My friend Paul Ruby and I were on the road early with plans to ride west towards Clearfield to find a new place to for breakfast. I have begun to wonder how many riders make a ritual of riding to breakfast. Something like private pilots and the 200 dollar cheeseburger. A short stop at the Sunoco station on North Atherton Street where Paul could get gas for his motorcycle gave me a chance to admire the Triumph Bonneville. Again. In the light from the rising sun it just seemed to glimmer. Really. Well, I did do some interpretation in Photoshop but the bike does look good. I’ve dreamt about motorcycles that look like this. And so far it has lived up to my expectations.
The Bonneville is at home on the highway. Every bike or scooter I’ve ever ridden seems to have a riding sweet spot. A speed where the bike is completely relaxed, a mid-ground where you don’t notice you’re going slow and you don’t notice you’re going fast. For the Triumph it’s between 50 and 60mph. (In my decidedly non-scientific estimation). Riding my Vespa GTS250ie I find it right around 45mph. Your results may vary. 
Another stop for a picture along US322 as it begins to rise into the Allegheny Plateau. With the clouds passing over the hills and valleys this area looks as much like parts of Virginia and North Carolina as it does Pennsylvania. My thoughts travel momentarily to imagined rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
My riding style generally consists of slow, slower and stop. Stop for pictures. Stop to look around and just breathe in the world. It took me awhile to tame the Triumph’s desire to go fast. While it does not have a huge engine it is entirely within it’s power to go fast. It’s deceptive and I had to keep a close eye on the speedometer to make sure the State Police would not want to take a closer look at the bike too.
Paul pulled into a gas station in Coalport for fuel and a chance to show off his back stretching regimen. No matter how many times I witness the ritual something just seems wrong. If you ever run into Mr. Ruby as him to tell you about the time he was stretching his back in McDonalds with a pack of Boy Scouts present. Then you’ll understand.
Sir Barney’s has standard, reliable breakfast fare which is exactly what I needed. Eggs, bacon, potatoes, juice and toast. It’s like my riding security blanket. The only meal of the day I can count on to make me whole and not put me to sleep. Maybe that’s why I tend to ride in the morning.
Riding with a trusted riding partner like Paul has it’s advantages over riding alone. You get to experience things twice. Once through your eyes and once through someone else’s. While I was happy as a clam to have food he was concerned with the lack of interest the wait staff seemed to pay us. We got everything we needed but we didn’t get characters. There was nothing memorable about the people working there, no fodder for stories or humorous anecdotes. As Paul commented, “They’re 9 to 5ers.”.
Ours were the only motorcycles in the parking lot. The Triumph and Harley looked good out there. And I was glad to be able to keep my eye on things. I’m still a bit apprehensive with Craig Kissell’s generosity in loaning me motorcycles. I imagine a phone call…”I parked it right outside the diner. I was only there for 20 minutes. It’s a family place. I can’t imagine who took it….”
By the time I arrived at the home of my inlaws we had ridden 100 miles. The Triumph looked as good in their driveway as it did in mine. I think it would look good in anyone’s driveway. It’s just a cool, classic machine if your interests lean in that direction. As much as I would have liked to ride all day adult responsibilities beckon me home. Besides, there still was another 70 miles of riding ahead to help ease the pain…
My wife told me I had to buy the Bonneville when I got home from a short test ride in Fort Lauderdale. I tested the BMW F800ST in Miami, the belt drive sports bike, but the Bonneville just fell to hand as soon as I sat on it. And it still does 28,000 miles and 22 months later.
Seems like you gonna have fun on this machine, ride safe and take lots of pictures.
Kim only asked if I liked the Triumph. No indication that I should go out and buy it. But like you say it felt right the moment I sat on it. I’m anxious to see how the bikes I try down the road present themselves.
For now I am happy to supplement my Vespa riding with bikes from Kissell Motorsports. I suspect I will be making a mental list though of the wants I covet…
1. Triumph Bonneville.
2. ……….
Baron: I’ve returned the Triumph to the dealer and am pondering what to ride next. Whatever it will be I will take lots of pictures!
Steve, if you can you should try the HD Electra glide…it’s in a class by itself or the Fat Boy.
It certainly is a fine looking motorcycle. I’m enjoying reading about your bonding experience. Although new, it’s classic old-style looks brings to mind, for some reason, old black and white movies where the bike is a major character.
I’ve been riding a borrowed SV650 this year and have had the luxury to do some lackadaisical motorcycle shopping. I’ve gone from being quite sure about the DL650 to the versys and now I’m quite stuck on the bonneville, possibly the t100 for those few extra inches. I appreciate the reviews, they’re definitely helpful!
