New to biking, bought a Bonneville...

[KAgantua]

I did my full bike licence 5 years ago, and got a bike (CBR600 - for cheap) shortly after, but never really rode it, as I didnt like the bike.

fast forward to now, took the plunge and just purchased a 2009 Bonneville. PIck it up on Saturday.

Am I crazy or what

Any tips? (Dont crash, yeah)

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

Just as a form of insurance you could fit crash bungs? Other than that; enjoy it and go steady! I hear they are lovely bikes.

[Pothole]

Start looking for a gel seat or a local upholsterer. Bonnie saddles are like planks.

[thatdude]

It'll be fine. Obvisouly be careful because you're pretty inexperienced, and keep the bike in good check (bikes are more sensitive, for example, to tyre pressures)

Just go out and ride. Be honest with yourself as to your limits, but dont be afraid to take opportunities to expand on your skills and to understand the bike you're riding.

[Prof Prolapse]

KAgantua said:

Am I crazy or what

Possibly, but the Bonneville would seem incidental.

[jdizz]

Man who has a bike licence buys bike.

CRAZY!

[tivver500]

Sign up and do a 'Bike Safe' course as soon as they become available.
Most Police Forces run them and they are invaluable for (gently) pointing out bad habits....

Alternatively join your local IAM or RoSPA group for some advanced training (your insurance will also thank you!!)

[CoolHands]

It will probably be extremely heavy and have crap brakes. Drive it like a car and you should be ok.

[zeb]

KAgantua said:

I did my full bike licence 5 years ago, and got a bike (CBR600 - for cheap) shortly after, but never really rode it, as I didnt like the bike.

fast forward to now, took the plunge and just purchased a 2009 Bonneville. PIck it up on Saturday.

Am I crazy or what

Any tips? (Dont crash, yeah)

Take it easy, the more you relax the more fun it will be.

look up, vanishing point and all that.

good quality tyres are cheaper than knees (no points for guessing how I know this....)

[Ho Lee Kau]

Don't forget the right gear.

[srob]

Ho Lee Kau said:

Don't forget the right gear.

Or wear Oakleys, Vans, Alpinestars and expect all women to be impressed by your GSXR1000 forgetting we’re not in 2003 any more

[Ho Lee Kau]

srob said:

Ho Lee Kau said:

Don't forget the right gear.

Or wear Oakleys, Vans, Alpinestars and expect all women to be impressed by your GSXR1000 forgetting we’re not in 2003 any more

shiiit, you mean I have to sell my GSXR1000 now?

https://youtu.be/BPJKHRPrnPQ

[MGZTV8]

How can you not like a CBR600?

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

srob said:

Or wear Oakleys, Vans, Alpinestars and expect all women to be impressed by your GSXR1000 forgetting we’re not in 2003 any more

Ignore this craziness! I plan to get a GSXR next year and I shall be tragically disappointed if the girls aren't impressed.

[Wacky Racer]

I've had four of the classic "Meriden" Bonnevilles and three of John Bloors…..

Great bikes, make sure you get a piss pot helmet to go with it and Mk9 Goggles.

[pcn1]

MGZTV8 said:

How can you not like a CBR600?

Some of us just prefer the power delivery of a twin

[andburg]

pcn1 said:

MGZTV8 said:

How can you not like a CBR600?

Some of us just prefer the power delivery of a twin

exactly, much rather bumble around using torque rather than horesepower

[srob]

Funnily enough I was half looking at a new(ish) Bonnie and was surprised how expensive they are.

With a £5k budget I’d assumed you’d get something pretty new but seems not!

[Salted_Peanut]

tivver500 said:

Sign up and do a 'Bike Safe' course as soon as they become available.
Most Police Forces run them and they are invaluable for (gently) pointing out bad habits....

Alternatively join your local IAM or RoSPA group for some advanced training (your insurance will also thank you!!)

+1. I think BikeSafe is on hold until the pandemic is over. But the IAM and RoSPA are both running OK.

Also, Rapid Training and Survival Skills – both brilliant – are running several different types of advanced courses. These guys are superb

[FunkyNige]

Salted_Peanut said:

+1. I think BikeSafe is on hold until the pandemic is over. But the IAM and RoSPA are both running OK.

Also, Rapid Training and Survival Skills – both brilliant – are running several different types of advanced courses. These guys are superb

The Norfolk one is up and running, but the classroom bit is online I believe.
Not at all helpful for the OP, but maybe Kent is the same!