I miss riding, Whaddya think of this?

[solo1]

Since my knees can wait for replacement, I have been looking for something that i can handle. Buying a new bike at 82 years old doesn't make a helluva lot of sense but what the hay.  I started with a Limey bike and I think that I'll stop with one.

Here's the criteria:
Not over 500 pounds wet.
Suitable for shorter rides, not taking any long trips
Attract looks and comment (like the Valk)
Nostalgia but NOT HD (that's been done)
Quality and reliability.

Here's a pic of the bike I've settled on, a new 2010 T100 Triumph Bonneyville with black and white paint, gaiters, tank knee pads, and up to date reliability (NO Lucas,  ).

I wanted to go retro, that's why the spoked wheels (yep, I know, tube tires).
No, it won't take on any comers at 865cc displacement and 66 hp,  50 pf torque but that's not what I'm after. No double wall exhaust either so pipe discoloration will happen but look at those 'peashooters'  Gotta buy a pudding hat and goggles.

Whaddya think ?

[Dave Ritsema]

    I like iT! Go for it Wayne! 

[PAVALKER]

I'm willing to bet you could find an older, gently used nostalgic Honda for a very reasonable price.  Then you could have the Honda reliability you became accustomed to over the years. 


But whatever you choose I hope you enjoy it.......

[ChromeDome]

No Lucas .... buy that sucker! Looks great! 

[Jack B]

I like it. Looks like it would be a fun ride.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Since my knees can wait for replacement, I have been looking for something that i can handle. Buying a new bike at 82 years old doesn't make a helluva lot of sense but what the hay.  I started with a Limey bike and I think that I'll stop with one.

Here's the criteria:
Not over 500 pounds wet.
Suitable for shorter rides, not taking any long trips
Attract looks and comment (like the Valk)
Nostalgia but NOT HD (that's been done)
Quality and reliability.

Here's a pic of the bike I've settled on, a new 2010 T100 Triumph Bonneyville with black and white paint, gaiters, tank knee pads, and up to date reliability (NO Lucas,  ).

I wanted to go retro, that's why the spoked wheels (yep, I know, tube tires).
No, it won't take on any comers at 865cc displacement and 66 hp,  50 pf torque but that's not what I'm after. No double wall exhaust either so pipe discoloration will happen but look at those 'peashooters'  Gotta buy a pudding hat and goggles.

Whaddya think ?

I don't know, pretty poor reproduction bike. It's missing the kick starter.   

Raymond

[solo1]

Yeah Raymond, I would miss that as much as Lucas electrics, especially with my right knee not that good

[Valker]

I have some friends with Triumphs. Not one of them has had a reliability issue crop up. YMMV

[R J]

Hey old timer, dat looks like a good ride and also when ya move, you can park it in the living room at night.     

[Karen]

Looks Great,  Wayne! It's not about what you ride, follow your heart. At your age, I think you have a pretty good handle on what you can & can't do. Looking forward to a picture of you on the bike!

[9Ball]

make sure you have a good Triumph dealer close by.  They are few and far between.

Their repair parts availability is not very good (actually. it's terrible) and with all the problems I have had with my Rocket 3 and poor Triumph service after the sale I would say "buyer beware."

As soon as I can get my 07 so that it will stay in gear (engine had to be removed and split) it is going on the auction block.  They replaced a bunch of internal parts (20 labor hours) and the problem is still there.  Triumph is not willing to go any further to fix this manufacturer's defect and is leaving me high and dry with a bike with only 2100 miles on it since new.  Yes, the bike only has 2100 miles and has had the required 600 mile dealer service.

I expect to take a bath financially.

Good luck....I haven't had any.

[solo1]

Thanks for your input.
 
I just did a fast check on Google and the Rocket III problems by owners far outnumbers the problems of Bonney owners. The Rocket is a new big bike with lots of HP. engine cutting out and noisy,etc. The Bonney, with its twin engine with conservative hp, has been made for some time.

As far as dealers are concerned, I'll check that out too.  As you know, that's much harder to pin down.  You're right, triumph dealers are not plentiful.  I always check out dealers where I can.  This particular dealer has an A+ rating with the BBB and has had one complaint in the last three years which was resolved.  When it comes to spending money, I try to be very particular.



Anyone else that knows about big problems with Bonneys, let me know.  Thx

wayne

[Momz]

Those new Bonnevilles are as close as you can get to the perfect everyday/everymans motorcycle. They are lightweight, handle superbly, and are built quite well.

My nephew just purchaced a 675 Daytona and yes there were some issues, but the dealer did all the repairs correctly and in a timely manner.

I'd start to build a repore with the service manager and the shop owner before commiting to a Triumph. Honda dealers are everywhere, so if one sucks, you can just go somewhere else,...not so with Triumph.

Ride safe and tell us more of your relationship with your new bike.

[solo1]

Those new Bonnevilles are as close as you can get to the perfect everyday/everymans motorcycle. They are lightweight, handle superbly, and are built quite well.

My nephew just purchaced a 675 Daytona and yes there were some issues, but the dealer did all the repairs correctly and in a timely manner.

I'd start to build a repore with the service manager and the shop owner before commiting to a Triumph. Honda dealers are everywhere, so if one sucks, you can just go somewhere else,...not so with Triumph.

Ride safe and tell us more of your relationship with your new bike.
[/quote

You read my mind.  I'm going over to the dealer and do just that tomorrow. Take one last look, ask some last questions, and ,if i like the answers, I'll put down a deposit and pick it up later.

[flamingobabe #44]

GOOD for you Wayne....

[Big IV]

Feel like the Fonz and ride-on!
Those new Triumphs are great.

[flatsixlover]

Sharp looking, classic bike    I say go for it, I hope I'm in the market for a new bike at your age!
Ride On! 

[sugerbear]

all i can say is, they have gotten very good reviews in about every mag i've read.

have fun

[houstone]

I almost walked past one of those the other day, but stopped short and admired it for quite a while.  A buddy of mine had one in '78, and it was AWESOME!  It was fun to ride behind him at night and see the sparks fly from his pegs on the sweepers out to Canyon Lake. 
Fine lookin', updated machine there, Solo!  Good luck!

[Normandog]

I like the Bonnevilles Wayne. Good looking bike. Looks like it'd be fun to ride. I hope you enjoy it. That is if you get one.

[Chattanooga Mark]

Or a used 650 Burgman Executive, abs and all for less money.

Mark

[solo1]

I have reluctantly decided to not buy.    The physical ability is there, the mental ability is there, but there are things that just aren't falling into place.

Too many uncertainty's ahead for me right now.

Damn! I'm gonna miss it.

Officially I am now a non rider.  82 years, 4 months.

Next year, maybe I can change my status.

Wayne, Solo1

[Jabba]

Well, crap Wayne.

You gotta do what's right for you man.

We all still love you!

Jabba

[highcountry]

A '67 Bonnie was my first real bike.  I think a modern Triumph would be a great choice.