On Friday afternoon I rode out of the parking lot at Kissell Motorsports with the first motorcycle in the New Wheels in the Sticks project — a black 2009 Triumph Bonneville. This is a classic motorcycle, the one I picture in my head when I hear the word motorcycle. It’s what kids draw when they’re drawing a motorcycle. It’s connected to memories of movies and Steve McQueen. Triumph has long occupied a special place in my imagination. The motorcycle is solid with a strong, deep exhaust sound without being obnoxious. Mentally I knew I wasn’t on my Vespa but it took a few miles for my body to realize this new machine did not respond in the same fashion as the scooter.
The pavement was wet from a passing shower and the road surface was slick under my boots. I traveled a quiet route home to experiment with the brakes, weight and handling. Back and forth on an empty stretch of road to check the braking response on the wet road. Another few stops to fully reset my brain to use my right foot for the rear brake instead of my left hand which was now on clutch duty. I spent about 20 minutes evaluating my skills and comfort on the Triumph before heading towards home. It is important for me to take the time to embrace a new machine before any serious or extended riding. I’ve met riders who have chosen huge motorcycles as their first ride. Or have gone through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginner Riding Course on a 250cc motorcycle and turn around after the course and buy a Goldwing. I like to build up to things. Maybe I’m just nervous about the leap in size and weight from the Vespa. So I was careful and deliberate with the Triumph. Even though Craig Kissell said not to worry about the bike and that he would assume any liability for damage I didn’t want to see him cry.
As I write this piece I keep thinking I should remain cool, aloof, objective in my reactions to the Bonneville on that first evening. I tell myself not to gush or say anything stupid. Nothing poetic. Just the facts. One of the first things I noticed was the spartan simplicity of the Triumph. I found myself looking for the clock, ambient temperature and fuel gauges present on my Vespa. I didn’t realize how often I my eyes go to them until they weren’t there. The Triumph has a speedometer, a blue light for high beams, a small amber light when the fuel is low, and maybe a red light for low oil. That’s it. With fuel injection there is no choke or fuel valve. Press the starter button and it starts. Right now. Simple. And without saddle bags you don’t have to worry about carrying anything that won’t fit in your pockets. At first I was a little bothered by that but by the end of the weekend I really enjoyed not having to think about what I need to take along. My luggage consisted of wallet in my pants pocket, some change in another, a point and shoot camera in my riding jacket pocket and some index cards and a pen in the other. That’s it. For recreational day rides where weather will not be an issue it was fine. If this bike were mine I would add saddle bags at least and perhaps a rear topcase. Otherwise how would I haul all the groceries around that I do with the Vespa? Groceries don’t really fit though with my image of the Triumph. Yet.
I only rode about 15 miles that first evening but enough to know that I really liked this motorcycle and was looking forward to an early departure the next day. I liked the upright riding position. I like the smooth even power that the fuel injected engined delivered. And I liked the way it handled on the road. And as if the universe was testing the Triumph and my riding skills I had to make a sudden evasive maneuver to avoid plowing into four chickens crossing Main Street in Boalsburg. Anyone can dodge deer and elk. But chickens, that’s real adventure.
I’ll be posting more pictures and reflections of a longer ride on the Triumph in a few days. Stay tuned.
Such a great ride.. Let the adventure begin. Keep safe and have fun!!!
Nice choice! Like you, I like to work my way up; started on a scooter (a 1986 Honda Elite 150, which I still have and ride), and now have a 250cc motorcycle. Now I am looking for something a bit larger, and the Bonnie has been on my list.
Dear Steve:
And so it begins. How I wish the local BMW dealer would adopt that same policy and say to me, “Jack, come up here and ride the new K1300GT for a year or so, and tell us what you think.”
Have fun with this new spirit of open-mindedness. The Triumph is a great looking and fun running bike. I can hardly wait to see how you put it through iot’s paces.
