Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge 2005 Bonneville America

When I bought the America I did so because its style was more appealing to me than the Speedmaster same yr model, including wire spoke wheels and handle bars, the only concern I had was the 790cc engine instead of the larger Speedmaster engine. My performance is great and I certainly blow past most Harleys I ride with from start to about 80mph. My qustion is simple, should I stay with what I have? Convert the engine with the conversion kit allowing for more cc's? or, Just trade in on the new model America that has the bigger engine? Is there really much difference in performance? I noticed the new America has cast alloy wheels and I don't particularly care for them.

Stick with what you got. If you feel the need for speed, do a big-bore, and the easy-peasy mods, and you'll be fine.

At least that's what I'd do.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. The larger engine has less HP and more torque; but you could increase both for a lot less by installing the big bore kit, pipes, freak or a couple of Unipod filters and rejet. That way you wouldn't have to refinance your new bike and pay all that interest........Angelis

Do the inexpensive mods first, if you haven't already. Opening up the exhaust and airbox, along with rejeting makes a big difference. At that point there is very little difference between the 790 and 865. The big bore change is expensive, especially if you have to pay for labor (I couldn't do it myself) in addition to the parts. Do it only if you planned to do it on a new bike as well. All said and done, there would be very little difference in the two.

I also like the wire wheels and chrome on my bike - one of the reasons I wanted the America over the Speedmaster. What if in a year or two they come out with a bigger cruiser (1200-1500cc)? If I like it better than my TA, I may trade then.

I like you chose the TBA because of the laced wheels, and more classic motor color. If I am not mistaken the 2007's all have all black motors with chrome/silver painted side covers for the TBA. I just don't like the black motor. I found my bike on eBay, and while I was looking I saw two wrecked bikes up for sale. Buy a wrecked bike with an 865... change it out and sell your motor. That would be the cheapest way to keep your styling, and get more power. I would have to say, that for me, it would have to make it run a whole lot better than my 790 does now to do anything to it....... I am pretty pleased with the performance of my bike just the way it is.

I also like the wire wheels and chrome on my bike - one of the reasons I wanted the America over the Speedmaster as RAMSOUND states. I have a 2006 TBA and love the way it looks and rides. Always looks better with a few bits of extra Chrome! Even the Harley riders admire it. Enough power for me.

I saw a 2005 TBA Green on a ride one weekend and fell in love! Went out two weeks later and bought my own! I had been and still do ride my '68 Bonneville up till then. Nothing like an electric starter to save your kneecaps!

I went with the America over the speedy for the same reason I think most did..the styling...I was a little leary at fisrt of the smaller motor.But after riding the 790 for a while its power is more than adiquit for my riding style.
I'm starting now to do the cheap mods (too cold to ride it may as well work on it).I may at some point in the future do the big bore thing. But more out of want than need.I bought this bike thinking it will serve me well until I'm
ready to do the Goldwing style RV thing. And so far I feel
I made the right choise.

Time for another tequilla and grape fruit.

I've been extremely happy with my 790 America. I'm just now starting to do some performance mods. It's funny, when I first started to ride, 45MPH on a bike felt like I was doing the speed of light. Now I feel like I'm crawling at that speed! I've been riding two up a little more lately, and the bike handles the weight just fine. I really like the profile of the bike as well, it has so much more character than most of the bikes on the street. Oh well, I guess that's why we chose them in the first place!

In 2002 it was the BA or a Plain Bonnie. When I saw the Black and Silver that was it. Had a Black and Silver 79 Bonnie 750 and miss it. The look is total Class.