 America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 78
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Looking to get either an America or Speedmaster. Love the look of both! Can anyone provide honest opinions on differences if any, such as handling, performance, ride characteristics, comfort, personal preferences, etc. Looking to purchase by weeks end!!
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 Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Beyond the dual front disc brakes of the Speedmaster, it comes down to ergonomics and style. And you kinda have to figure that out for yourself. Go sit on both and see what you think about the handlebar configuration and the seat.
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2008
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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I would be unstoppable if not for law enforcement and physics.
2002, Cardinal Red & Silver
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Adjunct
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I just bought an 08 America and my buddy has an 05 speedy . personaly I like the way the americas softer seat and the pulled back bars feel. the front single disc breaks on the america realy stink compared to the speedys dual disc. other than a few bolt ons they are the same bikes
I cried because I could wheelie then I met someone without a motorcycle
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64 |
Quote:
Beyond the dual front disc brakes of the Speedmaster, it comes down to ergonomics and style. And you kinda have to figure that out for yourself. Go sit on both and see what you think about the handlebar configuration and the seat.
Even at that it is cheaper to change the bars than to add a dual disc so if the dual disc is important buy the SM and change the bars if you want.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Absolutely. And sometimes you can do it for free if you find someone to trade with.
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Posts: 570
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Quote:
Beyond the dual front disc brakes of the Speedmaster, it comes down to ergonomics and style. And you kinda have to figure that out for yourself. Go sit on both and see what you think about the handlebar configuration and the seat.
Even at that it is cheaper to change the bars than to add a dual disc so if the dual disc is important buy the SM and change the bars if you want.
That's what I did. Bought the Speedmaster and put on the America Handle Bars and Cables. Don
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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get whatever one looks and feels best to you.
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Quote:
get whatever one looks and feels best to you.
Frank
Do not listen to frank, he's an idiot. Buy a Speedmaster.
Just bustin on ya frank ole bud!!
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 211
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I bought the America because it was slightly less expensive, and slightly lighter. Since both have the exact same power plant, I prefered a lighter machine. The dual discs really dont make a diff to me. I ended up putting on speedmaster bars, but then changed those out for 8" T bar's with a 2" pull back.
2007 Custom America with BUBs
I make my own parts cause I cant afford to buy theirs.
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261
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I bought my America because of the styling difference - I like the chrome, pillion seat, pulled back bars, etc.
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64 |
Quote:
Quote:
get whatever one looks and feels best to you.
Frank
Do not listen to frank, he's an idiot. Buy a Speedmaster.
Just bustin on ya frank ole bud!!
I have it on good authority he's crazy too. 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I went with the America, because it just seemed to fit me better, and seemed more suitable for 2 up riding.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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 Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
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I've always been a fan of strong brakes.
Buy the Speedmaster.
(Note to Triumph: Second disc as an option on the America!)
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I bought a Bonneville America, because there weren't no such thing as a Speedmaster at the time.
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Speedmaster.Brakes are important,especially trying to avoid that dog or deer! I know that dog would have been dead I almost hit if was not for the dual disc up front! Seat & bars are easy to change.You can sell your old parts.Less chrome to polish also,so you can spend more time riding.
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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You will be happy with either, of course the Black Speedmasters are the fastest ones.....  Wendell
"Reality is for people who lack Imagination"
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
You will be happy with either,
of course the Black Speedmasters are the fastest ones.....
Wendell
(cue the vultures from 'The Jungle Book')
Now don't start that again! 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26 |
for me america make older than speedmaster more vintage, old style. 
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
"Dual disks give you more braking", Nuts. Anybody can lock up a single disk with the squeeze of the hand. And I can do the same with my old, antiquated drum brake on the 57. Get the America. Chrome rules! And get a red one if you really wanna watch everyone else drool! 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I like the chrome and I just replaced my first front brake pads at 11,500 miles. I have no complaint with braking. I think the America is more comfortable riding two up with the split seat - especially with the newer pillion seat.
As said, they perform just about the same. Get the one that suits YOU best.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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mr dinky, i will take you up on your offer this year if you are at the nh rally and we can have a lil drag race
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Posts: 3,753 |
and contrary to what seems like popular belief i am only a little crazy tops
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
"Dual disks give you more braking", Nuts.
