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I haven't quite made up my mind on this question, and figured I should get some objective opinions.

I am really close to dropping ~$5k on a 1973 Triumph 650 that has been completely redone by a pro, and looks like a 1960's cafe racer...

I am a new rider, and would feel terrible to damage such a beautiful bike, but this is exactly the type of ride I've been looking for ( except for a 2005 Thruxton 900 demo, for $7500 ). I think that I know it would be a mistake to buy that (Thruxton), or the '73 for my first. Basically I am really looking for some independent analysis on the situation. Any ideas?

tia,

allen

I think it would be a mistake too. You're gonna kick yourself when you drop that bike.

There are ways to protect bikes when they are dropped, crash bars, frame sliders, whatever. Sounds to me like you are setting yourself up for the drop though. You mentioned you ar a new rider, are your skills so bad you are expecting to drop the bike. Were you never taught that if you fixate on something it will happen?

I don't think my skills are that bad, but my total motorcycle experience has been during the MSF course. I just know that I'm trusting after a bike and that I may not make the best objective decision on getting it or not.

I thought it would be nice to get some outside opinions from others.

That's a cool bike. I'd have a hard time passing on it if I had the chance. Rational is not always king, although it is usually the best choice. If you spend time doing baby steps during your on going self-training, I think you could be OK. When I first rode I started around my house for a couple weeks, moved to roads moving away from town, and eventually to the next town over. Finally after a couple months I was on to taking longer rides once or twice a week. Every time I ever dropped my bike it has been moving it around slow. Once I stopped hard on sandy mud - the next I lost my footing going to park it in my yard - another was parking the bike on a downward angle and it rolled off the stand - and the last was playing with the shift lever, off the bike, while it was running. I think if you survey carefully every situation, you never have to drop your bike. Mine was always a careless thing I could have avoided. I say oops now, but when the bike gets hurt you'll wish you would have been damaged instead of the bike. Just some random thoughts on your subject.

btw, if anyone would like to see the bike in question:

sucka.please wrote:I don't think my skills are that bad, but my total motorcycle experience has been during the MSF course.

You should be aware then that the '73 Triumph has the gearshift and foot brake pedals on opposite sides - this will take some getting used to. Perhaps you should go for the newer Triumph Thruxtom or Bonneville as a first bike; they have the advantages of better reliability, better performance and handling, more dealers and less maintenance.

If you HAVE to start on one of the bikes mentioned, spend the extra and get the Thruxton.

There will always be reconditioned Truimphs and such. Not a good begginer bike either.

bikeguy joe wrote:If you HAVE to start on one of the bikes mentioned, spend the extra and get the Thruxton.

There will always be reconditioned Truimphs and such. Not a good begginer bike either.

Those old Triumphs are like old beemers, they are absolute dogs to ride. I have a lot of respect for the guys that do ride these oldies, they must be good riders just to keep them upright.

Well, I took my cousin out to see it (he has been rebuilding bikes for 15 years, and he said if I didn't buy it he would). The price is $4500, and I'm going for it. This is the bike I've been looking for, and the gent that refurbished it is a pro & it's been completely reworked. I plan to keep near the house (pre 6:00 am & after 10:00 pm). I can just feel the nirvana waiting to see it in my garage.

I can understand the hesitancy from you guys that suggest that a switched shifter is not for a beginner, but if you've never known the difference...

Thanks for the advice, but I can't wait to get on MY bike!

btw, I'm a nerdy software engineer. If we don't know careful, it doesn't exist.

Cheers,

Allen