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SarahP

SarahP

Member
Supporting Member
Forum experts,

After the untimely demise of my beloved 2013 purple Barney, I am now in the market for new wheels. I have some insurance money coming in, but will have to put some in out of pocket.

After my accident, where my Hit-Air air vest kept me from breaking several bones, I've decided that ABS should be added to my arsenal of safety gear. It's now pretty much a must-have for any set of wheels for me. However, I'm still torn on whether perhaps I should just get a used 2013 off Craigslist or go with new bikes. Here's the breakdown:

2013 Purple Bonnies from Craigslist: there are several available, such as these two: one 4 hours away and one 9 hours away. Both bikes look to be in good shape; the highest mileage is about 3200. I can trailer it back home. The upside is the cost is equal to or less than the insurance money, so I should have some left-over dough to farkle it up the way I want. The downside is no ABS. And that's a pretty big negative.

2017 Street Twin: Beautiful bike, great reviews, has ABS. Will have to eat Ramen for awhile to cover the cost differential between the insurance check and the price tag. A downside is there's no purple model, LOL. Yeah, I'm actually that petty...but the cranberry model is damned nice.

2017 Scrambler: Another great bike with ABS. A tad more expensive than the Twin, but that could be offset somewhat by selling my beater dual-sports bike that I keep for when I need to ride in the dirt. A Scrambler should fill that role, right? For light dirt/gravel riding? I'm also worried about the height of the exhaust pipes on the Scrambler --- is it even possible to have saddlebags on that bike, or no?

Please let me know about what I may be overlooking. I have a thick skin, and I'll be the first to admit I'm probably not thinking straight about the bike purchase right now!

TIA!!
 
Barney was written off? What a shame!
The victim always gets the short end of the stick FACE and is almost always out of pocket for a replacement.

I think the Scramblers tend to be a bit higher so you need to sit on one and see how it fits.
The exhaust design limits luggage fitment and Triumph Scramblers are quite heavy for dirt riding, but a good dirt rider with some muscle can get along fairly well.
Scramblers are cool, but not as versatile as a standard road model - but that's just my own conclusion.

It's a decision only you can make, but of the three, if you're set on ABS, the Street Twin may be your best bet.
 
Dagnabit, I accidentally deleted the dissertation I had written to assist you with your search. So here's the Cliff notes. . . The Bobber is now available. Sorry I couldn't resist the urge.

I use CycleTrader when I start a search for a new, or new to me bike. I like to see what the dealers have available along with private sellers. I've also had better luck in finding what I'm looking for on CycleTrader. I still look at Craigslist but haven't had much luck. My above mentioned dissertation was lost because I had thought I would see what's on CycleTrader before I actually posted saying take a look there.


Dealers will have hold overs that you can get good prices on. Look to see if any within your willingness to drive distance have "old" new bikes that meet your needs. I saw several 2016's and if I looked hard enough I might find a few older. I guess what I'm saying is don't limit yourself in your search.

I've only laid eyes on a couple or three new Street Twins, nice bikes.

Yes, you can put saddle bags on a Scrambler. You will need to protect the bag on the right side or install some sort of stand-off bracket. Or go with some hard bags. Others have run with just a left bag.

I can provide additional thoughts if you like but I think I've mudded up your questions/comments enough for now.

Enjoy your search. I know it isn't a search you wanted to be making but make the most of it and enjoy.
 
So sorry to read about the outcome of Barney, it's just not fair. My choice would be the Street Twin, 2 reasons really, ABS and Tubeless tires, you can fix these at the side of the road with the right kit, and if you do get a puncture 9 times out of 10 the deflation is not instant like happens with inner tubes. The Street twin has very good reviews over this side of the pond, and my mate has a silver one, and he loves it, he sold a 1050 Sprint to get it. You'd have no problem getting luggage for it as well. Take your time and don't rush into anything. You'll make the right decision of that there's no doubt.
 
Will the insurance company allow you to take off the "extras" you put on Barney to put on your new bike(if they fit and weren't damaged in the accident)?
That may determine if you go for 'Barney 2'.
If ABS is so important, then I think your decision is already made: Street Twin or new T100/120 or Scrambler. Just pick the colour you like.
Good luck in whatever you choose and get out and have fun riding.
 
