Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Heart vs Head

Hi,

So. I'm 37 years old and have never ridden before. I got the bug a while back, took an MSF course and am looking to buy my first bike. Since I'm a little older, and am 6'2, 195 lbs, I've decided to ignore every article I read about beginner bikes (pretty dumb, I know) and get a bigger bike. I have it narrowed down to two bikes, now I'm having the classic heart vs head argument.

I rode the America and loved it. It's the top of the heap as far as I'm concerned. Not intimidating, good handling, and I hear from quite a few people that it makes a good first bike.

I rode a Kawasaki Vulcan 900, and against my initial prejudice (since it's really trying to look like a Harley) I really liked it. It fit me well and again wasn't intimidating.

My debate now comes down to this. The vulcan is $1200 cheaper, has fuel injection and belt drive. There are even a few other niceties like a fuel guage. My head is telling me to buy this one.

The America is more expensive, but I could see myself volunteering to take out the garbage just to look at it in the garage. However, everyone says you either drop or lay down your first bike, and I think I'd cry since the America is such a thing of beauty. My heart is telling me to buy this one.

I know the replies to my quandry will be pretty one sided here, but I'd like to hear your opinions, especially concerning the belt vs chain drive and EFI. Any sound advice anybody could give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, and wish me luck in my decision. My Triumph dealer only has one blue America left, so my decision will have to happen soon. I don't want to get stuck with a black one...

-Dennis

Go with your heart on this one, for a grand cheaper & a fuel gauge (and remember belts & feul injection modules are a lot dearer to replace than chains & Carby needles & jets)
I'd know what I be looking at & The blue & white America is a beauty, I know I got an 07 model.
I don't know why they put fuel gauges on bikes anyway - check your tank regular and plan your ride.
It really boils down to what "you" feel comfortable on.
A wise old man told me once "It's not the Bike that makes the Man - It's the Man---- you figure out the rest.
Hoffo.

Go forth and get that America immediately there is no reason why you should, need, or may, fall off the thing. If you take it easy and get used to the bike it will reward you with many years of pleasure. I don`t know about the states but in Australia the Triumph gives far better resale value and you will find all the info you will ever need whether you want to leave it exactly as you bought it or turn it into a one off custom original right here!!

That blue America is sweet!

I got the Speedmaster about 18 months ago as a first bike after passing the MSF course. You'll really like the America as a "starter" bike. It's pretty accomodating for a new rider. My Speedy was actually on the ground twice but the damage was very minimal. I think having a nice bike to learn on made me a more cautious rider as a beginner. You'll grow out of that. lol

As far as EFI & belt, to me those are better than carbs & a chain. I recently got a Victory Kingpin which has EFI & a belt and it's nice not having to clean & lube a chain every week. Plus it warms up right away.

Just my 2 cents, I don't care for Jap cruisers or BMWs. No soul.

Good luck & ride safe.

I think an important thing to consider is whether you intend to keep the bike for any length of time. When I was looking to buy, I knew that, whatever it was, I'd be keeping it for as long as possible. That's why I went for the Speedie. It was WAY over my budget but I'd always wanted one and I know that I'd regret it if I didn't get one.
If you have to justify it to the head, ask yourself what sort of support is available? Triumph offer a 2 year warranty. There are plenty of aftermarket goodies and a lot of forums like this, to help you spend yet more money, should you wish, or help out should things go wrong. I could bang on about the 'cool' factor, too...but you probably know all about that.

neill

Both are good bikes from companies that have been business long enough to know how to make a long lasting product. I have to admit the America is my favorite after 36+ years of riding but it's really about what suits you, including how mechanically adept you are and how much you want to do to ride. Chain drive bikes require maintenance, belt drives not so much. If style is a factor, and it should be, the Triumph is the better choice. If aftermarket bling is important the Vulcan has many more accessories from many more vendors. Pick a direction and take it and ride.

I've had fuel guages on 2 or 3 past bikes....none of the have been worth a light. Tells you your nearly empty when you still have half a tank of fuel left !!

Buy the Triumph !!!!

I was but six years older, and in the same boat three years ago. Had taken the class, never rode before, and bought my Speedy. After lusting after a Honda VTX for several years before taking the class, one day I stumbled upon this Forum, and saw the light. As soon as I KNEW what bike it was going to be, I took the class.