I think that Craig Kissell knows exactly what he is doing by loaning you motorcycles to ride. I have not ridden anything since my Dad won an old Yamaha trail bike in the early 70’s but reading your posts, I have an irresistible urge to get on one of these vehicles.
In addition for your care of Steve’s inventory, you have a gift for capturing the joys of riding. It is no wonder that he trusts you.
I test rode four or five scooters the other day and afterwards my back was giving me problems. It was fun to be on a motorized two wheeled vehicle again for sure, but it wasn’t as comfortable as I imagined they would be. I have never owned a scooter–only a couple of motorcycles. Its been just under a year since I parted with my last motorcycle and I never had any lower back trouble while riding it.
Do you find riding the scooter more or less comfortable than riding a traditional motorcycle?
Do you plan on changing the name “Scooter in the Sticks” to Scooter/Motorcycle…? :&)
Angelo
Steve:
That Bonneville is a classy machine. Great lines and reliable. Instead of just sitting on one, perhaps I shall “taste” one on my next visit to the Triumph dealer. Thank you for your impressions. Can’t wait to see what’s on deck next.
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
great post and pictures of that bonny bonneville….you should write copy for the marketeers….they darn sure should use your photographs!
The Bonneville is a classic motorcycle in all the good ways, with the best of modern engineering. I only wish they had come out with it when I bought my bike in 2005. Ok, I wish there had been a triumph dealer close enough for me to buy one. 🙂 Still, I love my VStrom. But that classic look, sound, and just enough power for fun creates such a balanced bike…
The folks at Kissell know you, know how you take care of your ride, and trust you. They also see it as a good investment. How many of your readers (And there are a BUNCH of us) will seriously think about a Bonnie now? And how many might just make the ride up to Kissell to buy one? Makes ya think doesn’t it. 🙂
Dave T>
Baron’s Life: I just saw a pre-owned Harley Davidson Sportster at Kissell Motorsports but no Electra Glides or Fat Boys. At some point I am going to try out some of the used machines. Who knows what will be around when I do.
Sojourner rides: The Triumph does have that classic look and should be in the movies. At the moment I can’t remember which ones though..
karinajean: The Triumph is definitely different than the other two bikes you mentioned in terms of styling. The SV650’s riding position is questionable for me but the V-Strom has always been a favorite for me. The choice between Triumph Bonneville and DL650 would be tough and probably depend on what I my actual riding would be like.
Glad you find the reviews helpful.
Witewater: Thanks for you kind words about my writing. I appreciate it.
I think the first motorbike I ever rode was a Honda Mini Trail 50. That was back in 1966 or so. And the memories of that experience still echoes in me.
If I have any regrets it is that I let decades pass before getting my Vespa scooter. Even though I remember how much fun riding was as a kid I didn’t allow myself to enjoy it again until 2005.
Doesn’t make a lot of sense. Maybe it’s time for you to get something to ride too!
Angelo: The riding position on my Vespa is extremely upright and with my legs together almost perfect for my 55 year old frame. No back or neck issues. If I am riding for over six hours though my wrists can start to ache a bit and sometimes my backside needs some rest.
I did notice some new aches while riding the Bonneville the first day as I adjusted to a different riding position and I was worried about that.
But the next day I was fine. I think my body adjusted fine and that the aches were part of the adjustment.
I am not sure I could adjust to any leaned over positions like you would experience on a sportbike though.
bobskoot: Let us know how you like the Triumph should you take one for a spin.
Up next in my non-Vespa riding is a 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650. This has long occupied my “do anything bike” thinking as I would dream about long trips.
Anxious to see how it handles on the road. It is so tall!
Charlie6: Thank you! If one of the manufacturers wanted to employ me as a blogger I would certainly consider early retirement. *grin*
David: When I went to Kissell’s for the first time back in 2005 to buy a motorcycle I had my eye on the 2006 Triumph Bonneville. I was going to buy one. Through a twist of fate and my friend Paul lending me his Vespa ET4 I decided to buy a Vespa instead and never looked back. Since then I have looked at lots of bikes and scooters (coveting most) and have made a long list of potential acquisitions should I win the lottery. I would have to get a new house too with a big garage.
The V-Strom is on that list. Seems like an exceptional machine for traveling.
I’m certain I’ve sent new riders to Kissell Motorsports. Over the years I have been stopped by a lot of people who have followed Scooter in the Sticks for awhile and it was just what they needed to move off center and buy something.
Dear Steve:
As far as I am concerned, only two companies still make classic-looking motorcycles: Triumph and Harley Davidson. And not all of their models qualify. But right off the shelf, you cannot beat the Triumph Bonneville for its classic good looks. I’m delighted to find out that it rode like a champion quarter horse too.
