 About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1 |
Just registered here after reading for about an hour.
I looked at some Harleys today, then stopped by to look at the Thunderbird. But, the Speedmaster called me, strongly. I spent about a half hour with it and the sales guy was cool, too. They have one I can ride if I come prepared. I'm excited.
MSF and license Sept. '08, I've put a few thousand on my Kawi Versys 650 parallel twin since. I'll keep it and my Kawi Super Sherpa (250cc dual sport).
Tell me about this bike. It felt very good sitting on it, I love the looks, mid-size cruiser will fill out the stable. I've had a very good experience so far, no maintenance issues except a recall inspection on the little one, and a lot of aftermarket stuff I put on the Versys. Everything has just started and ran so far, is the Triumph reliable? How harsh is the ride? How about long distance?
Should I hop a Greyhound (I'm in Dayton) and get the '09 in E. St.L.?
--Chuck
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 124
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 124 |
Welcome Chuck!! You will find a multitude/outpouring of opinions about many, many things on this forum, but the most obvious and honest of them all is the love we have for our Triumphs. I am on my third, the latest being the 2010 Speedmaster (priors being a Bonnie and a TT600)and am reminded everytime time go through the garage how much I enjoy this bike...even standing still it just "invites you" to go for a ride. Reliability of Triumphs is outstanding, but we all love the ease and simplicity of being able to "tinker" or down right field strip them with a modest set of tools and a "little" help from this site. Anything goes, from stock to bobber, fancy and shiny to blacked out and bare bones. Add on parts/OEM parts tend to be pricey (because we're "special") but there are a few aftermarket options and good folks here to help as needed...check the classifieds, newspeedmaster, fasteddie, and british customs just to name a few. Harsh? only due to the stock seat...it sucks,change it! Speedmasters are full of torque and will run with the best of them off the line, cruising is nice and smooth and a long run is never a problem (they don't rattle your giblets like some other brands due) Really, we will all go on and on...bragging about them, but go ride it yourself...just be ready to take it home too. Good luck!! 
2010 EFI Speedmaster,AI Removed,Polaris Belmouth,K&N,Long TORs,Rivco Risers,a clock and a Roadster screen.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 6
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 6 |
Welcome! You know that in your mind, you have already made the decision. Go and get your Triumph already! 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Take it for a ride. There's a wealth of knowlege on this board to answer any specific questions or concerns. Hopefully, you'll like the Speedmaster/America line as much as we do.
Reliable? Yes.
Comfortable? For a cruiser, yes!
And if you've farkled the Versys, you're gonna have lots of fun with a Speedy.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Welcome to the site, Chuck! A lot of good folks on here, which really adds to the fun of a Speedmaster.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473 |
My wife got hers last fall, and I was so impressed with it, I sold my V-Star 950 in March for my own! One 'downside' to owning these bikes, is that you always end up late. People always want to stop and talk to you about them! I get lots of waves, and thumbs up.
The motors are very smooth, and torquey. I like the handling as well. I couldn't push the corners with the 950, but these machines have no problems in the twisties. GREAT brakes, and very smooth acceleration.
There are lots of aftermarket pieces, and accessories for these machines as well. Definitely a fun machine. I haven't owned our Speedmasters too long, so reliability hasn't been proven to me yet. They start up right away. The fit and finish is also top rate. I particularly like the hand painted pinstripes on the fuel tank that is initialed by the painter. You can tell these machines are pretty much hand done, and I really like the detail that Triumph has designed into these machines.
I have no problems with the stock seat, and my wife likes hers as well. I will be ordering a Corbin with pillion for mine at some point as I want to take a passenger.
Good luck in your decision.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Welcome Charles. Recently... just a few days ago a few people here posted their response to a similar question another 'newbie' had. You can read everyone's post in this thread Here's what I had to say.... Quote:
The America and/or Speedmaster are very well crafted and engineered, enough to continue the tradition that a Triumph is something special amongst it's peers. But you need to sit in it (and I say this after JUST buying a bike sight unseen... but I know the bike so...) and find out how it feels. You need to know from a relationship point of view, if it will work for you.
Otherwise I'd have to say you can count on these bikes. They are as reliable as any counterpart. I mean they are not infallible but they become a friend you can count on for huge amounts of fun and discovery.
OEM parts are expensive... but there are ways around that. There are good sources for used parts and many third party businesses supply a host of useful things for our bikes.
What else... how long do they last? Take good care of them and they should last well over 100,000 miles and even then, it just becomes a matter of tearing them down and building them back up again. Should last a lifetime!!!
