NEWS
Bikey Bits
I am aware that the readers fall into two groups, the bikers/ travellers and the adoring fans wanting to throw themselves at my feet. OK, one group and one wishful thinking, however interviews for the latter group will be held at any and every opportunity.
I digress - how is the Bonneville really holding up to the abuse I have given her over the last month, what's the reaction to her, etc.
First, if anyone is proposing similar madness, then I strongly suggest - ship the bike if it’s a Bonny or a classic. The logic to this is the reaction to British plates, a classic looking British bike and of course to me, which wouldn’t apply to everyone. Also, shipping and insurance costs add up to approx. £1500, but you are on a familiar machine. However, if you can afford to, buy here for anything else at all, including the Rocket 3, as it works out a lot cheaper and either sell at the end of the journey or look at import taxes our end [more]
THE BIKE
A 2004 790cc Triumph Bonneville twin
The Triumph Bonneville in question was bought from JSGedge in July 2004. I hadn't test ridden it, and I hadn't ridden a motorcycle since 1980, when I parted company with my Yamaha XS750, literally, on an icy road. It was subsequently sold as a peace offering to matrimony - perhaps that, with hindsight, was the wrong decision.
I chose the Bonneville for several reasons. Its unashamed nostalgic looks, my memories of the name - it was the bike we all aspired to in the late 1960s. The deciding factor to buy new was the 1% finance deal offered at the time. I chose the basic Bonny because the so-appealing black engine was only available on that model. My first upgrades were a centre stand (to this day I cannot see why a stand is considered an optional extra) and a rev counter. This was followed by a summer screen and a luggage rack (unavailable from Triumph - a Renntec more than adequately filled the gap). The next life (or bum) saver was a new seat. The Triumph King and Queen is probably the reason I am still biking. It may not look as authentic as the one sold, but let's be realistic, I'll be riding a lot more than 1/2 hour on a Sunday morning.
Once the trans-USA trip was decided upon, luggage was my next criterion. This was eventually stumbled upon via New Bonneville. It strikes me still that I got more information about what I was looking for from an enthusiasts trading site than from Triumph's own website. However, I then discovered Hepco and Becker Junior luggage. Not cheap, but spacious, not at all unsightly, and man enough for the job in hand. The sole UK dealers are Moto-bins. The guys there were both extremely patient and understanding as I procrastinated, trying to find second hand or cheaper. I found the finish to the chrome rack to be less than the standard I expected, but didn't have the time, by then, to do anything about it, despite Moto Bins offer.
My local Triumph dealer, Trevor Gedge of J S Gedge, despite a certain cynicism that I would never actually go ahead with this project, has always been most helpful. When I first bought the bike, he arranged refresher lessons for a couple of hours with their instructor. The staff at the shop are like a Social Club, especially on a Sunday. A cup of coffee is always offered to any visitor to the shop, and even my more inane questions are always answered, if sometimes with good natured ... what's the word, ah yes, insult. They have maintained the bike as part of the two-years free servicing, which was included in the new purchase deal.
|
