Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge TBA vs Speedmaster

I have been luker for a while tring to decide which to get. The type of bike I will end up with would be a bobber/chopper style, something along the lines of Sonnyg46's bike or Biker with the girder front end. I live on Kauai so I don't need touring bike (it is only 25 miles each way to the end of the island). Or a real fast bike (max speed limit is 50 mph in some places). I will be starting with a new bike '06 because that is all I can get here.

So the big question: Do I start with a TBA or Speedmaster ?

Oh by the way thank you to all that have answered my previous questions.

Well, if you ae going to slice and dice, then the real questions are:
Spokes or Alloy wheels?
Silver or Black motor?

Soren

i,d say TBA but then i,m biased no matter what you choose keep us updated and show us some pics of your progress. good luck

May be that is were my answer lies....I on my last bike I changed out the spoke wheel to a blacked out alloy, because I got tired of cleaning spokes

spokes smokes, the chrome engine is by far and away nicer to look at then the black! IMHO!!

Chrome = America - Black = Speedmaster, Decisions decisions?

sit on them and get which ever one feels better and talks to you more

Frank

BRAKES - BRAKES - BRAKES

I would like to take this opportunity to defend the "cooler,hipper,down right swankier"Speedmaster.The Speedmaster is 1.cooler 2.hipper and 3.down right swankier! Really though I do like both bikes.My personal opinion is if I was to bob I would go with the Speedmaster.Now if I was going the retro cruiser look I would prefer the America

Speedy.....add up the cost of the extras..vs....the diff in price..

There's a choice?!! Speedmaster it MUST be, for style, looks, sportiness and all. The TBA looks a granny bike next to it.

Actually, all ribbing aside. Get what ever feels best to you, how you sit on it and all. You really cant go wrong. ( if you do get a TBA, chrome it out to the max, it looks best that way! ).

I have have to agree with you there Henery.

The bikes are very similar and you almost can't go wrong with either.

After cleaning my Speedmaster yesterday, I'm glad it doesn't have as much chrome as the America. The black Speedy components are much easier to shine up than the America chrome.

Less polishing = more riding.

Definately Speedy. Alloy wheels easier maintenance(salt air) No corrosion on chrome parts etc. Easiest bike I ever rode(HarleysHonda and all Harley imitators are pigs for handling) Change sprocket 50MPH max. take advantage of Torque range and RPM.

No doubt, there is a difference of opinon. ALL my friends ride Harleys that are all chromed out and everywhere we go there are nothing but Harleys. My chromed out TA "fits" and get most all of the attention everywhere we go. It's makes being different very comfortable, plus I really like the look of the bike. If I had a SM riding with my friends, I don't think it would get near the attention from the "un-aware HD crowd" I seem to find myself mixed up with. I never considered buying a Harley, but when I was looking at the Triumphs, how it would fit in was of some concern. When I saw the America in person, I was sold on the spot and drove it home. I have added lots of chrome and maintaining it has been no problem. I also really love the wire wheels, which are about the only significant extra work keeping up the bike.

Simply? Speedmaster.

Thanks all I am going Speedmaster

The second front brake on the Speedmaster can be the difference between stopping just short of crunch and crunch
itself.

If you truly are going to bob one of these things then it doesn't matter which on you get. You will be changing the handlebars,fenders,wheels,paint,seat,tires,lights,turn signals,shocks,forks and control lines.
And if you are a true gear head while building your bobber then it also doesn't matter because you will be removing all smog and air intake equipment, pulling the carbs and rebuilding with new needles,jets(flat slides are an option also),replacing the pipes minimum.
Pick the cheapest. But only if your truly going to bob either an America or Speedy.

nothin' finer than black speedmaster. You won't be disappointed.

In spite of all the beautiful great TBAs out there, I think the Speedmaster owners have spoken here. En-mass.

We like 'em, don't we?

For comfort the - BA - well at least it is with my lard ****** and beer gut (the bars are a bit closer!)