'78 Bonneville 750 for new rider?

[TrailBlazer]

Hi guys,

Obviously considering my post count you can tell that Im new here so go easy on me..


So for a little while now I've been itching to get a bike and since the weather is starting to warm up, my itch has gotten worse. I've always been fond of Triumph's based on looks so thats where I started my search. I eventually came across a 1978 Triumph Bonneville 750 and I have a few questions about the bike. Keep in mind that I have never owned a bike before except for dirtbikes.


- As an inexperienced rider, is this bike too much "go" for me? Should I be looking at a bike with less cc?

- Because this bike is over 30 years old, is it going to continually break down on me? If so, is it going to be impossible to find parts?

- Is this bike more of a "collector" and not meant to be ridden every day?

- Is this bike too heavy for me (440lbs)? Im only 19 years old and 6'3 170lbs.

- Is this a good price range for the bike? Here is the add: http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/mcy/3825756893.html


Thank you so much for any information provided!

 

[The Seeker]

This actually belongs in the classics section....lol.

I don't think this is too much bike for you at all..... either in power (cc) or weight.

Looking at the ad, I'd say that it looks well maintained and ready to ride. The price is actually right in the ballpark. Of course ask lots of questions and be sure everything works. Electrics is probably the most common faults with these older bikes. Oil leakage is the other. Be SURE it doesn't have a cracked frame where the swingarm attaches to the large round backbone piece....that IS the oil tank (oil in frame).

It should start with 1 or 2 kicks reliably. Ask if the compression is still high.

The lighting (headlamp) on older bikes isn't as good as modern bikes....ask if he's done anything to improve it.

The electronic ignition requires a strong battery so ask how old it is.

These bikes feel light as a feather to ride and handle GREAT. As long as it feels solid and the brakes work well...you got a good bike there.

The owner looks like he knew what he was doing and it's nice he's got the manuals, etc. I wonder if the tool roll is still under the saddle?

 

[hendo01]

nice old bike you be kind to it my friend and it will last a long time

 

[The Seeker]

I forgot to mention.....parts are easily available.

Posted with TapaTalk

 

[keystiger]

Welcome!

Great questions and many good answers so far. I will ad my .02 cents for what its worth.

#1. For your size, weight and age. NO that is not Too much bike.
#2. For your age, that bike is gonna get ya lots of the RIGHT kinda girls
#3. DO NOT buy a bike just to get girls.
#4. Seriously, it looks like a fine machine, but another plus is you can actually work on it WITHOUT 1,000's of dollars of high tech computer equipment and tools. At 54 HP(when new, you are right in line with todays entry level bikes. You are looking at a great solid machine, with TONS of built in cool factor.
Truly wish i could have started on a 78 Bonnie, however in 79 when I started riding......I couldn't afford one.

Good On ya Trailblazer, I think you have got a hell of a good idea and a great 1st. bike. I see so many 16-20 year olds starting on 130-150hp crotch rockets.......and failing badly.
Seriously. Your thinking is spot on. You want to learn the "basics" start with a true basic bike. Best of luck to you. Post pics when you get her.

 

[Sea Dog]

That is a really nice looking bike. Grab it ! You will fall in love.

 

[DaveM]

It look very nice

 

[Rocky]

You have been given good advice here.
At first the bike may seem big and heavy to you, but once you get used to it that will disappear with experience and confidence. You're young and strong so you won't have any problems handling the bike. Just use common sense as you're learning and you will have a wonderful time! If you have little or no riding experience, I recommend taking a motorcycle riding and safety course.
You're also a tall man so you won't have any problems putting your two feet on the ground and balancing the bike. Shorter people often become afraid and lose confidence if the bike is a bit tall for them and sometimes they never become one with the bike.
For a young man, I applaud you for being interested in a vintage machine. They certainly are a lot of fun.
But they aren't Japanese crotch rockets and should be ridden within their 30 year-old limits. If you thrash it half to death you only create mechanical problems for yourself.
The bike you have your eye on is a good one. Go for it I say
If you have any problems, we're here to help if we can.

 

[TrailBlazer]

! Thanks so much for the responses guys! You've answered all my questions and then some. I'll be sure to let you guys know whether I end up getting the bike or not.

 

[hemibee]

Good advice has already been given and I can't add much to it other than to say its your right wrist that will cause problems for you and the bike. As long as you control that right wrist you will do fine with the bike. Don't do anything stupid and the bike will be your pride and joy for many miles down the road.

Oh and welcome to TT and Triumphs from Southeast Texas.


Sent from somewhere using Tapatalk

 

[keystiger]

Yes keep us in the loop Trailblazer, no matter what ya buy. But as you see we are all hoping it will be the Triumph

 

[CarlS]

Trailblazer, the advice you have been given is spot on. Keep us osted on what you decide.

I will add that these older Triumphs are maintenance intensive compare to modern modern bikes. For those of us who grew up riding these bikes it is no big deal; we know what to expect. I put many miles on a 1966 Trophy that I bought new. I thought nothing of riding it from Florida all the way across Texas and back or riding it to North Carolina and back. I have a 1968 Trophy now and it is my baby. That said, I like the reliability and low maintenance of my 2003 Bonneville and my 2012 Tiger 800XC.

I think you can easily handle the 78 and you will really enjoy it. If you are looking for a daily rider and if you are not really familiar with bikes, you might consider a modern Bonneville or Bonneville T100. I am gald that I a am fortunate enough to have both.

 

[Bonnie79D]

Hi and welcome from Australia. I have a 79 bonnie and absolutely love it.

 

[keystiger]

It really depends on what you wanna do Trailblazer. Your young and the world is your oyster (been waiting to use that one)
I think Carl is right the newer bikes take way less maintenance. But most all of us "old salts" to biking started on bikes that had
drum brakes
carbs (no computer fuel injection)
and so on and so on
And learning to fix those old bikes and keep them running (like the time I fixed a brake cable with a bass guitar string gave us the knowledge and confidence to work on the bikes we own now.
I know many folks who came late to biking. And the only thing they can do to fix their bikes is call the mechanic (or me) and schedule a repair.

That said, I guess its up to you where to set your learning curve in the world of motorcycling. Good luck with your new journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 33 years on 2 wheels and hope to enjoy the next (Lord willing) 30 or more to come.

 

[golfingirl]

Welcome Trailblazer!

That bike sure looks sweet. Seems like a fair price... especially for the Vancouver market.

I'm new to riding too and at 5'5"/150lb/female, my 450 lb '06 Bonnie at first seemed heavy and I had a hard time moving it around but now that I'm more skilled and confident, my bike seems smaller and lighter than ever. Glad I got the bike I really wanted. Like everyone else has reinforced here, the older bikes are definitely more maintenance and drum brakes are a huge concern for me, but if you can deal with that, you'll have the time of your life riding. Oh ya, take the MSF course. It'll help you safe out there.

Cheers!

 

[TrailBlazer]

Hey guys thanks so much for the responses. Really appreciate it!

Unfortunately the bike sold But my heart is now set on a 70's bonneville and I have found another that is in my area and seems really nice! Hopefully this one doesnt slip through the cracks like the last one!

 

[CarlS]

Let us know what you get.