Check out the new Gallery
wicked red 1100
wicked red 1100
by mag10, August 21
Windshield I need to replace
Windshield I need to replace
by philwarner, May 10
first ride
first ride
by NemoJr, April 1
Steve McQueen inspired
Steve McQueen inspired
by Feral, November 28
GaRally22
GaRally22
by chy, September 18
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 3 of 3 1 2 3
Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmast
OCRider #325620 04/26/2009 12:40 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194
Likes: 56
Fe Butt
Offline
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!
Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
OCRider #325621 04/30/2009 4:02 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
Offline
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
Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
ATriumphGoddess #325622 04/30/2009 11:56 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068
Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
Offline
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 .


2005 Model . Two Fast Eddy stickers , a bell and a clock . She's Lola . She tinkles and keeps time . http://s649.photobucket.com/albums/uu211/britbike05/
Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
Wade #325623 05/14/2011 9:30 PM
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Complete Newb
Offline
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.

Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
4Putt #325624 05/14/2011 11:32 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
Offline
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
Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
arstaren #325625 05/15/2011 2:01 AM
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Complete Newb
Offline
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.

Re: Sportster 1200 vs Bonneville America/Speedmaster
4Putt #325626 05/15/2011 10:27 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164
Likes: 1
Should be Riding
Offline
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.

Page 3 of 3 1 2 3

Moderated by  bennybmn, chy, mert 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Rides
2025 Arkansas Rally
by roadworthy - 04/24/2025 7:57 PM
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.4