Hi Everyone!

[Monkeyjoe]

Hi All,
I'm new to biking and loving it so far, 53 years young, just passed my Mod 1 today at the 2nd attempt, dropped it on the U turn first time but buzzing big time after nailing it today, just the Mod 2 to go and that's me sorted, thinking of a Bonnie T100 as a first bike, already got my café racer jacket sorted.... lots of great info and help on here, but I didn't want to join till I got the bloomin Mod 1 out the way in case I jinxed myself

Is the Bonnie a good choice for a late biker like myself?

Cheers

[Matt B]

Welcome, and good luck with the Mod2

If it's that style of bike that you are after then a T100 is a solid choice, albeit a bit underpowered.
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[Rogerborg]

Hi Dr Monkeyjoe!

There are plenty of happy T100 owners out there, you're not going to go far wrong. It'll need a bit of cleaning, but that's a positive for some owners.

We were just talking about the Kawasaki W800 as an alternative, it's one to bear in mind.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[angryjonny]

For someone like yourself (and to be honest someone like myself) a bike is nothing more than an expensive toy. You'll get wet in the rain on all of them, so buy the one you want.

I'd advise you have a sit on a few bikes though, just to make sure you're comfy. I fell in love with the R1 but bought an almost-but-not-quite-as-sexy-in-my-opinion FZ1 because I prefer the riding position.

[Andy_Pagin]

The W800 got a slightly better review in Ride Magazine than the T100, though there wasn't much in it. For my money the W800 looks slightly more authentic as a retro.
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[Monkeyjoe]

Thanks for the welcome and info guys... yeah, I've been reading up loads on the Bonnie and W800, both very similar, although the kwaki's back drum brakes are pretty lame seemingly according to some reviews, and no engine growl....although I have to admit it looks great, and there's one in a local dealer I'll have a test run on when I get my Mod 2.

I tend to lean towards the Bonnie at the moment though, as it's a Triumph, and has been a dream of mine for a long time to ride and hear a Bonnie below me!

[Andy_Pagin]

Lol, sounds like a box of Kleenex down the Y fronts might be a wise precaution.
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[Monkeyjoe]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[FriendlyEllis]

The mod 2 is easier than mod 1 so long as you relax and focus.
Remember the examiner wants you to pass.

Why not go to the motor cycle live show at the NEC this weekend and window shop / daydream?

Triumph are there too
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Honda CB600F Hornet 2013 -> Kawasaki Z1000SX ABS Tourer 2015

[Monkeyjoe]

[Monkeyjoe]

[Rogerborg]

Mod 2 is indeed just a ride out. It doesn't matter where you go (even on the independent ride) as long as you go there safely and confidently.

Possibly not what you're looking for, but have you considered the Honda VT750S? Bit of a lardy lump, might be too cruiserish.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[nowhere.elysium]

Exhausts are replaceable. However, a 360-degree twin does sound (and ride) more nicely than a 180 degree twin, in my opinion. If you've got the cash to throw at it, then get what your loins tell you is the bike you want.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[Monkeyjoe]

[AyrshireBiker]

Hello mate... seems I may be down your way!

The Bonnie is a good choice as is the W800. Defo throw your leg over a few bikes... often the feeling - the seating position etc will sway your decision more than the looks.

Your budget looks spot on.. tbh at this time of year you will be able to pick up a Bonnie for about a grand less than where you are at. By the nature of the bike they are normally well looked after / serviced etc. A brand new W800 is on the books for about 6 grand.

But good luck with your mod 2. Keep us posted. Are u going to Ayr? Glasgow? I sat my test in Ayr... the examiners in both centre's seem fine. I have mates who have been to both centres.

[Monkeyjoe]

[Matt B]

[Monkeyjoe]

[ninja_butler]

Hi Joe.

I'd start with a bike you can afford to lose; spend a year riding something cheap and cheerful, drop it a couple of times and think "whoops, oh well, no harm done" and then when you've gained enough experience splash out on the Bonnie.

[Clanger]

[Polarbear]

Ridden both the Bonny and the W800 and both are nice enough bikes (if not my cup of tea).

IMO the Bonnie is the better engine. The Kwak the more realistic retro. Anyone knowing anything about bikes will recognise a Hinkley Bonny. They wont be so sure about a W800.

In the end, get the one that makes YOU smile.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Monkeyjoe]

Thanks for all the helpful info guys... Still swinging towards the Bonnie...

[sidewinder]

Hi monkey joe welcome in

I say if the Bonnie is your dream.then live your dream and buy it

If you want some retro gear as well so cool stuff here..


https://www.motolegends.com/