Triumph Bonneville

Review from Classic Bike Guide, June 2008UK magazine OK, so, you’re tired of the flashy hyperbike scene and fancy something different. The retro scene and old motorcycles has started to appeal but the problem is you’re completely new to old motorcycles and know nothing about them. Yes, you’ve seen them about and have probably even heard of a few of the makes like Triumph and BSA but beyond that … well. What do you do to find out if the scene will suit you and what bike could be the one for you?A useful first step could well be one of ‘The Essential Buyer’s Guides’ by Peter Henshaw and published by Veloce Publishing if you’re fancying a BSA twin or a Triumph Bonneville - OK and BMW GS as well. The buyer’s guides are not an in-depth look at every machine, that would be difficult in a 64-page 7 11/16in x 5 7/16in soft back book. Instead they are squarely aimed at the newcomer and advise on model changes, recognition points, pitfalls and other things to be aware of when seeking out a classic.A long time classic owner will find the information fairly run of the mill but if you’re just starting out then it’s all new and after reading ‘The Essential Buyer’s Guides’ you should be able to spot a Bonnie from a T’Bird or an A7 from an RGS. a great resource to have at your fingertips. Ultimate MotorCycling

Peter Henshaw has been an enthusiast for anything with wheels since he was a child – everything from bicycles to 500hp tractors. He was Editor of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure for five years before going freelance, and now contributes to a whole raft of transport magazines and websites, as well as editing Vintage & Classic Motorcycle. But this petrolhead is becoming increasingly green – now doesn’t fly, doesn’t own a car, rides the most economical motorcycle on the market, and for local journeys uses a bicycle or pedelec.