Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Dealer visit - observations

I visited the Triumph dealer here in Little Rock yesterday to check out the newest changes to our bikes. It's been awhile since I'd been in, but after visiting the H-Dealer the other day, I felt it right to do so.

I agree with several others about the larger new tank design detracting from the nimble grace of the bike. It just appears to me like a big, shapeless blob.

The adjustable clutch lever is a nice touch.

I like the redesign of the rear peg hanger.

The elimination of the George Foreman grills makes that area appear a lot sleeker (but it doesn't make up for the dismal tank design).

The price for these bikes seems not to have risen much in the past few years.

Question for the masses: Is it time for a major redesign of the America and Speedmaster?

The basic Rocket III is still as ugly as a giant bug, IMHO. (Most of this has to do with the 'shrugging shoulders' fuel tank design. )

However...

The touring/bagger version of the Rocket III really was well done, and I believe this version will be a good seller if marketed right. The only 'essential' thing missing was a comfortable back seat with a backrest/sissy bar/rear bag box for the passenger. Other than that, it looked fairly complete and ready to get out on the highways/motorways. It will be nice to see this bike mature with a few more touring amenities like self canceling turn signals, pre-wired intercom, etc., but it's a giant step forward from the bug ugly base model. In fact, 'giant' is a good description of it, since it really appears quite a beast. I hope I have a chance at some point to ride one of these bagger versions soon.

Anyway, that's my story, and I'm sticking with it.

1 thing you missed is the fairing. I think it should have one as an option at least.

Quote:

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1 thing you missed is the fairing

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+1. This is an absolute must in order to compete with the Ultra Classic and Gold Wing. IMHO

I'm with you on the tank on the Speedy and B.A. .......I like to previous design...it looked like a Triumph tank....hopefully they will not take any design cue's from the 70's square tanks on future models....do like the other areas they cleaned up i.e. peg hangers and sprocket cover...I made my own billet hangers and powder coated as well as put a T-100 sprocket cover on my B.A. .....good move on those items from Hinckley.

God, those square tanks were terrible.

The "classic" Speedy/America tank was MUCH better. The new one is... bad.

I had my second trip back on Friday (little maintenance on the bike) Gave the tank a second chance,and I still made a face butttttt. Over in the corner was a VStar Warrior and I really liked it, now the stupid part It was the tank I liked best,you know the tank that looks like the 08 America tank. So know I have to say to myself. Self is it the tank you dont like or the fact that they changed it without asking me? Still have second thought but maybe just maybe it isnt as bad as I thought

The tank isnt a bad piece, it just doesnt add to the bike, it detracts, doesnt fit with the lines of the bike. It looks like an add on, a afterthought. Heck, the new badge looks so cheap, it simply screams that its a piece of plastic dressed to look like a fancy/tacky piece of plastic, and now it isnt a item easily customized ( which is odd, do they not want to sell extra parts like the other badges? ).

I'm one who disagrees with most of you about the new tank and badge. I love it! I also like all the changes already mentioned. In fact it's all the changes that helped to persuade me to change my T100 for the BA I've got on order. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder folks.
I've just been cleaning up my Bonnie ready to hand it in and one thing that I won't miss is the rust that's already started on the cheap chrome wheel rims. This bike's only ten months old for pity sake and I've kept the rims waxed and avoid riding in rain, as I don't enjoy it. That's not too say I've not been caught out in the odd downpour, but I've always dried the bike off before putting it away in the garage. I love the look of spoked wheels, but if that's the best they can do they can poke the spokes.
I appreciate the ali wheels do need a lot of care, but you can always bring ali back if you don't let things go too far.
I've had no problems with all the other chrome work on the bike, but the wheels are pants.
Just my two penny worth.
cheers mates
John

I agree about the rims, Wendys are starting to rust too and they are also kept clean and waxed. The chrome tube in front of the cyl too on both our bikes. I haven't seen the new tank in person yet but don't like it in the pix I've seen. I do like the new badge but again haven't seen it in person so maybe it looks cheap in person, I don't know. I don't like that it isn't held on by screws and not interchangeable with the older badges. Like John says, seems a poor business move since I think more than half of the owners have changed badges at $100 a pop.( I forget what I paid for mine but I remember they weren't cheap)

Change the Speedmaster?
Yes.
1) More power. 80hp from an 865cc air-cooled is well within reach. Ducati does it and their bikes are 2-valve designs.
2) More options:
A) New tank or old tank.
B) More choice of seats. An old school King/Queen seat would be great.
C) Optional suspension upgrades.

3) Fix the #@!%&*+~## igniter!!!

they are trying to bring their designs into the 21st century. I like the tank a lot. I like this one too.

Hi,

As I am new to the triumph scene I havn't a problem with the current design. I think the whole bike is awsome looking especially with a few extras - and it dont go to bad either.

http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...ge=9#Post308225

we must also remember the price tag, as cruiser style bikes go they are a bargain and good condition second hand prices are a steal.

Oh yea blue is this years fastest colour of course.
Baz