Hi lucky Triumph owners, As it says just about to burn the tie again ( last time was 42 yrs ago ha ha ). Haven't had my own bike since my mid twenties, ridden hire bikes and stuff but kids came along and got serious for a few decades. Raced a scrambler (500 rocket not the T ) for a while and now mountain bike like a bat out of hell keep braking those bloody clavicles though. Want to keep the mountain biking up because I love the buzz but thought I would love to get a proper motor bike ..... Hence here I am . Really really fancy a bonneville which I would love to customise just to take it easy on, cherish and pass on to the sprogs I suppose. Have been a Land Rover defender man for the last 30 yrs and don't mind a tinker ( think that's what it's called when the bloody thing breaks down at 04:30 in the morning and you put ones head under the bonnet and start pleading with it.)
Oh a bit finger happy there posted before I had finished. Will cut to the chase. What should I be looking for age / engine size wise and what is the main issue with the engines? Thanks wise ones. Jones trying not to tell the wife about all this just yet
Thanks Half Ton. Think I would be looking for an earlier year 2001-2005 am not into electronics at all, one of my landies (2008 defender) drives me bananas with all its wizardry .... Just want something that sucks petrol lol
I had a speed triple in 2003 and that's is the reason I have ordered a new one, it was the best bike I had ever owned. If there is still a little hooligan in you then get one leave the Bonnie for a year or two
Hay Mervyn, Lost my racers eyes, just not as quick as I was, although the mtb does get the red mist up still. No just want to cruise, listen and behold the asthetics hence why a bonnie although fully understand your angle and the are v v pretty. Thought for a nano about a Harley then thought nagh why would you do that ha ha
Hi Chris and welcome. It doesn't matter what bike you've got on this forum it's the colour that counts. Dave.
Got to be honest not fussed about colour although always fancied a bare polished tank and bits takes me back to those wild cafe racers as a kid, although the attrition rate in the early 70's was awful esp when those kwakers started coming in
Hi I would go and test drive one,or try an America as I think riding position is very important. As to age etc I would definately look for something with carbs M
If your looking to just sit back and enjoy, and thought of a ha*#ey, have a look at the bonneville America. Great bikes to just cruise along and enjoy the world, if you can cope with feet forward. Go sit and see! Blue is the colour you want tho ' 
If it cafe racers you hark back to then why not the Thruxton the feet forward thing is something that wasn't suited to me at least I never felt that I was in full control
Colour although previously mentioned never felt easy about white bikes, just always thought they were coming to get me, maybe thats some sort of guilt thing ha ha. Harley nagh could not seriously do that might be the wrong sexuality, all those studs, for the life of me just can't seem to get the end of ma tasche to curl and as for feet forwards well what would it do to my chaps, sure you would get scorch marks on them! Aesthetically love the thruxton but not for me too strong on the filthy Lucca side. Had the good fortune to spend a holiday on Cyprus once with a CB760 for company, that is the sort of thing I want in a British machine and to be honest have always coveted Bonnies.
Hi Chris, welcome to the playground. Did the same myself a couple of years ago and quit living for work and got back on two wheels. As for bike, whatever suits you best, mine's an 07 Speedmaster with carbs because like you I don't do this electronic stuff. Colour well whatever you fancy, but unless it's B-LOO Crispey will get a bit grumpy. Whatever bike and colour as long as you're happy and enjoy it who gives a damn
Although chaps worked very well for Dennis H in easy rider. However yet again fully get the T Americas but not for me.
Hi Chris, If you want a twin then a Bonneville or Thruxton . If you want a Triple then go with my Choice, A Thunderbird 900.
Hi Chris and welcome. I agree with the others that a carb'd 865cc Bonneville is the one you're after. Put some loud pipes on 'er (std pipes are whisper quiet) and enjoy. Loads of after-market stuff to make her 'your' Bonny.
Thanks for those comments wise ones. Looks like it's an 865 then. Will keep y'all posted. Jones with a wet bald head today
Hi and welcome. You might want to have a look at the t'bird LT, although the Bonnies is a great bike. Wessa
He Chris no worries, we each have our own passion when it comes to bikes. Unlike many on the forum I don't have the engineering skills to maintain my bikes so the modern option and dealer servicing is the optimum option for me. Wessa