Hello Forum - Seeking Advice

[fishheadjohn]

First off - thanks for having me to your Forum. I find these types of online communities to be a huge source of support and information. I belong to a few (unrelated topics) of them.

Although I'm in my 50's, I'm a relatively new rider. I'm on my second bike - a 1979 Yamaha XS650. Prior to that I had a 1981 Honda CM400T.
I realize now that I don't have the ability or ambition to really effectively maintain one of these old bikes.
I love the look of the Triumphs and am presently considering the purchase of one.
At present, I am looking at the Bonneville or the T100 models (865/900cc)
A good friend and experienced rider is cautioning me from going this way in choice of bike as he feels these bikes just aren't very ergonomic.
Most of my miles are as use as a small city commuter - but I would like the ability to take the bike out for 1-2 hr highway rides (group rides and such).
Just a couple of questions:
1. Are these bikes fairly uncomfortable to ride any distance (I'm 5'9" and 205lbs)
2. In these 'entry level' bikes (T100/Bonneville/etc) are there definitive better choices as far as reliability, performance, etc.? T120? I'm looking at finding something around the 2015 vintage (fuel injected) and hoping to spend around $6000CAN
3. If youre evaluating one of these bikes for purchase, apart from an owner's maintenance log - what are the 'big' things you'd examine in determining the bike's fitness? Are there some 'big' ones that I guy should definitely check out?

I appreciate any information you all might offer.
Thank-you and regards,
John S
Saskatoon, SK CANADA

 

[Rocky]

Hello and welcome to TT from the east coast

You and I are almost the exact same size and the T100 is a perfect fit for me and not uncomfortable at all. I can put both feet on the ground and I've been on many long all-day rides with no discomfort at all.
I've owned my 2006 T100 since new and it's great bike to ride any distance so I'm probably a bit biased.
The engines in this series of bikes are very stout and you rarely hear about any engine problems. Feed them lots of fresh oil and filters as scheduled and the engine will love you for it.
Others may have a comment, but I can't think of any "big things" you need to watch for. These bikes don't have any particular weaknesses and are well engineered.
At your age (I'm 83) I'm sure you're not looking to tear up the roads like a teenager so I think this series of bikes will fit you fine.
Sit on some and get a feel for the fit. Good luck.

 

[Greyfell]

Ergonomics are completely dependent on you. While getting good advice is always a good decision, it is still you, not him, that will be riding the bike, and your experience of how it fits you. Sit on the bike(s), and take them out for short rides, where possible. That is really the only way you will know if you'll be able to handle a 150-200KM ride.

 

[Qship]

Welcome to TT from another Eastern Canuck as well.
Like Rocky said the older generation Bonnevilles are pretty rock solid reliable(also provided the previous owner(s) looked after it decently. Maintain the oil(very important in an air cooled engine) and the drive chain and you should be in for lots of trouble free miles along with maintaining the fuel system and other parts that's not that difficult.
As for comfort, that is entirely up to you. Depends on your size, seat height, handle bar rise and reach and foot peg location. It will be different from the older cruiser style you were used to, but one can usually control the bike better with the Bonnie's riding position.
Like Greyfell stated only YOU can decide what's right for you.

 

[keystiger]

Welcome to TT from another Eastern Canuck as well.
Like Rocky said the older generation Bonnevilles are pretty rock solid reliable(also provided the previous owner(s) looked after it decently. Maintain the oil(very important in an air cooled engine) and the drive chain and you should be in for lots of trouble free miles along with maintaining the fuel system and other parts that's not that difficult.
As for comfort, that is entirely up to you. Depends on your size, seat height, handle bar rise and reach and foot peg location. It will be different from the older cruiser style you were used to, but one can usually control the bike better with the Bonnie's riding position.
Like Greyfell stated only YOU can decide what's right for you.

I third this motion and it should PASS get the BONNIE

welcome--- Im not "right" (Im from FLORIDA-- you know where everyones INSANE) -- but the information above is sound -- the Bonnie is a KILLER bike............(unless....guys -- I HAVE TO)

-----if you can handle a used bike----- the 900 cc Triumph TRIPLE CYLINDER THUNDERBIRDS are (low buy in $$$ wise) dead on reliable and -------- its a BLOODY DAMN TRIPLE MATE!

also please reference ---- IM INSANE -- at the beginning of the post.........any long standing member will vouches for this fact

but no really old T-birds are da "chit" man

 

[ericthut]

Fishhead you could be my (skinnier) twin. In my 50's as well and while I started riding in college (roommate's Ninja) I have only owned two bikes one in grad school and one a few years ago. Both were 1978 Kawasaki 650Z. I spent more time fixing then riding the first one and the second recent one need more work than wanted to do.

