Hmmm.... Can I talk about my Speedmaster cause I dont' have an America?
Hunched over positiion... cant' do this on the Speedy with forward controls... but you can on the America...sit up straight... then lean forward FROM THE HIPS.
Or, you can use a backrest.
I did change the handlebars to bring them closer, picked up a nice small windshield, threw on the wiring for a WarmNSafe heated jacket and a GPS. Also got some saddlebags at Leatherneck Jim's, as well as the Triumph luggage rack and sissy bar.. this is all stuff I'd put on whether it's for riding around town or touring.
Then... the touring stuff.....
Best thing...? a nice fluffy sheepskin.
2nd best... a Riggs luggage pak that's waterproof, and large enuf for me to lean against when riding. (backrest)
I use both the luggage and the sheepskin pad on my Harley and my Yamaha FJR. The Harley is a Softail Deuce, sort of a "factory chopper", the Yamaha is a FJR 1300, which is a sport tourer. I've been cross country on both this past summer. Total miles on all three bikes this year is about 18,000, not that much. And only 2 short trips on the Triumph... about 800 miles each trip. But 22 states overall. Longest days so far only about 750 miles... shortest about 300, the wind does blow hard out in west Texas! It plumb tuckers a person out!
My main objection to taking the Triumph would be the weather... in good weather, not a problem. Some of my trips have been in 40F temps or less, constant wind and rain. My Speedy could handle the weather just fine, but I couldnt'. The weekend jaunt to EOM in Sept wasnt' far,about 350 one way, but it was windy, especially coming back...I was kinda getting blown all over the road... winds 35 mph. The heavier Harley and the FJR dont' get blown around nearly as bad, but the rear tires seem to wear out faster and flatter, evidentally from the constant sideways pushing of the wind.
But, I cant' wait till nice summer weather for a short ride from Ohio to Texas on my Speedy...on back roads... Most of my riding this year was on interstates... the tires wear flat. I need some curvy roads!
The coolest thing about the America and Speedmaster is that they handle so well....Almost, almost, like sport bikes.
The bike will go anywhere you want it to...
How you're set up, the weather, and how many miles a day you ride is more of a determining factor than the bike itself.
Just make sure you have a GOOD rainsuit.... and a full face helmet is nice in heavy rain. It also keeps dirt and "other" particles of matter out of your eyes and off your face when you're stuck behind "animal transport vehicles".
Nothing does much for the smell, tho!
Mary
