Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge 20000 mile retrospective

Well I just turned 20,000 miles on my 04 America. I figure by now I'd get a true sample of how this bike performs. I've ridden all types of roads. I've ridden in blistering heat, driving rain and freezing cold. I've gone on 2000 mile road trips and use the bike pretty much daily in the summer. So far the bike has never left me stranded. I had a few minor issues when she was new like a leaky cam cover and defective front tire but since then she's been rock solid. I'm on my 3rd set of brake pads and 2nd set of tires but that's it. Still have the original chain, clutch and battery but this will be the last summer for those whether they seem good or not. I'm still running the original brake rotors but the rear seems to be grooving a little with the last rear pad change so that's probably going to be replaced soon. I've done a lot of typical mods like drilling the airbox, removing the snorkel, re-jetting, new exhaust, AI removal and needles. It took a little bit of experimentation but the bike is totally dialed in and runs like a champ. I haven't done a big bore or any major mods on the engine. I'm waiting for the top end to get a tired before I do a 904. I have to say that compared to other cruisers I've ridden she handles extremely well and is very comfortable for someone of my short stature 5'6".

Every winter I think about trying a different bike but when spring comes and I get on the America again all those thoughts leave and I couldn't be happier with the bike. I get tons of compliments from other riders and I still feel like you don't see that many America's or Speedy's on the road.

Overall I give the first 20K and A++

Also, I feel privileged to have met and ridden with many folks from BA.COM. You guys and gals have made it a great 4+ years.

Congratulations!

+1 27000 and it's runnig better now then when new, chain, spockets, tires, filters and oil only things changed.

just over 20,000 here too, stock chain and sprockets with almost no lubing and gonna run them at least this season yet. Gonna run my clutch until it needs to be changed too.Love my SM and runs as well as it ever did and better than when I bought it.

Congratulations! I look forward to all of the riding I have to do to make that mark.

that's what I have to look forward to my sportster never did that proud owner of a 08 TBA

I just went over 38,000 on mine (bought new 5 years ago this week) Lots of mods but no problems that were not self induced, and even they were very minor. I just put on the third chain. I'm on the fourth rear tire and the third up front. The more I ride it the more I like it. Let's hear from some of the really long distance riders!

My speedie crashed and burned with me on Jan 2 this year and she had nearly 53,000 miles on her all in continuous service since Feb 20, 2006.

She was the best bike I ever owned and unless the new T-bird sways me greatly a new one may appear once I am ready.

What kind of mileage can I expect on my Metzler Lazer tires on my 07 SM? They are hardly worn at over 8K but I am noticing some cracking on the sidewalls of the front tire. The sun here in Vegas is murder on rubber.

I am a an easy rider with little abuse on the tires. I coast up to stops and seldom use the brakes. Easy on the curves as I am an old fart that heals very slowly and I dislike pain. I would rather give and receive.

Should I be shopping for a new front tire now?

The last few lazertechs I used went between 8-9 tousand miles.

Depends on how you ride. Mine were worn to the indicator cleanly so it was time for new ones.

34,400 now on my '05, 2nd front tire, 3rd rear tire, new chain and cush drive last January, never been dropped, lost an igniter at 11,000...no problems since.