Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Why Triumph?

It's been some time since I had a motorcycle (about 10 years ago, a Yamaha Virago), but I'm back in the market. I've wanted one for the last few years, and looking at a few this weekend with a friend that is in the market made me realize how much I've been wanting one, and how I could pretty much pay for one with the just the cost of the fuel I would save should I take it up as a daily commuter.

Anyways, we hit all the Japanese shops and even checked HD, but there weren't any Triumph shops around. I'll make the effort next weekend to check one out, but I thought I'd do some research on-line before hand. I'm somewhat intrigued by the America, and would like to hear some stories about why people decided on Triumph over other brands. Like I said, I'm thinking of a daily commuter, but I'd like to do some long rides as well (in particular from Northern California to Texas with stops in Nevada and Arizona). Is that doable on an America? If not what would you guys recommend?

Thanks.

I've ridden motorcycles for over 30 years and have tried a wide variety of makes, styles, and models. The America has styling that reminds me of the old Triumphs, performance that puts it in the top half of the cruiser market, quality that after 2 years and soon to be 17,000 miles, has never let me down and a certain feel and comfort that make it the easiest to ride bike I've ever had. I've owned and/or operated a lot of vehicles over a long period of time. This is the only one that I continually like more the longer I have it. It will comfortably run with or ahead of traffic two up all day. It will eat the heavy cruisers for lunch in the twisties. It stands out in a crowd and gets more attention than any V-twin out there.

Why Triumph ? -why not because is not a V twin and is goooood
well was comuting on it in every weather was traveling far and dont want to change for other bike !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the site Dan. first thing, I would hope you would fill in your location at some point. We have owners in here from all over the world, and it helps when referring to things like aftermarket purchases.

With that out of the way, an America is certainly doable for your purposes. It's not the perfect bike for long distance travelling, but with a windshield and some aftermarket saddlebags that have room(unlike the Triumph ones), trips are doable. I've been on a 1,700 mile trip to the Salt Flats and back, and the bike handled it with ease. If you're riding solo, piece of cake. 2 up it gets a little cramped and heavy, but my wife does okay and doesn't complain.

Much of the above depends on what you want. If you want full fairing coverage to keep dry, this isn't the bike. Gas mileage isn't going to be as good as say, a 650 V-Strom. That bike also sits up higher allowing you to see traffic better. But then it's also cosmetically challenged.

I think when buying a Triumph, you almost HAVE to want one. Aftermarket is sparse compared to Harley and the Japanese, and the dealer network is a lot smaller. But IMO bikes should be bought not based on how practical it is, but how the bike speaks to you. So when looking for a bike, buy something that you like and fits your personality, not something that gets 4.3 mpg more than another model, or one whose spec sheet shows 3 more hp.

I chose the America because I got a great deal on the last 05 at our local dealership. I also got $500 worth of free gear from Triumph. The bike is distinct from the other cruisers on the road. The bike is very beginner friendly. It's attractive. It's comfortable. Check out the America. I think in the end you will wind up with one ~~ I know I did.

Hey Dan
When you get to test ride a few bikes, I hope you'll see why.

This country is awash with rice burners and I didn't want that sort of bike.

There is also a BIG Harley following too (hardcore bikers and weekend warriors) and again, I didn't want that in a bike.

Triumph was a fairly obvious choice for me (English ya see!) in the same way I suppose Harley is for many Americans.

After a couple of rides on an America, I was sold.

I've also got a Bonneville Scrambler but I would trade that tomorrow for another bike.
My America? I want to be buried on that baby

I never owned a bike until Sept 04. I selected a Triumph SpeedMaster, without even trying it out, for many reasons. I am a little over 64 years old and my body would not stand a sport bike, I really wanted a Daytona, so even the great Triumph sport bikes were out. The HD were way out of my price range. Japanese bikes are good, but I can not stand the names of them. I also wanted to support a country that had their kids fighting with ours in the Mid East. I have almost 11,000 miles on my bike and it has exceeded every expectation. It was a great bike to start out on. It's fast, manuverable, and reliable. It is easy to work on. I don't care what other people think about what I have, but I have received only positive comments about my bike. I was very lucky and could not have made a better choice.

