Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Why should I buy a America?

A friend of mine rides a Adventurer that he really likes but bought a 02 America because he thought might like it better. We took both bikes out for the day and he is keeping the Adventurer said it bike just fits him better. Here is my dalima, because he had had such good luck with his Triple and and I had so many problems out of my R1100GS I was going to pick up a Tiger. After spending the day with the America it fit like a glove I have never been a Cruiser guy I really like the bike. So my question is why should I keep it? The engine is smooth, the performance is good. How dependable is the twin. Any info on reliability would help.

These bikes are designed to go at least 100 thousand miles, and can take a beating. You know you want it, just go get it.

Don't have to go get it, it is in my grage now. I M trying to decide wheater to pay for it or thke it back. I just don't want to go through what I did with my beemer it broke me. Have a little KLR650 for back roads.

Well, if you already have a Dual-Purpose KLR there Kenny, then I vote that you keep the America, 'cause now you'll have two different styles of motorcycle, which is always a good thing. Ya see, after readin' your initial posting here, I was kinda wonderin' if you'd be happy with only a street bike instead of what it appeared you were mainly into.

Btw, there IS one "drawback" to owning one of these Americas....and THAT is it'll take twice as long to park it somewhere OR to fill up your gas tank, 'cause these babies are magnets for every older guy who ever owned or wanted an old Triumph during his life and/or for many a H-D rider who hasn't heard that Triumph "is still makin' motorcycles", and so those folks will want to talk your proverbial arm off about your bike almost every time you'll find yourself in that kind of situation!

Yep, that just about the ONLY drawback to ownin' one of these, alright.

(...soooooo, the question is: How sociable a guy are you, and will you be able to put up with all this attention you'll be receivin' if you decide to keep it???...the ball is in YOUR court, as they say!)

Why? So you can ride something you actually want to be seen riding. That, and they're great, reliable, good handling machines.

i brought mine late last year, 2nd hand on a 07 plate, it wasnt till i got it home i thought i made a mistake and only used it a few times as i commute on a m50, then arfter a few rides on it, i started to enjoy it more & more, and made some changes to it,short turn out stright throw exshaust, side mounted plate and taillight, 20" apes, new pegs,solo rack, going for a new seat soon, so the anwser is yes go for it, and what you dont like on it change it,
but try this before you decide, ride about 70mph drop into 3rd gear give it full throttal, keep the revs up and shift into 4th & 5th with the revs still high, it surprised me how fast it went....

Because the name dude "AMERICA f-ck yea commin to save the the M-F day!". Maybe you didn't see that movie. Because Dwight rides one. NO..........all kidding aside. They are really good, fun, and simple bikes. They are not expensive to maintain or modify. Plus you'll be the only guy on your block with one.

If it fits like a glove in just one day what will it feel like in a year . Go for it .You can always sell it If you aren't happy with it.. But bet you wont. atb geoff

i have a klr650 and a speedmaster. they really compliment eachother. different rides, riding position, and feeling. like johnny cochran said if it fits,then ride it. or something like that. why not buy it. if it's a 2002 you should be able to get it for a good price, and it will save you on those bmw repair bills.

I've had my 05 America 6 years and over 22,000 miles. Fall in love with it every time I go riding.

I ride an America, AND park an Enduro in the driveway... best of both worlds. You say it fits like a glove? It's speaking to ya man... you need to listen. They are super dependable and tough and can be. There are no worries other than as Dwight pointed out, ya have to put up with a lot of attention from old farts. Get it or regret it!

I bought my America new in 02. Best bike I have ever owned. Plan on it being the last bike I ever own. I have 32k miles on it and the only things that have gone wrong with it were the ignitor and the speedo, and those are not usual things. Everything else has been routine maintenance stuff. Buy it, you won't regret it. I don't know where you live, but if you ever need to order parts from a dealer and have them shipped, try hermys. They have always treated me great.

And now it's time to hear back from you, Mr. Kenny K. Do tell... what's your decision?

I guess he's taken it on another test ride?

Kenny, I had a KLE500 (same frame size as the KLR) and always found the KLE a little small in fit for me. I came across my '06 TBA by accident when trying out some other brands of cruisers but the minute I laid eyes on it I knew it was the bike for me. The America's suspension is a lot firmer than the Kawasaki adventure bikes which for me was the hardest thing to get use to but when you roll that throttle on when you're out on the open highways you'll discover just what these wonderful machines are all about. For me there's no going back and they look a million bucks just sitting ther waiting for their nest ride. Your choice. Good luck and safe riding.
John Q