Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge New guy trying to decide on Speedmaster or America

Hey there, I was eyeing Ctnewbies TA and he told me about this site. I'm looking at getting either the Speedmaster or the America and I would like to hear what some of you folks think of your bikes. Right now I'm torn between the two, I like the larger engine, and the look of the SM, but I like the spokes and the bars are more comfortable for me on the America. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatl appreciated, I'm a little concerned about the slightly smaller engine of the Am, but it looks like after people pull out the ai and get there freak on she can become a quick little buger
My last bike was a 94 suzuki intruder 800 that I uncorked, unfortunately I lost to a cager last month and the bike was totaled, hence the looking for a new bike. I luckily walked away with a broken right wrist and a sprained left arm.
Well thanks in advance, ride safe
cap'n

In 2007 they both will have the 865 engine. If you like spokes I'd get the America. Both will have blacked out engines in 07 as well.

I ablsolutley love my Speedmaster. Ignore the CC difference, the HP difference and the torque difference, none of them are enough to really feel a difference. The absolute best way to decide btween the two is to sit on them both. The ergonomics are different for each bike. Get whichever one feels the most comfortable for you. You will not be dissapointd with either bike, they are both the best cruisers on the planet.

Soren

get the one that gives you that fuzzy feeling. the differences are not enough to outweigh which you think looks or feels better. it really comes down to riding position, and weather you like chrome or not

Frank

Welcome to the site!
Where in CT are you? I'm in Norwalk.
I've got a '03 TBA that I put tall risers and Speedie
bars on. See pics in my gallery.
You won't be disappointed with either bike.
Uncle Charlie

Truth is, the smaller engine is better tuned and produces more power. The bigger engine produces more torque, so it may have a small advantage from a standing start, but the greater HP that the 790CC engine has will make itself know by the time you shift to second. Also, because of the more aggressive valve timing, the 790 responds better to modification.
If you like the wheels and feel of the America, by all means get it. The America rear wheel and Thunderbird Sport front wheel will fit the Speedmaster with little problem and the America handlebars will bolt on with a little rerouting and extending of wiring and cables. The gotcha is that it will cost you. Because you will be able to use it for other things as well, it would probably be a better bargain to get an America and a home powdercoating system and black out the engine yourself.

This is Bonnevilleamerica.com so you already know the best one to get.

In 07 its just the way they sit and little looks differences in paint. Either one will be the right one for you. They are both great.

If you read posts in this forum you'll find very strong opinions about which is better. I love my TA and didn't consider the SM. Someone else will give you the opposite response. SO, what you need to do is go look at the bikes, sit on both, if you will have a rider (like my wife) - have them sit on both, and see which YOU like best. They are more similar than ever in 2007. Both are great bikes. Pick the one that appeals the most to you.

Why does someone always start this arguement?!?!?!?!?!?

Go with the America.....

You know you want to!!

I would go for the tubeless tires and dual front discs of the SM, and later adding 6" risers to the SM.

In 2007 the difference will be mainly the seat, brakes and handelbars.

Hi Cap'n & welcome to the forum.

I’ve had the same problem mate, so I'll give you my opinions on both the SM & the BA.

If your buying a stock motorcycle

Thing to consider…….BA

Spoke wheels\tube type
More chrome
Silver engine
Pull back bars (wide) 2” risers
Single front brake calliper
No rev counter on tank


Thing to consider…….SM

Alloy wheels\tubeless
Less chrome
Black engine
Drag bars…4” risers
Twin front brake callipers
Rev counter on tank

Remember these……

To change bars……..Very little cost..(Thanks to BA members)
To add more chrome……..Depends
To change wheels………$£ssss
To add a front calliper……...$£ssss
To add a rev counter……..$£ssss

I did a bar conversion myself (SM to BA) with very little cost.

Hope you choose the right one


Oo....Forgot to mention different seats

They are both great bikes, any year. You just have to decide on your personal preferences for colors, handlebar style and wheel style. Neither of them have significant enough advantages over the other that you should worry about whether you got the best model. Obviously you should ride both if possible. I never got to ride my TBA before I bought it and I've never been unhappy with the choice. That said, if you want a fast bike, a really fast bike, look elsewhere, like a Rocket III or a crotch rocket. If you like a spirited but mellow ride, one of these just might be the bike for you.

Disclaimer: I didn't read all of the responses so I've likely duplicated comments made previously.

If you can get a good deal on a used bike, go for it (particularly from a list member, gotta think they are cared for better than most). Swap out the seat/bars to your liking, both probably reasonably priced from this site.
FWIW, I love the bars on my America and couldn't live with drag bars.

Thanks for all of the suggestions, I think Ill go with the America and make the mods with her. I've already come up with a list: gunfighter seat, new exhaust, tach, uncork (sorry freak) and maybe lower the suspension.
Now if anyone knows someone in the NY, CT, lower new england area that has one for sale let me know. I'm keeping an eye on ebay and the classifieds.
Man this site has everything.
thanks once again and ride safe
-capn

I have a brand new gunfighter seat for sale
mike

Hey capn,if you're looking for a used bike, take a look at my bike in the photopost. If interested let me know and Ill fill you in on the details.