chadtx
Well-Known Member
After riding my 2009 KLR650 all over the place, on and off road, and around town commuting and such, I finally decided to sell it for my new T100. It wasn't an easy decision even though I wanted the Bonneville years ago--but couldn't justify the expense at the time. Plus, I had dreams of adventure tours to Alaska, etc. While I still dream of those trips, the reality is this time in my life has me mostly riding around my home town and neighboring states for weekend trips. I have a career and 2 young kids at home--so 10 day trips to Alaska aren't a real possibility. Maybe someday, and I'll do them on a Tiger 800XC.
Which leads me to finally pulling the trigger on the T100. It has been one of those bikes imprinted on my consciousness for years, ever since I began dreaming about owning a motorcycle. The looks and style of the Bonneville seem to have captured the archetype or Platonic image of what a motorcycle is supposed to look like. It helps to have the history of the Bonneville. Hey, if its good enough for Steve McQueen and Bob Dylan, its good enough for me.
In short, it is my dream motorcycle. A motorbike I have always wanted to own and do not plan on selling. I have to afford a bigger storage space for the collection of motorcycles I'd like to have, but I don't plan on letting the Bonneville go.
I struggled though with pulling the trigger to sell my KLR and splurge (on my budget) for the T100. Speaking with a trusted friend and motorcycle lover, I said that it is hard to justify giving up the KLR--"It can go anywhere and do anything...and do it cheaper." His response was classic: "Yes, you can go anywhere on your KLR, or you can go MOST anywhere in STYLE on the Bonneville."
That sold me...and my KLR.
No regrets, I have had the most fun in my life on a motorcycle this past few weeks. I love the sporty feel, the surprising punchiness in the engine, and the waves and whistles from fellow admirers. I almost have as much fun drinking a cold beer and admiring her or giving her a wash as I do riding her...almost.
I recently added the Alcantara gel seat, luggage rack, and quick release long haul windshield (well, I haven't added the windshield yet, I'm enjoying the naked look). There will be more upgrades to come--a gentler suspension, handlebar risers, skid plate, engine guards, etc. But nothing to drastic. Nothing to change the pure and simple beauty that is the Bonneville T100, a truly modern classic.
Which leads me to finally pulling the trigger on the T100. It has been one of those bikes imprinted on my consciousness for years, ever since I began dreaming about owning a motorcycle. The looks and style of the Bonneville seem to have captured the archetype or Platonic image of what a motorcycle is supposed to look like. It helps to have the history of the Bonneville. Hey, if its good enough for Steve McQueen and Bob Dylan, its good enough for me.
In short, it is my dream motorcycle. A motorbike I have always wanted to own and do not plan on selling. I have to afford a bigger storage space for the collection of motorcycles I'd like to have, but I don't plan on letting the Bonneville go.
I struggled though with pulling the trigger to sell my KLR and splurge (on my budget) for the T100. Speaking with a trusted friend and motorcycle lover, I said that it is hard to justify giving up the KLR--"It can go anywhere and do anything...and do it cheaper." His response was classic: "Yes, you can go anywhere on your KLR, or you can go MOST anywhere in STYLE on the Bonneville."
That sold me...and my KLR.
No regrets, I have had the most fun in my life on a motorcycle this past few weeks. I love the sporty feel, the surprising punchiness in the engine, and the waves and whistles from fellow admirers. I almost have as much fun drinking a cold beer and admiring her or giving her a wash as I do riding her...almost.
I recently added the Alcantara gel seat, luggage rack, and quick release long haul windshield (well, I haven't added the windshield yet, I'm enjoying the naked look). There will be more upgrades to come--a gentler suspension, handlebar risers, skid plate, engine guards, etc. But nothing to drastic. Nothing to change the pure and simple beauty that is the Bonneville T100, a truly modern classic.
