Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge A newbies request for comment

First off Hello to everyone!

Ok here's my deal... basically for all practical purposes I'm a new rider. I'll be buyin my first 'real' bike that'll be all mine etc... very soon (2wks & I can’t wait).

I'm a little torn between the '06 America & Speedmaster. Aside from some minor physical appearance differences (front fender, pipes, seat, handle bars) the only other things I see that's different are the front brakes & the bigger engine.

Any opinions? Are there things I’m missing? Are the 75cc’s & dual disc brakes in front worth the $800 price difference?

It seems to me that some of the mod’s I would end up doin’ on the America would end up making it look more like the Speedmaster….

Just lookin for some educated opinions….
Thnx,
-K

Here is the thing which one fits you the best,and do you like chrome or not? The America fit me better the handlebars came to me rather then having to lean forward for a person my size 5 ft 7 it just seemed to fit me better plus I have to tell you I love the chrome on it

speedmaster has alloy rims requiring no tubes the america has a more classic (IMHO)spoke rim but it does require tubes speed master is also geared lower...but you can change that for $20.00 either way you can't go wrong...for me it was wheels and bars that sold me on the America...

welcome to the site and HIDE your wallet!!!
there is TONS of info and Knowledge here and though THAT is free...well, just hide your wallet lol

go by which one you like the look better, and more importantly which is more confortable for YOU. power and brakes can be upgraded but i have had no problems stopping, handling, or beating bigger bikes with my america. all personal preference.

Frank

I picked my America for the bars, hate reaching for drag type bars. The difference in price I had him put on the alloy wheel kit. Performance is not an issue they go great. The single disc on the America is fine.

As frank just said pick what feels good, they are both super motorcycles to own, you will have no buyers remorse.

Well, depends on what you're looking for. Not having any riding experience with the Speedy, I'd be inclined to say they both stop and they both go. Changing the front sprocket and a fistfull of other relatively easy and cheap mods can jack up the performance of either bike. You'll find that advice all over this board.

The America has more of a "classic" cruiser look especially if you fit it out with the sissy bar and rack.

But take the advice of others here. Looks count but riding position is important if you plan on long hauls on the thing. Eiter bike can be made ridable but at 5'11", I sat on the America and it just felt right. The only thing I did in that regard is lower the shocks with Progressive 412's and put spacers under my handlebars. Both are available from Brent at newbonneville.com; a site and person you should become familiar with. A great supporter of our bikes and the riders here. Hope this helps

BB

As noted by all the others its a matter of preference. If you like the look of the retro spoke wheels and lotsa chrome go with the America.

If you like the rims and the lack of chrome and the deadly black look of the engine block go for the Speedmaster.

Ideally I feel the all BLACK shiny speedmaster is the best way to go. The all BLACK speedmasters have been scientifically proven to be faster that the others and look flat nasty with a good wax job on the paint job.

Undeniably the Black ones are the fastest most wicked ones on the road.

It is written in revelations that Jesus rode a Black speedmaster.

Thats good enough for me.

Another thing, if looking for a new model, is which colors are available that model year. I was torn between a new Speedy and a new America a few months ago but when I saw the America in Green I knew that was it, I had to have it in Green. No green Speedmasters, so that was the tie breaker for me.

Here are the differences that matter.
1. Seating position, rider: The America has a more upright position and rather wide handlebars. The Speedmaster leans you forward a bit and the bars are noticably narrower.
2. Seating, Pasenger: The Speedmaster has a 1 piece "gunfighter" style seat. Many passengers find those uncomfortable and feel like they might fall off. The America has a 2 piece seat with a flatter, wider rear portion. Some like it, some would prefere the bigger, softer, (uglier to some) optional touring version. Also, the rear seat on the America can be removed leaving the solo front seat. Many like the look of that.
3. Power/Performance: The Speedmaster has more torque and is geared lower, giving it the advantage from a standing start. The America has more peak power (due mostly to differences in valve timing) and has the advantage at higher speeds.
4. Wheels: The Speedmaster has cast alloy wheels. This permits the use of tubeless tires. For the most part, these wheels are not repairable and must be replaced if they receive moderate damage. The America has wire spoke wheels. These require inner tubes. Some damage can be corrected by retuning the spokes. Because of the difference in wheel weight, the America will ride slightly smoother.
5. Brakes: The Speedmaster has one more brake disk. If you tend to push the bike hard a lot of the time, this can be an advantage. If you ride at more "normal" speeds, having to replace one less pair of brake pads gives the America a little advantage. For the average rider, the single disk on the America is more than enough.
Chrome VS Black anodized trim. All depends on what you like to see and which flavour polish you like to use.

