Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Deciding

New here and trying to decide which bike to buy. Rode the America and the Speedmaster and Vulcan 900. I really like the Speedmaster but the air cooling is in the back of my mind. Never had a air cooled bike.
I have now a VTX 1800 which has been converted to a trike that Honey wont let me sell and a VT1100C which I'm trying to sell to get the Triumph.
I have been reading and have not found any negative comments and that really impresses me. (don't take much)
All help is accepted. But I'm leaning towards the Speedmaster.
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Hmmm, that's the first time I've read air cooling as a negative.

You won't go wrong with the Speedmaster. If you rode it and you like it, get it.

Not really a negative just never owned one. Not a Harley fan.

I like old HDs but they are all way over priced for what you get. I like that trike you have there too, cool ride.

I actually like Harleys too, but not the RUBs that own them

The speedmaster and America are not solely air cooled in that they both have oil coolers as well. Rode a 03 America in the tropics for 3 years and nil signs of overheating at any point. Have previously run a air cooled HD in the same conditions and it did not like it at all. Most HD owners retro fit oil coolers in those parts. Obviously you have a tad more engine noise compared to the water cooled but not that great.

You'll be happy with the speedmaster.

I have a lot of saddle time on the VT1100C, a very good friend has one. The Speedmaster will feel like a dream to you in the area of roll on power and leaning.

My friend prefers my America over his Sabre. The Sabre shaft to me is the only thing better. I prefer shaft to chain. Don't worry bout the air cooling, our bikes are not too hot for traffic. It won't cook you.

Only time mine got hot enough to cause concern was on a day over 100ºF and I got stuck in construction traffic where I was at a complete stop most of the time and would only move a few yards at a time at about 5mph. That lasted for miles, just as I was about to shut down to let the bike cool we started to move and all was well.

Unlike you I've never owned a bike that wasn't air cooled... well, except for a short affair with a beautiful Trophy. Air cooled works and there's a lot less to go wrong. I have no problem steering you towards the Speedmaster and trust you will enjoy it immensely!

You couldn't go wrong with either. If you happen to decide on the Black America you will find that it defies the laws of physics and is considerable faster than the Slowmaster.

Lots of old air cooled bikes out there... I even have a couple. Oil coolers make a good thing even better, like carbs, sometimes venerable and simple technology is the best, most reliable technology.

WOW.......tons of info. Thanks folks. Sounds like the Speedmaster is a go for me.


Not getting e_mail notifications. Any help here.

Did you select this as a favorite topic. If you look way down on the page there is a favorite topic toggle. That, I think will mail you when there is a response.

I have 19 other air cooled bikes and never had a heat problem with any of them.

At the top of the page click on "my home" then you will see 3 choices next to your avatar, the bottom one is to receive notice by Email.

Got it. Toggled switch on.

Now you are wired bud. You will get an email on every reply.

Yeah, because people are never childish around here...

Never John, how dare you imply otherwise! Now I'm taking my football and going home!

Finally!