Bonnie in the stable

For some time now I’ve been infatuated with the look and ride of the Triumph Bonneville motorbike. The ride came courtesy of Paul Blouin Performance of Augusta, Maine. Back in December, yes December, they let me take a Bonneville SE out for a spin. I let out the clutch, twisted the throttle and listened to that 865 cc parallel twin engine. I knew one was in my future. 

After Bangor Motor Sports and Triumph USA had a falling out, I looked to the Blouin website, pre-owed vehicles page even though you just don’t see late model Bonnevilles advertised anywhere. Seventh on the list was a 2011 Bonneville T-100 with only 804 miles on it. I called, made a few inquiries and based on that conversation I put down a $200 down payment.

I headed down to Augusta on May 2; the wife accompanied me. I had a great plan to negotiate a better price. We were going to play good cop, bad cop and she would be the bad cop, of course. We met up with Paul Fischer, the salesman with whom I dealt. He took us to the storage area downstairs from the showroom. There was the two tone, British racing green and white, T-100 with a SOLD tag on it. It wasn’t long until I had donned my riding gear and Paul had the Bonnie idling in neutral out front. I signed the appropriate paper work that included proof of my motorcycle endorsement, proof of insurance and a promise that I wouldn’t break any traffic laws during the test ride. Off I went on a ten mile test ride. I planned to return, and cite all the issues I had with the bike. However, the grin went from ear to ear. My negotiating position was compromised. We sat down to talk price and I rolled over like a trained seal. I folded like a deck chair on the Titanic.

As I was still under doctors orders not to ride motorcycles following the surgery, I opted to have them deliver the bike to my house. The plan was to get it to me Thursday May 3. Dang if they didn’t get it there until 4:37 PM. What a long day it was. I saw the surgeon on Friday and got the go ahead to ride. More to follow. 

Lastly, I didn’t intend to exceed the speed limit on the test ride. Honest!!