Fondest regards,
Jack “reep” Toad
Twisted Roads
I have never once regretted swapping my GTS for a Bonneville. No doubt the total unreliability of my GTS made the change easy. I have fun borrowing my wife’s ET4 occasionally but the Bonneville is my do anything, go anywhere, anytime ride.Simple, fast enough and enormous fun.
Congratulations Steve!
I’ve also got a new ride in my garage. After a couple of loyal years of service, my Vespa GT200 and my project Vespa PX became other people’s happiness. In their stead I’ve gotten a Piaggio MP3 400. Only 1 of 2 which have reached our shores.
Hope to get as much fun out of this as my GT.
Rob: The Triumph is great. I can picture it in my garage!
Lance: The move from a 250 to a Triumph is an easy one. Size and weight is easy and just below the threshold of “big”.
Jack Riepe: I put the Triumph through it’s paces in my way but did not have the opportunity to do the things you do. Did not get flipped off once as I was pulling up alongside any riders. And I didn’t have any opportunity to flash puppy dog baby seal eyes either. I think that’s in your repertoire!
Conchscooter: I know now of what you speak when you refer to your Triumph. The only difference between your experience and mine is that my Vespa GTS has not given me the fits that yours gave you.
Bimbo: Congratulations on the MP3-400. I’m hoping I find time to try one of those out myself.
You just couldn’t come up with a better “recreation” since the day you’ve lost Essa. This is such a great way to enjoy, relax and move your focus on something new. Great project!
I’m envious about the Bonnie, which has been my wish from the time I become interested in 2 wheels.
It was a great difference for me to switch from Vespa to BMW’s 650 Scarver this spring, same problems – clutch, rear brake, apart from the weight and size, 12″ vs. 17″ and such. Maybe the hardest thing was downshifting and sudden release of the throttle which causes the nose dive on a bike while Vespa’s CVT will make it unnoticeable. Luckily I kept Vespa so nowdays I’m good for jumping from one to another and adopt in a sec.
Keep riding and posting. You’ve just brought a completely new dimension into the “Sticks”! Thumbs up!
Now, You asked me once what’s it like around here, Belgrade, Serbia and how’s my scooter fitting in and if I post some images somewhere… Here are few – http://img189.imageshack.us/i/57404183.jpg/ There are 8 of them I’ve uploaded in the gallery so feel free to go through them. There will be more soon.
All the best,
MP
I am fascinated with how you got this gig, and a bit jealous, too.
The Bonneville is a dream of mine also. Looking forward to more reports on this and other “bikes”. Too bad they don’t have BMW’s apparently. Have been eyeing one of those myself also.
Steve:
When I was at the recent Triumph Open House I sat on the Bonneville. Yes, simplistic, spartan and reliable I am sure. While all the bikes were available for “demo” rides I have a rule that I will not ride any bike unless I was actually considering to purchase it, of course if I were given the opportunity to write reviews – I would for sure. So far I have not had any problems switching from scooter to M/C.
Have fun
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
It’s always wise to take your time on a new bike, get to know it, respect its throttle, understand how the brakes work, know the inhale and exhale of the friction zone as well as you know your own breath…have fun bonding with you new riding partner.
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That sure is a “bonny” Bonneville! The looks would almost, almost I say, take me away momentarily from Brigitta, my R80 who has basically the same lines.
Great gig you got going….
oh, I resisted the first time, hence the deleted posting, but decided to go into Riepe mode and state…my R80 has bigger jugs! : )
“gone through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Beginner Riding Course on a 250cc motorcycle and turn around after the course and buy a Goldwing”
Or worse, a Hayabusa. “Donorcycle” indeed.
RR
I truly LOVE the bike. I have often told people that I would drop the scooter for a cherry Bonneville or Scrambler… You can probably feel my envy hitting you in waves as I write this!
Fantastic!
I always wondered what sort of dealership Kissell’s is. Now I know. I’ll have to stop in soon.
Great pictures of the Triumph!