I bought a new 2019 Bonnie T100 at the end of 2019. It was the most extravagant thing I have ever bought myself and haven't regretted it once. I like the upright ride and while I sit taller than my old Kaw650s it is still a relaxed ride. I will say that the first thing I bought was the comfort seat because the stock one hurt my ass after only 50 miles or so. But I am also a fat man.

But I will echo everyone else here, f you have a dealer close go for a test ride, While I have ridden more comfortable rides, this one, for me was the perfect mix of comfort and fun. Also, it looks awesome. I will admit I love making other middle-aged dudes jealous when I ride up.

 

[hemibee]

also please reference ---- IM INSANE -- at the beginning of the post.........any long standing member will vouches for this fact

but no really old T-birds are da "chit" man

I have to admit, he's correct. . . All them Tiger riders are insane, but we, I mean they do know a thing or two. The 900cc Thunderbirds are sweet with that Triple but Keystiger and I might be a bit biased toward the Triple but you can't go wrong with the Bonneville either. But this is just my opinion and only you can decide which is best for you.

Welcome to TT from Southeast Texas.

 

[fishheadjohn]

I picked-up the 2015 Bonneyville I had been sizing-up on Good Friday. Got a pretty good number of miles in over the weekend.
I really love the bike. Seems to fit me well. It still has the nimble-ness of a smaller bike - which I appreciate - yet was very stable in some high crosswinds I experienced.
It was a bold step into the 21st C for me. My old bike is a 1979 Yamaha xs650.
A whole lotta developments have apparently occurred in the last 40 years.
Thanks to all for the advice provided.
-John S

 

[Moram700]

I have owned a 2009 T100. It was the first year for fuel injection. I loved that bike. I am 5'10" and 220. Never uncomfortable. I could ride the bike for hours. Very nimble and fun. Very reliable. The only issue I had was when the battery started to get weak. You couldn't really tell it was weak until I installed a new one. The electrical system is touchy. Other than that absolutely no issues. It had 33000 miles on her. I would highly recommend the bike!

 

[acton mike]

I have a 2016 T100 bought new from a triumph dealer. Have put on 33,000km/19,800 miles on it. No problems with it whatsoever.
The thing is as reliable as a hammer. It is a good solid reliable bike..
Many might look down on it saying the engine is too small (as compared to T120), only has a 5-spd gear box, only a single disc up front, no cruise control, no throttle by wire, no ABS.
However, it cruises most happily at 80-to 90 Kmh (who the hell wants to ride at breakneck speed on the freeway/expressway/controlled access highways anyway; the scenery and smells are much nicer on the secondary roads and highways), gets good fuel mileage and will get up and scoot on those occasions when acceleration and speed are needed.
I found the riding position mad my knees hurt ( I am 5'10") but I cobbled up brackets for some highway pegs which allow meet to periodically stretch my legs out and that made a big difference.
Go ahead and buy the T100. You won't be disappointed

 

[Rocky]

I have a 2016 T100 bought new from a triumph dealer. Have put on 33,000km/19,800 miles on it. No problems with it whatsoever.
The thing is as reliable as a hammer. It is a good solid reliable bike..
Many might look down on it saying the engine is too small (as compared to T120), only has a 5-spd gear box, only a single disc up front, no cruise control, no throttle by wire, no ABS.
However, it cruises most happily at 80-to 90 Kmh (who the hell wants to ride at breakneck speed on the freeway/expressway/controlled access highways anyway; the scenery and smells are much nicer on the secondary roads and highways), gets good fuel mileage and will get up and scoot on those occasions when acceleration and speed are needed.
I found the riding position mad my knees hurt ( I am 5'10") but I cobbled up brackets for some highway pegs which allow meet to periodically stretch my legs out and that made a big difference.
Go ahead and buy the T100. You won't be disappointed

Good post. You summed up my thoughts very well....so well in fact it sounds like me talking