Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge help for a new guy

I am looking to buy my first bike and the triumph America is on my list. Being an Englishman living in the US I want something different from a HD. Does anyone have experience with using a triumph america as a first bike? I have my eye on a 09 model.

Welcome Paul!

Well, after you, of course, finish your motorcycle safety training course(that is IF you haven't already completed one), I'd say purchasing an America would probably be a pretty good choice as a first bike. These bikes are not "overpowering" in performance, but still have enough "oomph" that you shouldn't outgrow them. Their weight is also very conducive to new riders.

(...btw, where do you call home now?)

Hey Paul, welcome and Happy New Year! You should have no problems with the America as a first bike. They handle great, go great and stop great. But cha know... you might be able to test ride a Triumph or two at a dealership, which in turn could help you with your decision.

Paul......the Speedmaster is the superior machine. Ideally in Black. The Black speedmasters are known through out the Triumph Kingdom as being the fastest, coolest, and most Triumphant bikes found anywhere.

The Chromed Americas are OK but second fiddle.

Mine's my first 'big' bike.. so I can relate to the question..

I was lucky enough to be able to take the current UK bike test actually on my america, too.. :-)

It's great. Handles well and gives a good 'secure' feeling, (way better than a mates very 'twitchy' sports bike I tried. Quicker than any cage away from the lights, but the power feels really manageable, it doesn't throw surprise power wheelies, is very responsive but very controllable. Love it. Just did a 185mile run today on mine, at an 85-90mph average, comfortable and feels great!

America / Speedy - you wouldnt be disappointed with either, see what you can get the best deal on, and yes, Black ones are of course fastest. (Black paint molecules are smaller, providing a smoother surface and reduced drag co-efficient)

Thanks everyone. I have my motorcycle course in the next few weeks. The bike is at a triumph dealer so I should be able to test drive a few after that.

Welcome to the site Paul. I have had many bikes in my lifetime, just check out my Members rides entry. I believe the Speedmaster or America to be an ideal first bike and last bike. It is my favourite bike and it is easy to handle. It is very impressive. You will not be dissapointed.
Of course I prefer the speedmaster and black is the fastest and coolest.

The America is the only bike of its size that is well behaved enough to make a good first bike. If you were considering anything else, I would recommend starting with a used 400 or 450 beater to practice on.

An America is the best bike for a first, or a Speedmaster. Kevin is always on about the Black Speedmaster and makes no bones about his opinion in which he is not entirely wrong. The speedy is a great bike, and so is an America they are hard to beat for a newbie or ole biker. As you become more familiar they are easily hot rodded or dressed up.

After 15 years of not riding, I bought my Speedmaster. I definitley can recomend it (or an America) as an excellent bike for beginners or returning riders.

My Ol'Lady Wendy bought an 04 BA as her first bike. Still has it and loves it.

These bikes are very good choices for the controlled power and forgiving handling, Welcome to the site, you will not go wrong with your choice.

I picked up my America 4 years ago after a 33 year hiatus. Bought it from a fellow then drove the 1100 kms back home. The ride was great and the bike handled like a dream. Very slow speed (< 5kpm) can be a little tricky at first due to the forward pegs but that becomes second nature quickly. You won't regret the purchase. Great conversation piece at every stop also.

Yes the America is a great starter bike, then you can UPGRADE to a Speedmaster...and the Black ones are the fastest!

its you that can only answer that Q, i just brought 1 last month, 1st brit i have had since the late 70s & i have had a few bikes over the yrs & still get to ride a few diffrent every now & again, but i brought mine because i wanted something diffrent, it was the look of the lines of the bike, all right i have changed a few bits on mine & still have some work to do, but if this helps my repile would be yes go for it, it rides nice, ok not a lot of power like jap V-twins, but enough to ride the hard when needed, so i have no complaints about the america, in fact its grows more to me hart every time i ride it...

If you're looking for someone to talk you OUT of a BA or Speedmaster you've came to the wrong place....I bought my Speedy new in 05 and have never looked back. Every time i walk out into the garage and see her, I know I have found my "soulmate". (: If you do end up with one, these guys around here will tell you anything you wanna know about it. Welcome to the site!

Welcome, and I know you're gonna love your BA or SM. I still get a big ol' grin everytime I pop in the garage and see my '05 America. How often do you hear people waxin' poetic about half a decade old vehicles?

After your MSF Course (HIGHLY recommended) you can take the other MSF courses that are for experienced riders where you practice on your own bike. See link here:

http://msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?pagenam...%20RiderCourses

I'm fortunate enough to own both an America and a Speedy, although under unfortunate circumstances, and ride both on a regular basis. I tend to use the Speedy around town and shortish journeys and the America for longer trips as its more loaded with rack,sissy bar, panniers etc. I love both bikes but eventually will have to get rid of one of them, don't know which. They are comfortable, handle well, have all the power I will need, especially with speed limits in the UK and don't see myself ever changing.

The only reason I would have another model of bike is so I could have one to use as a winter bike, one that wouldn't upset me if I dropped it on the ice.

There has been a couple of days this winter when I decided to walk rather than risk the bike

They are a great 1st bike, last bike, and lifetime bike too

My first bike was my 06 america bought used.It was the perfect first bike ,and still makes me smile to this day even though I have since upgraded to a Tiger.I kept the TBA as well.

My Bonneville America was a great first bike. And considering how many miles I have on it and how many are put on the average Harley, it was a great second, third and fourth bike (and that's being kind--I could go on). I do want an actual second bike but I'll never get rid of my TBA.

just bot a tba '10. first bike in about 38 years, but back then the turnips were the best choice, too. of course the shifter and brake were on the wrong side, but you brits drove on the wrong side anywho. take the plunge. mines not delivered yet, but when it is i'll let you know how much i love it (with pics).

Wow, 38 years without a sickle. I did 10 years and when I started riding again I could not believe how much motorcycles had advanced. You are gonna love the America.

Nice one Billy!! Glad to hear you took the plunge.... it's gonna be a hoot after 38 years without a bike. So tell me, what was the last bike you rode?