Bennington Triumph Bash

Not for me, but for my brother in law.

He's right about 6' and has a solid build, he would love a Bonnie/T100/Black. I would probably buy the bike and ride it down to him (The Mass Islands) as he's got a very full schedule.

What do people think on the older standard triples? Legend, Thunderbird, Sprint 900? I didn't get a good look at the riding position on the Sprint and its been years since I rode one myself...

How would the 855s be for a new rider who isn't very interested in wrenching on it?

If you know of an inexpensive T in the area, let me know.

P.S. Anyone need stock Thruxton pipes?

Tbirds and Legends are great bikes; not sure how beginner-friendly they'd be though. They're getting old enough that they might require a little more wrenching than, say, a Bonneville, and it'll get increasingly difficult to find parts.

Best bet would probably be a Bonneville. Lots of them around, and they turn up on Craigslist from time to time.

--mark

I have a 99 Legend with 6000 miles on it, and while the triple engine is frankly awesome, it is not a bike for anyone who is tall. I am 5'11'' with a 30" inseam, and I had to get a king/queen seat and some aftermarket pegs to relieve my hips from cramping badly. The riding position is standard upright, and for me I find it very comfortable (but only after the aforementioned tweaking and some handlebar risers). These bikes are built like a tank, however, and if properly cared for, will last a lifetime. I do all my own wrenchng, and personally find it a pleasure to work upon (well maybe except for the airbox removal). Parts have not been a problem, but may become one eventually, as Triumph won't reveal how many of these arrived on our shore. While the Bonnie pushes all of the retro styling buttons, I think the design does limit its uses a bit. Specifically, if you want to do any long range tripping, this would not be my first choice. Bombing around on the weekend or some light cruising 2 up - a great choice. Why not find a Tiger, which does everything well, and would better fit a taller rider? Depending on year, you can do carbs or EFI, as well as more on road versus off road. The ones at the Bash were beautiful, and while not as common as the Bonnie, they are certainly more capable in terms of long distance and 2 up, and this right out of the box with no mods. Of course, the Legends, Tbirds and Adventurers can be had with low miles and in good condition for less than $4000 (I'm going with a buddy next weekend to ride back a Legend he just bought for $3300), and I doubt you'll ever find a used Bonnie for close to that. My last comment is that the classic triple forum on the TriumphRAT site is awesome, although the Bonnie site may be, too; I have no reason to go there. Regardless of what you get, as long as it says "Triumph" on the tank, I think you've made a great choice!

I have been seeing quite a few Bonnevilles and Scramblers for sale at ebay and Triumph rat - good condition, low miles. He ought to be able to snag a good bike at a good price.

davidc wrote:I have been seeing quite a few Bonnevilles and Scramblers for sale at ebay and Triumph rat - good condition, low miles. He ought to be able to snag a good bike at a good price.

I'm doing some shopping and they are a little ($1K-ish) above his prefered price range... but if I can get aftermarket pipes and a good seat for my T100 on the pricier bike, then all will be well. I have written a fellow in Maine who has a green T100, we'll see if that shakes out happy.

A few in the local Craigslist by me (NYC/NJ)

08 Bonnie Black http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/1206149191.html
01 Bonnie http://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/1200736943.html
02 Bonnie http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/mcy/1205254348.html
02 Thunderbird http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/mcy/1198685401.html

Wow, thanks 97TB! Those are some good deals, I hope... going to exchange some emails. Thanks a bunch!

coldnight wrote:Wow, thanks 97TB! Those are some good deals, I hope... going to exchange some emails. Thanks a bunch!

No prob. I like that '01 especially - what a great color scheme. If I had some extra cash lying around . . . .

Hey Coldnight, did your sweetie like the moose?

Davidc - I showed her the pictures first, then the gift moose - it was a huge hit! Thanks for the assist!

So, I thought I had arranged to buy a 2001 Bonneville and had arrangements to go down and get it. POOF, its sold... So back to craigslist and keeping an eye out.

Got one! '05, Bonneville sprint pipes and 17K miles.

Alrighty - 17k, only about a k and a half more than my Bonneville, which I consider to be still in its "awakening" stage, sort of like a pupa stage, not quite larve, but more, but not full grown - only less...pass the bong, please.
Good deal, though!

It does seem to have some get up and go.

I am a little worried it'll be too loud for early morning riding for my brother - vacation spots and early morning chef duties might be happier with quieter pipes.

John, you could always swap pipes with him.

--mark