 Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13 |
I am considering the purchase of a 2009 SpeedMaster or America but I have some questions/concerns and was hoping someone here could help me out.
Although most of my riding will be pretty close to town, I am planning on some longer trips (1400 miles round trip) and I am a bit concerned about the lack of dealers. Some states such as NM do not appear to have even one Triumph dealership. For those of you who make such trips has this been an issue? How have you dealt with breakdowns in areas with no dealers?
Thanks
-sbaker
-sbaker
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Nov 2008
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Member
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In 1400 miles I'd doubt you'd need to do do anything but put fuel in the bike and lube the chain.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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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 |
It's a Triumph. You wont be needing as many dealers to stop at to get repairs. It's not a HD where you really do need a dealer every 30 miles.
But seriously, our bikes are extremely reliable and taking long trips without having any issues or breakdowns is absolutley not a problem. There are several people here that have done quite extensive trips on their Americas and Speedmasters.
Soren
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I visit my dealer every 2-3 years for some valve shims. They're good people, I should drop in more often. What is this "breakdown" to which you refer? (30k on my '02, $19 in repair costs)
Good luck with the purchase and don't mind me, I'm one of the sarcastic SOB's in the group....
Last edited by ssjones; 01/06/2009 4:17 PM.
Al
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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That is what I hope for but I am a little worried about unexpected failures and issues. Kinda the old boy scout thing of be prepared. A buddy with an H-D Fat Boy put in over 20K miles without an issue but had two problems including a snapped drive belt both on a trip to Florida.
-sbaker
Last edited by sbaker33; 01/06/2009 4:19 PM.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Don't get me started on belts!
Al
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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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 |
IT'S NOT A HARLEY. Triumph is to Harley what a Swiss timepiece is to a Casio that's been hit with a ball peen hammer.
A lot of us have been on very long road trips and I can't remember hearing about anyone being stranded unless they've put it in a ditch.
The only problems I've had with my bike are problems due to modifications I've made or parts I've fabricated, save but two - the rear brake switch stuck on and an evaporative control valve in one of the carbs went bad. The former happened on a road trip and didn't stop me. The latter I didn't even notice until the dealer pointed it out to me and replaced it under warranty.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I think mechanical reliability of most modern bikes is a given and your chances of a triumph-specific failure on a road trip are miniscule. I certainly don't look into dealer locations when I'm travelling any more than I would for my car.
That said, parts stockage is a potential issue. I think it's pretty routine for even large dealers to have to get stuff from england. I'm not sure how different another brand or even a modern car would be if (say) some EFI widget burned out.
Like I say, I don't worry about it but it is a potential issue.
Oh, a last cheery thought: a breakdown seems unlikely but a minor accident does not. I believe Wild Mike got hung up chasing parts in Canada when he took out one of our deer - serves him right!
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
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The only problem I've had with the dealer network is the lack of cool t-shirts from different parts of the country.
06 America 904
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Very good all-around motorcycles. Can, and often ARE used by many a member around here for long distance use. And, for a stretched-out "crusier style" motorcycle, they handle VERY well.(and even better IF you put a pair of good aftermarket shocks on it)
The engines are extremely smooth running, and can be effortlessly pegged all day long at 5000rpm, and have a fairly wide powerband.
The ONLY thing that limits them in my view is the 55BHP(STOCK) output, that can make passing an 18-wheeler on a two-lane highway quite the adventure if a car coming the opposite way suddenly appears to be closing faster than you thought it was as you pulled out across the median line.
But, there are a number of ways, both reasonably inexpensive AND very expensive to add 10-30 more ponies or more to the bike, of which all the information required to do so is located within this website.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
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Quote:
Very good all-around motorcycles. Can, and often ARE used by many a member around here for long distance use. And, for a stretched-out "crusier style" motorcycle, they handle VERY well.(and even better IF you put a pair of good aftermarket shocks on it)
The engines are extremely smooth running, and can be effortlessly pegged all day long at 5000rpm, and have a fairly wide powerband.
The ONLY thing that limits them in my view is the 55BHP(STOCK) output, that can make passing an 18-wheeler on a two-lane highway quite the adventure if a car coming the opposite way suddenly appears to be closing faster than you thought it was as you pulled out across the median line.
But, there are a number of ways, both reasonably inexpensive AND very expensive to add 10-30 more ponies or more to the bike, of which all the information required to do so is located within this website.
Summed it up well - don't worry about breakdowns my EFI America (slightly modified for more ponies) has done 6,000 miles in 7 months (2,000 of which on tour - others have done many many more trouble free miles) has never let me down and I am sure never will. You are on the verge of doing something that your only regret will be not having done it sooner.