So, pick which of the above tradoffs appeal to you. By all means, test ride both because the seating position is the difference that will be most important in the long run. If you like the seating position of one, but just have to have the look of the other, buy the look and then change the handlebars and seat. You might be able to get the dealer to swap them out and give you an allowance for the new parts that were taken off, but don't bet on it.

Welcome!
Last weekend I put the most miles on my bike since I got it,
325. That's a lot for me, so far. I have an '03 BA, that I
just put tall, round, polished risers(from Brent), SM bars,
and floor boards on. I love it! Before these changes, I was
stiff, and sore, after only about 40 miles. Now, I feel like
I could ride all day! Which I pretty much did last Sat.(with
Mert's Rat Pack, see post under rides), and (by myself) on
Sun. I've posted pics of my bike, and last weekend's ride,
in my gallery. Check it out.

Charlie

Just my observation. The America riders seem to be a tad smarter, a little bit better looking, and much cooler than the speedmaster riders

Welcome aboard Kevin.

Like Greybeard says.

I don't know about the US, but to 'convert' to a Speedy from an America (twin discs / alloy wheels) costs a lot of money.

I like the wide bars of the America - but I've never even sat on a Speedy!

I prefer the look of the America and find it's riding position suits me perfectly (comfy, lazy and wide .. ).

If you can, try 'em both. That's the only way you'll decide between the two.

The extra 75cc shouldn't really make a big difference though the Speedy will probably feel peppier off the mark.

I changed the front sprcket on the America too which makes for lower revs at cruising speed and I don't notice any difference off the line.
Not that I'm into flying off the line - but it's still OK.

Good luck man, I doubt you'll be dissapointed whichever bike you choose.

Oh yeah, and like Alan says:

Quote:

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Just my observation. The America riders seem to be a tad smarter, a little bit better looking, and much cooler than the speedmaster riders

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Well said Al!

Ride safe.

If you like Black, here is what I'd do (I own an America by the way).

1) Get a Speedy; bigger engine though it doesn't really matter, just makes you feel better .
2) Change front sprocket (cheap $19.99 and very easy) to make it more highway friendly.
3) Add risers (more expensive $189.00) to the handlebars to make it more relaxed, enjoyable daily ride.
4) Eventually you will replace the seat with a Corbin, doesn't matter if America or Speedmaster.
DONE!!! (except ripping out the AI immediately..both models).

Remember, if you get an America, you will end up spending $$$$ for Chrome, Chrome, Chrome and more Chrome. Trust me. You will also replace the seat and probably the front sprocket also.

I feel in love with the new Speedmaster first but bought an America because of the fit and color (Goodwind Green)...but frankly...at this point...I am tired of chroming everything...would like black.

Nicely put....

america black(or green or blue or whatever) and chrome, now thats the bollox fo sheezy ma neezy. speedmasters well what can i say they had to up the CCs a little just to get more interest in them ,now thats just bollox fo shizil

I picked the speedmaster. It came down to cosmetics. All the things the speedmaster had I liked, except the seat. Vanity counts, after all you'll be the one making excuses to go out the the garage to seek a peak at your new ride. After some riding time, the drag bars which I love, do make me reach a little which makes longer rides a little tough. All things can be corrected that's why we have an aftermarket and this forum.

