Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Inseam distance

I'm getting back into riding after a nearly 30-year absence. But because I have limited flex in my right knee, I'm having difficulty finding bikes I can ride comfortably. I love the look of the Americans and all the reviews say this is a good bike for me, but haven't been able to sit on one yet.

Any of you taller riders, how is the distance between the seat and the pegs? That is the limiting factor for me. If anyone has an actual measurement between the lowest part of the seat and the peg, that would be great.

Hey Dan- I too have limited flexibility in my knees. Before I discovered the America, I was looking hard at something from the HD line. However I didn't really feel comfortable until I sat on something in about the $18K range. I stumbled onto the America and was able to try one on for size. I immediately knew I had found what I was looking for. Plenty of stretch, and even more when I added foot boards. As a bonus I found a pre-owned bike with 2200 miles on it for $6K. Not once have I regretted my decision. Good luck.

Hi,you just need to go sit on one and let a second person stand in front and hold up the bike.Distance from seat to pegs is not so crucial as seat height and width.You need to be seated with your feet FLAT on the ground.You can play with the shocks and get a inch or so lowered,and handlebars can be brought closer to you via risers.Good luck!

Hey dan. I have a 32" inseam. When I sit on the bike my knees have a slight bend to them-very comfortable. You really need to sit on one. The America and Speedmaster have different handle bars and you can change out the risers and even the bars to fit you better.

I have a bad knee in cold weather. The America/SM was just more comfortable than any other affordable bike.
You should get out and sit on one.
I have also learned to stretch my leg out and let the back of my boot rest on the peg. Its actually comfortable enough for me that I dont feel the need for highway pegs.
My inseam is about 32.
Oh....the shape of the tank helped me out too. I dont have to ride spread eagle and that helps with the comfort as well.

Hi Dan,

I am 6' 5" and have a 34" inseem. When shopping for bikes there were only 4 models I can say I was truly comfortable on in stock form. The Triumph America, Victory Vegas, Victory Kingpin, and Harley Wide Glide. All are great bikes but only one was under $16,000. I went with the America and really love it. The only mod I have done is to move the handlebars higher up by loosening the clamps.

Where are you located? I there may be a BA member near that will show you his/her bike if you don't have a dealership handy.

John M.
The Colony, TX

Thanks for all the replies, folks. John, at this very moment I'm in Grapevine, just down the road from you. I intended to go out at lunch today and try one on for size, but all the dealers in this part of the world are closed on Monday.

My dealer is always closed Mondays as well. I'm almost 6'1" (I've lost a little height with age) with a 33" inseam. I sat on both the America and Speedmaster in the showroom and had my wife sit on the back of both.

The America was the most comfortable for me and it was definitely the most comfortable for my wife. I ride 2-up about 50% of the time.

Grapevine? Cool. You'll have to stop by Eurosport Cycle on Airport Freeway and check out the goodies. I've been taking my bike to BMW of North Dallas (also Triumph dealer) for work and really like the dealership. I know they have at least 3 or 4 Americas on the showroom floor and more in crates out back.

Let us all know what you think once you get a good look.

John M.
TC, TX

I'm planning to go look at a 2002 for sale tomorrow. The funny thing is I sat on a UM Cruiser today, and found it had the longest stretch of any bike I've tried so far. It's actually a very interesting looking bike, but I'm not in the market for an untried (in the U.S.) Korean bike with virtually no resale market. The Triumphs really appeal to me.

Well, I got out to RPM Cycles at lunch and sat on an American and Speedmaster, as well as a T100. The American had enough stretch for me. I could use another couple of inches on my "bad knee" days, but this will do it. What a gorgeous bike! I hope I get to look at the 2002 tonight. The seller was having difficulty putting a battery in it.