Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge America Or Speedmaster? Opinions please -

I'm still receiving e-mails on some bikes for sale but the Steveh America is almost 100%. If I could get a 2003 Speedmaster w/ around 890 miles for $4,000 should I consider this bike as well?

Would this be an okay first time bike? Which do you think is a smoother ride - the America or Speedy?

Speedmaster is a sportier version of the America (early models) I think the new SM had a bigger engine but in 07 I think they are same ? Either ride is great....plenty of power and they can easily take you as long as you can ride..My longest has been about 2500 miles...performed like a champ !It all boils down to what style you like your parallel twin in....and yes...they are well mannered and fine for a 1st, 2nd or even 3rd bike.....they are just keepers

Either bike would be perfect for you. The biggest diference is ergonomics. You may want to get yoruself down to a dealer and sit on both to figure out which one fits you the best and feels the best to you. For me I love my Speedy.

Soren

Do you think you'll be riding mellow or aggressive? How do you drive? If you're the least bit aggressive, I'd get the Speedmaster. Better brakes. Both bikes can be made to haul hiney, but the Speedy stops better. Even if you don't like the Speedy's seat or bars, it's easier/cheaper to put America bars and seat on a Speedy that it is to put Speedy brakes on an America.

I read one review that said if the bike dumps the engine will continue to run and burn up. Does it not have an engine cut off switch or something?

Does anybody have thoughts on this opinion?

I love the look of the speedy too. Both look like super sweet rides.

Don't dump it.

Does it have an engine cut off switch? I feel goofy asking...LOL

I think it's safe to say that all bikes, sold in USA, have an engine cutoff switch on the right side of handlebars. You will play with it in the MSF course. I don't think bikes have a cut off switch like what is found on jetskis.

Don't obsess over dumping the bike. I am also a new rider and find my TBA to be very well mannered and tolerant of me. I did dump her twice (early on), but they were both very low speed, no harm to the bike (except the stock exhaust) and it was strictly my fault. If anything, my pride was hurt more. But just made me want to get back on and improve myself.

Definitely heed Soren's advice and go sit on both bikes at a dealer. Look them both over carefully. Ask alot of questions, don't feel foolish. Everyone was new at this once.

I prefer the more upright seating of the TBA vs the SM. It was a very comfortable ride on my "little excursion" this past Saturday (racked up ~250 miles on a wide range of roads). I am not looking for the "go fast" bike. I am a more conservative rider, especially as I am still learning.

Steve

I will agree with what has already been said. You need to ask yourself what type of rider you are going to be. For me, it was all about the experience of relaxing and taking in the rode on a classic looking machine so my choice was the America and I haven't regretted it for a second since. It was also my first bike ever and has been perfect to learn on and grow with.

I have to agree w Soren and Conwy, the absolute best thjing to do is spend some time at the dealership on each bike and find out which one is the best fit for you. When you decide go out and ride it like there's no tommorrow. Keep the shiny side up no need to worry about cutting the engine off until you're done riding for the day.

The main differences are the looks and the rider position. It is important to get the one that feels best. If you put looks first, you will end up with a bike that you sit and admire much more than you ride.
As for a first bike, the Triumph twins are the only bikes over 400CC that I feel behave well enough for a first time rider.
Some new rider tips:
1. Take the MSF new rider safety course! This is important!
2. Think about riding when you ride. If you think about crashing, you probably will.
3. Always look where you want to go. Never look at what you want to avoid any longer than you need to to see where it is. This is because you always automatically steer to where you are looking.

After reading some of the posts in this thread, I'm a little perplexed. Don't get me wrong. I really like my 02 America, but handling is not one of it's better atributes. I'v put about a thousand miles on it this last month so it's still new to me. Is it possible that someone altered or lengthened the fork tubes? It steers heavy and handles like my old 73 custom framed Triumph chopper that I rode the bejesus out of for 6 years.
The forward controls exacerbate the feel. The front end looks stock. Could anybody measure their fork tubes some easy way and send me the specs in inches? Thanks.

I can't speak much about the beautiful America. I have a friend with one that I may have put 2-3 miles on, but with a Corbin seat and rider back rest, besides feeling a bit awkward at first, it just did not feel at all like my Speedmaster. He says it's fast, as he "freaked it" out and jetted it, but now he says he hits reserve at 100 miles. (I'm sitting on 160 now and it never went to reserve coming home last night.)

As for the Speedmaster, I think it is a sport bike disguised as a cruiser. My first and only motorcycle, and I cared nothing about owning a plastic sport bike when I got the itch to ride. Never liked the way Harleys look, but the Honda VTX really got my motor running when it came out.

This forum sold me on the Triumph, and I never really considered the America as the Speedmaster said everything I wanted to say. After 3 years and over 33k, it IS a sport bike, and is meant to be ridden like one. Very satisfying. Surprisingly nimble for a cruiser, and plenty of "GO" to get you where you're going as fast as you want to get there. The riding position is more agressive - lending a more sporting nature to the bike, but I do find it very comfortable just the same. One day I may buy a cruiser to cruise. Today though, I ride a Speedmaster to speed. And the grin goes on for ever, and the party never ends...



You can get a speeding ticket on a moped. But I can maintain a very consistent indicated 80 mph in 60 mph zones and have yet to have a law man stop me for it. I have been ticketed, but I was exceeding "that" limit.

This bike is a real blast, and a true pleasure to own and ride. I'm honored to be able to call one mine.