10-09-2017, 01:39 AM
(10-09-2017, 12:42 AM)kvdv_imp Wrote: Amazing timing on this thread. Being one of the lucky ones to have scored a 2014 DLX, I've (up until recently) thought, "this is one of the finest motorcycles ever made, it does everything I want it to do, and if I ever sold it I KNOW I'd regret it because of how hard it would be to get another, with their scarcity, owner loyalty, etc. Wherever I've been on it (I've put 20,000+ miles on it in less than two years riding around the western states), I've never seen another one. I get lots of compliments on it. In short, I'm honored to have the privilege of owning something so precious, rare and fine. It's a bike that I feel I must prove with each ride that I'm worthy of it, if that makes sense.
BUT (and there's always a "but" to statements like the above, yes?), all along, I couldn't help but notice that even though it's vastly superior in nearly every measurable category to the the 2007 Bonnie T100 I owned before it, there are important things I really miss about the Bonnie. First of all, it was a better fit ergonomically. I never had to change a thing about it; it felt like a bike custom made for me. With the DLX, I've dumped money into a custom seat rebuild and risers, and it's still an 8 on the comfort scale, where my old Bonnie was an easy 10 with no mods at all...not even the stock plank seat. Second, the CB often feels to me -- usually in slow speed handling, leaving a gravel parking lot, pushing it around in the garage, etc -- that without absolute perfect concentration and execution I could drop it at any moment. It bothers me that that feeling has never gone away, even after 20,000 miles on it. It feels quite top heavy, especially with any luggage added. The Bonnie never once felt like more than I could handle, no matter the situation. Lastly, and this may surprise some here, but in the looks department, I would also have to give the DLX an 8 and the Bonnie a 10. Subjective, yes...but even though the DLX has that super-refined look of a high end beauty queen, the Bonnie's lines always tugged at my heart in a way that the DLX can't for some reason. I really don't know why.
Recently another forum member posted a picture of the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster, black and white tank, solo seat... I can't overstate the effect that photo has had on me. I'm quite sure I've never seen a more beautiful machine in my life (even if it does have a radiator!) Call me crazy, but it looks like the bike I was destined to rideI've even already contacted the gentleman who sold me the DLX; not long after I bought it he had realized he made a mistake and wanted me to promise him that if I ever wanted to sell it, that I would give him first shot. Who knows where this will lead, but for the moment, my direction seems to be veering away from the mighty DLX and towards this unknown new design. A voice in my head still tells me that I could very much regret letting the DLX go, but lord knows it wouldn't be the first mistake I've ever made, and besides, how far wrong could I go with that Speedmaster? I know the ergonomics can't be the same as a regular Bonnie, but that's what test rides are for I guess. I've already put my name in at the Triumph dealer for a test ride when they come out.
Anyway, sorry for the long ramble, but that is precisely what I've been thinking "2+ years later"... - kvdv
Ah yes, the joys of motorcycle passion.
