Don't get me wrong, it handles great for what it is (the specs, weight, rake, etc.). And by the end of the day I was grooving with it in the curves. But the steering is pretty heavy and the throttle is a stiffer pull than I'm used to. That's probably a good thing because if it rolled on as easy as the America I would've probably wrapped it around a telephone pole by now. This is more of what I would call a traditional cruiser, made for the highway. It's just a different kind of fun than the America. It's nice, though, for a change, to blast up a hill against a strong headwind in 5th gear with no worries whatsoever, AND roll on to pass someone quickly without downshifting. I guess what I'm saying is I have reasons to own both bikes.
Also, saw the new Speedmaster and America at the Missoula dealership. The new Speedmaster "works" for me much more in person than in pictures. I'd still dump that enormous T-100 style taillight in a heartbeat, but I like nearly everything else about it in person. As far as the new America I just don't like the 16" front wheel. And the Storm looks awesome up close.
