Morning chaps and chapesses, My names Bill and at 48, I'm just getting back into motorcycling after a 30 year break. God knows why it has taken so long, probably a mid life crises! I've always dreamt of a vintage Matchless or AJS, as my Father rode a Matchless during the war as a dispatch rider for the Royal Signals. Anyway, after completing my CBT yesterday, I'm now concerned about safety with a bike of that age, so a 'new' Bonneville seems like the best comprimise between old and new. So here I am, hoping to find information on the most suitable bike for me, where's the best place to buy one and then everything I can gather on this reignited hobby. And then there's helmets, clothing, boots, so much to look forward to!! First things first, I need to get through my DAS training, hopefully before Christmas and then a bike in the New Year! Cheers, Bill
Welcome back to bikes Bill. There are lots of Triumphs for you to consider, from adventure stylie to the Bonnie range you've already mentioned. As you are returning after a long break, I'd buy a cheap second hand bike first, as you might want to move up the power range as your experience grows and to keep buying new is an expensive route to follow. You've probably already noticed on your training bike that they are a lot more powerful these days cc range for range, so take your time progressing. We still want to be hearing from you in years to come and not hear that you were terrified by the first big bike you bought and have left the hobby. Cheers, Steve
Hello Bill, welcome to the forum. Hmm, first bike syndrome :smile: I'd tend to agree with Toddy that a cheaper bike is a good start. It gives the chance to get used to riding without the added worry of a new bike. It's down to you as to what sort of bike you want and also how confident you feel and also how big you are. That's not being flippant but if you've got short legs (like me) you might find some bikes a little too tall which won't help the confidence. Once you've got a bit of experience you might feel happier on a taller bike but initially a lower seat height would be sensible. Then again you could be 6' 6" so ignore those last few sentences. I'd recommend looking up your nearest Bikesafe course. Relatively cheap and an excellent introduction to more advanced training. Later on you might want to think about IAM or the like. Good luck with the DAS Cheers Dick
And as soon as I'd sent that I began to think of other things to consider! What will you be using the bike for? Touring/Sunday rides/commuting/short or long distances/motorway or B roads Your choice of bike should perhaps be driven by how you think you might use it. Gotta go now but I'm sure there will plenty of useful advice along later.
Hi welcome to the forum and back to bikes. A Bonniville would be a good choice as a first bike :upyeah:
Hi and welcome back to a fantastic hobby I've been riding for 44 years and still loving it Just take your time and enjoy your riding what ever bike you chose
Hi and welcome to the forum Bill. I'm sure there is lots of good advice that the guys on the forum can give you with regards to your questions.
Morning Fellas, Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm going to be using the bike for pleasure rides only, so planned safe routes and no bad weather! Had a look round my local Triumph dealership yesterday afternoon (Hughenden M40, can anyone recommend them?) and I'm really taken by the Bonneville T100. It's so tempting, especially with the 0% finance that's currently on offer! Anyway, my 'all in' budget is going to be around £5000, so approx £4000 for the bike. I guess I need to switch to a different section to find out what £4000 will buy me?
Hi and welcome to the forum. Only started biking at the young age of 55 and took my DAS in May this year. Bought an 04 T100 and love it to bits. Easy first bike, sensible seat height and more than enough grunt to start with. The Bonnie is a joy to ride on twisty B roads, no problem in town traffic or with filtering and is fine on motorways. Best of both worlds - classic looks but with modern working bits. Good luck with the test - must admit I found it a bit daunting but then I'm not used to being tested at my age! Cheers Steve
Hi Bill, We have some things in common, both live in Bucks, both back to biking after 30 years. I only hope your riding is better than mine, I'm really shocked at just how rusty I am to be honest. Good luck. Des
Hi Bill I can recommend Hughenden both George and Rob are great and will look after you.I've had 3 bikes off them and my wife bought her's there as well. I'm just down the road from you and use the B4011 quite a lot.