WheelHorse
Bronco Guru
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2004
- Messages
- 2,492
Tough call. As a fellow Chicago motorcycle rider, I share your concern regarding riding in traffic with cagers. The increase in texting while driving is making it way more dangerous to riders. I've got my Bronco and 5 vintage motorcycles currently. I don't know if I could make a choice between them but my situation is likely different from yours. I don't have kids. My wife also rides so I'm not being pressured from her in any way about the dangers of riding.
You are correct in your assessment of a Bronco being a money pit. I've probably spent close to 10 grand since I bought mine just to make it safe and reliable (disc brakes, wiring harness, cooling system, steering upgrades, etc.) Do you plan on driving a Bronco year-round? Chicago winters can be brutal and will destroy the body of the vehicle quickly. I'd say go for it if the Bronco will not be your sole main vehicle. You'd probably get more use out of it than a bike if you are planning on having a family.
Either way, you should join us later today for the area Chicago Bronco owners meet-up.
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207308
I'd love to see the Triumph and shoot the breeze with you. You would be quite welcome and likely get more in-depth advice from folks who know Broncos more than I do.
Good luck!
I tell you what, I've been hawking that meet up. I'll have to see what time I am free'd up today and where you all are suppose to be at if I can make it. Odd's currently aren't looking the best.
Like you had mentioned, it has taken nearly ten grand to bring your Bronco, to what you'd consider it to be up-to-snuff. This is the part I'm trying to use to talk myself out of it. Certainly a stupid TJ would be a better "initial" buy with already having superior brakes, 3 point belts, OD, fuel injection, as some when to far to comment about collapsable steering column and such.
The problem is, I was the guy in high school flying the Bronco flag. It went so far as me wearing a pin on my shirt, most of the last portion of my senior year bragging about how many Jeeps I had taken down. I didn't meet my match on the street until I ran up against a guy, who had had enough, and threw a 350 in his CJ-7. I then called upon my other Bronco buddy packing a 351W to take him down, because I could only run neck to neck on the street with the 350 Jeep. Off road I still beat the 350. MY point is, even though the Jeep probably would make more sense, I just don't think I could walk out to the garage and look at it as mine. I've Bronco pictures from years past calenders on the wall.
Who knows, maybe I'm the guy who should just move on and realize that I just don't have the $$ to bring an old classic up to snuff at this point in my life.