Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Newb questions (sort of)

So, I've been a lurker on this site since late 03/early 04. My sights have been set on an these bikes since before that when I caught my first sight of one in 2002 at Baxter Cycle when a buddy was picking up a new TT600. The time has come to finally pull the trigger. I have cut my teeth over the last couple of years with a 1980 CX500 custom (sweetheart of a bike, but the looks are tough to love) folllowed by a V Star 650 (Nice enough looks, but a complete POS where it counts). This is the spring I WILL be buying the America/Speedmaster of my dreams. I'm caught on the 07 year due to the change in sprocket covers/passenger pegs and the classic tank/carbs.

The questions I have are in regards to what I should look for in a used Triumph? I'll be checking the chain/rear sprocket, feel for any catching in the neck bearings, checking the electrical, and giving it a once over, but is there anything specific to put my eyes on? With the fork shrouds the fork seals are pretty hard to check. Any help is greatly appreciated because after a couple of throw away bikes this is the one i'm keeping indefinitely.

Thanks for any help.

Don't delay, do it now. You will not be disappionted. I can not tell you what to look for. I have had mine since 04 and 38000 miles and no problems. Good luck

I'm buying used. Right now in this area, a local dealer is trying to dump inventory which hasn't moved over the last couple years while the economy dropped. People are buying brand new half price bikes, which is making people looking to sell used bikes more willing to drop thier prices. I'm getting my America for less than I believe it is worth. It makes it easier to swallow any other money it will need. I know mine will need its 12k service, but it is still not exceeding it's worth.

I have chosen the America because of how it sits for me. I like to ride with my arms in a certain position, but I'm thinking of getting the risers like the speedmaster has to bring the bars up and back that one more inch which is perfect for me. I also like the chrome of the America.

I also struggled between Speedmaster or America. When I ride my husband's Speedmaster it is perfect, except for the bars.

As far as the chain, and such, if you get a good price, a fix is easier to take. Husband's bike ran great even with the chain real loose until we had it adjusted. These bikes are great! I look forward to tinkering with mine.

Do you have a shop that you trust? Before final sale, you can have the bike inspected to know what you are dealing with.

Just get one and I'm sure you will be very happy.

WOW! That's a long time to want a bike. I first saw an America on Tuesday and was at the bank on Wednesday. But then again, I'm like that. If you've been lurking on this site for that long, you should already know what to look for. Besides, with the rare exception, there aren't any mechanical problems to look out for. The only real decisions relate to; carb or efi, ok new tank or really beautiful old tank, and fastest red or red and black paint combos or one of the slower colors. In advance, Welcome to the bike and the site!

Thanks for all of the kind words. Yep, it has been an excruciating wait. College, a marriage, buying a house, and generally life came before a frivolous outlay for the bike of my dreams. Now that all above said peices of life's puzzle have been put in their respective places, I can pursue my "keeper". I will be doing all of my own maintenance. I've owned dirtbikes since age 14, and maintenance up to and including top end rebuilds are nothing I won't approach as long as I have good ole' Mr Clymer's by my side. I've gotten word of a 2007 (favorite year because of carbs, old tank, new sprocket cover) Black Speedmaster with under 5k miles for $5100 in my area. I'm torn because i'm generally not into the all black approach but this bike has "aftermarket exhaust" (really, that's all he knows) a low sissy bar and a triumph windscreen that i'll probably get occasional use out of. All of this and he's throwing in a bike jack. The whole thing has me thinking seriously of forking over the cash even though i'll have to switch to an America or Corbin seat so the wife can share in the fun.

Wish me luck!

Jump on that deal! Sounds great and you will certainly enjoy.

Welcome to the site!

Yep, turns out you were right.

I now have a new love, and my banker's going to be happy to see me. The bike is phantom black, she has Bub pipes, a chin spoiler painted to match, a triumph windscreen, triumph floorboards (we'll see how that goes), a sissy bar, aftermarket risers that are about 6 inches or so (really put the bars in a good spot) and she's CLEAN!!! Went over the bike with a fine toothed comb and can't find a nick in her. I kinda feel guilty for taking her off the guy's hands for $5100, but eh i'm sure i'll get over it. If you can't tell i'm giddy. Now a beer to calm down.

Not into the " all black approach", huh?

I can relate!!

I have to agree that Black is best! Congrats on the new addition to your family! If you don't like the floorboards, that's easy to change. I was drawn to them and will be trying them out because they are supposed to help if you have hip and joint pain.