Two things. 
One, the point of braking hard is not to lock the tire. 
The point is to take the tire almost to the lockup point and hold it there. That's where maximum braking is found.
With twin discs, you don't have to squeeze the lever as hard, so it's easier to modulate at the point of lockup.
Two, twin discs have twice the metal area to soak up the heat of braking.
They don't fade as quickly as a single disc.
Ask around, compare the number of warped discs on America's to Speedmaster's. 
"Dual discs give you more braking" is just a quicker way to say this.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64 |
That and I think break pads wear longer on the dual disc breaks.
Besides we all know the America was the rough draft and the Speedmaster the refined finished product.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
It is of course widely known and accepted around these parts that the Speedmasters are the most aesthetically pleasing to the eye when compared to the America. Specifically as has been noted ..time and time again...The BLACK Speedmasters are aerodynamically predispositioned for speed, comfort , reliability and just plain good looks. Early biblical scripture notes that Jesus Christ himself rode and early proto-type version of a Hincly Black Speedy in his trips through Galillee. Equipped nicely with some Thunderbike pipes from down under that gave just a pleasant rumble for passerby Pharissees but not too loud to garner attention from the local Roman constabulary. 
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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It just goes to show you it's all about opinion and what you like. Some people will go to great length to find a way to substantiate their false beliefs.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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mag wheels are ugly thats why they covered them up with discs...haha (no comment about the newer models) Speedmasters do have the blacked out engine, but if youre riding a blacked out bike you need a bit of chrome for contrast  if single disc wasnt enough then people wouldnt be getting by with drums for as long as they did
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
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Yup. I been thinkin about a chrome waffle cover for mine. Maybe the chrome version of the 08.....they look so much more suave and debonair than those standard waffle irons.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Less filling....Tastes great.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 78
Member
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OP
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 78 |
Thank you everyone for the great info. Just bought a 07 red Speedmaster. Got it for the dual brakes, tach, and color is awesome, similar to Shutterbug's. Both the America and Speedmaster riding stance felt fine, it was a difficult choice. Now the problem is picking out the 1K worth of goodies I have to get!!!
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Hi Joe....Congrat's on a great looking bike. I sure like the Triumph Floorboards as an add on. And you can't go wrong with the new Triumph Engine Guard. Also changed the front springs to Progressive's before I brought mine home. Just today I changed out the flasher to a SignalMinder and added a Stebel Horn....BIG difference there. And all accomplished with info and suggestions from the great Guys/Gals on this forum. Don
PS....add a bit of info to your Proflie so we can get to know you.
"You're a long time underground!"
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Adjunct
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Quote:
mag wheels are ugly
I like my tires tubeless, thank you~~~~
________________________________
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_WXxYGyRas
Noli Irritate Leones
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819 |
[quote I like my tires tubeless, thank you~~~~
Tires come without tubes??
I would be unstoppable if not for law enforcement and physics.
2002, Cardinal Red & Silver
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 78
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OP
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Thanks Don...looking at the light bar and the engine dresser bar for first accessories, want to see and be seen. Some people suggest headlight and taillight modulators, but haven't seen any up close yet. Like the look of the seat, but might get the touring seat. Boy one grand goes quick!!
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 58
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Member
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I owned 12/02 red america for 4 yrs and 20,000 miles, few mods absolutely loved it, got an offer i couldn,t refuse so sold it and ended up with red 07 speedy, more mods, better power and brakes 12,000 miles up...for a small cost to get brakes and tacho i,m happy but fitted america bars first up, just feels better for me, cheers and happy ridin..tadpole 
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
I absolutely love the new wheels on the Speedmaster. It is strange not seeing spokes anymore on the America.
Soren
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Me too. In a few years I might have to dig up a set in chrome (if they ever bring them out).
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 78
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Picked up my 07 Speedmaster today. Joe 
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Re: America vs Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Nice ride Joe. Great choice! keep an eye out for me. I ride thru Branchburg and that whole area fairly often
Erwin
05 America
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