Which Triumph should I get with my £3000?

Question

I have £3000 (tops) to get a motorcycle- I'm in the UK.

I love the look of Triumph motorcycles, especially the retro Bonneville, the Scrambler and the Speed Four.

Which of these would represent a good investment at the £2-3k level? It must be a bike suitable for getting me to work through the town as well as road-trips with my friends at the weekend.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Get yourself a speed triple - great bit of kit,

Answer 2

New production is out of reach at 3000.  You can probably find a used New Bonnie for that if you look.  The Bonnie is probably your best bet due to parts availibility, if nothing else.  Lots of accessories are around, both from Triumph and many aftermarket parts will work nicely.

Around here, you can't find a used Scrambler . . . those who buy them refuse to part with them.

I'm not familiar with the Speed Four here in the US.  Is it a UK-only thing, or do you mean the Speed Triple (or Street Triple)?

With a little tinkering, my 07 Bonneville does just about everything I want it to do.  I had a 71 Bonnie, and there is NO comparison.

Check out the Twin Forum at triumphrat.  Lots of good information there.  

Answer 3

My experience of the Hinkley triumphs is limited to two Trophy 1200s and a Sprint RS.  All have really torquey motors - making them really rideable round town and out on the open road.  The earlier Trophy (not the one with the chrome trim that looks like a Rover reject) is the better Trophy, the later ones feel really top-heavy.  Excellent luggage carrying.  My first Trophy went on fine up to the point of write-off at 36k miles.  I sold my second one after a few months because it was too tall.

The RS is slightly harsh on bumpy roads - but stays perfectly on line.  Performance is good, position slightly racey, but okay for commuting.

I've ridden a scrambler.  Fun, but not for all day.  Hard seat, no wind protection.

If your friends ride relatively slowly then the scrambler and ne Bonny will be fine, otherwise you will need more grunt.