 Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215 |
So, the previous owner of my Speedy had changed the bars over to America bars. I rode it like this for a year and it was nice, but I started itching for something a little less 'laid back'. I asked @ my local about the parts and the owner said that the parts would be $260 but "wait right here"... She then came from the back with bars and risers in hand off of a bike that had undergone the same conversion. I got them for $150 and put them on last night... WOW!!!  What a difference! It's like a whole new bike. It just feels... I dunno, BETTER... I'm sure that the new position will take more toll on my back for long rides, but I don't really do a lot of long highway miles, so it's not too much of a concern at this point. Man, I can't wait to ride this weekend!
2003 Speedmaster
Red/Black
FREAK, AI removed, Emgo Shorties, NH Peg relocation, Progressive suspension (front and back).
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
What is the difference exactly? I've never really compared the bars/seating position on the two bikes.
Live to love, love to live.
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
What is the difference exactly? I've never really compared the bars/seating position on the two bikes.
The Speedmaster is far superior. 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, tambiƩn
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Honestly, Bill, you crack me up  Keith, after putting Speedy bars and some after-market risers on my America I can tell you that unlike the "boat tiller" feeling of the America bars the Speedie bars really put you in solid contact with the front end. LanceD, if you added the original Speedie risers when you changed out the bars you won't notice much difference on a longish 350~400 mi. ride.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
Quote:
The Speedmaster is far superior.

Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Yeah, Speedmasters are that "superior" that the AA had to block the road on the Wootton Bassett run to fix one Strangely, I don't think they had to touch an America all day  They delt with plenty of Harleys though 
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215 |
Quote:
Keith, after putting Speedy bars and some after-market risers on my America I can tell you that unlike the "boat tiller" feeling of the America bars the Speedie bars really put you in solid contact with the front end.
That's exactly the difference I noticed. I just feel more connected to the bike... It really makes do this 
Feeling extra ambitious, I just (finally) dropped in the progressive fork springs I bought last summer.
Last edited by LanceD; 03/17/2010 10:09 PM.
2003 Speedmaster
Red/Black
FREAK, AI removed, Emgo Shorties, NH Peg relocation, Progressive suspension (front and back).
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Quote:
Keith, after putting Speedy bars and some after-market risers on my America I can tell you that unlike the "boat tiller" feeling of the America bars the Speedie bars really put you in solid contact with the front end.
That's exactly the difference I noticed. I just feel more connected to the bike... It really makes do this 
Feeling extra ambitious, I just (finally) dropped in the progressive fork springs I bought last summer.
So the Speedy bars are narrower? More pull back on em? "Solid contact with the front end" can only be a good thing. As for progressive, let us know how you like them. I'm still waiting for mine to arrive from Eddy but from what I've read they are the beez neez!
Live to love, love to live.
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
Lance, are you going to do the Flying 15 Season Opener with us on Sunday?
~Brent
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215 |
Quote:
Lance, are you going to do the Flying 15 Season Opener with us on Sunday?
~Brent
I was planning to do Soren's 'Back in the saddle' ride.
2003 Speedmaster
Red/Black
FREAK, AI removed, Emgo Shorties, NH Peg relocation, Progressive suspension (front and back).
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 Re: Turned my "Speedmerica" to a Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Just swapped over the O/L's bars on her SM to america bars and risers.Now I got the best of both worlds.
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