In a perfect world, I’ll own one of these too. Your ride report was a hair shy of rapture.
Fondest regards,
Jack “reep” Toad
Hello Jack: I think PennDOT should just raise the motorcycle license fee and give all new riders a Bonneville. How much of the economic stimulus money could it possibly take? A pittance…
I’ve not had it for a week now and already I miss it. Maybe I need to talk with Santa…
Sunday Morning Thoughts.
At one time in a past life Sunday morning was a work morning: early to the house of worship, enaure the pipe organ was OK, and other things in place. Find the appropriate tune
(never a a hymn, or something from the classics, butchered for the time and place) for the day and then sit myself down at the keyboard and make sure everything worked. If nobody had arrived and my coffee hadn’t dripped, I usually played my version of sleigh bells and kitten on the keys first. More than once had been told by early
arriving staff that such music was
inappropriate in a church and especially the Lord’s Day! I did blow out the cobwebs using a particularly animated version of the trolley song after getting my coffee. It too did what it was supposed to do, check all the reeds stops and pipes. Usually the minister was there listening before he went into his study to prepare the morning. He did come out one very cold Sunday three weeks before Christmas and suggested I play Sleigh Bells with all the available animation. It shook up the place and got things rolling quite well. I finished the service with Frosty the Snowman, all very odd on a three manual classical pipe organ. That was 35 years ago.
The minister is now gone, the organ was sold and that church is now a parking lot.
I’d also had enough of hoopla preaching and holier than thou attitudes to serve me a lifetime. My next religion was Sunday morning motorcycle rides with a friend. He owned a BMW, I was by that time (mid-1980s) commuting from Burlington to Toronto to work so Sundays were my play time. A good friend who was the also an educator and I would meet to ride for a bit and then have breakfast in some obscure place. Problem was, this is Canada, a very much puritanical attitude on many things including breakfast places on Sunday mornings. So it was often a matter of finding a place open and one that didn’t serve poor food. I had a book on the bike (which I can’t find) of all the decent open places within a 250 mile radius. We’d stop enroute for an apple or orange each and talk. Sometimes it would be brunch. Either way we’d ride, rain or shine from mid to late March to
late October. Usually by the end of
Octotber both bikes would be away until spring. We’d make a point of meeting over Christmas and attending the new year’s bike shows. He is now retired, still rides but like me is realzing the LACK of freedom from idiots is so much worse these days.
He was not surprised when I told him my physical body and yes too my mental state was not happy about
the mad world of wheels out there.
What used to take ten minutes to get into the country now takes an hour, or more and that’s over a change over the space of thirty years.
So I feel honoured Steve you’ve allowed us to join you at breakfast as over the shoulder viewing arrivals, and for us to listen to your projects and commentary.
I keep wondering if your pick me up truck passed all of the required state inspections? And the no dog at home syndrome is disapatting
Now who was the bloke in the red shirt, again? And now that the Triumph has been returned, I am thinking if it weren’t for the paucity of decent Triumph dealers here in Canada I might also return to riding, on a Triumph. Sadly I can only dream now, maybe when
the world becomes happier and people learn to respect others would I ever consider returning.
Do know if I searched for you, I might find you on the Penn State campus at The Creamery?
If a trip there happens, that may well be a place to visit.
Next time try Camby’s breakfast mess on the way out of Osceola towards Houtzdale. I just moved to S. C. from Osceola.
~Robert~
Robert: I wonder how we missed Camby’s? Is it right along the the main road??
This weekend I am probably going to head north towards Wellsboro. Time to find some more places to eat.
Steve, if you get the chance, try out a Suzuki DL650. That’s one of the sweetest bikes ever built. Those of us who ride ‘Stroms (I have the DL1000) agree the only problems they have are the windshield, seat, and soft suspension. You may not push hard enough to need stiffer springs, but a larger windshield and better seat will only set you back $300 or $400 total. Then you have a go dang near anywhere, do just about anything fun machine. Biased a bit more to the street than the KLR650, I wouldn’t trade my DL for anything. I can keep up with my GSX-R riding friends until we get to “go to jail” speed, which I’m not going to do anyway, I can say “Nope, I’m still good” at most gas stops, and my back and wrists still work after an all day ride. 🙂
Do I sound like a faithful member of the VStrom choir? 😉
Seriously, I see a LOT of DL650s out on the highways of America, usually decked out with bags and license plates from several states away. More than BMW GS’s even. Although yesterday and today I was passed by the same guy on a Star ‘Liner several times. He would go faster but this big truck stops less. LOL
Ride safe, and have fun.
Dave T.
Have a lot of fun now and get this, if you still dont have a bike the same as mine buy my Triumph Bonneville America
I am looking for those who might be interested.