I can't handle my T100 Triumph Bonneville

I'm a short, fairly new rider and I've been struggling with my Triumph Bonneville for 6 months. I keep trying to increase my skill, get better with it, but it just comes down to: I don't enjoy riding it. Despite how gorgeous it is, I'm changing bikes. Here's why.

BIKE: 2016 Triumph Bonneville T100
CAMERA: GoPro Hero 3+, Canon EOS Rebel T3i

**MUSIC
Lounge by Ehrling @ehrling

[PaddyOutback]

I really enjoy your videos. No pretentious crap. You admit your shortcomings as a rider which is refreshing in a sea of "YouTube experts"! Excellent work.

[claudtalkz]

I have a Bonneville SE, I'm a woman, 5'2", in my 50's, been riding about 7 years. I love it, but I hear what you're saying. Sometimes I think, wouldn't it be nice to have a lighter bike, but I've had her for so long, had so many great adventures together, heck, I kiss the seat and thank her at the end of each ride, so I guess I'm stuck with her, plus, Bonnevilles are kinda the quintessential motorcycle, all the boys drool. Annnyway, so looking forward to seeing what you choose for your next ride. Put on those miles, nothing helps your skillset more than just riding, riding, riding, every chance you get.

[henryofskalitz]

I have a 1974 bonneville t140 and it's kick start only love it. Center stand and powerful enough to do anything I want. I'll never sell it and have took it on many trips to Baltimore and Indian from pa to see family. Best old bike ever

[stevenlars]

The Triumph Bonneville T100 is a great bike. My neighbor and his wife both have one. I went for a new Royal Enfield Interceptor instead because it's half the price of a Bonneville and not so far behind in the looks and quality departement. It's also designed in Engeland, just as Triumph.

[JohnMcClain-pt]

I had my niece out here in eastern NC for a couple months this summer, she's about your size and we really enjoyed wearing out a rear tire in two months. I bought a some old Triumphs, 3 two five hundreds and a seven fifty. I just finished tearing down one of the five hundreds for her, getting ready to get the frame and sheetmetal painted so I can put it back together for her when she comes down for the holidays. I appreciate your showcasing this bike, I'm sure my niece will enjoy the 500 as it will fit her very nicely. Thanks for the ride!

[artkoch]

Yes, I have the Bonneville T100, and it is heaver! My girlfriend bought the Street Twin, and she loves it! Big difference in weight, and control...and it has this amazing rumble sound!

[marcj]

I watched your video and noticed that you tend to ride your bike close to the right side of your lane, almost like a bicycle. You should be riding closer to the center line (not on the center line) so that you don't invite cars to share your lane. Your visibility will also be enhanced because you will be able to see cars coming towards you all the time. It will also give just that additional amount of time to save you from crashing into a car that might cut you off while turning right in front of you.

[emejopiallaaride]

Bonneville T100, la più bella moto del mondo 💓

[psjasker]

“I feel I’m approaching intermediate skill level” … has taken slow-speed handling course six times 😀
You would make a fantastic pilot - humility, diligence and a perpetual arritude of learning. Great channel and a service to young beginners!

[whalesong]

When I met my wife-to-be, she was riding a BSA 650 Golden Flash that weighed ~420 lbs. She had scars on her legs from burns after spilling it multiple times. She was 5'5". She went down to a Honda 305 Super Hawk which was at least 100 lbs lighter and never dropped it.

I was a service manager and riding teacher for a new dealership and quickly developed a rule-of-thumb that the heavier a machine is in relation to the rider weight, it was detrimental and in the case of emergency, very unfavorable to avoid accidents.

My opinion for women riders is base the choice the machine in accordance to it's comparative weight if you want the best safety margin. Design, looks, and power features are all secondary. I've seen some very small riders (even AMA motor maids) getting by with largish bikes but they were always teetering toward a fall with the slightest negative conditions.

[bonnytrippler]

Thank you for taking us along on your biking journey, Doodle.  I respect your honesty and especially your determination to keep riding.  Looking forward to seeing what machine is next.  7.42 to 9.29: not being able to filter past that queue of cagers must be frustrating!  Cheers from England.

[Ukar]

Just like you, I was considering both the Suzuki S40 and the Triumph Bonneville T100 for their looks. I ended up buying the S40. Soon after I realised it was just not enough of a bike for me, and bought a 2017 Suzuki SV650. I love this bike, and I highly recommend it to anyone.

