Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge New to Site

All,
I am new to this site and am looking at buying a Triumph America this fall. Since i am new I have a couple questions. What is the difference between a Bonneville America and a regular America if there is a difference at all. Also, I have riden bikes for years when I was younger but will be taking a Motorcycle safety riders course this fall before I purchase my bike. When I am finished with the course, I should receive some kind of credentials that gets put on my licence saying that I took the MSC, right? Thanks for your replies in advance and I look forward to your advice.

Charles

No difference. When the America first came out in 2002 it was called the Bonneville America. They dropped the Bonneville from the name. Many states will even waive the riding requirment if you've passed a MSF course.

Also, some states give a discount on mc insurance if you've taken the course.

Why are you waiting until the fall???

Waiting till fall because I will be selling my boat first..using that money for a down payment, and I am so busy umpiring softball and baseball at this time of the year, I don't have the time to ride. Also, right now I don't have the right class license (motorcycle). Sure I could ride without it, but I would rather be legal on that one.

The rules regarding the Motorcycle endorsement on your license will depend on where you are. I took the MSF foundation course in Nebraska and just passing the class let me get the endorsement. I now live in Pennsylvania and I know you have to have a learners permit here for the MSF course to get you your license. The best thing to do is call the local licensing agency and find out the requirements.

Welcome to the forum,
I am still learning my way here as well. Like you, I am getting an America and hope to have it by the 3rd week of July (after I get done with this long overseas trip).
I took the basic course in February and have been itching to get my bike, but have to wait for this job to be done first.
I find this forum to be a great resource, with a diverse crowd from all over the world. I hope to be able to contribute back as I gain knowledge.
Good luck selling the boat and getting on dry land!
Steve

My guess is that it was a 2002 model built in 2001. My 2005 was built in 2004.

we have this debate about every 6 months or so....

Triumph Lists 2002 as the first model year for the Bonneville America...but like every other vehicle manufacture they didn't wait until the new year to begin producing them...in FACT they produced them PRIOR to 2002 AND even delivered some to dealers at the end of the 2001

BUT it is STILL a 2002 and there are NO such things as 2001 Triumph Bonneville Americas

Welcome charles and hope you get on the road soon, with either your choice of the America or the Speedmaster they are both fantastic to ride..

thanks birchr. I think I will go with the America...I kind of like how the handlebars feel for me on the america over the speedmaster.

Get the America....and don't wait and miss the riding season!!!
And Welcome.

And for those arguing about the age of Grzegorz's bike... here in the UK it's easy as each reg plate has the year of registration....and his tells us it was definately 01.

""there are NO such things as 2001 Triumph Bonneville Americas""

build in 2001 registered in 2001 parts have stickers from August 2001 ......do I have ghost bike ????????????

Anybody know when they will start delivery on the 'O8? I have an America on order for delivery in October, when I get home from Afghanistan-Just wondering if I should ask for the 08, which would be fine, so long as the color I want is there and there is no mechanical change that I don't know about

oooohhhhh!!!

The 08.....has a new tank and a new badge on the tank.....and also has Fuel Injection! (I've seen on a factory tour) It's very pretty and the FI looks like carbs.... The one I saw was black and red. That's my only scoop on that for you... As far as I know - but then I don't know much - thats' the only change.

Over in the US you may still get the 07 in October but here Oct is normally new season. Except at my dealer where I got the 06 in November.

I bought my 04 on October 31st 2004. The 05s didn't come in till December. Weather it's the same now as it was a couple of years ago I don't know but just to give you an idea...

Usually it depends on the model for next years models to show up here. The sport bikes and sport tourers usually start to show up in late October or early November. The Speedmasters and Americas are usually last to show up, usually in December. Everything else usualy falls in between.

Soren

My nearest dealer doesn't usually get the new models (TA/SM) until December. I doubt there will be much of any change. You might as well go on and get the color you want and be enjoying it. Resale value will only come into play if you don't keep the bike very long.

Have you all heard anything about Triumph coming out with a larger engine for the America/Speedmaster like a 1200cc for 08? I hear that the color scheme may be different but supposedly there is too large of a gap between the 865 and 2300. If they do make a larger engine in 08 that may be the way for me to go. Does anyone know if 300cc's make that much of a difference?

300 cc's make a difference??????

You bet. Guys are getting great results with the big bore kit and that's just a little more than 100 cc's than the 865.
Also, as far as the MSF course goes, Duane who used to be the Rat Pack leader at RPM teaches it. Ask Steve and he can point you in the right direction.

Well, I think the big bore kit will come a little while afterward then. That is if they don't come out with a larger engine before I buy the bike.