SarahP said:
Forum experts,

After the untimely demise of my beloved 2013 purple Barney, I am now in the market for new wheels. I have some insurance money coming in, but will have to put some in out of pocket.

After my accident, where my Hit-Air air vest kept me from breaking several bones, I've decided that ABS should be added to my arsenal of safety gear. It's now pretty much a must-have for any set of wheels for me. However, I'm still torn on whether perhaps I should just get a used 2013 off Craigslist or go with new bikes. Here's the breakdown:

2013 Purple Bonnies from Craigslist: there are several available, such as these two: one 4 hours away and one 9 hours away. Both bikes look to be in good shape; the highest mileage is about 3200. I can trailer it back home. The upside is the cost is equal to or less than the insurance money, so I should have some left-over dough to farkle it up the way I want. The downside is no ABS. And that's a pretty big negative.

2017 Street Twin: Beautiful bike, great reviews, has ABS. Will have to eat Ramen for awhile to cover the cost differential between the insurance check and the price tag. A downside is there's no purple model, LOL. Yeah, I'm actually that petty...but the cranberry model is damned nice.

2017 Scrambler: Another great bike with ABS. A tad more expensive than the Twin, but that could be offset somewhat by selling my beater dual-sports bike that I keep for when I need to ride in the dirt. A Scrambler should fill that role, right? For light dirt/gravel riding? I'm also worried about the height of the exhaust pipes on the Scrambler --- is it even possible to have saddlebags on that bike, or no?

Please let me know about what I may be overlooking. I have a thick skin, and I'll be the first to admit I'm probably not thinking straight about the bike purchase right now!

TIA!!
Click to expand...
Sarah, having owned a 2008 T100/2020 America and now a 2016 T120 - if you can handle a little extra weight (9but no seat height increase) I'd go for the T120. accessories and better food can come later!
 
Rocky said:
Barney was written off? What a shame!
The victim always gets the short end of the stick FACE and is almost always out of pocket for a replacement.

I think the Scramblers tend to be a bit higher so you need to sit on one and see how it fits.
The exhaust design limits luggage fitment and Triumph Scramblers are quite heavy for dirt riding, but a good dirt rider with some muscle can get along fairly well.
Scramblers are cool, but not as versatile as a standard road model - but that's just my own conclusion.

It's a decision only you can make, but of the three, if you're set on ABS, the Street Twin may be your best bet.
Click to expand...
************************************************************************************************
Rocky,

The victim always gets the short end of the stick
I have to say, the insurance company so far has been outstanding. (It's Progressive through USAA, for US riders. Don't think they're anywhere outside the US yet)

Their valuation of Barney has been more than fair, and included my mods. My riding apparel is a separate check. What I was most worried about was the Air Vest. The adjuster said no way they wouldn't cover it, it's safety gear. Same thing with my helmet. Absolutely no pushback at all.

Still, going from a 2013 to a newer model is probably always going to be more expensive than planned. Ackkk.

The exhaust design limits luggage fitment

Uh-oh, I like BOTH my saddlebags and have them loaded with tools and safety stuff.

Triumph Scramblers are quite heavy for dirt riding, but a good dirt rider with some muscle can get along fairly well.

Uh-oh twice: I'm not a good dirt rider and I don't have a lot of muscle for it. Maybe I'd better stick with my little 270 lb/123kg Honda that I can sling around in the dirt. The 2016 Scrambler is about 507 lb/230 kg.

So that's a check in the Twin category, IMO. Thanks for the info, Rocky!
 
Hemi -
I use CycleTrader when I start a search for a new, or new to me bike.

Good idea to start on CycleTrader and check out both used and dealer/private prices. It's easy enough to search there, and hopefully there aren't as many wackos as there are on CL.
**********************************************************************
Slight thread drift here:
Here's an actual response to a CL ad I posted last year:

"Hi, I'd like to buy your 2006 Honda VTX 1300C that you've posted for $3500. My son is deploying to Afghanistan and i want this to be a surprise for him. My agent will forward a check to you for $5500 to cover any extra incidentals. If there are none, please return to me the overage of $2000 in a bank check. My agent will pick the bike up tomorrow by 1000. Please send me your banking info and address for the bike pick-up.