[sydneyroberts]

I just bought this bike as my first bike. I did test ride it in a parking lot first. But will be doing more practice on quiet streets, and hopefully I can find a slow speed class. But I love the smoothness of it. Oh, 5’7” and 238. Thank you Edie this.

[davidmesser]

I am a shorter man. I am 5'6" tall. My inseam is 28". That is where I have trouble with a motorcycle. I have a 2014 Bonneville. The bike has 17 inch wheels front and back. It makes it easier to get on and off of the bike. The seat height is 30" from the tarmac. I have been riding bikes since 1971. I don't like heavy bikes. The bikes weight is good for me. Stock it weighs 495 lbs. I imagine with all of the accessories that I added it weighs closer to 550 lbs. I am strong enough to hold the bike up with one leg. Remember the 28" inseam. My problem with the bike is it's uncomfortable. My legs are shorter but I have arthritis in both hips. The bike cramps me up. I probably need the T120. The bad thing about the T120 is that it's an additional 1.5 inches further off the tarmac. 31.5" minus 28" = 3.5". Not to worry. I will buy a leaner sidecar and a more comfortable seat. Problem solved. I plan on riding up to Alaska and back next year. Can you say, bwuhahaha? I knew you could. There's always a solution if you are willing to pay the price. Take care. Vaughn

[Broken_Arrow]

Owned a 2011 Bonne SE and it handled like a dream mainly I think because of the 17" front wheel and fork rake. Tried a T100 with it 19" front wheel and found handling only half as good. Build quality of the T100 seemed better but still passed on it because it rode bigger. Bonne SE rode small.

[SJMudTurtleCruises]

I agree with J.Monty's comments below and will add to that. First off, skill is something you practice through out your motorcycle life, things become second nature as you ride. My hubby who has over 40 years of riding tells me that skill is learned by riding and making mistakes but you are forever learning. I had to learn that I needed to come out of my comfort zone or else I was never going to become a good rider and never advance in my riding. Second, I think you need to love the bike you are riding because then you want to ride all the time. When I bought my 2017 Ninja 650, (I love that bike) it made me come out of my comfort zone and my riding has improved tremendously to the point where I love riding. Third, ( haters please don't hate), but I think you are riding bikes that are above your skill level. I think it is great that you took all those courses to learn the proper riding techniques, but riding in your skill level also means riding a bike that you feel comfortable on and can easily learn. Sometimes starting out on a bigger CC bike might be too much to handle for a new rider due to the power/torque of the bike, weight, agility (or as some say flick ability) of the bike which helps you have better control. I know when I moved from my Yamaha R3 to the Ninja 650, the 58lb weight difference especially on slow turns got me for a min and I had to adjust. Maybe Doodle you are looking at the wrong size bikes, maybe looking at a lower CC, (which also tend to be lighter) bike until you are comfortable in riding and then move up to the higher CC bikes. Please do not take this a bad criticism, just trying to help out a fellow girl rider..lol! I can see you want to ride but I think you need a good mentor who can help put you on the right bike and guide you in the right way so you can grow as a motorcyclist!

[mstoker]

My girlfriend is 5' and 90 lbs. We got her a new Honda Rebel 500 which weighs 400ish lbs wet, and has an ultra low seat height. That bike is such a joy to ride. Easygoing but it has enough power to keep any newer rider excited. I think you would excel in one of those machines.

[barryroberts]

From an old guy: Try as many bikes as you can. I know in the States you seem to only be able to ride with the dealer in a convoy but if you get a short list of bikes talk to the dealer and get them to let you go out and ride yourself and find out if it fits you. Bikes are like buying a pair of jeans, you can try a shop load and then find a perfect fit. You are in no hurry because you have a good bike. take your time and try something different. Not all big bikes are heavy but a smaller bike can be so much fun. Good luck girl all the best Barry

[venza]

I am a small rider myself 5'4", I ride a T120. I have learned to adapt to the bike. As far as height of the seating, I have had the stock seat shaved to lower. I have also found a website that makes custom lower and narrow seats. You can also get pretty good size boots that will help with the height. I still tip toe a bit, but not much since i made these changes. I think anyone can adapt to whatever ride (motorcycle) you get.

[michaelking]

Good info. I'm 6'4" and ride this bike and it feels like a moped to me. But I never considered the challenges for shorter riders.