 ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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I haven't been riding for over 2 years now and want a motorcycle again. I really like the America's and the Speedmaster's, but since I weigh in at 275lbs. is the 865 a big enough engine. I ask you because of the comments you guys made in another post about how nice a big bore Speedy or BA would be. My next choice would be the Thunderbird
(don't want a Harley). Don't plan on doing a lot of long distance riding, just local and maybe an ocassional weekend run. Don't expect much if any 2 up riding, wife used to like riding but not anymore, that was on a GS 850, but together we didn't weigh much more than 325. Hope this is enough info for you guys to offer some guidence. Plus for the price of a Thunderbird you can get a BA or Speedy deck it out with some nice extras and still have change.
Thanks for any info
filerj
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 282
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Adjunct
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Well, I'll weigh in on this one. First of all, welcome to the forum, the best one around.
Secondly, I would say that a choice between the BA or SM is a personal one. Same engine and all, different gearing, slight power differences due to gearing. At 210 I can bring the front end of the BA off the ground pretty good if I decide to get on it, so I don't think the weight will be an issue. The bike is designed to ride 2 up, so comfort is the issue. I would suggest waiting for the factory truck coming around to reach some place close and go test ride one. With the forward controls, I ride pretty comfortably and I'm 6 ft. If you're taller you may have to think about highway pegs, but I think there are a couple 6+ footers in here that don't have a problem. Hope that helps ya out.
Pacific Blue/White 2009 America in the TX Hill Country
Not all that glitters is gold. Tolkien. Hmm Must've seen the chrome on my TA coming down the road.
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 200
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 200 |
When I bought my 790 Speedy in 03 I weighed in at a svelt 286. The bike in stock form hauled me around with no problem and a set of aftermarket pipes and intake mods really woke it up. You must remember that these are not huge torque engines and like to be wound up. I think you will be presently surprised at the power and handling of these machines. There are not a lot of big bore cruisers on the rode that will out leg you and definitly not out handle you. If I ever get around to installing my 904 kit, 813 cams and ported head the Speedy will be even better. I did swap out the rear shocks in 04 for a set of adjustable IKON's which was a good move and I am going to make some changes in the front supension also. The 865 engine stock has more grunt lower down than the 790 which would be a bonus if you are riding 2 up. These are good bikes and I can attest to the durabilty of the engines. Mine has run WFO for miles on end many a time and still runs like a top. 
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
There are a couple of us here that fit that large-frame category. My 07 865 is stock and pulls me (and the Mrs.) around with no trouble.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
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I'm not Soren or Dwight buy I've met both and probably outweigh each by at least 50-125 lbs (depending on which one were referring to).
I'v maxed out at 315# and had no issues with my 07/865 America. Sure, after 4 years a big bore would be nice but these bikes boogie anyway.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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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 |
Quote:
I haven't been riding for over 2 years now and want a motorcycle again. I really like the America's and the Speedmaster's, but since I weigh in at 275lbs. is the 865 a big enough engine. I ask you because of the comments you guys made in another post about how nice a big bore Speedy or BA would be. My next choice would be the Thunderbird
(don't want a Harley). Don't plan on doing a lot of long distance riding, just local and maybe an ocassional weekend run. Don't expect much if any 2 up riding, wife used to like riding but not anymore, that was on a GS 850, but together we didn't weigh much more than 325. Hope this is enough info for you guys to offer some guidence. Plus for the price of a Thunderbird you can get a BA or Speedy deck it out with some nice extras and still have change.
Thanks for any info
filerj
Actually, I dont remember posting about a big bore Speedy, but the Speedmaster or America as it is would be a very good bike for you. Either one are great bikes for new riders or returning riders and it is one that you wont feel like you've out grown it.
Even two-up it shouldnt be a problem. I do have a friend that weighs about 450 (he's like 6' 6" and huge). He doesnt complain about lack of power at all.
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I'm not Dwight or Soren either but in response to Z's (Zmilin) post... I remember last year snorting up a steep mountain grade on my Trophy 1200 with Z right behind me on his bike. Z was keeping up no problem and again, this was a steep grade and we were clipping along at above legal speeds. I also ride an America and can tell you they move along pretty good and handle like a dream.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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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 |
BTW... I am Soren (but, not Dwight). 
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
Not Dwight or Soren here, but I'm 6'4" and I weigh 350+ and I have no complaints about the power of my bike. Would I like more? Sure. But by no means do I feel like the engine is underpowered, or that I need a bigger bike.
Last edited by KaiserSoze; 03/26/2011 11:25 AM.
06 America 904
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Hey wait a minute... I just realized this thread is directed at Dwight2 or Soren but I haven't seen Dwight2 around here for quite a while. I guess you're on your own, Soren (with a little help from the rest of us).
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24 |
Thanks for the quick response guys, now I just have to decide between the speedmaster or the america, both nice bikes. After searching the internet and a couple of dealers they're the bikes I liked the best.
Thanks again everyone,
filerj
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,717 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,717 Likes: 5 |
get a used America with spokes and drop in a 904
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
I thought I would be able to help out, but several beat me to it with more impressive posts.
Oh well here it is anyway; When I bought my '04 Speedmaster I weighed in at 285 (235 and dropping now). I've never had any problem with the power and that was one of my concerns that brought me to this board in the first place.
I think the lower gearing in the Speedmaster is a plus but those with the Americas who weigh more than me are happy with theirs.
I think they have the same gearing now, but I'm not sure. easy enough to change if you want. I have just received my new 16t front (same as the old) and 44t rear (42 original) and will post in performance mods once I install them and test it out.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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 Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
 I only weigh 220, but the wife & I definitely outweigh you. No problem with power. And I have a 790 engine with open pipes and rejetted(around 60hp). The fact that the Speedy is 200lb less than the T-Bird goes a long way. (I never did like 700lb bikes) I like the style of the Speedy better, the black engine, flat bars, twin f/brakes. But you can't go wrong with either.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425 |
Quote:
get a used America with spokes and drop in a 904
+1 AND the older style cut in tanks are WWWAAAAYYY  ER 
Welcome to the mad house.