This probably won't help you, but...
I had researched the web (this site mainly) and went to the dealerships several times and sat on both bikes..many many times.
So the 'purchase day' arrived, cheque book in hand, with my mind set on a black America. Test drove the America (45mins ), loved it. Dealer persuaded me to test drive the SM..why oh why did I agree! I loved it just as much. Now I didn't know what to do Then, the lightning bolt struck, I gazed into the eyes of a Neon blue Speedmaster! She winked at me, I swear! I think it was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
My mind was made up!
All I can say is its a tough decision. Walk out with either one and you still know you've make a great choice
Good Luck mate!

Quote:

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On the lighter side - If these were Schwinns - The SM would be a 'BOY'S bike - The BA - Pure fem... (That ought to get something started

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not to start the thing you think would get started, but when i tell people about the speedmaster/america, i usually say the speedmaster is the brother bike to my america. now that i spent the better part of a week riding speedy through the twistie georgia mountains i do have to say that bike is all boy. YEEEE HAAAA

mert

hey---glad to have you aboard. like most everyone has said, go with fit and comfort. I own an america, but just spent a phenomenal bunch of days riding a speedmaster.

I was concerned about the drag bar, but once i got used to them, about 10 miles or so, i really like being a bit forward and loved the difference the 16t sprocket gave in the snakey, snotty, sweet dream roads of north western georgia.

by all means RIDE BOTH. More than once. let comfort be your guide and your imagination will do the rest...

mert

Well Kevin from one Kevin to another I thought you should know......GIRLS love the BLACK Speedies....

This girl loves her black and silver America!

I've riden both....and I'd say if you had to pick one or the other...
Ride both first. I don't mean round the block. See if they'll let you have them for at least a day and ride them as far as you can. One will speak to you. That's the one you should have.
Then you have the colour choice...I had no choice - I bought 2ndhand. But if she'd have been any other colour...I wouldn't be here - I'd have a black bonnie parked on the front!
Go with your instincts...

I agree with Gina. Ride both. I sat on the Speedmaster and the gunfighter seat felt more comfortable then mine. I also didn't mind the handlebars. I would have probably bought a Speedmaster, but it wasn't available when I bought my TBA. The extra goodies are worth it.

Well thnx to everyone!!! yer insights have been great & after some more consideration I'm heavily leaning towards a Jet Black SM... but the final choice won't be made until at least next week Thursday (I'll have all my $$ together & my lic & I'll be taking them both out for a little ride)
I'll be sure to let ya'll know & post some pics!!

Well just to let all ya good folk how commented....
Saturday is the day for all the test riding.

I'm plannin on taking a BA & SM out & prolly a Thruxton too as I've always kinda dug the cafe' Racer types & the dealer by me is hostin the factory truck so there'll be any bike I wanna ride there....
gettin all amped up!
-K

I absolutely LOVE my Speedmaster. I like the forward controls as long as the road is smooth, but they make it tough on the old back if I hit a bump or a chuckhole, because I can't lift my arse outta the saddle to take the shock with my legs as easily as if the pegs were below my body. Other than that, it's the perfect bike for me.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

Kevin,
Which dealer?

Love My speedy!Blacked out engine and drag bars did it for me.Engine size was not an issue because in 04 both bikes had the same CC's

Yeah, I'll just be boring and tell you the skinny. Get the Speedmaster, you get the tach, bigger engine, tubeless tires, dual disks up front, really it's simply more bike. By the way, I have a TBA. The Speedy is a better bike today.

Welcome aboard Kevin. You will not believe how helpful the folks in this site are. I went from knowing absolutely nothing about motorcycles to avoiding the dealership entirely by doing all of my own work. Great, great bunch of people.

As far as BA vs. SM... can't go wrong with either. Try 'em on for size. I found both to be the most comfortable fit of all bikes I considered (HD's, mainly) for me at 6'2". In the end it was the chrome and spokes that sold me on the BA.

I guess Black is ok since they no longer offer Yellow.