Thanks everyone for your responses.

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Alot may depend on where you live and what the climate is like. Neither bike likes to be out in, cold salt ridden british winters but the harley fares a bit worse i think.




I live in Southern California. Warm weather, but salty air along the beach for sure.

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Wait for the T-bird, and then compare. No problems with the America/Speedmaster with long hauls and they perform really well considering they are only 900cc.



I like the look of the T-bird, but it would be out of my price range. I have looked at Moto Guzzi, Harley, Aprilia, and Triumph models that all fall within the $7K to $9K range (mostley used or demo bikes). I don't think it would be such a hard decision if the Triumph America or Speedmaster was around 1100cc. I'm not into drag racing or anything like that, but I would like a bike that has plenty of passing power on the freeway. I'd also like the bike to be able to handle the occasional two-up riding. While I'm happy that the 2009 Triumphs finally have fuel-injection, I was bummed to see they are still chain drive. I was hoping to see belt drive for 2009.

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While the performance of these two machines are very comparable, with the H-D having a bit more bottom end torque, and the Triumph having a smoother, higher revving and wider powerband among the two



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My buddy that I ride with has a 1200 sportster, we were going at it now and again like neck and neck with me pulling a way a little hitting 5th



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These bikes are in a very similar performance class.



This is what I was wanting to know. I've heard the Triumphs (America & Speedmaster) were about the same "performance-wise" with the 883, but was hoping they'd be closer to the 1200.

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I came back to two wheels last year, and like you, I discovered they didn't fit me well. Probably because I rode an HD TourGlide back in the '80s and early '90s, the Sporsters feel like toys.



It does feel small. For around town riding, I think that might be a plus. But I do 1 to 2 long-distance trips a year, so I'm not sure how it would be for all-day riding. The America feels bigger and more comfortable. Of course, my only experience with both these bikes is sitting on them at the dealer.

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Last Sporty I was on, granted a few years now so could have changed, vibrated way too much compared to my Speedmaster.



If that Sporty was a 2003 or earlier it didn't have the rubber mounted motor. I've heard those bikes will rattle your teeth out. The Sportster I'm looking at is a 2008. I might rent one for a day just to see what the ride is like.

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I have a lot of exposure on both. If you like the thump and low end torque of the 1200c go for it. If you want smooth broad performance go for the Triumph. The Triumph will feel like your V-strom as it has good torque through all bands. But, on performance it will feel kinda like it took a Valium. Remember you are getting off of a pretty zippy bike. Your V-strom in a straight line is about 2 seconds faster than an America in the 1/4 mile.




Coming off the VStrom, I think I'd prefer the smooth performance over the traditional "thump" of the Harley. Still, I don't want the blandness of the VTX. No offense to any VTX owners. I'm sure it's a great bike (my friends like theirs), but it just doesn't have a lot of appeal to me. As far as curb appeal goes, both the 2008 Harley Sportster Custom and the Triumph America/Speedmaster look great.

Thanks again for all your responses. Gave me lots to think about. The local dealer has a special deal going on in a couple of weeks where you can go in and ride any new Triumph you want. I'm going to make sure I test ride both the America and Speemaster to get a feel for them.