Dave

Dan ,,, The Bonnie America will run all day, have made several 900 mile/a day trips on her...not as comfortable as my Trophy III but very capable. If you are looking for long haul on the America then get the windshield and a good set of saddle bags....I too have been riding for over 30yrs and the Triumph line (so far) have been bullet proof, definatly top shelf machines. It sounds wierd but it is true... these bikes do have a soul.. they just feel good and are very dependable to boot.......get a Triumph...you wont be dissapointed

Welcome Dan,
What can i add!! Also had a Virago a few years ago, don't compare to America. I also tried HD before going for Triumph, what sold it to me was the handling (for a cruiser), as over this side of the pond we don't have many 'straight' roads. The HD just couldn't handle the roundabouts. On the America, i can go out with friends on Jap Burners and keep up, even around the bends, unless we go on the motorways then anything above about 85mph gets alittle uncomfortable, but then who does those speeds for long periods (apart from Grzegorz )

The Japanese make very good machines, Triumph makes motorcycles.

There is probabally no way you could understand the above statement without owning one.

I went looking for a bike a few months before I actually bought my SM. The first bikes I looked at were the Triumph America and SM because I wanted a cruiser. A few months went by and I looked at Harleys and the Jap bikes (all brands) but I could not get the Triumph out of my mind. It truly did speak to me as others pointed out in choosing a bike . So I went back and bought the SM and have enjoyed every ride I take on it. It is easy to handle, comfortable, speedy with a good amount of torque. I am very happy with my choice.

hi dan, here's the thing with this bike, i've found over my 20 years riding, you become "labled" as a rider by the bike you're riding, if you ride a harley you're doing the "harley thing" unless you're old school biker who are able to sniff out the posers who buy harley becuase it's a fad or status symbol.H-D went from wild to mild. you got the japaniese sport bikers, all kinds of lables. i've found that rideing an america is completly liberating, i don't have to do the "harley thing" or have to have a bike that deos 0-60 in 2.9 seconds i've found acceptance from all groups in the cycle sceen and with this bike you can just do your own thing. as a long time harley rider you almost felt an obligation to harley this, harley that. harley everything. you can buy a harley davidson toilet seat cover?? what a joke! you begin to realise that you just become a cog in the harley davidson money making machine. do your own thing and ride without a label. keep it real. the deal with the bike is, silky smooth, ergonomicly awsome, enough power to keep up with just about anything stock and as others have said, it will turn heads. it's the best bike i ever owned hands down. ps: i used to own a virago too.

Dan
In regards to your questions about commuter and long distance: I use my bike for going to work, taking 30 miles rides, when time does not allow for more miles. A nice easy day ride is 250-350 miles with breakfast and lunch stops.

Two summers ago I went on a 5,000 mile ride from lower Northern CA to northern OR, over to Utah, down to Colorado, on to NM and ended up in eastern TX. The ride back was AZ, NV and home. The bike WILL hold up. It was not a problem doing 500 miles a day. 800 was a little hard for me, I have no iron backside. A few comfort mods I did was a windshield, Corbin seat and hiway pegs. Not a problem over any mountain pass or sea level areas or anywhere in-between. I for one am very impressed with the America and have no inkling to ride anything else.

I hope this helps, and of course I am NOT biased….. blue America’s RULE oh, and GO FASTER too

Quote:

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My America? I want to be buried on that baby

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Hummmm, is this a hint of the diet thing?

I can't add anything that has not already been said. Triumph America is the best on the market! End of story.

I've had two Kawasakis prior and after my second divorce I decided to get another bike. I grew up around Harley's my whole life and was really leaning towards a Fat Boy. I love the way they look. A friend of mine pointed out that we have a Triumph dealer in town, and I decided to pop in for a look. After experiencing the Styling of the Speedmaster (comfortable riding position, mag wheels, blacked out engine) I knew no other bike was even close. That sealed the deal for me. Price wasn't a question, but it's sure nice getting a 100,000 mile ride for less than half the price of a 40,000 mile bike. My Speedy is smoooooth, light, responsive and I can ride it all day.
When it comes down to it, the Speedy sold itself. All the dealer did was help with the paperwork and smile as I signed. As a matter of fact, my Triumph dealer DID do something - He became a part of my extended family the first time I stepped through the door. At the Harley place I was treated as a "Wallet", just a way for them to pay the bills.
The people I've met through the dealer are the best folks I've ever met and I truly value their opinions and friendship. Every one of them has added value to my continued riding experience, and I thank them all.
So, you ask "why Triumph?", I answer with - In my experience, it's not just the bike, but the whole package. Bike, Dealer, other Triumph riders - they all play a large role in the decision to purchase this particular brand. You won't get that buying ANY other bike. That's "Why Triumph".