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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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 |
As far as the power goes, you can't be afraid to bounce the RPMs off the rev limiter at 7000 if you really have to scoot. It makes most of its power above 3500-4000 RPM. When passing vehicles in a spirited matter as I am apt to do (shaddup Freedom) I've been known to drop two gears to get the revs up into the sweet spot. Ya know, if'n I'm in a real hurry...
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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You guys kill me. Late model Harleys are every bit as reliable as our bikes.
They have the sound but not the Triumph looks or character.
Clay
01010100 01110010 01101001 01110101 01101101 01110000 01101000 <3
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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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 can't vouch for recent years, but if by late model you include 2001-2002 I'm going to have to disagree.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
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HDs aren't the question put forth here. It's no problem traveling on a Triumph. I live in the FL panhandle. There is only one dealer (Pensacola, FL) between New Orleans and Tallahasse, FL. There's only one dealer in the entire state of Alabama and none in Mississippi. I don't worry about dealers when traveling. My biggest fear is a flat tire.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Rode mine to Laconia & back. The only problem was the rain the entire trip home.
"Got the wind in my face the road goes on for miles...."
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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save your cash for the 2011 model 1894cc Trophy!
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Three of us from Dallas took our bikes (1 03 Speedy and 2 02 Americas) on a 2000 mile ride to Big Bend way out in West Texas without any worries. We had lots of long stretches of desert that didn't just lack dealerships- it lacked civilization of any kind! None of us had any issues, and at no time did any of of us worry about getting stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. If a lack of dealer support is your worry get a Harley- dealerships and shops are everywhere. If you want a great, reliable ride that won't blend in with the crowd get a Triumph. You'll be glad you did...
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Hmmmm....It seems "1894" is NOW gonna be Yota's new favorite number around here for a while!  (I guess "1620" is "so last year" now, huh kid?!)  
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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you got that right! 
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
Three of us from Dallas took our bikes (1 03 Speedy and 2 02 Americas) on a 2000 mile ride to Big Bend way out in West Texas without any worries.
must not have been raining that day! 
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
Quote:
In 1400 miles I'd doubt you'd need to do do anything but put fuel in the bike and lube the chain.
I didn't know you had to lube the chain. Oh bugger!!!!
Jokes aside, these bikes are as Maintanance Free as you are ever likely to get. In six years all i have done to mine is clean it and change the oil...occassionally.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,500 |
Quote:
must not have been raining that day!
We skip out on one ride up the mountain in the rain and you'll never let us forget about it!  The funny thing about that trip is that we wound up riding home with it raining for the entire 6 hour trip. The rain actually stopped when I was about 1.5 miles from home. After surviving that ride I don't mind riding in a little rain anymore...
Which goes to show you- these bikes can survive a six hour downpour without missing a beat!!!
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500 |
Quote:
must not have been raining that day!
Of course, I have to point out that this year's ride destination was to the desert in West Texas- no rain out there!
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
Done several multi-state rides and at 20,000 miles haven't done anything but regular service. Several trips Wendy and I had our bikes loaded down with all our camping gear too , 4 room tent, clothes and washing items, air mattress, food,clothes, etc... Not 1 problem.When I bought my SM first thing I did was ride to Laconia NH. I had only owned it a few days before we left. Hauled Wendy and I there in driving rain, so hard I couldn't see the tail light of the guy in front of me, also on an America. Neither of our bikes skipped a beat. We finally gave up at the northern end of Vermont since it was getting cold and we were soaked. Rode there from the Poconos PA.
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: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
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Yeah, what they said.  Ride it to the Moon and back, no worries. Fast enough to make you say, "Good Morning Your Honor."  Flat tires would be the only problem, you can get them fixed anywhere.
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: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13 |
Quote:
save your cash for the 2011 model 1894cc Trophy!
Nooo! Not another two years without a bike. I have had enough trouble just waiting for the 2009's to come in.
I appreciate all the comments here. I am feeling much better about this purchase after reading all of them.
Hopefully, I can get the wife into the dealership this weekend and put down a deposit, then it will be just a matter of waiting for the check to come in to take delivery. I have enough coming in for the stock bike but one dealership has one with short TORs already mounted but I would need to come up with another $400 from somewhere. I know this probably goes in another thread but what are your thoughts on the TORs vs. other pipes and is there any really good reasons to have them installed from the get go rather than installing them later? Or really good erasons not to? How hard are they to install myself (the dealer is waiving the installation cost since they are already mounted)?
Thanks again.
-sbaker
-sbaker
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
When passing vehicles in a spirited matter as I am apt to do (shaddup Freedom) I've been known to drop two gears to get the revs up into the sweet spot.
