Wiser Input Needed For A Newbie!

Hi, you might find this link useful in explaining all the different Triumph models.
https://www.tomcc.org/Triumph/Models

Buying from a dealer usually costs a bit more but you do get the safeguard of knowing the bike has been thoroughly checked over and will have some sort of warranty. Buying privately can have some risks but the price may well be a bit less than a dealer. Check out eBay for a good price comparison when you are ready to buy.
Good luck in your quest.

 

Gotta agree with Bry !!! and disagree time and time again with Bry's post, do your own homework and research the bike you think is for you, go look try, ask questions but don't assume because your buying from a dealer all will be roses !!! there is pit falls, but the same applies to buying private your comeback options are diminished slightly but again not an easy fix through dealers, complaining and getting help is a bloody minefield, be careful pays your money takes your choice.
look, look, and look again, Sorry to be negative but even the best of us can make mistakes we've all done it,
Just gotta give it your best shot - Good luck.

 

Gotta disagree DD I'm confused as to how anyone can give out advice like that, you can take the most mechanical of friends with you or take there advice, but that's all it is advice, always comes down to, your own research at the end of the day and your own choice, your money your decision ultimately.
Buying new that's different !!

 

Spot on mate I was !! A lot of what Bri said was correct but to be taken with a pinch of salt and ultimately your own decision,
cant assume dealers don't sell dud's or magically sort out problems that occur for you because of warranty or selling rights my own experience taught me different, its always a fight !!!
IMHO you got to do your own research (homework) and make a choice for yourself based on advice or help by all means, but your own gut instinct.
Hope you understand, basically your making the final decision at the end, you gotta be happy with that yourself.

Tonight I shall be drinking more of the same

 

Agreed Sir, but you gotta start somewhere (homework)
and as you say -

WE got there marra, but as I've said you have a way with words

 

I am also confused by TEZs post but I was only trying to help you and warn you to be careful. He is right that there are some dodgy dealers out there so just do your research and decide what you want and go search for it and be very careful. I see you are in Reading,as I am, and we have two excellent Triumph dealers in our area so go and see Bulldog in Winnersh or Hughenden out near Oxford. I can highly recommend both of them. Somewhere for you to start anyway. Good luck!!

 

Going back to your original post.......you have basically asked us ‘how long is a piece of string?’ New bikes are essentially identical so the price is fixed. Used bikes are subject to any number of variables from mileage, to knocks and scratches via servicing records. There are price guides online that should keep you in the ball park. Start with a budget and aim to find the best example that you choose to afford.
Even at the tender age of 40 your ambition may exceed your talent or to quote Inspector Harry Callahan (aka Clint) “A man’s gotta know his limitations.” ......which is why there is much sense in DD’s advice above. Even after passing your test you will be learning and something a little lighter and more forgiving than a Bonnie is a great way to hone your skills without being a wuss. You can drop it at the petrol pumps or on a diesel patch and maybe even step off it without it taking you with it.......I know it goes against the grain but US roads and their idea of starter bikes is not like the A4 on a greasy morning.
More generally, buy before spring. Bike and sports car prices go up as the sun comes out.

 

Good luck with your test. I agree with the general advice given above - do your research and lots of it before you buy. Probably best to buy from a dealer if you're not confident but be wary as has been pointed out.
No reason why a Bonneville can't be your first big bike but you won't get one that cheap. Maybe like DD says get an older cheaper bike to start with - it won't hurt so much if you drop it or throw it down the road.

 

So am I, come on guys dont break me balls it was a friday night

 

Welcome Bluenoze78 (Ipswich Town 1978 FA Cup winners?)

A Bonneville is a good starter bike if it's a Triumph you are after. Check out dealership web pages for used ones on the forecourt. Call, tell then you are in the market for a Bonnie and ask for a test ride. Don't worry about price atm - your first task is to find out whether you like riding it. Try to find a standard Bonnie with mag wheels, a T100 with the larger spoked wheels and an America. All have the same basic engine, just different riding characteristics.

Once you've settled on the model you prefer pop over to Ebay. Choose the Advanced Search option, type in the model name, select the Completed Listings button. Now you will see the selling prices (as opposed to asking prices) for every bike sold over the past six months (maybe past 12 months). If you want to get anal (like I did when buying) you can put the details in a spread sheet, year, mileage, extras etc and compare against Wise Buyers Guide prices.

If your budget can stretch to a newer bike then also check out the Street Twin. Lighter, better fuel economy, abs, traction control.

 

Can we kick them instead then

Welcome Bluenoze, first of all concentrate on getting your test sorted and passed.
Then worry about the bike.
If you can go and at least sit on different styles of bikes you may find a different style of bike more comfortable or suitable to your riding needs.
Once you’ve passed the test try and get test rides on different styles of bikes, do you have any mates that ride?
If you do once you’ve passed see if any will let you ride theirs.
Just don’t jump onto a super fast crotch rocket and expect to ride like Vale or any other racer.
All a school will teach you is how to past the test not how to ride.
That comes with experiance, Just remember a bike only goes as fast as your right hand allows it.
As others have said buy a cheap bike at first ( cheaper to insure and you won’t feel so bad about if you do drop it )

 

Hi and welcome, as usual some great advice from the guy's.
Wessa

 

Really???
Took a 16 plate "Stripple" in for a 600 mile service, engine blew at around *0mph coming up the M20....... apparently mechanic (monkey) error. ....... New bike please!