Try Performance Cycle www.performance.info/ at 5201 Auburn Blvd, in Sacramento, shoudn't be much more than a thirty minute ride from Davis. I went there a year ago to see what they had, and I ended up riding a new Black TBA back home. I picked the America, for the Retro looks and a nice wide saddle. It also matched my wife's Red TBA. Good luck on what ever you pick.
97 BRG Trophy
02 Red TBA
04 Black TBA
Bob & AmyLee

Welcome to the zoo Dan!What pulled me over to Triumph was I found a bike that had tradition and character.Just about every body makes a good bike but does not necessarily have the former mentioned.With the Speedmaster,America,Bonneville,Thruxton,and now Scrambler you add uniqueness to the equation.Because what I like about all of these bikes is that they are the only bikes made now that carry a parallel twin.So you get a reliable unique bike with the Triumph character and tradition but at a price a lot more affordable than a H D.

Sorry, about the site address, try this one. www.performancecycle.info/index.htm

Post deleted by Grump

I looked at Harleys, Hondas, Yamahas, and I even considered a Beemer. I was looking for something a little different. Then I saw a writeup on a new Triumph Speedmaster in one of the motorcycle mags, and I decided to find a dealer and have a look. As soon as I spotted my bike on the showroom floor I knew instantly it was the bike I wanted. No regrets here.

Cody

Welcome to the forum! Looks like you got a few responses.

It is a mechanically sound bike
It is a cruiser
It is confortable
It has the best warranty in the business 24 months vs. 12.

That said about dependable, so is a Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and cough Harley.

We don't like to admit it but what you ride, as stated above, is a label of what you are. With a Triumph you have a good bike, a great looking bike, and a rarely seen bike.

Declare independence and go your own way is what they say. They are right. I admit my ego is stroked every day I ride, which is every day. "Wow! cool bike","That is so beautifull!", "What year is that?", goes on and on. It feeds my ego, I love it and it is dependable.

You buy a Triumph because you have a choice and you make the right one. If you want to be a bit different on a dependable machine that is real eye candy, I think the choice is pretty easy.

I have typed before and mean it "My Triumph is not for sale" its a keeper.

Cons: Dealer network is slim. If you dont have a dealer within an hour or so to you I would advise you not to buy it. Too much hassle getting to service. If you have a dealer within an hour or so buy the bike.

Hi Dan,
Welcome! I hope you'll soon be at home here. I chose Triumph's Bonneville America because Triumph has always been my first love in motorcycles. When I bought it, I was expecting it to be like my older Triumphs, Harleys and one BSA - working on them regularly. I have been pleasantly surprised. These bikes are as close to 'bullet proof' as any I've ever owned, and I've owned them all (above mentioned + BMW, YamaHondaKawazuki). Now, the bad part: At 41,500 miles, my clutch cable unraveled and separated. At 43,000 miles my throttle cable broke. I think I was supposed to swap them out around the 30,000 mile mark. That's it. The only two problems I've had. I love this motorcycle. You will too. You'll love the way it handles, and the way it looks and the way it rides. You may even love the attention it grabs. You will definitely love the people on this site. We encourage each other, advise each other, compliment each other, and relentlessly pick on each other.
Again, Welcome!!!

Hi Dan

Just take one out for a test ride and feel the SOUL of the bike grab you oh and my choice would be the shiny America

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm planning on checking one out this weekend. I am certainly more interested after hearing your great responses. The only thing I'm wondering about, and I'm not all that worried, is how much of a chore is chain maintenance? I expect to ride (at least for the summer) 300+ miles a week-- probably a good deal more with weekend trips, but that should be the minimum.

Anyways, thanks again. I'll let you guys know how the test ride goes.

The book you'll get says oil it every 500 miles and keep it clean.... I don't worry about it too much.
If you put on a Scottoiler or something like you'll have no problems with the chain...well no more than any other bike.

I like using a clear lubticannt that dries on tacky (PJ1 blue lable chain lube) Less mess and stays on longer.If you get any bike I recommend you get a bike lift and it will make lubing your chain a lot easier and faster.Also will make any work easier and cut your bike cleaning in half.