 America or Speedmaster, what are the differences?
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 52
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OP
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It appears that I am headed down the America/Speedmaster path but the specs are very similar. Can you guys point out some of the differences, including costs? And, what is a Bonneville America?
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
There's very little difference between them anymore. Same motor, wheels, etc. About the only difference is the seat, bars, and front brake. I am sure someone will fill in the blanks... Bonneville America was the name of the America for the first two years (2002-2003) and even some late 03s had just America on the sidecover. Makes my 02 all the more valuable!  Congrats on either choice. You will definitely love these bikes!!
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differences?
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
not a whole lot of difference between the 2, go to the dealers, see which one is visually more attactive, sit on
both and see which one feels best...Then buy the America.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Here's some pics that you can sorta pick out the differences: Speedmaster (all black motor, slash cut pipes, different wheels, seat, front brake, bars):  America (chrome on motor, tapered pipes, different wheels, seats, front brake, bars): 
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Those America wheels are really growing on me. Don't like the pipes, but you'll swap the out quick anyway.
Al
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
Before 07 the America came with spokes, which was the clincher for me.
06 America 904
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 52
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 52 |
Can I get a Speedmaster with America bars?
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
Can I get a Speedmaster with America bars?
If you're buying new you can have whatever you want (at a price of course).
Main differences between the two...
handlebars & risers: SM has drag bars with taller risers, america has pullback bars with shorter risers
seats: SM has "gunfighter" seat, america has saddle & pillion pad
brakes: SM has dual front disk, america has single
wheels: different styling
pipes: SM has slash-cut, america has tapered
engine panels: black on SM, chrome on america
paint: different styling for the two models
All the parts a available as accessories and will fit either bike, so effectively they're the same bike with slightly different options. Mechanically the only real difference is the brakes so if you don't care about styling you only need to ask yourself if you want to spend the extra money on the extra disk. However if you're not interested in styling, why're you buying a cruiser?
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
I found the Speedmaster risers with the America bars gave me the riding position I wanted. But it is all up to what makes you comfortable and what you find pleasing to the eye. Not sure where you are but many dealers will swap out some things for you at little or no charge. I am and was partial to the Speedmaster but liked the America handle bars so I swapped them. But be for warned once you start there is NO end. There will always be more to do. Change this modify that.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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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 |
Here is the biggest thing to help you decide and only you can deicde which bike is best for you. Sit on them both. If you can get a sales guy or someone to hold bolt bikes up while you put your feet on the pegs.
The ergonomics of both bikes (as similar as they are0 are completely different because of the bars). You will need to decide which one fits you best. Accessories and doodads can always be added on later if you decide to get the America.
Soren
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
I went the other way. I've got Speedie bars on my TBA.
Tall round polished risers from Brent, and 1" spacers.
This set-up, along with the footboards, gave me what I wanted.
It's all a matter of personal preference.
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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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 |
Quote:
I went the other way. I've got Speedie bars on my TBA.
I forgot about doing that. My dealer even sells kits to swap bars, riser and cables (if neccesary - depending which way you swap). So figure out which one fits you best then go with which model you like the best.
Soren
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,806
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,806 |
Well the Americas tend to be faster especially the Blue ones 
Chris
Pain heals, Chicks dig scars, and Glory last forever.
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
My dealer also hooked me up with the America seats and sissybar. I had to pay dealer cost for those though cause he had already swapped all he had and didn't have any left he could swap out. Its kinda funny. I have dealt with my dealer so long that I used to deal with the current owners father and mother. Now the son and his wife run the business.!
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I've only dealt with one Triumph dealer. I read about a lot of accommodations made by local Triumph dealers, which differs from the "See the Parts Dept." attitude of the other brand dealerships I usually see. So that makes me curious; Are most Triumph dealers the Mom & Pop type shops (with real product knowledge) as opposed to the mega-mall dealers with their vast inventories and clueless salesmen?
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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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 |
Quote:
So that makes me curious; Are most Triumph dealers the Mom & Pop type shops (with real product knowledge) as opposed to the mega-mall dealers with their vast inventories and clueless salesmen?
I have noticed so far that it seems to be about 50/50.
My dealer (Cascade Moto Classics) is a mom & pop shop. I don't think there isn't anything Triumph that Kelly (the owner) doesnt know. It's a great atmosphere and a lot of us that have bought bikes there end up hanging out over there for a few hours on Saturdays.
On the other side of town is Portland Motorcycles. It is a mega mall type and unless you are there waving cash to buy a BMW, don't expect anyone to talk to you at all.
Soren
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,546 |
Speedmasters are what people buy when they are neither cool or smart enough to buy Americas.
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 315
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 315 |
i had the same choice to make... liked both bikes, but wanted to sleek "blacked-out" look of the speedmaster. as quick as the speedy is, the dual brakes really come in handy. consider the america, but choose the speedmaster.
thorn
06 Speedmaster. Black and Sunset Red.
SS long slash, 135/45, AI out.
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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I've noticed that many have said that the engine is chromed on the America's. With the 2007 model this is no longer true. They've switched the America engine over to the blacked out version as well. Now it just comes down to seat, bars, brakes and wheels.
