 New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41 |
I wasn't sure exactly in which discussion to post this....... My hubby started getting into the America after seeing one in the Bike Trader mag. He had a Bonneville when he was younger..........so the new Triumphs get him a little sentimental. Anyhoo.............I am taking the MSF class in Jan. and he is starting to think this could be a good bike for me to start on. What do you think for a starter bike? Also any pros and cons on the bike would be greatly appreciated. We are going to a local dealer later today just to go look at them in person. After 4 yrs. on the back...........I can't wait to ride my own! Thanks......... ~*~ Painted Lady
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
Are there any cons...?? BUY IT!!!!!!!!!! 
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
Hey! Another potential Lady Rider...  The America is my first big bike - it's a way that we can learn over here. There are others on here who it's their first bike too. I would say that it's an ideal first bike if you want a cruiser. And this would have been fine in the General Chat bit... And welcome!
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362 |
The America/Speedmaster is a good learner's bike. They're well behaved, pretty forgiving, and have enough "oomph" to not stay with you once you've learned how to ride. They're also uncommon enough that you'll look great & stand out even when in the middle of a bunch of harley clones.
How tall are you? Some of the more vertically challeneged amongst us find the standard footpegs to be a bit of a stretch, but that can be fixed in various ways - installing footboards is the most common method.
Without wanting to sound too biased, I don't think you'd regret choosing a Triumph.
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012 |
the america is my first bike. an amazing machine worthy of respect and worth every (s)mile.
take the MSF seriously. if you know for certain the America is the bike for you then GFI otherwise checkout everything you can afford and that you "fit" comfortably on--very important. most of us, at BA.com, would venture to say you'll wind up with us on an America or Speedmaster.
keep coming back with questions. you'll get all kinds of answers here.
here's one of the first pics of me taken with Blue. if you peruse the photo galleries you'll see just hpw much potential these bikes have for personality changes...
, 
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
Anyhoo.............I am taking the MSF class in Jan. and he is starting to think this could be a good bike for me to start on.
I understand & appreciate the point of view well enough, but wonder at times (I wonder about alot alot of times) if categorizing the 790 CC Triumphs as "starter" bikes is a bit of a misgnomer. Many folks around here started on 650-750 Triumphs and are still on them. It took me 25 years to bump up 40cc's, but then I'm a slow learner, or narrow-minded or a traditionalist, or don't know any better  . Or maybe I just got lucky first time out of the box .
The America would be a great bike to get your feet wet on, it's forgiving, manageable and relatively light. It may well hold your interest for years to come .
Good Luck! Ride Safe!
JH
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347 |
Friend of mine (female) started out on one of those 250 rebels. She is only about 5'2" tall. One day she tried to bring mine up to balance off the kick stand & she couldn't do it. If you're tall enough and strong enough I think it would be the perfect bike for you. The factory floorboards come in handy also.
jerry
2005 America, Green, Thunderbike exhaust
LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE HE** OUT OF THE WAY!
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Sep 2006
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the factory floorboards also make it pretty difficult to get to the kickstand...i speak from the experience of a nottotallytall person w/a 30" inseam. i like my boards, but they do make certain maneuvers(the non-riding kind)a bit challenging.
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012 |
Quote:
misgnomer
is that when gnomes go missing  
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Quote:
Quote:
misgnomer
is that when gnomes go missing
Smartyshortpants.
That's his sister.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
Quote:
the factory floorboards also make it pretty difficult to get to the kickstand...i speak from the experience of a nottotallytall person w/a 30" inseam. i like my boards, but they do make certain maneuvers(the non-riding kind)a bit challenging.
I got them for Xmas.....OK so I got them early and they're already on the bike... I struggle with the stand, but not cos I have short legs (I take a 33" inside leg) but cos my feet are so small. There a UK 5 - US 7 I think. I'm getting a bit of a technique though.
But love em.
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Both the America and the Speedmaster are great bikes for those new to riding, getting back to riding or experienced riders. I would suggest that you look at both the Speedmaster and the America to see which one fits you best.
Soren
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
Hi Painted Lady, welcome.
The MSF is a great way to learn to ride and get licensed.
November 2005 I took and passed the MSF course, and got my Speedmaster a couple of weeks later. It's been a GREAT bike to learn on. I've put over 8,200 miles on it in the past year.