Don't worry about the chain and EFI. Bikes have done well without it for all these years, and motorcycling still became popular as a mode of recreation and practical transportation. You will adapt, and learn to use and take care of what you have. There is nothing difficult about chain maintenance, and these carburetors certainly are not fickle. I have had no trouble at all with either. Add a ScottOiler when you can and the chain maintenance becomes automatic when you ride. I drilled my air filter and airbox, and though the bike performed well afterwards, I let the dealer shim the carb needles when he offered to, and it made a surprsing amount of difference in performance. Beyond that, stock pipes and jets, and though I eventually want to go to aftermarket pipes, I really like the way she runs now and would hate to have to start "tuning" if the opened up exhaust resulted in a need to change the jets. One day....but not a priority yet after 3 years and 32k miles.

It is a great beginner bike, but more importantly, one big enough you will not outgrow it. It can and will do anything you would ask of it. And it will get attention everywhere you go, unlike the look-like-a-Harley Vulcan. That is the COOL factor.

You won't understand this for a while, but the Triumph has SOUL, where I am afraid the Vulcan will mostly just be a lump. Never read anything bad about the Vulcan mind you, and I am sure it would be reliably trouble-free, but so has my Speedmaster been for me.

How much does that Vulcan weigh? The 500 lb. America is probably going to be more nimble and, if you ever DID drop it, a heck of a lot easier to pick up. Yes, I have dropped mine - 4 times. Twice while parked, and twice on the road, at virtually zero-speed. Stupid mistakes that COULD happen to anyone, and has happened to MOST, I'll bet. No damage or needed repairs suffered here, luckily, but the fact that I could right the bike alone means a lot to me. I will NEVER own a cruiser weighing over 500 lbs., even if I ever do get another. I can not ever imagine not having the Speedy, though. The GRIN factor never seems to go away.

Follow your heart. And "GO YOUR OWN WAY".

well fuel injection means fuel pump means changing fuel filter means more things can break

I'm so happy with my America and that is so simply and easy to live with

Always go to the Heart America will get you attention where ever you go Not many people are going to roll down the window of there truck at a stoplight and ask you questions about your about yur Vulcan but the will with the America. It is simply a head turner.
The vulcan is a very good harley wannabe it will blend in with the v twin crowd very nicly. The Triumph is a Icon
and you know what, the hype is true. Mine is on its third summer 14000 miles and it truly calls me from the garage to ride it. If you have a bikers heart this is the bike if your buying one to get dusty in the corner save the money and buy the other bike. Get the America you will not regret it

My previous bikes were a Triumph and a Honda. Sold them both back in 1984. When I bought the America in 2002, I’ve never had a bike that I have loved riding so much and wouldn’t sell it for anything. Any chance I get to ride I do, hence the 50k on the odometer.

Gene

Go with the triumph bro, you wont be let down. I've heard of a couple people on this forum that have never done a thing to their chain and haven't had any problems. I am biased though, get a speedmaster, it's like 150 times faster than an america.

Only you can make this decision of course and it must be made with research. Looks like you’re doing it now, so good on you! If you posed this same question on a Vulcan forum, you’ll probably receive similar responses in favor of the Vulcan. Continue your research.

The America is about 50 pounds lighter stock (497 vs 551), but by the time you add all the stuff we inherent chromo America owners put on the bike, you’ll catch up pretty quickly. If EFI is important to you, you may want to consider waiting until the 2008 models are released in the October time-frame. I read somewhere (don’t ask me to search for the link) that per US law all companies producing more that 500 units must produce EFI equipped vehicles beginning in 2008. So, if that’s important to you, wait and see. It’s not that far out.

If I were to do anything different, I’d buy used. Motorcycles are like exercise equipment, there’s always someone out there who thought it was a good idea at the time, but realized for one reason or another, it’s not for them. You can easily find a good deal on either model with low mileage for a significant savings.

Initially the 2-year warranty was important to me due my experience with legacy Triumph’s and Norton’s, so I went the new route. In two and half years the only component that actually failed on my bike was a driving light bulb. All other maintenance actions were of the standard, preventative nature (oil, pads, etc.). In all fairness some folks experienced problems with the chain guard, front disk rotor, or CDI unit on these bikes. Again, with what I know now, I’d go used.

