Hello to everyone. At the age of 60, I've finally decided to cross a lifelong aspiration off my bucket list and embark on a Direct Access course. I'm used to driving V8 Jags with bags of torque but with respect for the power and never aggressively and am aiming for a bike in the same vein. I have always held a candle for cruisers and from my research, Triumphs fit the bill (and they're British). I am leaning towards either an America or Thunderbird but would welcome any input from forum members as to choosing an appropriate model, especially as a new rider. I will be riding the bike for recreation only and will only need a solo seat. I'm not fussy about a new bike or the latest technology and my budget will be around £4500. Many thanks.
Many thanks, I think I'm going to be spending quite a bit of time looking through the threads on here
Hi, Welcome to the forum; as a new biker, 2 things come to mind, 1. it could be useful to consider a model with ABS? Braking on a bike is totally different from a car, I have a V8- 4.2 KX8!! 2. Try both bikes as they are a completely different seating position, I am 63 and prefer the laid back cruiser seat position on America/Speedmaster now but Thunderbird is upright, kind of sport/touring style. Sport bars are now hard on wrists, tried my sons FZ1 last week,great fun but it hurt my wrists quite quickly although his bar grips were kind of skinny!!
Methinks you are feeding false info there Wishbone, behold my not so upright Thunderbird that looks neither sport nor touring and no sign of a sports bar anywhere
hi and welcome , shame those triumph bobbers aren't a bit cheaper as they'd fit the bill .. , I fancy one of them
Interestingly my Speedmaster has gone to the junk-yard in the sky(Copart) due to an altercation with an A class Merc, 2 weeks ago. So I am in a similar situation: aka looking for a new bike!!! But there is too much to choose from, first I wanted another Speedmaster or America even a Bonny. The I saw the newer Thunderbirds--- like a king size speedmaster and they had ABS, WHICH AFTER MY ACCIDENT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD THING? Then I saw a Rocket 3 and feck me, thought lets make the next accident worthwhile But I have looked at so many now my head hurts, or is that the wine? and I haven't even had my payout from the insurance. Oh well; all I know is that there will be a new bike soon and logic and ration will not be the determining factors, as usual
You nailed it, Wishbone...."there will be a new bike soon and logic and ration will not be the determining factors, as usual". That's sorta been my MO. Sigh.
How exciting, IwantaTriumph! I think it's awesome that at the age of 60 you are going to start riding motorcycles. I have two girlfriends who started at the same age. I started when I was 52. Riding may not change your chronological age but it will certainly make you feel young(er) again! I didn't really follow my own advice but I recommend starting with a relatively small bike that's used to if you drop it you don't spend the next week crying and spending money to fix the bits that snapped off. Get something with cheap insurance and good resale value. Thought it's probably too small for you, several of my friends bought used Honda Rebels, rode them for 3-6 months, then turned around and sold them for the same price for which they bought them. Then they also had the time to research what they REALLY wanted as well as a better knowledge base from which to make a decision. Also, WELCOME to a fantastic forum! You've come to the right place to get information, support, and feedback. Well, and to laugh and to cry and to be part of a wonderful community. Please keep us posted on your riding course as well as your purchase and your startup experiences!
IwantaTriumph Welcome to the family. Can't tell you what to buy as that is an individual thing. Go out there and test a couple with an idea of what you want from a new steed. Only way you will find what turns you on. Then let us all know. Regards Joe.
Thanks for the input, I take your point on the riding style. I too, have the XK 4.2 which is my 'Sunday Car' and use a 4.2 S-Type as a daily driver. I really appreciate the way these cars get down the road in such an unflustered way, taking anything you throw at them in their stride. I suppose my interest in the 1600 Thunderbird was based on its torque compared to the Speedmaster/America but I really want the cruiser riding position. The torque is much more important to me than the top speed/acceleration - that opinion is based on years of having good torque in my cars (albeit with automatic transmission) and using its potential to achieve a more relaxed driving experience. I'll take a look at maybe adding a big bore kit etc to a Speedmaster/America to achieve that. Thanks again