You can't go wrong with an America or Speedmaster.
Good luck!
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193 |
Hi Donna,
Welcome!
I am crazy sick in love with My Pretty Bonnie, it's a wonderful, balanced, comfy, rarely seen ride. Perfect bike for a woman- low center of gravity, just around 500 lbs., low seat height, handles sweetly, etc....but definately not a "starter bike".... I've owned bigger bikes- 1200, 1340cc- and My Pretty Bonnie keeps right up with the big boys.
By the way, I love your artwork, "Bei Seni-4" jumped out to me- I work for the Federal BCCEDP Breast and Cervical Cancer program through the state of MA. Love how she's holding the ribbon, you can see the bike off to the side...
Be forewarned....there is no such thing as "just looking at them." One will whisper to you, and that will be that.
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
Quote:
Be forewarned....there is no such thing as "just looking at them." One will whisper to you, and that will be that.
Bloody good point.... I looked and was not going to get her till I'd passed my test. I put a deposit on after getting jealous of someone else looking at her..... then failed my test!
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41 |
Thank you for "Bei Seni-4"....she was fun to do. http://www.angelfire.com/fl/PaintedLady/BeiSeni.html The bike off on the left side is my hubby's chopper. I did change the color and add the ribbon though on the bike. His is blue. I wanted to do something to help.......my paintings and prints will hopefully do just that. I have had 2 bikes whisper to me...I would definitely come home with either. HD Street Bob.....(am I allowed to say that here??!?! *wink*) and the Triumph America. I love the uniqueness of the Triumph. Honestly I don't see that many of them around and that is adding to my allure. I don't know what Santa is bringing me........but WOW what a present the bike would be! ~*~ Painted Lady
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425 |
Lived in W Nc. for 10yrs. asheville to be exact.
they have a nice triumph shop there.
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41 |
The dealer is in Asheville? I was looking at a dealer in NC online.......I don't think it was Asheville though. Hey any excuse to get back to NC! *S* ~*~ Painted Lady
Last edited by PaintedLady; 12/18/2006 1:43 PM.
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012 |
Quote:
asheville
aaaaaaaaaaahh...asheville 
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
I hope you get the America. You'll have more fun because you'll be getting all the attention. You'll go months without seeing another. I have to warn you though, it's an old guy magnet. Every old biker that owned a Triumph in the 60's and 70's will be drawned to you like moths to a flame. Some will start to cry as they recall their younger glory days. It's kinda pathetic in a way but very entertaining. Besides you're already hooked on the best damn Triumph site on the Internet. Welcome to BA.COm where Triumph's rule and Harley riders drool.
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41 |
*LOL* I had to laugh at the visual you gave of "Old" guys reminicing and crying. My hubby had a '69 bonneville back in the day .......he is the one that got me looking....senitmental sod! ~*~ Painted Lady
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 749
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 749 |
Quote:
Be forewarned....there is no such thing as "just looking at them." One will whisper to you, and that will be that.
I second that.....
Never ridden a bike that I love so much.
It’s the type of bike that gives you withdrawals when you can’t rider her….
"It's a hundred and six miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses."
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 250
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 250 |
Yes an America would be nice for christmas. I got mine last year for christmas and I love it. I will be riding it for a while. Glad to see another lady on the board. Welcome
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 788
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 788 |
You will not be disappointed with the America or Speedmaster..
07 TBA Pacific Blue and White.. stock for now!
A bike has half the wheels my cage does.. but 3x the fun factor
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41 |
Thanks..........I was frequenting another board for women riders...but I think only 1 or 2 have Triumphs. http://forums.delphiforums.com/distaff/start ~*~ Painted Lady
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193 |
Quote:
I have had 2 bikes whisper to me...I would definitely come home with either. HD Street Bob.....(am I allowed to say that here??!?! *wink*) and the Triumph America. I love the uniqueness of the Triumph. Honestly I don't see that many of them around and that is adding to my allure. I don't know what Santa is bringing me........but WOW what a present the bike would be! ~*~ Painted Lady
I had a lowrider/dyna a bunch of years ago....it handled well, low seat height, rubber mounted, so vibration was lessened. I actually considered the Street Bob before buying this bike, I liked the mini-apes and rear fender styling. I'm really thrilled though that I went with the BA. I've had 4 Harleys, and this is by far the most comfortable ride for me as a woman. The uniqueness factor is a blast....My Pretty Bonnie "holds court" wherever I take her (or is it where she takes me...) and I have to admit there's a subversive aspect of my personality which really enjoys overshadowing $20-30,000 bikes, hearing the old "British Iron" stories, with the cherry on top being the moment I say I spent 8 grand out the door and jaws drop. Tee- hee. 
