Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Todays test ride

We rode both America and Speedmaster. My first impressions were can't hear this thing, whats the motor doing it was al too smooth and silent. The misses did'nt like sitting higher than me,caught too much wind,but agreed it was a smooth ride. I did'nt like either handle bars,I prefer a straighter dragway; is there enough room in the cables etc for a 29 inch dragway to be put on the speedmaster? The bike felt smaller than I was expecting also.Is there anyone here in Melb Australia who can help out in the sound department.Sorry to be a killjoy but the stock does'nt do it for me.I did like the two tone red and black and the brakes were fantastic,the speedmaster certainly got up and boogied before the America and push button start is so relaxing.I'm going back tomorrow any advise anyone

Go to the BonnevilleAmerica home page, click on audio/video. There are some samples of aftermarket pipes there, but better to listen to them in person. Yes straight drag bars will work without changing any cables, just make sure you get 1" bars. Welcome we have quite a few members from down under.

Thanks Larkfarms I'm lovin the site

Most people see buying the bike as a beginning, then the mods start. Bars, wheels, you name it it'll have mods done. Me, I'm just happy riding around doing little things every so often. But the exhausts.....no-one is happy with them. Even me. When I got the 06 one of the first things was the removal of the rear baffles. (I work shifts and I don't think my neighbours would appreciate me having really loud pipes at 2am...) He's quiet compared to some but I like his noise.
If you're gonna regularly ride with the missus on the back (though why not tell her to get her own bike and license?) and get the Speedie then change the seat. I've not sat on the pillion on a SM but I cannot imagine it'll be comfy for long. And a sissy bar. If you go Triumph bar get the tall one.

Just my humble thoughts

Oh and welcome.

Gina,I live next door to the neighbor from ******.My 73 runs straight outs. It still gets drowned out by his dog.I agree with your philosophy.I don't think the missus is wanting to ride herself.So do you think I can get that same trimph feeling out of a 2007 model?

Yep. definately. I also have a slightly older Triumph (ok lot older - 1945), that I've never ridden (it's in a collection of boxes) but once the 03 is back on the road that's the next project. If you get the 07 you'll have the same question we all still get, "do they still make those" "I had a Triumph back in the days.../when I was younger/before I got married/had kids/" or any other variation.
You really won't regret it. I don't know anyone who has.

Gina I'm very impressed

You wont regret either of them. I test rode an America and 1 month ago bought the 2007 Speedmaster. I still cant wipe the smile from my face while riding. I will be changing the pipes when I find out what suits me (loudest legal). Good luck on your choice as I liked them both. I just preferred the dual front disks looks and style.

Welcome 73bon. The red and black with the gold pin stripes, can't better than that.

Dave

Its a matter of getting used to it. I had trouble with the forward controls and the bars on my America. Didn't ride like anything else. About 1000 miles later it was second nature. Now I don't really want to ride anything else.

It is superior in all ways mechanically to the older Triumph but still looks and acts like it should.

You will not have buyers regret, once you take off the AI, get rid of the snorkel, and make it louder.