For some of us ancient’s, where the bike was assembled and shipped from is important even though this defies logical argument. I’m not going to beat this horse any further, but my Triumph must contain a “J” in the 11th character of the VIN.

I’m rambling and not making it any easier on you. Surf through this site and gather information. Surf through Vulcan sites and do the same. It’s tough using your “head” once the queen bites you in the butt as she did me so many years ago. There’s just something about an English V(ertical)- Twin that’s hard to shake.

Regards,

Tom

I think it's an EU Law too. But yeah, the 2008 is gonna be EFI. I've seen....

Bogus. I have no "j". Now I feel like less of a man.

No don't. It means you have an English Triumph.

You just can't beat Black and Chrome for a great basic look. It's not for me but I would never feel "stuck" with a black scoot, it would just require more chrome than mine...

Hey, DuckOner, I didn't post the Thai-umph as an insult, it was just a cutesy VIN code wisecrack.

I am gonna be in so much trouble on this one.

If its your first bike, you don't know if you will ride a lot, love it, hate it, or just won't care, after the novelty wears off.

You get much more technology with the EFI and Belt Drive for less money. For your first bike, shop bang for the buck. Also you will drop your first bike on its side at less than 5 mph at least once. Well 1/2 of us did that anyhow. The dealer network and down time of the Japanese bike will be better for the cosmetic repairs.

When you discover you love riding, sell that silly Yamahondakawasuki and buy a Triumph later. You will appreciate it more once you drove a bike with no soul

Bottom line- The Kawa is a great bike. Reliable, low maintenance, decent looking, good performance; but there isn't anything really special about it. The Triumph has a great vibe, lots of nostalgia, and gets more looks and comments that the Harley's do. Don't think of it as a first bike, but the first bike. A lot of us don't trade; we buy another...


I had no problem trading my kawa in on the Triumph. I'd own another Kawa, but I wont be trading the Triumph. It is a permanent part of the stable.

I worried for a while about the Thai thing. Actually even delayed my purchase cuz of it. But now that I have my America, I don't care. In fact, I haven't even checked the VIN to see if I have a J or a T. The bike is great, runs great and I am happy as a pig in poo.

Paw.

Go with the America,the Triumph is a great and very reliable bike !

A service bulletin about ignitors on the 02s

Being a bit of a retro head, I'm really glad to have the carbs.

You all rule.

I think there's something to be said in th fact that 12 hours after my original post there are almost 40 replies. You are a fanatical bunch. Out of curiosity, I'm going to put the same post on the Vulcan forums and see what happens there.

I'm about 70% sure I'm going with the America now. Also, thanks for the input on the ScottOiler. Pretty cool idea.

This may be just a fluke on my part, but as far as laying the bike down, I lost mine on rainy roads last week. It slid on it's right side thru an intersection with me sliding in front watching it. I was very lucky to get up and ride the bike home. The front peg and brake lever got messed up along with some scraping on some parts(see my post about needed parts) I was so impressed with the bike that I could ride it home easily after this. I think these bikes are designed and built really well.
good luck with your decision
jeff

Quote:

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I don't want to get stuck with a black one...

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It's very obvious that you're new to riding.
Black is the only acceptable color for real motorcycles.

Leave the rest to the Teutuls

As far as head or heart goes, I'll quote The Eagles: "The Queen of Hearts is always your best bet".

It's been said before and I'll repeat it. Soul, presence, heritage and history, WOW, all non tangibles, but factors none the less. Most any motorcycle can meet the performance gig, but few try to be something other than what they are and Triumph is not confused with anything other than British.

Bells and whistles even on a Triumph isn't what makes you feel good going down the road. A road worthy bike with heart and tradition. It's a head turner, it stands out in ANY crowd, that has incredible value.

eddy

I think it comes down to soul for me. I pride myself on being different than everyone else. My bike is different than most I see out and about. Someone will walk by and see the badge, and then come right back and talk triumphs. That won't happen with a kawi. There is no mistaking a triumph for another brand. It seems to me if you want a Japadavidson just buy a harely it seems that most switch soon after anyway.

Ok, last question. I'm not a gearhead. I'm not adverse to a little work, but I'll admit it, I'm a bit on the lazy side.

How much maintenance is the chain drive, really?