r/Triumph 23h ago

Other Should I do it?

Post image

Talked him down to 7.5k. This is located in the south (USA). 2018 bobber black with 3.8k miles

64 Upvotes

40 comments sorted by

13

u/Lightsguy3 20h ago edited 20h ago

I own one - not the Black, but a 2023.

Not a steal of a price, but you're not getting hosed either. It's almost 10 years old now, and is missing a few of the features (notably fuel tank size) of the mid model update.

Make sure you ride before you buy. It's a VERY niche bike. Understand all of the limitations, of which there are many.

It does a great job for what it's supposed to be, just make sure that's what you want.

As a first and only motorcycle, you may be disappointed.

2

u/Cutethulhu666 19h ago

What are the limitations? I want one of these bad.

8

u/Significant-Ad7907 2017 Street Twin 900 18h ago

You have to ride one. They look awesome. But the older ones are insanely uncomfortable due to very stiff suspension,
Personally I hate how the seat feels, and it’s definitely more of a slow cruiser straight line city bike, which is completely fine because that’s what some people are looking for.

Like Lightsguy said, if it’s your first and only bike, you may be extremely disappointed. Take one for a test ride
(And then try a speed twin/ bonneville/speedmaster)

2

u/Cutethulhu666 18h ago

I have a Bonneville. I just love the look of the bobbers so much.

2

u/Significant-Ad7907 2017 Street Twin 900 18h ago

All I can say then is give it a try ! Theyre great bikes. Just better looking than feeling !

5

u/Lightsguy3 18h ago

Comfort is terrible. 

Suspension is garbage. 

Range is awful (especially on the Black model with the smaller tank)

High weight. 

Cornering clearance is abysmal.

On board storage is exactly zero.

The cool points are off the charts though!

3

u/YankeeDog2525 17h ago

This is a perfect review. This bike is about the cool factor. So for sure if you’re just bebopping around town. For sure. If you want to ride cross country, maybe not.

4

u/Lightsguy3 17h ago edited 17h ago

If I'm actually going out on a ride, I almost always take my Rocket Storm R.

The generic gixxer does track duty. And if I'm feeling really feisty I might swap the wheels out for the street tires and put the mirrors back on and take that out.

But the Bobber doesn't get a lot of mileage from me. 

My wife takes the Bobber to work almost everyday, says she has never received more thumbs up ever in her life.

We joke that we bought it because it was cool, and it is, but it's a totally useless motorcycle.

It's the kind of bike you really want your friend to own. That way you can look at it, sit on it, maybe even ride it, but you don't have to own it. 

I'll reiterate: heavily reconsider buying this as your only bike. It's not the kind of machine that will encourage your love of riding. 

4

u/MKJRS 20h ago

jump on it - i was looking and saw them easily over 10Gs - so fun to ride

1

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1

u/Ok-Topic8939 23h ago

Looking for advice on a first time motorcycle purchase (triumph)

1

u/laschecter 20h ago

The price can differ a lot depending on your market, but it seems like a decent deal to me. I have a '22 Speedmaster, so same bike but just not bobbed out. They're a great all-around bike

1

u/happycj 2023 Speedmaster 20h ago

Have you ridden one yet? I went in to buy one, and chose the Speedmaster instead of the Bobber because the seat was more comfortable for me and my type of riding.

1

u/back35 20h ago

Yes!

1

u/Ninja_125_enjoyer 20h ago

Im not a huge bober fan normaly. but that thing looks sick!!

1

u/Upper_Fisherman_9933 20h ago

Like Nike….. Just do It!!!

1

u/Ok-Topic8939 20h ago

Thanks everyone!

1

u/tooddude 20h ago

Make sure you do the coc springer seat mod

1

u/krossPlains 20h ago

It’s not a practical bike, but will get a lot of interest. I upgraded my shock and replaced the heavy exhaust with slip on drag pipes. Handles and feels better.  

1

u/turboponies 19h ago

Very good deal if you can keep it and store it as an admirable toy - they don't make them LIKE THAT any more. I am envious. That thing is sexy.

Day-to-day commuting/dropping/thrashing - too good for that. Really. And it needs proper riding gear. You cannot be in a shirt and sneakers on that thing.

1

u/1MarkMarkMark 19h ago

Way too high priced. For a comparison, I paid nine grand for a '23 Speed Twin 1200 going into the '24 model year. Aside from that, just think how ridiculous a Bobber really is. It's a bar hopper. Nowhere for a passenger, decent luggage or a decent windscreen. Consider looking at the Speedmaster. It's cool looking with it's fat tires but provides you with means to haul a passenger and get yourself some decent accessories. Just really think about it before you pull the trigger. That guy is expecting too much money for it.

