 Touring on an America
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3
Complete Newb
|
OP
Complete Newb
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3 |
Greetings to everyone. I'm new here. Currently riding a Vulcan 750. The VN has been a very good bike, but it's getting near time to upgrade.
I've been looking at a lot of different bikes. I'd like to start some long distance touring, but at the same time, I value a bike I can still take down a tight country road. For that reason, I'm not particularly interested in the FLH, Wing, Suzuki C-90, Vulcan Nomad or similar bikes. I'm drawn to more basic motorcycles, such as the Dyna and, of course, the America.
With the America, I'd put on a windshield (chopped??), floorboards, hard bags (Mutazu or equivalent) and a rack.
This is probably a silly request, but I'd like to get some anecdotal information from you regarding touring and long distance rides on the America. I'm not a small guy (6-0, 260-ride solo), so I'd like some assurance that the America's smaller motor will work adequately for me. I'd also like to hear about any information regarding the bike's reliability or overheating or cooling problems. Or, for that matter, anything else you think may be of value to me while I'm trying to decide what to get.
It's kind of hard work trying to wade through all the information and arrive at a good decision. It makes my decision easier when knowledgeable folks like you help out, so let me thank you in advance for all replies.
J-Bob
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
I have a Speedmaster, essentially the same as the America but with different bars. I have put on 600 miles in a day and felt fine. The motor will keep you cruising at 80+ mph all day if you want too. It is also a great bike for around town or on the back twisty roads. Solo or two up it's a great bike.
Soren
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
I'm 6-1, 300#, own a 07 America. The most ive done in a day is give or take 300 miles and have had no issues. I ride with a Memphis Alley Cat and Tsukayu Strong Bags...loving it! The power has been more than enough and the bikes perform very well with minimal mods (K&N pods, Open pipes and re-jet). I recently added a 19T sprocket and really like how it changes freeway riding. A while ago I lowered it with Progressive Suspension 412 rear and front. I like the look and love the performance improvemetns but in all honesty am probably going to raise it up a bit. My pipes scrape during more aggressive riding. You wont be dissapointed!
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,201 Likes: 1
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,201 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I'm not a small guy (6-0, 260-ride solo),
Wanna bet?? 
I am 6'3 and more than 260lbs (the exactly figure is a state secret) and I rode am (stock) America 34000 miles around the US in 10 months so I guess I am qualified to put your mind at rest about what you want. I rode all kinds of roads, from freeways to skyline drive and the America had no problems with any of it.
After running the bike in in 3 days, I rode from Florida to Sturgis SD in a week, all on the freeway, then after that I went looking for nicer twisty roads, including the Smokies. Eventually back to Fl for a 5 month break,( thanks Jim & Lynn) then pickup again for a cross US ride. FL to CA and up the west coast into Canada. Back into the US and headed eastwards with a view to shipping the bike back to England when I had finished. Wont bore you with the rest, but stay away from Pigeon Forge TN 
In all that time, only problem I had was with a CDI failing and that was changed under warranty with no fuss at all.
Go for it, I am sure you will love it.
Nobby
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529 |
Well I'm a signficantly smaller guy, only 5'10" and 155, but I can't complain about my 07 America. Shortly after I got it, some buddies and I took a long weekend from San Diego to Tombstone, AZ in the middle of July. That's just under 500 miles one way. The only extra weight was my backpack strapped to the rider's seat and I had a Camelpak on. Needless to say, it was Hot and not a single cooling issue. Dang that was a fun time!
2005 America, green/gray, gutted stock pipes, tall sissy bar w/ luggage rack, Saddleman's dual touring seat and Tourmaster saddlebags (and sissybar bag).
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
I rode 2,600 miles on a Speedmaster a week or so ago. While the bike handles great, and I love it, the small seat and riding position are really not (IMO) designed or intended for long haul riding. Like a few thousand fellow Triumph riders, I overlook all that, and do it anyway.  You might be surprised at what a Wing can do in the turns http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517 |
I tour on my America. Just be sure to have the bars and seat fitted for you (stock may work fine) and ride. Everybody I ride with has at min. a twin cam 88 H-D and most are larger. I keep RIGHT up untill 100 mph and then I'm out anyway! When we getb to the Mts. the America ROCKS!
