I can't speak much about the beautiful America. I have a friend with one that I may have put 2-3 miles on, but with a Corbin seat and rider back rest, besides feeling a bit awkward at first, it just did not feel at all like my Speedmaster. He says it's fast, as he "freaked it" out and jetted it, but now he says he hits reserve at 100 miles. (I'm sitting on 160 now and it never went to reserve coming home last night.)
As for the Speedmaster, I think it is a sport bike disguised as a cruiser. My first and only motorcycle, and I cared nothing about owning a plastic sport bike when I got the itch to ride. Never liked the way Harleys look, but the Honda VTX really got my motor running when it came out.
This forum sold me on the Triumph, and I never really considered the America as the Speedmaster said everything I wanted to say. After 3 years and over 33k, it IS a sport bike, and is meant to be ridden like one. Very satisfying. Surprisingly nimble for a cruiser, and plenty of "GO" to get you where you're going as fast as you want to get there. The riding position is more agressive - lending a more sporting nature to the bike, but I do find it very comfortable just the same. One day I may buy a cruiser to cruise. Today though, I ride a Speedmaster to speed. And the grin goes on for ever, and the party never ends...
You can get a speeding ticket on a moped. But I can maintain a very consistent indicated 80 mph in 60 mph zones and have yet to have a law man stop me for it. I have been ticketed, but I was exceeding "that" limit.
This bike is a real blast, and a true pleasure to own and ride. I'm honored to be able to call one mine.