Heck, I thought I may as well throw in my DNA genome sequence, my right index finger whorl pattern, and my shoe size.
**********************************************************************
So, Hemi, did you get a Bobber?
 
MOT -

Tubeless tires, you can fix these at the side of the road with the right kit, and if you do get a puncture 9 times out of 10 the deflation is not instant like happens with inner tubes.

Oh, holy smokes, I had forgotten about the tires! YES to the tubeless! I have a tubed tire on that little dirt bike, and have been delaying trailering it to the repair shop for the hole in it. If it were tubeless, I could have patched it - I've done that before on a car and am fairly comfortable with patching a tire.

That tube/tubeless issue takes the Scrambler off the table for good now, no way.

THANKS, MOT, that was an important part f the decision that I had totally forgotten about.
 
DaveM,

Take a look at the Tiger XC that might fit all that you looking for in a bike.

The XC is a hot bike for sure, but I'd probably need a step stool to get on it, even with a lowered seat. And I'm still too new to feel comfortable tippy-toeing one side at a stop light.

And I think I've been imprinted on the lines of a Bonnie....

Thanks for the post!
 
Qship,
If ABS is so important, then I think your decision is already made: Street Twin or new T100/120 or Scrambler. Just pick the colour you like.

**************************************************************************************
Thanks, Qship, I took another look at the T120 after your post. I think the Street Twin is more in my price range and size. That T120 is a beautiful bike, though. I read a review that said it makes the new BMW R nine T feel clunky.

Thanks for your post!
 
Anakie said:
Sarah, having owned a 2008 T100/2020 America and now a 2016 T120 - if you can handle a little extra weight (9but no seat height increase) I'd go for the T120. accessories and better food can come later!
Click to expand...

Hey, Anakie,

That is a great-looking bike! But I don't have enough dough for it right now, so I think I'm headed for the Twin. LOL at your comment about accessories and food coming later!

Thanks for your thoughts --
 
I'm delighted to hear that you're getting a fair shake from the insurance company.

All good things on your checklist now TUP

When buying a bike you have to consider your physical size and strength.
If you can't put your feet down when you stop you will always be tentative, uncomfortable and it eats into your confidence.
Things like that should be second nature on pavement.
That's why one of the larger and heavier adventure-type bikes is probably not suitable for you.
I think the Bonneville range of bikes are cooler anyway :y52: Now I'm going to catch it BGRIN

You became pretty comfortable with Barney so adapting to a newer model of Barney should be a snap.

We're all anxious to see the new and improved "Barney."
 
All good things on your checklist now TUP

When buying a bike you have to consider your physical size and strength.
If you can't put your feet down when you stop you will always be tentative, uncomfortable and it eats into your confidence.
Things like that should be second nature on pavement.
That's why one of the larger and heavier adventure-type bikes is probably not suitable for you.
**********************************************************************
I've seen articles about how flatfooting or even one-footing just isn't that necessary. There are videos of a 5'2" rider on a 36" seat height bike. Heck, there are dwarfs who ride full size bikes and just hop on and off at stops. More power to these riders, they are skilled at this. If I don't have this issue, then that's one less item to worry about.

you will always be tentative, uncomfortable and it eats into your confidence.

100% spot on, Rocky! And when you're ill at ease on a bike, the ride isn't fun at all. That's how I feel on my VTX 1300C right now - very uncomfortable. I'd sure love to sell it.

(Uhh, any Triumph riders want a smooth-riding Honda cruiser in your stable? Cheeeeeeeeeap?? Anyone???????????)
 
Mad On Triumphs said:
I must admit you're taking this with a completely calm attitude, I'd be calling for the death penalty at least if this happend to me.
Click to expand...
**************************************************************************************
There's a lot going on behind the scenes, both related to a traffic court case and a civil case. So I'm not talking just yet about the specifics.

I've had several moments of wishing I could turn back time.

Hey, that could be a song title! LOL
 

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