Other than the larger engine the differences between the earliest and newest Americas are almost all cosmetic. Wire wheels, sprocket cover, peg hangers etc. A well maintained earlier bike with lots of extras for a reasonable price would be my choice if I had to replace mine.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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