Hey everyone, I feel like I know most of you already having trolled this site for over 4 years. That being said, I am finally in the market for a new bike and can swing the cost of the Triumph I've wanted all along. I just sold my first bike, a V Star 650 custom after a little over a year of ownership and a lot of wrenching. The bike in its stock form is a dog, but after progressive front springs, vance and hines pipes, the v star take on the "freak" (which is put together by a member with emgo pod filters and only costs $80 with jets) and a lot of jetting perfection,the bike became much more friendly and peppy at least up to 70mph.
Regarding the V Star, no matter the tune or carb balancing, the bike is winding over 4500rpm and breathing heavy at 70 mph and the pipes are absolutely barking because of it. Also at this speed there is a high pitched engine vibration that can't be tuned out through balancing and it gets tiresome. Now, after tuning the bike did reach an indicated 98mph before my butt puckered and I slowed down, so it had some beans... but the engine left a lot to be desired with a dynoed 39hp and 40tq.
This first experience has left me with some real concerns about the next bike I buy because while I have a 5 min commute of city driving to work every day, the majority of my time is on back roads or some slab riding. I want a bike that will settle into a smooth and happy 60-75mph and feel like it's just purring along waiting for the chance to pass something. I sat on my first speedmaster yesterday and the bike fits like a glove. Definitely a good substantial feel and well balanced. I'm not going to buy that one because the guy wants way too much for a 42k bike with some really cheesy customization that would cost a lot to reverse (avoid the black/baby blue one on ebay for 3500, it's crap in person). Because of the vstar always feeling like it needed a 6th gear, i'm a little concerned that i'll have the same issues with another somewhat high strung bike with the triumph, please give me an honest opinion.
So, with my concerns and having not ridden either a sm/america, does it sound like this would suit me? I know what you are all going to say, but don't want to waste another 2 years on a bike i'll soon replace. On paper, the bikes seem like something that I would keep for a lifetime, but what do you think?
