Ann-margret - 1st Ride Report

[Greyfell]

Took Ann-margret, 2008 Bonneville T100, out for an unintentionally short ride yesterday. I passed my Motorcycle Training Class last week on a provided Yamaha 200cc dual-sport, and I wanted to get out on Ann-margret to review some things. Especially since Ann weighs almost double what the Yamaha weighed, even though Ann-margret is quite svelte. I must say the T100 is a MUCH NICER ride than the Yamaha. Things were going along very smoooooothly and I was having a great time, until I stopped to make sure the tire pressures were good. I have not had the bike on a battery tender since I bought her, so it really was not a surprise when I couldn't restart Ann after checking and filling the tires. AND, I found out quickly why people put 90-degree valve stems on spoked wheels! So, Ann-margret got a tow home. I will take care of my issues, and be back out riding very soon.

 

[DaveM]

Congratulations on passing the test and even with the small issue of starting I bet you still enjoyed the ride.

 

[Rocky]

Congrats on passing the test, and yes, those valve stems can be a PITA, but I'm surprised that the bike wouldn't start.
If it started after sitting for a while, and you rode it for a while, you would think that the battery would have taken some charge during the ride - unless you rode only a short distance and at low rpm's. Then perhaps that wasn't enough to boost the battery.
Very discouraging to have to get a tow home, but don't let that get you down. Look after the battery and I'm sure AM will also look after you.
It's all part of the learning curve

 

[Greyfell]

It's all part of the learning curve

Exactly. I didn't get bummed out, I just thought "another step in my education."

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

Glad you've passed your test, now it's all going to be good from now on

 

[Greyfell]

After last week, I purchased a charger and a little compressor for the battery and the tires. Yesterday, I got out and rode about 10-12 miles of varying roads, even a little freeway riding. Everything went well, but I noticed the battery was weak, again, when I got home. Time for a new battery.
Last week I learned a previous owner had changed the tires to Bridgestone Battlax's, and I was wondering how I got so fortunate, , because I had plans to change to Bridgestones when I got the chance.
I had purchased a center stand from Newbonneville.com, and I was going to install is yesterday, but after getting down on the ground and looking things over, I made the decision that job is best left to a mechanic with the proper tools.
I rode the bike to work this morning, and learned it doesn't pay to be in a hurry to get moving; the bike needs its warm-up time.

 

[Rocky]

Every time I see the name of your bike it's not the bike I think of

I've installed a few center stand's and it's not all that hard if you have the tools, and the inclination to do it, but if not, bite the bullet and have a pro do it.
You're only going to do it once.
I've been using Bridgestone tires for years and on many different bikes with complete satisfaction for the style of riding I do.
Like oil, tires can start a major discussion

If the battery is questionable then replace it. You will be glad you did and then you have a benchmark on longevity and how old it is.
I always advise buying a good name brand battery like Yuasa even though they can be pricey.
Some like the lithium ion batteries, but I stick with Yuasa and easily get 7-8 years out of them. Warmer climates usually get less. Constant heat is not the friend of batteries.
They hold up very well when the bike sits for a while and usually don't need a charger attached, but it certainly won't hurt to hook it up.
If you ride every day or several times a week you shouldn't need a charger. The bike will look after the battery.
As in all things, the choice is yours.
Good luck, have fun and ride safe.

 

[Greyfell]

I've installed a few center stand's and it's not all that hard if you have the tools, and the inclination to do it, but if not, bite the bullet and have a pro do it.
You're only going to do it once.

The mounting holes on the center stand were the same distance apart as the mounting holes I think I found on the frame. I would have thought they would be wider (to go outside the holes on the frame) or narrower (to go inside the holes on the frame). Since, the instructions made no mention of mounting the center stand offset, I thought it was better for the shop to do the mounting.

I suppose you're right about tire discussions going the same way as oil discussions. But I had already made my decision because I'd seen reports from multiple sources about the longevity of Bridgestone tires. In my opinion, Bridgestone also benefits from their successful experience in building motorcycles.

Rocky, you have the "proper" reaction to the name of my bike.

 

[triumph david]

Congrads on your test, battery's can be a problem some times, try keeping it on a batt .maintainer they help me out alot.

 

[Qship]

Rocky, you have the "proper" reaction to the name of my bike.

Yeah! It's not every day someone gets to ride a legend like Ann Margaret, er, I mean a Triumph Bonneville.