Hello, From The Sf Bay Area

[Greyfell]

I am essentially a new rider. I rode for fun 30 years ago, on a friend's enduro (now known as a dual-sport), but nothing in the interim. I am looking to buy a used Triumph cruiser (I like the upright position with my feet under me), in the 600-750cc range, in the next couple of months, and I am in the looking and learning phase. I will also be taking a motorcycle class at about the same time.

Two admittedly subjective, related questions:
1) Are there any models and/or years I should avoid?
2) Are there any models and years I should jump at, if they are in good condition and come close to my price range?

Thanks!

 

[DaveM]

Hello and welcome to the forum, Triumph's are very reliable throughout the range so all you need to do is find one that you really like. As far as the engine capacity goes they mostly start from the 900cc mark.

 

[Greyfell]

Hello and welcome to the forum, Triumph's are very reliable throughout the range so all you need to do is find one that you really like. As far as the engine capacity goes they mostly start from the 900cc mark.

I was looking through all of the brochures you had posted in November, and if I were looking at new bikes I'd be looking at the Scrambler or the Street Twin. I am happy to know that Triumph rarely had a "lemon" model or year. That makes my decision not to buy Japanese much more satisfying.

 

[DaveM]

Well both those bike are really nice and would be ideal for a new rider to start off with. If you really enjoyed what the enduro did for you then look towards the Tiger XC as that is also an awesome ride

 

[Baldeagle]

Hi and a big welcome from France,interesting times for you.Hope you get the bike of your dreams,as long as it's a Triumph

 

[Rocky]

Hello and welcome to TT
It sounds to me that what you're looking for is a "standard" model rather than a cruiser.
"cruiser" to me means a feet-forward riding position whereas a "standard" like a Scrambler has your feet under you.
I think any of the Bonneville models and spin-off models will suit you fine.
I don't think there aren't any that you should avoid. Triumph has a pretty good reputation for longevity. The engines are very well made and tough.
They're all fuel injected now and run extremely well so it's really a matter if picking one that you like, feels right and fits you well in the saddle.
Try to get one of the latest models that you can afford and you should be happy for many years.

 

[Greyfell]

As I have been reading through the forum I've seen 3 nicknames for some bikes. May I please get an explanation for "girlie," "steamer," and "fuelie?"

 

[Rocky]

As I have been reading through the forum I've seen 3 nicknames for some bikes. May I please get an explanation for "girlie," "steamer," and "fuelie?"

it beats me. I have no idea.
It's just the way some people talk I guess

 

[shanered6]

Hi there and welcome to TT .....glad to see you coming back to bikes and triumph i agree with Dave if you enjoyed endure bikes then i would look at the tiger 800 xc or the road version , there good bikes and are probably the lightest in triumphs range so good if youve not riden for a long time ....... GIRLIE 955i tiger , STEAMER the first of the hinkely tigers and FUELIE well i have no idea ether !!!

 

[Greyfell]

Hi there and welcome to TT .....glad to see you coming back to bikes and triumph i agree with Dave if you enjoyed endure bikes then i would look at the tiger 800 xc or the road version , there good bikes and are probably the lightest in triumphs range so good if youve not riden for a long time ....... GIRLIE 955i tiger , STEAMER the first of the hinkely tigers and FUELIE well i have no idea ether !!!

I suspect "fuelie" refers to the fuel injected bikes vs. carbureted, but I'm a newbie so I wanted to make sure.

 

[hemibee]

Welcome to TT from Southeast Texas.

I have no idea about the "fuelie" but as you, I suspect it is fuel injection versus carbureted.

"Steamer" as Shane said was the original new Tiger. They were referred to as "Steamers" for several reasons but the most popular reason was that they were like locomotives, just kept chugging along. They are great bikes if you can find one in good condition. Most of them have been rode hard and put away wet numerous times. Good, no make that great ones are still out there.

"Girlies" are pure Hinkely SEX. The name comes from two items, the eyelashes over the lights on the early models and the shape of the tank. When looked at from the right angle, the tank looks like a portion of the female anatomy. They are awesome bikes that love to be ridden.

 

[keystiger]

Welcome......YOu are on the Right Track with the Tigers took me decades to get "the puurfect" bike lol

 

[Greyfell]

Hello and welcome to the forum, Triumph's are very reliable throughout the range so all you need to do is find one that you really like. As far as the engine capacity goes they mostly start from the 900cc mark.

Dave, do you apply the reliability comment above to the '60's and '70's bikes, also? A coworker mentioned he'd had a '70's Triumph when he was working in Europe but sold it for a BMW because he felt it had too much vibration at Autobahn speeds (not that that would be doable here in California).

 

[DaveM]

Dave, do you apply the reliability comment above to the '60's and '70's bikes, also? A coworker mentioned he'd had a '70's Triumph when he was working in Europe but sold it for a BMW because he felt it had too much vibration at Autobahn speeds (not that that would be doable here in California).

The older Triumph from that time were just as he explained them to be and I had one in the 70's, it was still a great bike at the time but the modern ones are far superior in every way. I would still love to get hold of one of those old classics as I really enjoyed my one at the time.

 

[Greyfell]

The older Triumph from that time were just as he explained them to be and I had one in the 70's, it was still a great bike at the time but the modern ones are far superior in every way. I would still love to get hold of one of those old classics as I really enjoyed my one at the time.

Thank you for that info.

 

[Rocky]

I agree with what Dave said. The old Triumphs were pretty good in their day, but they did vibrate, usually leaked oil and often weren't that reliable.
The new ones coming out of Hinckley are far superior in every way so they can't be compared even slightly. There simply is no comparison.

I own a 1970 model which has been restored to better than new and is 100% reliable, but I only use it as a Sunday driver and fun bike for local riding.
For serious all day riding or going somewhere at highway speeds I always ride a modern bike from my modest stable - especially the Bonneville.
The new models are seamless. Just check the tire pressures and oil level, jump on and go anywhere without a second thought.

 

[shanered6]

i agree ! thats why the scotoiler was invented the old bikes oiled there own chains were as the new ones dry them out

 

[Greyfell]

Does anybody on this forum have a 2012 "Steve McQueen" edition bike? I'd like to see photos, other than the one I saw on Wikipedia.

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

andto the forum from across the pond.
You've thought about the new Street Twin, but have you thought about the Street Twin in the Scrambler option.

I sat on this bike a few months ago and couldn't believe how light it was, the engine by all accounts is a peach as well. I've had my Thunderbird for 21 years now and it's the best bike I've ever had. I doubt that you'll be disappointed with the new Tigers as well, my mates just bought one and he loves it.
Whatever you decide, enjoy it.

 

[keystiger]

Tiger 1050 Sport
Everything I love about the Green Goddess.....WITH a single sided swing arm...........yum