I bet if you went and sat on your Santa's lap and asked reaaaaaaaallllllyyy nicely, chances are good there'd be a Trumpet under the tree!
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 43
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 43 |
I have to agree with ATriumphGoddess. I went "to look", rode one home (about 40 miles) with it 40 degrees out. Best snap judgement I ever made.
Rogue Rider
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12 |
As a 5'3" woman I handle my speedmaster just fine. I had bought an 883 sportster and my girlfriend wanted to learn. We took the class, passed. She was into Triumphs. I decided to suprise her and I got her a speedmaster. It took me all of 3 rides to change me. I went out and bought 1 and sold my harley.
I will say I shaved my seat down and now I'm flat footed.
You will not regret a Triumph.
I am thinking of a new addition, the Thruxton.
BEST THING I EVER DID!!!!
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
Im not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but at the risk of repeating someone elses comments. LADIES, BE CAREFULL, BE VERY VERY CAREFULL. These triumphs have a tendancie to sway their owners onto internet chat rooms/forums things, and we know where that can lead you. Before you know it, you are a pooh bar or worse talking online to unknown people from all over the world. AND then end up talking Dwightish.  Be careful ladies
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
Quote:
These triumphs have a tendancie to sway their owners onto internet chat rooms/forums things, and we know where that can lead you. Before you know it, you are a pooh bar or worse talking online to unknown people from all over the world. AND then end up talking Dwightish.
Don't know what you mean.... Though I don't think I've started talking Dwightish yet. BUT yell at me if I do.
And another lady in here. Hi Andrea. Good first posting. And if you do buy a Thruxton (in addtion to the SM) then I'll be jealous. Where you at?
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012 |
Quote:
I am thinking of a new addition, the Thruxton.
i really like the Thruxton; but at 5'5"(recently grown up from 5'4.5")even with my riding boots, average 1.5-2" heels, i cannot flat foot that machine as it stands stock.
what mods are you considering for a better fit?
mert(one of the gerlz)
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193 |
Quote:
As a 5'3" woman I handle my speedmaster just fine. I had bought an 883 sportster and my girlfriend wanted to learn. We took the class, passed. She was into Triumphs. I decided to suprise her and I got her a speedmaster. It took me all of 3 rides to change me. I went out and bought 1 and sold my harley.
I will say I shaved my seat down and now I'm flat footed.
You will not regret a Triumph.
I am thinking of a new addition, the Thruxton.
BEST THING I EVER DID!!!!
Hey Ansu-
I had the seat shaved down too....and have a new custom made leather seat to put on once I find the right chrome studs to adorn the sides, somewhat Corbinesque is what I'm going for. Put me completely flatfoot. Customizing my seat was a much better use for an electric carving knife than ordinary ol' culinary chores...
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193 |
Quote:
Quote:
I bet if you went and sat on your Santa's lap and asked reaaaaaaaallllllyyy nicely, chances are good there'd be a Trumpet under the tree!
You must know something i dont know. I tried that, sat on the old guys lap, whispered in his ear about how much i wanted a shiny new Ducati.
All i got was a pair of socks......I hate that git in red. 
It's all in how you whisper, really.... 
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017 |
<howling sounds from the peanut gallery>
Mark
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41 |
..........hhhmmmmmmmmmmm............... good point. I am going to have to work on my whisper technique. Times running out ...Christmas is almost here. (here's some southern for ya) I could spit and hit it now! ~*~ Painted Lady
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12 |
Quote:
Quote:
And another lady in here. Hi Andrea. Good first posting. And if you do buy a Thruxton (in addtion to the SM) then I'll be jealous. Where you at?
Hi Gina, we live in Ft. Lauderdale.
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Re: New Rider to be.....America question..
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Quote:
we live in Ft. Lauderdale
What a co-inky-dink! So do I. Out in Sunrise actually. Have you seen the thread in Rides about getting together up near Okeechobee in Jan?
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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