But ya know... these bikes have soul. They stand out in any crowd and generally attract onlookers with discerning taste. They speak of past and present, and convey a story of a bike that never forgot it's roots, yet evolved to become something different.
If she holds you in her powers, there's nothing you can do. Go visit her and see if you can or cannot resist her many charms.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2 |
I got mine in March and Love it - go for it!!
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
Should I hop a Greyhound (I'm in Dayton) and get the '09 in E. St.L.?
Yes, you wont regret it 
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 147
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 147 |
I assume you are buying it at Joes Cycle. Good people there. Perhaps we will see you when the Triumph Truck visits Joes in late June. If not, log on to Joes Web site, then to the RAT page for info on rides and meetings. I am in Tipp City. BTW-Joey, the manager rides a Speedmaster himself.
Keep your powder dry
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 582 |
I expect your next thread " Just bought my SpeedMaster" anytime soon!!
"Got the wind in my face the road goes on for miles...."
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
You are feeling sleeeeepppy....ssslllleeeeeeeppppy....sleep now..  ......picture yourself on a black 09 America/Speedy..  ..lean into the first turn as you accelerate.. ...mmmmmmm.....people are looking at you.. ..the look of wonder.  ..TRIUMPH.... BUY...BUY...BUY... 
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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 Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 473 |
HAH! I think that's what happened to me when I bought my Speedmaster! Yup, totally mesmorized.  H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 898 |
I have an 07 Speedy, I love it, it handles good for a cruiser, I also own a Versys and have added a two brothers exhaust and a lowering kit and a footpeg lowering kit, I absolutely love the versys, it handles like nothing else I've owned, I highly recommend them to this board. Good luck with the Triumph, have you considered a Thruxton?
Triumph Scrambler Diablo Red & Silver (2014), Arrow Exhaust, FI remapped with TTP #4, 16 tooth sprocket, Triumph Gel Solo seat & Rack, Progressive 440 1" lowered Shocks, SAI & O2 Removal, Airbox Restrictor Plate removed.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 147
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 147 |
I love my '09 Speedmaster. Over 15,000 miles on it and not a single problem. I've taken it cross-country twice, ridden over 700 miles per day, and not had any issue with comfort. Oh, and 48 MPG doesn't hurt either.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
My '04 is the best bike ever built.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 41 |
I have a 08 speedmaster, love it! got some footbords and a corbin seat... good investment, havent had any problems at all and its a great ride! responsive is an understament! fun fun fun! no regrets. and welcome to the site! 
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
I have an '07, and couldn't be happier.
Cheers,
Brent
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
04 Speedmaster and 04 America, we love em both and been trouble free.
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: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 663
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 663 |
Best decision I ever made (bike wise) was to purchase my Triumph.
2013 Speedmaster Matte Black
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 135
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 135 |
I have an 07 and have no complaints. The only thing I cannot comment on in regards to the bike you're looking at is EFI as far as reliability goes. People seem to like it though.
I will also say part of what made me buy my 07 when I did was the 08s were just coming out, and I didn't like that they got rid of the indentations on the side of the tank. Personal preference.
Great bike all around. The forward controls are nice but can add a little extra pressure to your back on longer rides (more of an issue for the 'older' riders ... HA!)
Plan on getting new exhaust or busting out your baffles. There's nothing good about riding around on a sewing machine.
07 Speedmaster
14 Daytona 675R
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 149
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 149 |
Quote:
Should I hop a Greyhound (I'm in Dayton) and get the '09 in E. St.L.?
If the bike your referring to here is the one in the classifieds on this site, I would say YES!
'05 America, 904, K&N pods, British Customs Bomber Exhaust
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Just do it! or you'll never know.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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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:
Just do it! or you'll never know.
Good advice. Btw Marty, did you ever work for Nike? 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 169
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 169 |
After drooling over pics of Speedmasters for years I finally got an 06 last month. The only thing I dont like is when the ride inevetibly comes to an end. I find myself standing in the garage just looking at it.
06 Speedmaster
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,286 Likes: 65 |
Can't help but chime in here, GO FOR IT! Fun to drive looks good what else can you ask for.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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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:
The only thing I dont like is when the ride inevetibly comes to an end. I find myself standing in the garage just looking at it.
That's the downside to these bikes alright... keep a chin up and just remind yourself another ride awaits!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: About to buy a Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
I expect your next thread " Just bought my SpeedMaster" anytime soon!!
Or possibly you'll title your thread something along the lines of "I used to just exist, now I LIVE!"
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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