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
I'm with Bucky. Just finished the GA. rally a couple of weeks ago for the second time. Over 2100 miles including the rides. On the first leg I went 592 miles, 11-12 hours on the bike after some detours. Don't get me wrong my butt was pretty sore after that but if you set these bikes up right, you can tour. I would recommend a touring seat like the Triumph Gel seat and possibly some risers and floor boards or Kuryaken pegs with stirups. The America and Speedmaster are a couple of the most versatile bikes out there. I am also a big guy 6'2" lets just say over 250lbs. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
The America works well for touring. The optional Triumph foot boards are a sure fit, but you might have to slightly reshape the optional rocker shift if you get that too. As for bags, whatever you choose, you will find that Easy Brackets http://www.easybrackets.com/are worth their weight in gold, especially if you also get the carry handle. With these, the bags are locked to the bike and, with a twist of the key, they lift off. No unsightly braces are needed. I'm pretty sure that Memphis Shades makes a windshield that fits the America and Speedmaster. The Missus had one on her Lowrider and it worked well. The nice part is that they have an easy off/on feature. I have been able to directly compare her Dyna Lowrider and my America and I like the America better. It runs smoother, is at least as fast (faster than an 88 twincam, dunno about the 96) and handles better. If you do end up going with HD for some reason, take a test ride on a Softail as well as a Dynaglide. You will find that the B engine is a lot smoother because it uses balance shafts like the Triumph twins. I have run my America over 900 miles a day and my eyes were more tired than my butt. I don't think I would enjoy it as much on my Night Train.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Thay is alright. think nuthin of rolling fer miles n miles. Here is a real purty site. Some trumpets and a vtx all loaded for bear. Hiawassee GA a long time ago...back in 04: May 8, 2004 sickles left to right: Moe, nobby, trumpy, mark 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
+1 on the easy Brackets!
On my Speedy I had a Slipstream Viper screen. It was pretty good & reasonable.
You can definitely rack up some miles on a vertical twin. Get a touring saddle, sissy bar & luggage rack and you're good to go. FYI you'll be running at around 5,000 RPM at at 75-80 MPH but if you're OK with that the bike is fine. I found the high RPMs kind of wear on you but give it a shot. Good luck & ride safe.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
we miss you brother.
...some sunny day.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
When the tent is pitched, they strip down easily for a run on War Woman road. 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,237 Likes: 63
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,237 Likes: 63 |
Wendy and I tour when money permits. We did a couple trips 2 up and all our gear on my Speedmaster when I first got it. No problem what so ever and I was about 210 at the time and I won't say what she weighed. I rode to Laconia NH from North East PA about a week after I bought it 2 up. It was driving rain so hard I couldn't see the tail light in front of me all the way from here to the northern end of Vermont where we had enough and got a hotel room. So I would have to say it will do what you ask of it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I'm a big fat guy (300+) and I have no problems touring on '02 TBA. I'm in the middle of a 2250mi trip from Montana to Arizona (went to California last Fall, about 3400mi total). Monday I put on 530mi on the clock through snow and rain, crossing tne continental divide a few times and several other summits. Caveat: I've spent a lot making it comfortable. Corbin seat, windvest, floorboards, etc.
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 529 |
With all this talk, I'm going riding this weekend one way or another!!
2005 America, green/gray, gutted stock pipes, tall sissy bar w/ luggage rack, Saddleman's dual touring seat and Tourmaster saddlebags (and sissybar bag).
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
I am at the ideal weight for my height. six feet two and 197 pounds and I have no problem with the Speedmaster as a ONE UP touring machine. Its ideal for one rider and his or her gear.
Adding my wife and then packing for her as well would just be too much weight and would detract from the bikes performance.
Our bikes lack the necessary grunt for a full two up and lots of gear long distance rides.
Its not that they wont do two up ....they just cant compete with a larger displacement metric touring bike in the 1300 Cc plus range for two up riding.
I suppose that those who have the big bore see some improvement.
If I wanted to spend significant amounts of time touring for two I would purchase a different bike with more displacement and practicality for that purpose.
Other than that the COOL factor of the twin cylinder Triumph is unmatched by anything else on the road today.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688 |
Did 500+ miles a couple of weeks ago with no problem. Won't pay for a corban but rigged me up some mid mount pegs so I can do those 500+ miles and walk after wards!
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
I've ridden almost 1,000 miles in a day on the America and I have a lot of 500+ days. The only drawback is the seat. While I have a Corbin with a backrest I also use an Airhawk cushion. Floorboards help a lot as they give you the ability to move your legs around. I'm not a little guy and the America has plenty of grunt well past the posted speed limits one up. Two up you can still get there but you certainly notice the difference on the highway.
