 Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmast
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
The BA is pretty much the same bike as the SM as far as handling, ride, power, and brake feel. We have both here, Wendy has an 04 BA and me a 04 SM. I put the BA bars on mine with slightly taller risers than stock SM and they pull back closer to me 1 1/2". Wendy's bike I put slightly taller risers than original BA and pull back 2 1/2" or 3" can't remember for sure.
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: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193 |
Quote:
But what I'm trying to compare currently is the Sportster XL1200C and the Triumph America. Without modification, the America has a better "fit" for me in terms of distance to the footpegs, handlebars, etc. I feel really comfortable sitting on the America. The Sporster might be ok after I ride it awhile, but it's possible I would want to change the handlebars to something a little more relaxed. The Sportster's footpegs feel closer, but I'm not sure it that would be any kind of problem for me. Definitely better than what I currently ride anyway.
But what I would like to know about is performance. Anyone here have any comments with regard to how these two bikes might compare in terms of performance. Also, how would they both compare for long distance travel?
Thanks.
I had an 01 1200C, which I traded for my 06 America. It took a minute to make that decision after 1 demo ride on the America. Rode an 08 Sporty 1200c last week, swapped with a friend.
Go for the America or Speedie hands down. Better riding postion with the laid back bars on the America, no problem keeeping up with bigger bikes, on the America you sit "into" the bike vs. "on top of the bike" on the Sporty- more comfotable for longer hauls. Drag bars get wearing on long rides due to shoulder positioning. Vibration on the Sporty was tiresome- the Triumphs offer a smoother, more balanced ride. Then theres the elistist cool factor- you see Sportys everywhere. Larger front tire on the Triumpns- more "sick" to the pavement, better braking. Superb handling. Ligher weight= more nimble and responsive on the turns. Vibration even on the newer rubber mounted Sportys a bit annoying- wrists were tingling after an hour on the 08 Sporty.
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
And Paula , you get to hear that cool "shicka" sound ! Not that dull "shwoowoo" of a belt . Uhh , let me quote you here for full credits : sliver moon night in June sunset stole the color from the sky insects reborn- tracer lights cross the headlight's beam bats dart the tree line darkness cools my face shicka-shicka-shicka my chain whispers. by Paula . 
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Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4 |
I know this thread is old but wanted to reply. Im currently on a 03 1200 sportster custom. The one with the skinny front tire. The brakes on this thing are fair at best. The handling is somewhat jittery and does not inspire confidence at all. The vibration (mine is a rigid mount) is out of this world!! I have tried everything in the world to tame it but its the nature of the beast. Some are better than others. Mechanically, its been a good bike if your careful to tighen everything back up every so often. The mirrors on mine are totally useless. The good part of this bike is the power. Mine is a stage one bike. I have never had it dynoed but I have never wanted for more. The torque as may have said comes on early like a house a fire. The problem is you cant use it all of the time because of the vibration.
Now, with all of this said I have been researching every mid sized bike out there and keep coming back to the Bonneville. I like the Bonneville standard but I am afraid I am too short to ride it. I believe it would give a 1200 a run for the money. At least you could ride it all day and use all the power all of the time. The seat is 29.1 inches it says and my sporty is 28.5. I need to go down and not up. The dealers are scarce in my area. I have not even seen one yet but I know Im going to like one of them.
Can a standard Bonneville be dropped a bit and if so how? Thanks.
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Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/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 |
Quote:
Im currently on a 03 1200 sportster custom. .
I'm pretty sure that is the Hardly my Uncle had. Fun to ride around town for about ten minutes, then, the vibration just beats the snot out of you.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4 |
Quote:
Quote:
Im currently on a 03 1200 sportster custom. .
I'm pretty sure that is the Hardly my Uncle had. Fun to ride around town for about ten minutes, then, the vibration just beats the snot out of you.
03 was the last year of the rigid mounts. The rubber mount sportsters are way better from what I hear but thats hit and miss to some degree from what I understand. These bikes will wear your ass out in a hurry. I have done over 400 miles per day many times but like you say it just beats the snot out of you.
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Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/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 |
You really need to check out the 2011 America or Speedmaster. You are going to love the ride much more than the Piglet. The reason I say the 2011 America and Speedmaster, is that the lowered seat another inch, moved the controls back slightly and pulled the handle bars back a bit too. They did all this without losing the awesome handling capabilities and comfort of the older bikes.
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