but it makes sense. Might as well, I already run tubeless on my mountain bikes.

    Any other upgrades you would consider essential?
     
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  10. JayDHD

    JayDHD New Member

    Dec 15, 2021
    19
    3
    United States
    Thanks for the video, Bikerman. I ended up watching the test video right after it. It's a bit different than what I thought it would be. But then again, my experience with tubeless is from a mountain biking perspective. I use specific rim strips and sealant for that.
     
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  11. Markus

    Markus Crème de la Crème
    Subscriber

    Oct 28, 2020
    3,514
    1,000
    AUSTRIA
    Hi there! Nice ride!
     
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  12. Jet City

    Jet City Noble Member

    Sep 24, 2018
    522
    343
    Seattle, Washington USA

    Hi, Jay. Good question.

    I did a mental catalog of the changes I've made.

    -Tubeless conversion
    -Shock upgrade to Ohlins
    -Front brake upgrade to Brembo
    -Crash bungs
    -Sato racing helmet lock
    -Meerkat crossover catalytic converter delete

    Of that list, only the tubeless conversion would I consider essential.

    The shock upgrade is nice because my bike does a lot of work two-up. The front brake upgrade is sexy, but frankly the stock brakes are pretty good. I always put crash bungs on my bikes because at some point they are gonna tip over. The helmet lock was not effective and I wouldn't recommend it. The Meerkat is beautifully made by an actual guy in Australia and he is a great guy to deal with, but the bike doesn't really need more noise or power.

    Again, congratulations.
     
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