Huh?? ?? ( )
As mentioned by people smarter than me, the engine & running gears seem pretty darn solid. I watch tire wear pretty close, flats can ruin an otherwise fine day on the road, but that has nothing to do with the brand.
Or as the mechanic said when I picked it up, "Now go out & run the wheels off it "
Good Luck!!
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
...I know this probably goes in another thread but what are your thoughts on the TORs vs. other pipes ....
A lot of folks end up swapping the TOR's for other pipes after they've had the bike for a year or so and had the opportunity to hear other aftermarket pipes. Definitely listen to them and take a test ride with the TOR's before you plunk down the extra cash. (my bike had long TOR's on it for the first year, now wearing Specialty Spares Long Cannons)
Al
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
There are always better deals to be had on pipes. You can get pipes all day long for half that much. My buddy has some Harley Softtail slip ons that he got off ebay for less than $50.00 delivered. He debaffled them himself in about ten minutes and they fit right on and sound great!(Honest!) The bigger issue is that you're going to have to rejet or have the dealer do a remap (on fuel injected bikes) to match any modifications to a stock motor. That might make it worth $400.00 to have it done before you take it home.
You're gonna love it either way. These bikes rock!
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
I would go with the cheaper bike and get your own pipes later. I personally like gutted stock pipes best and those are free. The 09 would need to be remapped for open pipes though and I'm not sure if you can do that yet or not.
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: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 432
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 432 |
I currently ride a 05 America with about 40,000 miles on it and a 06 Star Venture that has about the same mileage. The Venture came with a 5 year warranty on her. The Triumph has never had any issues at all, and is all mine. The Venture I use for touring only, because the wife is more comfortable on it. I like the Venture, but live for the Triumph! The Harley's I've owned have always had issues, which I was always able to repair or fix on my own, nothing really bad, but sometimes annoying. The America is a keeper!!!
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
The CDI and ignition coils are sub-standard on the America and Speedmaster. Not one bit of money has been spent by Triumph to make them 1- cheaper or 2- more dependable. There is no replacement aftermarket. If you have a failure on the road it will more than likely be electrical.
Many also hate the rain and stop running as they are not well sealed electrical systems.
That said, they are generally very dependable bikes. They are as dependable as a Harley.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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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 |
Quote:
The CDI and ignition coils are sub-standard on the America and Speedmaster. Not one bit of money has been spent by Triumph to make them 1- cheaper or 2- more dependable. There is no replacement aftermarket. If you have a failure on the road it will more than likely be electrical.
Many also hate the rain and stop running as they are not well sealed electrical systems.
I havent had either one of those problems. My bike lives outside and is going through its fourth winter.
Soren
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 335
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 335 |
Quote:
There is no replacement aftermarket.
Sounds like a business opportunity.
But seriously, is this a big/widespread problem? It's always nice to know what to be ready for.
-Joe Merlino
Boston, MA USA
1982 BMW R100 (decomissioned), 2003 America
Triumph: Cool enough for The Fonz, cool enough for me.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 422
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 422 |
Quote:
A lot of us have been on very long road trips and I can't remember hearing about anyone being stranded unless they've put it in a ditch.
I seem to remember someone stranded by an insufficiency of petrol in the AZ desert. 
Morituri Nolumus Mori
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Good reminder to reapply dielectric grease to all vulnerable electric points during winter downtime. Quote:
The CDI and ignition coils are sub-standard on the America and Speedmaster. Not one bit of money has been spent by Triumph to make them 1- cheaper or 2- more dependable. There is no replacement aftermarket. If you have a failure on the road it will more than likely be electrical.
Many also hate the rain and stop running as they are not well sealed electrical systems.
That said, they are generally very dependable bikes. They are as dependable as a Harley.
Al
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
There is a Triumph dealer in NM. It never gets mentioned because nobody can spell the name of the city, Albercooky or some such thing.
My America is over 5 years old and nothing ever broke. These bikes just keep on going like that battery bunny.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 94
Member
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Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 94 |
Quote:
I would go with the cheaper bike and get your own pipes later. I personally like gutted stock pipes best and those are free. The 09 would need to be remapped for open pipes though and I'm not sure if you can do that yet or not.
The CDI can be remapped with a Tuneboy. Or you can have the TOR tune loaded by a dealer.
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Re: Questions from a prospective buyer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,500 |
Quote:
The CDI and ignition coils are sub-standard on the America and Speedmaster.
I haven't had any issues with the CDI and I haven't heard of other 03s with the issue. Didn't we narrow down the CDI issue to cetain model years?
Learning from my mistakes... again and again.
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