Sell my Honda VFR for a new Triumph Bonneville?

Rot 911 · 10-24-2007, 06:07 AM

This is what I presently have a 2001 Honda VFR:

Great sport touring bike. Only problem is that for the last few years I really don't do much long mile rides. Mostly less than 100 miles or cruising around town. My Harley days are over. I have looked at older Triumphs, BNW's, etc., but really don't need another toy to tinker with, just want to hop on and ride.

The new Triumph Bonneville T100 has really caught my eye. Has the classic looks with modern conveniences. Anyone have any experience with them? Am I crazy to switch? I only have room and time for one bike so no advice on having two!

Pic of the Bonney:

Moses · 10-24-2007, 06:08 AM

Hell yes!

sammyg2 · 10-24-2007, 06:35 AM

Aren't triumphs made in the UK? Better buy two

Laneco · 10-24-2007, 06:43 AM

Sorry - no way.

We've had two VFR's and my husband has been forced to hide the keys when he wants to keep me from riding them. Dollar for dollar, the VFR is the best all-around motorcycle I have ever ridden. Smooth, powerful, comfortable, good handling, excellent brakes and bullet proof reliability.

Don't misunderstand, if money were not an object, there are K-series BMW's that would fit the bill nicely.

But in my budget, the VFR is absolutely the top choice.

angela

Rot 911 · 10-24-2007, 06:57 AM

Angela, I agree with all you said. I've had VF's and VFR's since 1985. But for me the times they are a changin and I am not using the bike like I used to. Spends most of its time in the garage. Just not the kind of bike you hop on and make a run down to the store.

Highlander179 · 10-24-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt V

Just not the kind of bike you hop on and make a run down to the store.

sounds like you need a scooter.

Rot 911 · 10-24-2007, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlander179

sounds like you need a scooter.

I was waiting for that! Nope don't need a scooter.

grudk · 10-24-2007, 07:16 AM

Used Bonnevilles seem to be heavily discounted. I wouldn't get one new

Highlander179 · 10-24-2007, 07:39 AM

there's 2 ways you can look at it.

1) Logical - there's a tool for every job, what job do you want your motorcycle to perform? then find a motorcycle that can best do that job.

2) Emotional - just buy what stirs your soul and the rest will hopefully fall into place.... or into the classifieds.

Good Luck! I know very little of the trumpets, but lots of people speak highly of them.

island911 · 10-24-2007, 09:11 AM

Yep, you have Nostalgic vs refined/engineered machine. I tend to gravitate to machines which are highly engineered. Others obviously gravitate toward a 'look.' ...tho' that's kind of weird when the 'look' is that of machinery. ...which really hasn't been all that refined.

berettafan · 10-24-2007, 09:46 AM

before my wife became pregnant with our son i was getting pretty serious about a bike. i focused on bikes that you don't see a lot of and the bonneville seemed to fit the bill but when you really look at the details i think the sportster is a much better looking rendition of that type of bike.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

The new Triumphs are a good mix of old vibe and modern reliability. If I get back on a bike, one of my top choices would be a Thruxton (cafe version of the Bonnie).

These guys do great mods and have very cool aftermarket parts for them

http://southbaytriumph.com/

dd74 · 10-24-2007, 10:15 AM

Coolest (motor) bike on the road, IMO. Ranks right up there with the retro Ducs I've seen running around.

Note: wasn't Clint Eastwood riding one of those while chasing down a bad guy in "Coogan's Bluff?"

Jeff Higgins · 10-24-2007, 10:30 AM

I'll heartily second the Thruxton; it would be my Bonneville of choice. Back in the late '70's and early '80s I rode with a pretty good mix of Bonnie, Commando, Trident, Rocket III, and other assorted Brit bike riders. I always loved the Bonnies, but they actually leaked more oil than the Sportster I was riding and had less reliable electronics. I like the new ones because they do capture the spirit of it all, without the hassles. I still have one vintage Sportster that provides enough of that for me (along with a vintage 911). It would be a toss-up for me right now between the Thruxton and the Sportster 1200 R, the one with the dual plug heads and twin disc front brakes. About the same price, about the same performance, and both kind of traditional old school simple bikes. Not "sport bikes" by any means in today's sense of the word, but more than fast enough for an old fart like me.

Tim Hancock · 10-24-2007, 10:39 AM

I love pretty much all things old and restored/preserved, I hate new stuff made to look vintage. (PT cruiser, Indian bikes etc)

If it were me, I would keep the VFR and buy a "real" vintage bike to restore.
But that is just me.

Tim Hancock · 10-24-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlander179

sounds like you need a scooter.

"townie" cruiser

MotoSook · 10-24-2007, 10:47 AM

I know a guy who has a Thruxton and locked its engine on him on the highway with no warning. One of the local dealers who use to sell Triumphs stopped selling them and claims they are junk compared to the Japanese bikes.

If you want a standard that will be carefree so you can hop on and go....reliability and longevity, look into any of the numerous standard or nake bikes from Germany or Japan.

...of course with the low mileage you are likely to see, it may not matter if you get a Bonne.

Don't get me wrong, I would love a Thruxton, but it won't be my only bike. I'd probably build a "comfortable" cafe racer from a modern sport bike before that happens though.

Jeff Higgins · 10-24-2007, 10:58 AM

Too bad about the new Trumpets, Souk. I had never heard that about them, but then again, I'm really not paying attention. I do notice very few of them on the road, and I live two miles from the biggest dealer in Washington. Sounds like maybe they are keeping just a bit too much of that old British tradition alive. That's too bad; I really like that Thruxton... Maybe a retro air cooled Duc would be a better choice. Again, about the same price.

Rot 911 · 10-24-2007, 11:10 AM

Tim I too like old vintage bikes and I have had a bunch of them. Unfortunately I no longer have a place to work on them. I have a small unheated garage with enough room for 2 cars and 1 motorcycle. And to be honest, I don't take the pleasure I used to in fixing up motorcycles. I just like to ride now and then.

Chocaholic · 10-24-2007, 11:44 AM

Not sure I understand why you can't just hop on to the VFR and go for a 30 minute ride. Perhaps you're just ready for another bike. That I can understand.

One could argue that the Bonnie re-make is designed and built for aesthetic nostaligia more than modern-day performance and reliability (just look at the seat). I have to side with Angela on this one. Even more-so, I have one of those BMW K-bikes she mentions. Nirvana!