Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Bonneville America or Speedmaster

I am trying to decide between the America or the Speedmaster. I looked at Harley's and all the others but they just don't feel as good as the Triumph's. Can anybody give me the pros and cons of both. Thank you.

Ummm... your screen name says it all!
And I ain't biased!

The Speedmaster has less chrome to polish, twin front disk brakes and drag style bars. They're pretty comparable bikes and to many it's a matter of personal taste, or cost.

I love my Speedmaster. Best wishes with yours.

America is better and the black one is faster.

Where in Eastern PA? I'm in Media - Southwest of Philly. Where are you looking? Buzz at Manayunk Triumph in Philly is a really good guy and will take good care of you. My personal preference is the Speedmaster. I like the black engine and you can always add the chrome bits if you feel the need. I have not ridden an America, but I do think the Speedmasters are faster (ready, set, go...I may regret that)

change your name to jtamerica, and i am biased .......test ride both (then go with the black america . did i tell you i was biased ). you cant go wrong on a choice like that.

North of Allentown, I've been looking at Hermy's im Port Clinton, but my nephew got a Rocket from a dealer souht of Allentown ans said he's a good guy to deal with.
Thanks for the info.

The America boys are in denial. They are have convinced themselves that paying thousands of dollars for the awful looking grey engine and the sad grey peg hangers was a good idea. We pity them, and are contemplating a 12 step program for them. Step one: Buy a Speedmaster!

Hermy's is great too, no drop off in quality there. We are lucky to have at least 2 good dealers in the area. There are plenty of guys on this forum who have nobody to go to. You will have to get some input from the Jersey guys - I've heard that the dealer in Freehold is okay.

I didn't realize until I sent the last message that you were talking about Martin Motorsports. They are good from what I have heard. I have not dealt with them directly as I have with Manayunk and Hermy's. An embarassment of riches around here - three good dealers to work with.

Oh boy here goes another America vs Speedmaster thread! Now I have made my jabs at Americas but to be honest I like both bikes. True I am a Speedmaster owner but I got my bike used and had one of those Oh My GOD!! deals on it. If I was going to by a new Triumph I truely would have a hard time deciding which one to buy! For any one considering a America or Speedmaster go by feel, but either way you can't go wrong with these bikes.

Spend some time looking at the member's galleries in the
photo post section, and ride both. Some here have done some
interesting cross-over hybrids. Mert(Shari) put Speedie bars,
wheels, and brakes on her great looking blue America. I put
Brent's custom tall round polished risers, w/SM bars on mine.

Look at our pics, and others. I've gotten some great ideas
from doing this.

And don't be afraid to ask questions,

Uncle Charlie

BTW,
Our bikes are about 500lbs, Sportster 1200 around 800.
HP (after mods) about the same, do the math.

The new Speedmasters have a bit bigger engine that produces more torque. BUT, the America produces more power because the Speedmaster has been seriously detuned to meet emissions requirements. The end result is that the SM is a bit quicker 0 - 60, but the America is faster from there up into the triple digits.
The 2 biggest differences are looks and seating position, so ride both and see which one feels like something you could ride for 3 or 4 hours at a stretch.
If you like the looks of one but love the seating position of the other, buy the looks because it isn't terribly expensive to swap the handlebars and seat.

Also, while all the available colours are quite pretty, there is a reason they call it JET black!

The functional differences are that the america has more top end power while the SM has more low end torque. The speedmaster has dual front discs, a tach, and alloy wheels. the rest is all cosmetic and totally subejective and therefore 100% up to you. I wanted the discs tach and alloys so i went with the SM. I also found the black engine makes for a bike that looks cleaner easier and longer and takes very little work to make it stay showroon clean and new. The america is IMO a bike you buy if wire wheels and a non black engine is important to you cosmetically.

The SM has a smaller primary gear(16 vrs 17), So it's gonna
be a little quicker off the line, but I think the BA will pull
away at 70-80mph.

I got the America because of price. Absolutely no regrets. 12,600 trouble free miles, plenty of stopping power.

JT, I'm probably about an hour east of you into NJ.

I like the America and I'm not biased at all. Green is the best color though! They are faster and have much the same effect as green M & M's!

Stay away from the brown ones.

Uncle Charlie

I think the America is a better value. I like the styling and and relaxed pull back bars. I also like the chrome and Graphite powdercoated engine. It's more personnel preference then performance. There is a rumor that the America will be getting the bigger engine in 2007.