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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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:
I haven't been riding for over 2 years now and want a motorcycle again. I really like the America's and the Speedmaster's, but since I weigh in at 275lbs. is the 865 a big enough engine. I ask you because of the comments you guys made in another post about how nice a big bore Speedy or BA would be. My next choice would be the Thunderbird
(don't want a Harley). Don't plan on doing a lot of long distance riding, just local and maybe an ocassional weekend run. Don't expect much if any 2 up riding, wife used to like riding but not anymore, that was on a GS 850, but together we didn't weigh much more than 325. Hope this is enough info for you guys to offer some guidence. Plus for the price of a Thunderbird you can get a BA or Speedy deck it out with some nice extras and still have change.
Thanks for any info
filerj
Why you asking the skinny guys? And who's that Dwight2 character anyway? I thought we kicked is butt back to the stone age.
I weigh well over 300, ride 790cc's, and have ridden all over the western US. Get over it. Buy it and ride.
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24 |
Friar John, I don't know the skinny guys from those off us who are slightly larger. I got Soren's quote wrongor at least credited him with someone elses and maybe I got the Dwight thing wrong too I read a couple of different threads here in the last few days befrore I decided to post my question. You guys have been really helpful the replys and I'm glad I got the responses I did because I really like the looks of the America and the Speedmaster. Triumph
(except the Daytona's and Tigers) aren't really popular near me. Mostly Harley's and they're engine wise a lot bigger than the Triumphs. Don't want a Harley, I've ridden a couple in the past and I could never understand the mystique. If people would have told me the Speedmaster and America were too small (engine wise) I would have gone with a Thunderbird. Thanks again to everybody for all the replies.
filerj
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 244
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2010
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Go for the Speedmaster. You'll always be a little cooler then everyone else around. If it dosen't work out you can always sell it here and get a least 1/2 your money back. 
Do, or do not...There is no try.'- Master Yoda
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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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 |
Quote:
Thanks for the quick response guys, now I just have to decide between the speedmaster or the america, both nice bikes. After searching the internet and a couple of dealers they're the bikes I liked the best.
Thanks again everyone,
filerj
That's an even easier question to answer... Speedmaster!!
I am Soren and I approved this message
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Sorry James. I've been out all day and just now have seen your thread.
I have to say I pretty much agree with everybody's take on your question here. From what you're saying will be your general riding parameters, I too feel either the America or the Speedmaster will suit your needs just fine.
The only reason I occasionally bring up my "complaint" about a never-was factory-built "Super Bonneville" or "Super America/Speedmaster", with maybe a 1000cc displacement and with about 20 to 25 more horsepower, and with better suspension units, is that I've always felt a little more passing power is never a bad thing, and that while I've always felt the boys at Triumph have done a great job with the frame geometry and weight distribution on these cruisers in particular, I felt the bikes were only "let down" with Triumph's decision to put the cheapest shocks(with little to none rebound damping, which causes "wallowing" in the twisties) they could seem to find to bolt on 'em. And thus, always leaving it up to the purchaser to go to the Aftermarket for a decent pair of shocks(and better fork springs up front too, btw), so these bikes can live up to their potential, handling-wise.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 246
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 246 |
Soren likes his Speedmaster, His WIFE LOVES her America! LOL! I am Soren's wife and I approved this message!
Actually, between tthe two, it is really more a matter of how you like to sit on the bike. I enjoy sitting back a bit more and the wider bars feel better to me. Soren's bars are a bit closer and pull you into a different position which he likes. I feel more of astretch between the shoulders when I get to ride his bike, and I feel more in my lower back on my America. Sit on both and see which one feels better. I vote AMERICA!
Oh and both of our bikes carry 2 up without any problem at all.
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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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 |
I would have to agree, unfortunately. Speedmaster. If used, 2007-2008. If new, that's fine too.
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
Quote:
Triumph
(except the Daytona's and Tigers) aren't really popular near me. Mostly Harley's and they're engine wise a lot bigger than the Triumphs. Don't want a Harley, I've ridden a couple in the past and I could never understand the mystique. If people would have told me the Speedmaster and America were too small (engine wise) I would have gone with a Thunderbird
I ride with some HD guys, and have never had anything to worry about. In fact I can outrun most of em. Although I do have to admit, sometimes you end up falling behind because people are talking to you/asking questions about your cool bike. 
06 America 904
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Re: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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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 |
My brothers both have newish HD Road Kings and I had to wait on them every ride during our trip through western North Carolina's mountains last Labor Day. Good riders on heavy bikes that handle slow. You'll never have to worry about keeping up with the HD crowd and you'll always be the center of attention. What's not to like?
Dwight's absolutely right: put aside some cash for new springs and shocks as the stock items are just there to show you where the real gear goes and how it bolts on.
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: ? for Dwight2 or Soren or anybody else.
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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 |
Quote:
Quote:
Triumph
(except the Daytona's and Tigers) aren't really popular near me. Mostly Harley's and they're engine wise a lot bigger than the Triumphs. Don't want a Harley, I've ridden a couple in the past and I could never understand the mystique. If people would have told me the Speedmaster and America were too small (engine wise) I would have gone with a Thunderbird
I ride with some HD guys, and have never had anything to worry about. In fact I can outrun most of em. Although I do have to admit, sometimes you end up falling behind because people are talking to you/asking questions about your cool bike.
But then you easily catch up due to the Sppedmaster's/America's superior power and handling.
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