Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Other Bikes Test rode a Hammer and a Speedmaster at the HOOT

Went to the Honda Hoot last week and signed up to ride a Victory Hammer and the Speedmaster. I wanted to ride the America but its schedule was full. I'm just killing a little time and thought you guys may be interested in the impressions of the two from a Yamaha Road Star owner.

The Hammer was a disappointment to me. I guess it really didn't do anything wrong but it just wasn't fun to ride. With that 240 rear tire it was a chore to get it to turn. It had about the same power as my Road Star but riding enjoyment and handling was nowhere close to my Road Star.

The Speedmaster on the other hand was fun, nimble for a cruiser and overall, a good looking, good sounding, smooth ride with plenty of umph. It had the small (tiny!) front fairing and Triumphs aftermarket pipes, other then that it was stock. I suppose you guys already know this but, You guys have a great bike. I gotta have one now!!

Last year I was in the market for a new bike. The America was on my short list. I'm not rich but I could have bought pretty much any "stock" bike out there. Long story short, I bought an 06 Road Star Midnight. I like the R* a lot but after riding the SM, I realize that I could have been just as happy or maybe more so with the America. Bigger isn't always better! Maybe 2008 will find me on an America.

Phil

My missus just had to have one of the Star bikes. A year later, with about 35 miles on it, it was traded in on an America and we never looked back. She just didn't like the Star. She had problems with the forward controls on the America because she has back problems, especially after a city worker ran a redlight and totaled her cage a month after we got it, so I ended up with it. After 4 years, that Triumph still surprises me with its performance and handling. I've never been on such a well behaved motorcycle.