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1. Made in Thailand? What's up with that?



I have severe issues with people who look at this point as a down side. The quality control is the same in England as in Thailand, the only real difference is that the workers work for less and that savings is passed on to you. Also, take apart a Harley, or almost anything that's "made in america" and see where all thoses parts were made, usually "made in america" should really read "assembled in america"

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2. Plastic front fender?



The Speedmaster has a plastic front fender, the America has a metal one either way how is that a draw back? A plastic fender is lighter and does the same job just as well. unless you're planning on cutting and welding it will serve you just fine.

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3. Finally EFI!



Yes, EFI finally made it to the America/Speedmaster. Meny of the people who enjoy working on out bikes ourselves perfer carbs. This is because you can pull apart a carb, you can rejet, shim, change needles, pretty much set them up as you see fit. You can change EFI settings to match your preferences but it's just hooking up your laptop and remapping, it's just not as fun.

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4. Looks better, symmetrical with one pipe on each side. Notice almost every Harley picture is a right side view?



I like the looks of the America / Speedmaster too but that's just me, some don't and that's their choice.

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5. Chain drive? Hinkley: this is 2008! Think belt or drive shaft.



This too is a matter of preference but if you ask me chain is the way to go. There are inherent problems with both belt and shaft. Belt, belts are wider, while this is kinda rare the problem does exist. I've heard of rocks getting caught in belt drives and tearing up not only the belt but the rear sproket as well, not an easy or inexpensive fix, also, to change a belt, is a headache and a half, me personally, I'd rather lube my chain every once in a while than risk the extra work and money involved in a belt.
Shaft- Shafts offer years of maintenance free use, hopefully but if your shaft breaks... $$$$$ to fix. Also, I like the freedom of being able to change out my gearing for different situations and with shaft drive, you're stuck with the gearing they give you forever.

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Read some rumors about a 2009 1500-1600 Triumph with a drive shaft - hurrah if it's true.



We've all read, heard, disscussed those rumors. The fact of the matter is that Triumph is pretty secretive of what's to come. If they are indeed releasing a larger cruiser to fit nicley between the America/Speedmaster and the Rocket III you or I or anyone else won't know about it untill September or October and it's nothing to bank on. So unless you're willing to wait until then your best bet is to strike any thoughts of that from your head


Hope I've been some help! Either way you decide, I hope you enjoy it and happy retirement...

Let my dying thought be that every mile was fun and let my tombstone read,"They never made one fast enough for me."