Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Rider size questions

I'm looking seriously at getting either a TBA or a Speedmaster. They're uncommon around these parts, and the dealer is 40 miles or so south. I'm also looking to get something used, and I've found a nice Red/Blk 04 SM in the region, as well as a Grn/Slv TBA. My question is how well someone of my physical dimensions and mass will enjoy the bike. I'm just shy of 6'2" and near enough to 300lbs to round up. I'm pretty broad, but have a long torso and a wide wingspan, but a short-ish inseam.

My last bike was an 00 Aero 1100, which was a nice fit. It was underpowered for an 1100, being an unbalanced single-pin, but it was a long sucker (66.5in wheelbase), so I fit it very well. I sold it because of the engine, sad but true. At revs, with a Corbin Hollywood Solo, the world was a blur from vibration. Prior to that I had a 98 Virago 1100, which was a nice bike, but a bit short and kinda goofy in this modern era.

The TBA and SM have a nice long wheelbase, which I like, and some of the best cruiser styling added, but with a whole lot of the unique Triumph flavor.

I am not a speed demon, and the bike will be a city, backroad and highway cruiser mostly. I am at altitude, so I know that those 790ccs are going to have their work cut out, but the bike is also 150lbs or so lighter than the more torquey Aero, which makes up for a lot.

Can anyone give me any input on how well I'll fit on this bike, how my mass will affect power deliver, and how well it suits my size. Pictures are encouraged. Thanks.

Sitting on both wil give you an idea of the wingspan issues, only time will tell on total cumfort, but I can tell you that you are not the biggest guy here! (I'm not either, "only" 6', 250) but I'd bet a speedmaster will be more to your liking as far as bars go.

I'm 6'2" and only a couple of stone lighter(around the 250 mark). And I have no problems, although I have a good reach, so I found the America more comfortable, but try them both out, don't worry about the power on paper, it is a hell of a torquey engine, it may supprise you. On paper there are better bikes, but Triumph have just got the whole package right. Go on try one I dare you!!!!!
Then you can come back and tell us when it is being delivered!!!

I'am 6'1" and about 200 lbs. I find I tend to place my heals on the foot pegs rather than the arch of the foot but I do not see this as a problem. There is more than enough power in the bike for any additional weight.

I'm right about 6' tall at 300lbs., 32" inseam and I am comfortable as heck on the bike. As for power, well, once you do what we all know you will need to do to the air intake, etc., trust me, it will not be an issue. Here is my photo (though I'm not on the bike).

Hiya Dave
Get one, you'll be fine.
America might suit you better with the wider bars and more relaxed riding position but, if you can, try 'em both.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Thanks for the responses, please keep them coming. It's nice to hear that the bike is a good fit and moves along with little problem. I didn't kow until I dug up a thread earlier today that the SM had a slightly different bar setup. I suppose I could always swap some other bars on, if the drag style is a bit uncomfortable.

I might try on the different models tommorow at the showroom in Salt Lake City (recently purchased by a BMW dealer), but I won't be picking up something new. I'll probably end up getting the Red/BLK that's a few hours away, if things go right. Does anyone with a Green/Silver want to trade tins?

I used to tip the scale at an even 300 lbs when I got my 05 TBA (now I'm down to 250, please hold the applause). No problems with get up and go what so ever - plenty of torque down low and and extra helping of go-fast if you rev it up. I'm a little shorter though (just shy of 5'10" with a 30" inseam) and I actually found the stock pegs and bars a little bit of a reach so I would imagine that they would fit you just fine.

Another thing - if you have not seen these bikes in person before and like the way they look in photos you will absolutely LOVE them in person, they look awesome and I have never found a picture of one that does it justice. Especially in Green and silver

After you get that bike, why don't you join us in Idaho the last week of July.
http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...mp;page=2#67863
http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...p;page=0#101356

Soren

I'm shorter and heavier than you and I have no problems with the power (with essentially the Freak set up and off-road pipes).