I think of our bikes as sport cruisers. Great on the highway and much better than other cruisers in the twisties.
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.
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 402
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 402 |
Quote:
I am at the ideal weight for my height. six feet two and 197 pounds and I have no problem with the Speedmaster as a ONE UP touring machine. Its ideal for one rider and his or her gear.
Adding my wife and then packing for her as well would just be too much weight and would detract from the bikes performance.
Our bikes lack the necessary grunt for a full two up and lots of gear long distance rides.
Its not that they wont do two up ....they just cant compete with a larger displacement metric touring bike in the 1300 Cc plus range for two up riding.
I suppose that those who have the big bore see some improvement.
If I wanted to spend significant amounts of time touring for two I would purchase a different bike with more displacement and practicality for that purpose.
Other than that the COOL factor of the twin cylinder Triumph is unmatched by anything else on the road today.
I have to respectfully disagree with pretty much all of the above statement.My wife and I are not small people not huge but not small.We take long rides allmost every weekend in the mountains of south-west and eastern Pennsylvania.While we dont carry much gear the bike does what ever I ask it to do.We ride with all big displacement bikes and never a problem keeping up even on the biggest of hills.Bigger displacement does not allways equal more power.
Sorry for the rant 
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I have to respectfully disagree with pretty much all of the above statement.My wife and I are not small people not huge but not small.We take long rides allmost every weekend in the mountains of south-west and eastern Pennsylvania.While we dont carry much gear the bike does what ever I ask it to do.We ride with all big displacement bikes and never a problem keeping up even on the biggest of hills.Bigger displacement does not allways equal more power.
Sorry for the rant
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Usually a comprise allows the cow to step over and the pig to root under that one strand of barbed wire.  The Trumpets though are an exception. They are very adequate for touring and scary nimble in the twisties. The only way to get the best of either is to have two sickles. (or more) For what they are, they are outstanding motorsickles. And beautiful to boot.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
6' even, 210 pounds and no problems doing 600 miles in one day other than my shoulder, but that's my body, not a bike problem (it bugs me when i work too much on a computer too!) Did a little over 1800 miles over 5 days without a problem.
Last edited by Bayern710; 05/16/2008 4:56 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I somewhat agree with Max. I have the 18T sprocket (42 rear) and missed a little oomph when riding two up. I decided to go with the BB904 and that wanting more when riding two up has gone completely. I can't really tell any difference now, solo or two up. I love having what I need in a classic air cooled 2 cylinder.
Right now, I feel it's the best of two worlds. A sport like bike that cruises well and looks like a classic to boot!
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 768
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 768 |
Quote:
I am at the ideal weight for my height. six feet two and 197 pounds and I have no problem with the Speedmaster as a ONE UP touring machine. Its ideal for one rider and his or her gear.
Adding my wife and then packing for her as well would just be too much weight and would detract from the bikes performance.
I'd tend to disagree also. I weigh in at around 196 pound, my good lady (I think, tho it's always safer not to approach this subject...) at around 140 pound.
Didn't notice any real change in performance when we rode over for the Asendorf meet (around 1400 mile) With the two of us and all the gear for the weekend. Possibly a bit wobbly occasionally setting off from stop but no worries once going...
Sometimes it takes a whole tank full of fuel before you think straight
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347 |
the only thing I've really missed on my america is a backrest.
jerry
2005 America, Green, Thunderbike exhaust
LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE HE** OUT OF THE WAY!
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
Have to agree with the Versatility+ opinions 100%. To do the big miles though I bought a corbin seat with backrest (love the backrest), progressive rear front and back suspension and a tall screen. Now I can ride (I'm 6'1" and 200 lbs) all day without too many probs at all. Mind you, I'm probably a bit soft and sometimes use a airhawk after 800K's. As far as overheating or reliability, I haven't had a single issue. All in all, my Shiela is perfect for what I want - everything 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Ah, Bucky, those pictures still amaze me...I think it's the milk crate that makes the look...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688 |
Quote:
Quote:
I have to respectfully disagree with pretty much all of the above statement.My wife and I are not small people not huge but not small.We take long rides allmost every weekend in the mountains of south-west and eastern Pennsylvania.While we dont carry much gear the bike does what ever I ask it to do.We ride with all big displacement bikes and never a problem keeping up even on the biggest of hills.Bigger displacement does not allways equal more power.