Either one is good just depends what is comfortable for you.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,466 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
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Quote:
Quote:
So that makes me curious; Are most Triumph dealers the Mom & Pop type shops (with real product knowledge) as opposed to the mega-mall dealers with their vast inventories and clueless salesmen?
I have noticed so far that it seems to be about 50/50.
My dealer (Cascade Moto Classics) is a mom & pop shop. I don't think there isn't anything Triumph that Kelly (the owner) doesnt know. It's a great atmosphere and a lot of us that have bought bikes there end up hanging out over there for a few hours on Saturdays.
On the other side of town is Portland Motorcycles. It is a mega mall type and unless you are there waving cash to buy a BMW, don't expect anyone to talk to you at all.
Soren
That's promising. Once you walk in the door, the HondaZukiYamaSaki shops all look/act alike. Guess I'll have to start seeking out Triumph dealers in my travels. Maybe even collect T-Shirts like the other brand. 
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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I think people are referring to the chrome side covers on the America like the above pics.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differences?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
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There is very little diference now between the two. I am however considering trading in and if that happens I will most likly get the Speedmaster. I am partial to the dragg bar style and like both wheels but I think I like the speedmasters better. The clincher for me how ever is when I went in durring the open house I saw the mulberry one and just fell in love with it. To me that's the perfect color for the Speedmaster!
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differences?
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Don't forget to ask yourself if you will be riding with a passenger. The rear passenger seat on the 07 America is WAY more comfortable than the Speedmaster seat. The split seat of the America also allows you to easily set it up as a solo bike. You can get a chrome rack that fits where the rear pillion goes.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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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 |
Quote:
Speedmasters are what people buy when they are neither cool or smart enough to buy Americas.
I think you have it the other way around
Soren
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
The passenger point is a valid one. The speedmaster is really setup for solo riding.
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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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 |
Quote:
I've noticed that many have said that the engine is chromed on the America's. With the 2007 model this is no longer true. They've switched the America engine over to the blacked out version as well. Now it just comes down to seat, bars, brakes and wheels.
The motor itself is black on both, but the side covers on the America are chrome.
Soren
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differences?
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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 |
Quote:
Don't forget to ask yourself if you will be riding with a passenger. The rear passenger seat on the 07 America is WAY more comfortable than the Speedmaster seat. The split seat of the America also allows you to easily set it up as a solo bike. You can get a chrome rack that fits where the rear pillion goes.
Very true. But, I have the touring set on my Speedy. I haven't had any complaints from any passengers. But to make it look good (with the touring seat), it is best to add the sissy bar and luggage rack.
Soren
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
America or Speedmaster, what are the difference
The point that everyone is missing; Speedmasters are just better.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
America or Speedmaster, what are the difference
The point that everyone is missing; Speedmasters are just better.
Weakest. Argument. Ever.
'It is just cuz it is?' Better be careful - with that kind of "logic" your post might get banned as religious.
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Posts: 3,960 |
Quote:
The point that everyone is missing; Speedmasters are just better.
Quote:
...with that kind of "logic" your post might get banned as religious.
Using that argument makes him sound like a politician.
Oh, oh, we got to lock this now, religion and politics have now been mentioned.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
It's the BA.com version of Godwin's Law.
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 Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 112
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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My 2004 SM came with the tapered pipes ... I like the looks of them. I just got a Corbin solo seat for it feels better on the tush.I do belive both bikes are a nice ride. Its just that you have to keep adding things to them But that is the fun of it 
Black 04 sm freak AI removed TORs 152 jets
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I agree with comments about if you think you'll do any two-up riding. If so, the 2007 America has a redesigned seat that is MUCH more comfortable than previous Americas and any Speedmaster. My fiancee' and I have ridden on my Dad's '06 and my '07 and she said the difference is huge. The Tall Sissy Bar and Rack is a big comfort factor for her, too.
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 999
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 999 |
Quote:
The passenger point is a valid one. The speedmaster is really setup for solo riding.
I just put the America seats on my Speedmaster now its perfect.
The invisible One 
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Yeah, I guess you can do that... get the america seats for your speedy, and the america bars to make it perfect... or you could just buy an america in the first place, have the perfect bike to begin with, and save money.
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
If you buy an America then you have to buy the primary finisher , wheel upgrade to get the dual disc , black side covers and thing is it still won't be as fast.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I always felt total confidence in my brakes and I don't have front dual discs. The America has as good or better braking than any bike I've previosly owned. I wouldn't let that confuse which of a new 07 bikes to buy. They also have the same engine and gearing now - there is no difference in speed.
Chrome vs. black, seats, handlebars, wheels, and paint - pick the one YOU like best for appearance and riding comfort.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
LOL I know I was just messin around. The dual disc doesn't improve breaking it just looks cool. Wendy has an America and I can lock up the front wheel with the single disc.So the additional rotor and caliper I don't believe realisticly do much. Maybe increase pad life and the discs may be a little cooler during a ride.And they used to be a little faster off the line out the showroom door but thats just because they were geared 1 tooth lower on the front sprocket.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: America or Speedmaster, what are the differenc
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Now that the 07's are nearly the same...even the blacked out motors..(the case covers can be purchased) it almost breaks down to paint schemes...the rest you can buy bars seats chrome...paint is not as cheap...
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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