Don't forget, you can roll the bars up and down slightly to accomodate different reaches/comfort zones.

You need to ride one.
If you're used to a liter+ cruiser you may not be impressed with the available power. Coming off a Trident the first time I test rode a BA I thought I was starting in 2nd, but it was just the totally reduced power that I wasn't used to.
It's OK, I got my Iron Butt plate on a BA and have done several multi-thousand mile weeks, but then I keep it pretty much around it's max (just under 85 indicated, on the flats).
I'm sure there are guys here who'll tell you how theirs will carry as much as a deuce-and-and-a-half and outrun a Ninja, but not mine.
They're good machines for what they can do.

The America and Speedmaster are as close as you can get to a 'one size fits all' bike. The lower limit without modifications is probably around 5 ft tall, and it looks like the upper limit may be somewhat over 7 feet. Actually, the bike would probably still be comfortable with the shifter and brake pedals adjusted a little lower, but a person much over 7 ft might look better on a Rocket 3.

Well, if one of them is green and silver then you have no other choice, you have to get that one.

My bike at two up with my daughter has that much weight handles it just fine. Try to sit on both to see which one fits you better.

i'm 5'9" 205 lbs. great bike! when my wife and i ride double the bike is carrying 370 lbs. the bike will still scream at 75 and 80 mph. she still wants to go

I'm 6'2" and about 225.
The Speedmaster fits me like a second skin.

Welcome Dave.
I'm 6'4" and weigh 250, was up to about 275 early this year. The Speedmaster has plenty of power for me and handles great too. My arms are fairly long as are my legs. I'm comfortable for all day rides. I like the reach to the Speedmaster bars, just more comfortable for me. I think the dual front brakes are a plus for us guys with more to stop, but that's just MHO.

6'4" 300.........ish bike (black tba) no problems even two up . man do we ever have some big lads ridin these bikes heh heh

I am 5'10" and 240. Little bit of a reach for me but fits gooood. Should be better for you. One up is cool, but with a "fat bottom girl who makes the rockin world go round" could be a bit of a lug on the 800cc.

DCL,

There is a reason they call me Big Poppy 6'1" 260, I have dropped 20 lbs. over the last couple of months.

I have been riding either a BSA or Triumph for over 35 years power and speed has never never been an issue. I just bought a an 06 TBA I had all the intentions of buying a Speedmaster until I walked into the dealership and the sales person said do I have the bike for you it is out back we just took it out of the box.

The bike fit like a glove when I sat on her and I knew from that moment on she was made for me. Thats the way with Triumph's it is an instant love affair. You just know.

I'm still breaking it in so I have pretty careful on varying the speed and watching the rev's. but the other night we have a hill that is straight as an arrow and is about 2 miles long very little traffic (no side streets). Standing Stop up hill by the time I was looking fifth I was doing 90 and she was still climbing. I doubt I will ever know how fast she will go and I really do not care, but for big guy's like us she has all the power you will need.

Good luck and just be safe.

NICE paintwork, Dude!

Thanks again for the replies, hopefully this thread will be useful to others as well.

It definitely sounds like fit is not a problem, and power is adequate. I think I'm at a higher altitude than most of you (4500ft+), so that's going to hurt power a little, but it shouldn't be more than %15. The Thruxton mill sure would be nice, wish they'd been in the 04 SM as well.

I should find myself at the dealer sometime this weekend, and we'll see what happens. I don't think I'm going to get a deal at the showroom by any means, but at least I'll be able to try the bikes on for size.

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It definitely sounds like fit is not a problem, and power is adequate. I think I'm at a higher altitude than most of you (4500ft+), so that's going to hurt power a little, but it shouldn't be more than %15. The Thruxton mill sure would be nice, wish they'd been in the 04 SM as well.

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A little jet work can take care of that. Pat (Dinqua) has done a lot of 'spermentin and has his info posted HERE .
Actually, since these bikes seem to be jetted a little lean from the factory, you might be just about right, depending on your other mods of course.