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I was browsing the modern classic Triumph line and i was very interested in the Bonneville. 60 HP is pushing it for a beginner bike, i just wanted some advice and thoughts on this matter. Thanks guys!

60hp is fine.

don't underestimate it though.

60 might be pushing it a bit, but for me, i'd be more concerned with how much it would cost to fix/repaint if i dropped it. I usually recommend buying used for a first bike and then getting the "dream bike" once you have some road experience. likelyhood of dropping a first bike are pretty high and it's easier to swallow dropping a $2000 bike than a $10000 bike but the lessons learned will be quite similar.

Nozdryov wrote:I was browsing the modern classic Triumph line and i was very interested in the Bonneville. 60 HP is pushing it for a beginner bike, i just wanted some advice and thoughts on this matter. Thanks guys!

I think it's a bad idea. Check out my page here:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

The most important thing I always remind beginner motorcyclists is that you must do your best to educate yourself and form your own opinions.

Lots of people can get very "high and mighty" with their opinions on the Internet and those people tend to be amazingly irritating and not very helpful.

Some people will say 60HP is fine.

Some will say it is too much.

I say it is too much.

But remember that there is no "right" or "wrong" answer - only opinions. So do your research, ask the questions, then decide what you think is best.

Is 60 HP too much for a first bike?

It depends on the person. For some people, 6 HP is too much. For others, 100 HP is just fine.

You have to ask yourself whether you're the type who tends to be influenced by others and temped to do things you don't have the skill to handle. A good example of this is someone who buys a powerful bike and then tries to keep up with his experienced rider friends and ends up getting in over his head. Bad things usually follow close behind.

If you can moderate your urge to whack open the throttle, and keep your speed well within your skill level, then 60 HP isn't too much for a beginner.

I own a Bonneville. I believe that it is suitable for a first bike with a little common sense when starting. The Bonneville has these points in its favor:

-very compact frame for an 800cc, feels lighter than its weight
-low center of gravity
-steers very easily
-docile handling, handles very predictably, leans easily
-very flat power curve, no hot spots, no surprises
-throttle very easy to modulate
-torquey, won't punish you for being in the wrong gear at the wrong time
-basic design, easy to maintain. Also easy to mod.
-rugged engine and transmission, not easy to kill

disadvantages:
-brakes could be stronger (of course they won't surprise you, the issue is whether they'll stop you at all!! )
-narrow tires fairly sensitive to pavement grooves, bridge grates, etc.
-more sensitive to wind gusts than some other bikes
-transmission can get "moody" when hot, neutral sometimes runs away and hides (hey, it's an English bike, it's gotta have some eccentricities!)

I believe the 62hp spec is over-stated for the Bonneville in stock form. With mods, it will get 62hp and more, which transforms the character of the bike. But in stock form, it's a bit of a pussycat.

We also own a Suzuki Marauder 800, which weighs the same as the Bonneville, has a similar size engine, but on paper makes less horsepower (44 vs. 62). I have sometimes seen the Marauder approved as a beginner ride on this forum. Owning both, I would not hesitate for a second to recommend the Bonneville over the Marauder as a beginner bike, based on its docile and predictable handling. For a newbie, the Marauder can be a pig at low speeds. On the other hand, the Bonneville goes around pylons like a 250cc bike - it's so easy, it feels like cheating!

jstark47 wrote:I own a Bonneville. I believe that it is suitable for a first bike with a little common sense when starting. The Bonneville has these points in its favor:
*...lots of stuff was here*

It is nice to hear from someone who owns one! I'm really glad to hear about the details of your bike.

I'm still fighting off the Thruxton urge...

I agree with the other members who said that it depends on the rider if 60HP is too much. I read the same thing when I first prowled the forums, but that didn't stop me from buying a 80hp cruiser as my first bike. Yes the bike is capable of getting you in trouble, but that is if you let it. I've put about 2500 miles since I got the bike about 2 months ago and I've taken it on some pretty twisty roads. I had a lot of fun riding through Skyline drive and the surrounding roads.

Bonnies are lovely. given half a chance id knock someone over the head and abscond with one.

roscowgo wrote:Bonnies are lovely. given half a chance id knock someone over the head and abscond with one.

Watch it, I hit back!