Sorry for the rant
Totaly agree too. Large dis[placement bikes are so over rated. Not that much more power in most cases. The extra $$$ to me is not justified. What I like about our bikes is that they're nimble and you don't get that in a big but cruiser.
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,237 Likes: 63
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,237 Likes: 63 |
I have either seen the milk crate pic before or it's a regular occurrence! Love the shots, even sporting the flag! Next time Wendy asks if an umbrella stroller will fit on her bike I'll have to show her that pic.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
Bucky,
 You are an inspiration
I must resurrect my cedar pack basket.
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
I spend 3 to 4 months of the year on the road, every year since the early-80's.
For the record I tour mostly 2-up.
For the last 3 years, I have been touring on 2 different bikes, a '96 BMW R1100RT and the '05 Speedmaster (and have taken both on some pretty long distances).
They both cover a broad range of uses, each in their own way.
The RT is way better for higher speeds on highways (speeds our Triumphs barely reach), right down to the not-so-tight twisties.
Built-in weather protection is also excellent (in as much as two wheels go).
Similarly, the purpose built luggage facilities are great.
Our bikes are superb from the tight twisties right up to the (what I call) high speed barrier (circa 95 mph).
Anything over that and the bigger rigs (similar to the RT) are better, hands down and in terms of power/stability, there is no comparison (and with that in mind, I agree totally with Clanrickarde's remarks) and that larger rigs (MOTORCYCLES like the RT and not HD Electra-like aircraft carriers) are definitely not overrated.
The Speedy is excellent on secondary roads and much easier to handle on really crappy roads and very tight twisties (where the RT requires a bit more planning and muscle).
Having said that, if I am to choose a bike for Western Europe and it's superb highways and secondary roads, it's the RT, without second thoughts.
If I am to choose a bike for the tighter, narrower and sometimes lousy roads of Eastern and Central Europe and some areas of the Middle East, it's the Triumph, again without second thoughts.
If I were to do a mix of regions and was ok with the lower speeds (relatively speaking) on the better highways, then, again the Triumph wins.
Edit:
Oh and about reliability and overheating issues, I have taken the Triumph to countries where they don't even have a Triumph dealer, that's how confident I am.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820 |
Quote:
Jed Clampett's touring Speedmaster
Quality mate!!! Is that blue thing a pop up gazebo? NO filtering through traffic for you  Also, where do you put the kitchen sink? 
|
|
|
 Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
Bigger displacement does not allways equal more power.
+1
Remember: a lot of those 1300/1500/1800cc bikes are 300(!) pounds more than ours. That soaks up horsepower.
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."
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
Quote:
Bigger displacement does not allways equal more power.
+1
Remember: a lot of those 1300/1500/1800cc bikes are 300(!) pounds more than ours. That soaks up horsepower.
Only when describing aircraft carriers which are almost no longer motorcycles or limiting yourself to big cruisers is there such a sap in power. Other rigs fly!
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Thanassis, I was referring mostly to big cruisers, I'm a big fan of sport-touring types (like a ZZR1200-droool!)
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."
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
Thanassis, I was referring mostly to big cruisers, I'm a big fan of sport-touring types (like a ZZR1200-droool!)
Now that rig flies! I had the 1100 in the early 90's. Very fast (I think it was the fastest on the road at the time - pre-Blackbird and Hayabusa) but crap when turning (and touring ).
I often wonder if they have improved handling on the newer models.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 463
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 463 |
I haven't done too much heavy duty touring and am a bit on the smaller side (5'10", 190) but have had a blast doing 150-300 miles at a clip in and around the Rocky Mountains. Other than a bit of a performance loss from lack of O2 at the highest mountain passes I have had outstanding fun on my '02 America/Master and can take ANY canyon road and leave those bigger displacement bikes in the dust. BTW, who considers riding at 100+ mph "touring"? You don't get to see much at those speeds. 
Ciao!
'02 America/Master, Cardinal Red
|
|
|
Re: Touring on an America
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
There is much more going on than just the weight difference between bikes. For an example, the OL's Roadking is only 93 pounds heavier than my Night Train. This amounts to around 12% difference. Hers has a bit more power because mine has the counterbalanced engine and it takes a bit of power to spin the balance shafts. The gearing is the same, but my bike is considerably faster than hers. This is true all through the operating range, so it is not due to the greater wind resistance of the tourbike.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
|
|