OY!, I turn away for a brief spell, and look what you’ve gone and done! Well hat’s off to you Sir. I think you’ll be most pleased to dwell amidst the daily choices of “what will I ride today”. Your posts about your belated Essa made me tearful to the point that I had to just go all huggy on my GiGi, the golden lab stray I adopted some time ago. I await your wonderful introspective views on meandering with Triumph. As a Zuma, HD 883R and Kawasaki W650 owner, you are in for a treat aboard that fine Hinckley rendition. Ride on, young man!
Steve,
You couldn’t bring yourself to get the T100 bonnie with retro pee shooters, and chrome spoke rims? With such an honest, fair, and insightful blog you have; Kissel or even Triumph should have sweetened the deal for you. Yet your choice was the most practical. Enjoy!
Alex
Kent Island, MD
That’s one fine machine….great choice..I’m so amazed at the impressive come back Triumnph bikes have made in general… Steve McQueen was also my inspiration into motor biking…I fell for bikes at 14 whewn I watched the great escape.
ride safe my friend
Steve, I know what you mean about easing into bigger machines. I just took delivery of my 3rd scooter … if you can call an MP3-400 a scooter. I’m keeping my 64 Vespa GL and my 2007 GTS. They are all different rides. The GL is simple and fun. The GTS feels like a sports car. The MP3 feels like a luxury SUV. Caution and acclimatization are key in the beginning, just like you said. Enjoy! I know I am -:)
Milos: I do miss my dog. The riding helps but the empty place remains.
I looked at your galleries and you have some cool pictures. You apply a technique to your images — a warm contrasty appearance that I really like. The Serbian landscape doesn’t look all that much different that parts of Pennsylvania.
cpa3485: I think Craig offered this opportunity because he liked what he was reading on Scooter in the Sticks and thought his potential customers would too. Time will tell…
I wouldn’t mind trying out some of BMW’s bikes. We’ll have to see about that.
bobskoot: You need to take a Triumph for a ride whether you are going to buy one or not. It’s like sampling a piece of chocolate in the candy store. First taste is free!
Sojourner rides: Your thoughts are spot on — easy does it.
Also, in case there is any confusion about the Triumph — this was a temporary acquisition. I pick it up, rode it for four days and took it back. Soon I’ll get something else. From some of the comments I think some people think I went out and bought the Triumph. I wish!
Charlie6: Jack has a bad influence on you. You shouldn’t be making comments about juggs in a public place!
Your BMW has a classic timeless look just like the Triumph. You need both I suspect.
RickRussell: Donorcycle. That’s a frightening thought.
Jason Nelms: As much as I like the Triumph I’m not sure I would drop the scooter for it if I was only going to have one two-wheeled machine at home. For my situation on a day to day basis the Vespa is going to be extremely difficult to beat.
But a cherry red Triumph….. a siren luring us to the rocks.
Ron S: If you do stop at Kissell’s and get a Triumph remind them that you saw it first here! *grin*
Rick: I’m missing having a dog to hug. But neither Kim or I want another right now either. It’s not a good place to be.
The Triumph has been fun but there are new motorcycles on the horizon. I keep wondering if I will find one I don’t enjoy?
Alex: Kissell’s has those T100s in the store but I really like the looks of the black Bonneville. Oh hell, I like them all…
Baron’s Life: I still rent The Great Escape every so often just to watch Steve McQueen try and jump that fence. It’s weird the things from youth that linger on…
Chuck: Congratulations on the MP3-400! It seems like an amazing scooter and is on my list to ride. I like the fact that it has more storage that the 500 and I like the looks of it better too. Good luck on the road with it!
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I am catching up on some of your posts and, as usual, listening to youtube music videos as I read.
One of my favorite artists is Richard Thompson and he performs a song called “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” which is a song about the love of a motorcycle….and a red headed girl. Listening to it made me think of your excitement about your new ride.
Thought that maybe you’d like to give it a listen … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxKTzwaEa2o&feature=related
…..good luck with your new bike