Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge New Rider to be.....America question..

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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...

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Did you get your seat from newbonni? I would rather get new seat, but just wondering how comfortable they really are. And yes I know what you mean about the culinary chores.

Hey Mert
Regarding the Thrux. I would have to take it to a custom shop and have it seriously lowered, but do it really want to do that? Don't know yet.

Here's links to the two threads:

http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...;gonew=1#UNREAD
http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...;gonew=1#UNREAD

Andrea,

i know what you mean about lowering the Thruxton; something about that thought never sat quite right with me. one more inch of leg length and Blue would be cohabitating with a boy bike for certain(read Thruxton--black.) i guess it is not meant to be. maybe there is a message in there for me. dunno.

i say, if time allows, get yer feet wet with this crew and head up to Okeechobee. good time guaranteed rain or shine. just ask Phil.

"m"ert

Hey Donna, Just had a chance to put in my two cents worth. Rode behind the hubby for years, he bought me my bonne almost three years ago and I love it. I am 5'3" and the bike is just the right size. We put progressive shocks on the bike and it was lowered about one inch. Have the boards too. With decent boots, I can flat foot it. Not too difficult to reach the kick stand. Definately take the MSF course, it's worth it.

AmyLee

Welcome Donna,
You will truly love the Triumph. Mine is an '02 cardinal red with 47,000 miles (i slowed down on the daylong cruises this year after the Georgia Rally due to working and some monetary redirection). Please tell your husband that these are not the Triumphs of old, as far as maintenance. I had to tinker with my old British bikes constantly, but I was pretty rough on them. These are almost bulletproof. Seldom do you hear of anyone touching these gorgeous machines other than customing and initial performance improvements. Mine has really not had a wrench touch her, except for the routine maintenance and my tweaking.
My wife is still amazed at how many compliments we get almost every time we stop for petrol or food. Our Harley friends get a look of jealousy when our bike gets all the attention at get togethers and group rides. My Harley of choice would be a RoadGlide, then I'd sell it & get a Triumph RocketIII.
Seriously, learn just a little Triumph history and study their current models, because whenever you stop for a fillup, someone's gonna be there, telling you what a beatiful bike you have and about their neighbor's first cousin who had a '67 Triumph Tiger and........ the compliments and stories go on and on.
If you don't have to buy locally (which is what I did), call Southern Power Sports in Chattanooga. They sell Americas for about $6950 (out the door). Alabama_Al bought his there I think. Of course if you have a good dealer locally - use them.
These are wonderful motorcycles - pick out a color and ride it. Be sure to check out the Speedmaster, as the ergonomics may be a better fit.
I look forward to meeting you at the Georgia rally in May.
Please tell your husband that his chopper is totally welcome. This group of great brothers and sisters might make him want a Triumph too. There is a wealth of knowledge here, and it doesn't take long to become an expert yourself.
Let us know about your new ride.

Dear Sisters,
Here's a pic of the bike NukeRanger lowered for his wife. Standard Bonnie or T100, lowered one inch. I think he said the seat height was just a tad lower than the America. This should put the Truxton, T100 and standard right inline with what you want. You can of course get your saddle cut down a bit also.

To those with floorboards - So you know you're not alone - I'm 6' tall, with a 34" inseam, and the kickstand hides from my size 13 zombie hoof too.

It's a design flaw. As you know, it just takes some time to overcome the flaw while making that unusual left foot manuever.

I think the kick stand side lever also bottoms out? Maybe not. I heard two different scrape sounds the other day turning left at a light.

You give me hope *S* Your bike looks awesome........love the color too! ~*~ Painted Lady

Thank you so much. Cool.......now I feel more confirmed with the Ga. Rally in mind. *S* We have also contacted the dealer in Chattanooga and a couple of others. If I could figure out how to cart my kids (and doggie kids) and groceries around......well I would sell my car outright and go bring home the America ASAP. My hubby may have his chopper that he has always dreamed about.......but he has a heart for the Triumph. He kicks himself for not finding a way to keep his old '69 Bonneville. He said if we get the bike for me.......we are NEVER getting rid of it. I will have to wrestle him for it at times I am sure! Do you think I will want to ride on the back of our Heritage or Chopper again??!?! I would hope so.........but.......... ~*~ Painted Lady

Amy- when you lowered the rear shocks, did you lower the front forks as well? I've been told that unless both are done, handling is compromised.

I told my hubby ........"Don't think it hasn't crossed my mind to sell my car". I now have started a "Bike Fund". I am determined........I am sure it will get worse after I pass the MSF class. My son says I am obsessed. *BG* ~*~ Painted Lady

Your bike looks like it would be easy to handle and quite maneuverable. Beautiful color! ~*~ Painted Lady

I love my America so much that it is the only thing stopping me from purchasing a Sprint.

No, We didn't lower the front forks, and I didn't notice any handling problems. Since I bought new boots that have a more aggressive sole, Bob raised the shocks one notch, still no difference. My main problem is the reach to the handle bars. My arms are as short as my legs, so I have to straight arm it. In the curves I just lean forward slightly, and that helps. Bob bought a couple of the new baby apes that are made for our bike. Hopefully that will help with the reach.

AmyLee,
Grump is right about the buckhorn bars, so I'd bet the baby apes should do the trick. I'd have kept my buckhorns, but when RickMayer reworked my saddle, he pushed me forward about an inch. So I bought some stock America bars from Benny (thanks Benny) and my reach is much better now.

I am going to be honest with you. The America is the *ONLY* thing larger than 400CC that I would recommend as a first bike. They are exceptionally well behaved, look great and you are not likely to ever outgrow it.

I vote for yes - great starter bike. Mine is my first, and though I may add another to the stable, I can't see ever selling or trading the SM. To practical for most of my riding needs.

You can't outgrow it, and although you may later appreciate other riding styles, and bigger machines for long touring, you will also appreciate the fact that the Triumph is easy enough to get in and out of the garage that you will look for any excuse to get it on the road. No HOG here.

Many have already mentioned "forgiving", and mine certainly has been for me. Mistakes will be made. Results may vary.

I like to descibe my SM as "nimble". Though plenty quick(fast?), she handles very well. I need only to twitch a cheek muscle in my arse to lay her into a sweeper. Effortless, and very well balanced.

I commute on her every day, but know I would not do that on a H-D, sportbike, or even a Rocket III. These Americas and Speedmasters are just right.