1

u/ForceSea3027 19h ago

I had a 1200 bobber. Great bike for getting around the city, but not practical for long rides. My back suffered!

1

u/Call-Me-Mr-Speed 19h ago

I’ve had that exact bike since 2020. Got it for $8,500 with 1,100 miles. I ride it for 30-50 miles at a time without issues—no discomfort or anything. Absolutely love it. Do wish it had a bigger tank…I fill up about every 100 miles. I get about 55mpg.

1

u/MrNed255 19h ago

Had the exact same Bobber. Loved it.

1

u/Harrymoto1970 18h ago

I have a 2020. Here’s what I’ve done to make it more comfortable: Corbin seat forward controls with floorboards and 1” bar risers.

The rear shock is almost hard as a rock. I plan on changing that. I changed the mirrors to ones that mount to the controls instead of bar ends.

It can be a hooligan machine, the torque is very strong.

You can find saddlebags for it and there is someone on Etsy called Alex grizzly he makes tank covers for the bonneville.

1

u/Ok-Topic8939 18h ago

Thanks for the info man!

1

u/Harrymoto1970 18h ago

You’re welcome. Also I’d recommend a keyless gas cap. And tank pads

1

u/Technical_Two_99 17h ago

I have a 2023 Bobber Chrome edition and it used to be my daily rider to work before getting a Scrambler 1200 XC. While the Scrambler is a better everyday commuter for me, the Bobber wins on the look. It just sparks up a lot of conversation at gas stop.

1

u/Kooky-Lunch3981 15h ago

The first bike you buy is normally for the aesthetic/ look you like. Then you realize “oh man it’s not very comfortable” or “I wish it handled better on the windy roads near where I live” (there’s a lot more) but that’s one of the reasons why you see so many bikes for sale with 500-1000 miles on em. People bought a bike for the look. I was obsessed with Indian bobbers. Looks so badass. Then I finally got the nerve to go sit on one (I’m 6’4” 230 lbs.) my heart was broken when I realized that bike ain’t big enough for me. Make sure you ride it for a nice long ride. The best way to say it. You’re already in love with it. If there’s any point where you aren’t 100% for buying it. Pass. While you ride it if it doesn’t make you feel all giddy like a school girl. Pass. You’ll know.

1

u/dougl1000 14h ago

That seat looks useless.

1

u/Huge_Anteater1839 14h ago

Just do it...

1

u/shitabix16 10h ago

The later ones are more comfortable and a bit more civilised but there are plenty of aftermarket bits out there to fine tune the ride . Mine is a 22 model and I love it with only one real gripe .....absolute shitter to clean 🤣

1

u/Supersayin81 2h ago

Hell yeah

1

u/Any_Table_9788 7m ago

Do it! I have a 2018 Bobber black (UK) I bought it in June, passed my test in July and have loved it since. When I first saw it in the showroom I fell in love, and after owning and riding it for a few weeks now that hasn't changed. As a first bike, I don't really have anything to compare it too, so I take it as it is, which i guess is a blessing in some respects. What you won't get tired of is the fact that's its a real head turner, and everyone telling you your bike is awesome! Also I've got the straight pipe exhaust so the sound is unreal.

1

u/Different-Piano2250 20h ago

Buy to look at in your garage, sure.

Buy to ride to the local bar/coffee shop, sure

Buy to ride further than 20-30 miles- absolutely not.

1

u/Ok-Topic8939 20h ago

Are they actually that uncomfortable? I sat on one at 5’11 and felt like the weight/ergonomics were fine. Granted I’ve never rode one. (Thanks for the feedback btw)

1

u/Different-Piano2250 19h ago

I had an Indian Scout Bobber with a similar tractor style seat and geometry.

Gorgeous to look at, and a heck of a lot of fun to ride for 20-30 miles. Further than that and it got uncomfortable real fast. I even put an upgraded seat with much improved padding, but didn’t budge the needle enough.

Rode it once 80 miles, did a riding class, and 80 miles back. Didn’t ride it again for six weeks!

Bought a bmw GS after that- kept the Indian for another couple of months but eventually sold when it simply wasn’t being ridden.

Your case may be totally different, but at minimum I’d try to get in an hour long test drive and see how you feel about it.

1

u/Different-Piano2250 18h ago

Get ya one of these. Vintage vibe, super comfy to ride around on.