[LanceD]

If you’ve got the $2k to put down, why not just buy a decent used bike on craigslist for the $2k and put what you’re thinking you can pay monthly in an account for the next bike. I’m sure there are lots of people here who disagree, but anything you buy solely for the enjoyment of it has to fall into the “toy” category (finance wise). Financing toys is a great way to stay broke.

[LanceD]

Welcome!

I took the BRT course in mid March and got a Triumph Speedmaster about a week later. I’m about the same size / weight as you and it fits like a glove. I’ve got about 800 miles on it so far and am getting more comfortable with it every day (just did a 200 mile ride with the local Triumph rider’s group this weekend).

Good luck with the shopping / buying adventure. Keep us posted on what you end up with.

[LanceD]

Welcome from another newbie who’s also a 30 something (at least for the next month)!

I gotta say I share your affinity for Triumphs, but the bikes you mentioned (while quite beautiful) are a little scary for me right now. That Street Triple sure does look like fun though… maybe one day.

[LanceD]

Yes, same engine (slightly different gearing). It’s not a V-twin btw, it’s a parallel twin. Bonnies are 360 degrees opposed, Speedmasters and Americas are 270 degrees. Speedmasters before ’05 have a 790cc and then in ’05 got a 865cc. Bonnies didn’t get the 865 until ’07 iirc.

My ’03 Speedmaster is my first bike. I LOVE it! A friend of mine has a Bonnie and feels the same way. 800cc might seem like a lot for a first bike, but 800cc on a cruiser is not the same as 800cc on a sport bike. My Speedy is in the same range as a SV650 as far as torque and HP.

I think in a few years I might start thinking about a T-Bird. But, I’ll wait until I have a few more miles on me and the bike has had a few years of reviews and refinement before I worry about that.

[LanceD]

Congrats on the new bike, I’m a new rider too. I had the SAME experience (first couple of weekends, the weather was crappy). If I may give one bit of advice: take a look at the ‘Ride Like a Pro’ DVDs and do LOTS of parking lot practice. I’m trying to get as much practice as I can (highway, parking lot, bad weather, etc…), but practicing tight U-turns and cone-weaves in a parking lot have given me a lot more confidence and made me a lot more comfortable with the size and weight of the bike…

Just my $0.02.

Again, congrats!
Lance

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