My 05 America is now almost 6 years old. I recently put new tires, chain, sprockets, clutch, and springs on it. When I think about the major chrome, numerous extras, and 904, I have a ton invested in the bike. The bike still looks like it could be a new bike sitting on a showroom floor even with it's 22,000 miles.
I'm really interested in a Thunderbird, but no way could I give up my bike for what a trade in value would be. I like wire wheels, tweaking carbs, and the chain doesn't bother me a bit. I also love the original indented tank not to mention the Mulberry Red/Graphite paint job. It still looks way better than the T-Bird to me. I'll probably wait a while longer and could end up with two bikes. Personally, I feel the America peaked right before they took away the laced wheels and original tank. It looks as cool as the classic Triumphs I had in the late 60s and pre 1971 with the attitude of a raked cruiser. I actually bought it when I went to the showroom looking to buy a Triumph "classic". I couldn't believe how good a job they did keeping all the classic features and marrying that with an American chopper look. No matter what bikes I ride with, it gets all the attention.
I kinda wish Triumph would bring the Trophy back so I could keep my Sunday cruiser AND have a Triumph touring bike. I'm too old for bent over forward riding. I guess I'll see what happens this next model year. I've learned one lesson though, newer doesn't always mean better.
