Is the Triumph Bonneville T100 a Good Starter Bike?
So, you’ve decided to become a motorcyclist and now you’re wondering what bike to get? Ultimately, that decision is entirely up to you and will depend on what you want to get out of riding. Just remember your first bike doesn’t have to be your only bike!
The Most Affordable Bonneville & Good Beginner Ride
If you’re considering the Triumph Bonneville T100 as your first bike, we think it’s a great choice! The T100 is a good size with plenty of power, great handling and a comfortable riding position. It also has a fairly low 31” seat, making it accessible for shorter riders, including women ready to roll on two wheels.
The T100 is also the most affordable in the Bonneville line. It is a 5-speed rather than a 6-speed transmission, but still packs a good punch. The engine produces a tame 55 horsepower and 59 pound-feet of torque; while that may sound less than stellar, it does mean that it’s an easy ride, even for beginners. The bike also forgives even ham-fisted clutch use, another win for newbies.
The New 2021 T100: Improved Emissions & More Power
The T100 is arguably the most famous British motorcycle on the market, as it’s the closest to the 1959 original. Sports performance isn’t the driving force behind its Euro5 compliant high-torque engine. Instead, it has been developed for practical cruising and well-rounded versatility, making it an excellent choice for a first bike.
With more speed comes additional braking power, and improved handling thanks to a weight shed of nearly nine pounds. While the T100’s retro aesthetic is its biggest draw, it also boasts impressive features like: Ride-by-Wire, ABS, a torque-assist clutch, sophisticated and stylish instrumentation, and modern practicalities such as an immobilizer and USB charging port.
The T100 is a mix of modern classic style, remarkable finishes, and impressive performance. This naked comes in three color options: Fusion White and Aegean Blue, New England White and Intense Orange both with hand-painted lines, and Jet Black. An additional model, the Triumph Bonneville T100 Black is available with a blacked-out aesthetic.
Recommending a beginner motorcycle isn’t as simple as suggesting someone choose a “small” or “slow” bike to start, but rather finding a comfortable bike you can maneuver with ease. There’s nothing wrong with opting for a bigger bike, as long as you respect it and take it slow while getting acquainted. The best advice we can give it to get something you are comfortable with. Let us know how we can help, and make sure you schedule a test ride when these launch in March!