Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Old Vs. New Speedmaster

Is it worth it to buy the newer Speedmaster with the bigger engine? I am hooked on the black and yellow one. I also like the newer black and blue. I know, I know, just have it painted. But, the fact is, the older ones are cheaper. Would it be worth it to spend more and get an '05 or newer??
Thanks everyone. This is a great site, and yet another reason to buy a Triumph!

I don't think the Speedmaster ever changed engine sizes, only the America.

???

Sorry, you are right about the engine size. Are there any other design changes between those years that are significant?

Quote:

---

I don't think the Speedmaster ever changed engine sizes, only the America.

---

'03 & '04 had the 790 'screamin' small block'

Post '04 (05'6,7) got the 865 high torque 'truck' engine

Also as to color - just FYI
Yellow / Black available - 03 and 04

So I take it, based on that comment, that the newer version is probably a little more powerful feeling, BUT is it worth the extra money?

Edited in next post

I joke about the big/small differences. I am lead to believe there is no substantial 'seat of the pants' difference. The 790 has the edge on HP. The 865 has the edge on torque. I would be inclined to thing that the solo rider with a zest for zipping at a healthy rate would best enjoy the HP, while the high gear lugger, the 2-up rider, and those riding with a lot of gear would appriciate the added torque. I have nothing bad to say for the 790 and there are those that can attest I'm far from light weight. If you can get a good buy on a used 03 from someone reputable, I don't think you'll err. Conversely, if the 865 is your chosing, I don't think you'd be sorry either.

go for the 790, you cana lways big bore later, plus the 790 has better cams

Frank

I have had both.
I rode the 790cc model for 4-5 months prior to getting the 865cc model.
The way I felt it, there IS a distinct 'seat of the pants' difference.
Perhaps it is because not only is the torque increased in the 865cc model, it also comes in at a lower rev level and it therefore doesn't need to be revved as much.
Top end roll-ons etc. etc. ... who cares? In my case, this bike is used for speeds up to 80mph 99 per cent of the time anyway.
For anything over and above that I have an Italian crotch rocket and a tourer built for significantly higher speeds.
From my own experience with both and for reasons that have already been expressed by others, I don't really think you will be disappointed by either.
I would personally go for the 865cc, if I were to do it again (however, since I always buy with the heart, I am not taking cost into consideration).

Just my 2 drachma.

Knowing what I know now, I'd go used. At the time of purchase the two-year warranty meant a lot to me being a previous Notron and Meriden owner. I was really concerned about the quality of the namesake due to past experience. The 2-year warranty may give you some peace of mind, but I've had zero problems and I believe most others can say the same.

I see your looking into the Speedy just listed in the classifieds. If possible talk him down a little more and go right for the Wiseco big bore kit, ditch the TOR's on ebay, replace with better flowing pipes, ditch the airbox mod, and pick up a Freak or do the Ghetto Freak. Once rejetted, your infrastructure is in-place and "most" everything after that is simple bolt on stuff.

That's what I'd do knowing what I do now.

Regards,

Tom

And the yellow and black is such a beautiful motorcycle!

If you can get your hands on that '04 with the 790, go for it!

Soren

Wow, I must be getting old. I thought the speedy was always 865. I don't know why.

I bought my '03 Speedmaster (yellow/black) last june with 1800mi on it. Saved $3K. Very responsive, great holeshots, the only cruiser that has outrun me was a VMax. (But I got him off the line).