 Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1 |
After a bit of research and heading into my local Triumph dealer I have to admit a growing fondness / attachment / obsession with the America.
I'm leaning toward buying used (simply because I can't afford new), and wondering if there is a guide that might highlight the differences between the years (2002-2009) to help me decide? I'm afraid I haven't found much regarding detail so help would be appreciated.
Baring the lack of any guide, suggestions / input on what years to focus on or tips to look out for when buying used would be appreciated.
--e
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
There are very few obvious changes aside from displacement from 02 thru 07? Then came fuel injection, then the new style gas tank. You will be happy with any of them once you ride one.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 4
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 4 |
The biggest differences will be in the motor; size and color. 790 or 865, they both run great and are pretty evenly matched.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I have to say I don't find enough difference even with the displacement increase to favor one year over another...except the color and maybe the tubeless wheels (very nice). Look for one that's pretty much stock so you can make your own mods and not have to undo the previous owner's "improvements."
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
+1 Quote:
I have to say I don't find enough difference
and one as stock as possible... 
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 877
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 877 |
Quote:
Baring the lack of any guide, suggestions / input on what years to focus on or tips to look out for when buying used would be appreciated.
Pick a color you like, as low mileage as you can get in the price range you can afford, and make sure it has the "Triumph" logo on the side.
Cheers,
Brad
To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
PM sent. Also, please see my advert in the classified section of BA.com.
If you prefer a "stock" bike, then I can take the windscreen, Corbin saddle, saddlebage, etc off.
JB
Last edited by JCBullen; 08/06/2009 7:10 PM.
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 208
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 208 |
his site probably has as much info about the differences for each year as any other: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2009models/2009models-Triumph.htmJust select other years from the side bar.
Jim F
Salisbury NC/York SC
"Are you a Mod or a Rocker?"
"No, I'm a Mocker!"
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Some early '02 bikes were shipped with a defective igniter, but those are pretty much all replaced by now. At any rate, Triumph is aware of the problem and will usually replace the igniter free if you happen to get one.
Other than that, there have been no real flaws to watch for.
Of course, look closely for signs of abuse.
Worn out hero buttons on the footpegs (or ones that are so new they have to be replacements), bent/scraped frame parts, Headlight lens fogged by sand impacts are a few obvious problems.
If the oil has not obviously been freshly changed, give it a sniff to see if it has a burnt or gasoline smell.
If the teeth on the rear sprocket are worn to a hook shape, chain and both sprockets should be replaced. Try to get the seller to do it, but it's not all that expensive if they won't.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
The new gas tank lacks style. The new sprocket cover and passenger peg hangers I like better.07 and newer pillion is better for the passenger.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
See the thread "Starter Issues" and avoid anything before '05 with the old-style crankcase breather.
Al
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
If possible... Do an oil analysis on it. $22.50 well spent.
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
See the thread "Starter Issues" and avoid anything before '05 with the old-style crankcase breather.
I think that IS good advice based on the cracked cankcase thread. I am really paranoid about my '03. So much so I've chewed all my nails down to the quick!!! Not really, but still a cautionary note.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638 |
what to look for? A black one of course, they are the fastest. 
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Quote:
See the thread "Starter Issues" and avoid anything before '05 with the old-style crankcase breather.
I think that IS good advice based on the cracked cankcase thread. I am really paranoid about my '03. So much so I've chewed all my nails down to the quick!!! Not really, but still a cautionary note.
How many people actually have that problem? I have a fairly high milage 03 and have never had any problems at all. (knock on wood)
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
How many people actually have that problem? I have a fairly high milage 03 and have never had any problems at all. (knock on wood)
I've only read about a half dozen cases or so on two forums so I'd guess it's very likely that Peter Carleo is correct when he says it's not common. I'm also willing to bet there's one batch of poor castings involving the old design that craps out.
What I find odd is that Triumph wouldn't know what serial number range that's in and just go ahead a recall that range of numbers to build good will; instead they roll the dice and take it on a bike by bike basis and that just fosters concern amongst all of us.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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 Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 807
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 807 |
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
In my case, it was ALL about the wheels. I HAD to have the CHROME SPOKES!!! 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 67
Member
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Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 67 |
Just remember the Blue ones are the fastest....
..... ''BUT THATS WHAT THE PEOPLE LIKE TO READ ABOUT.....UP IN AMERICA'' Jimmy Buffett
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
9000 miles on my 03 Speedy, and not one problem at all, except when I had the petcock to reserve and ran outta gas, but that was a headspace problem, not a bike problem... 
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Just remember the Blue ones are the fastest....
Ha! That's a laugh...
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 95
Member
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Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 95 |
Loook at that 08 for sale on this site. What a killer price and low mileage. I have an 08 and am convinced carbs (this is the last carb year) are better. No blasted sensors! No computer. The mag tubeless wheels are better than the spoked tube wheels. There have been some broken spoke issues. You can plug a flat tubeless tire in a pinch.Mag wheels are easy to clean. I don't do mods.
2008 BA, Ageon Blue, roadster shield, light bar. tach, big bags, square engine guard, short sissy with rack. All Triumph parts. No mods.
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
I don't do mods.
Gasp  
Oh, the blue ones really are fastest. We just don't talk about it much because we don't want the rest of them to feel inadequate.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 15
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 15 |
I am currently looking for a bike. My sympathy goes with a Speedy. The America can be had cheaper, and I'm not too sure of the forward controls. My most comfy bike, was an old Honda Magna, however, the gas station conversation, isn't quite as lively.
Ends up, that I have a new Triumph dealer a few miles from me. I'm going to go sit on them.
Who knows, maybe the Tiger fits me well, I'll have to find out..
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
Quote:
maybe the Tiger fits me well, I'll have to find out
 great bike this is the best all around bike I have ridden.. yes I love my Tiger..
Ed 
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 67
Member
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Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 67 |
Gunter is sitting at the stop light looking over his shoulder for FriarJohn....Pacific Blue rules!
..... ''BUT THATS WHAT THE PEOPLE LIKE TO READ ABOUT.....UP IN AMERICA'' Jimmy Buffett
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Re: Buying an America - what to look for?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Bring it on!  Of course I'll have to add ballast to your bike to make sure each bike is carrying the same weight. But then... Bring it on! 
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