 Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9 |
Hi, I'm new to this forum so apologies if this gets asked frequently. I'm new to riding and really like the America. It fits me perfect when sitting on it in the showroom at my local dealer and trying not to drool. My questions:
1) are there any common mechanical issues with the America?
2) are parts and service more expensive than say for a Japanese cruiser? Regarding parts (if needed) are there any known issues with dealers getting them in a timely manner?
3) I'm fortunate to have 2 triumph dealers within 45 mins of where I live (north bay area in CA) and one dealer has positive things to say about the America while the other says they won't even carry one! I find this odd to say the least. The dealer that won't carry one gives me the old "if you really want that bike we can order one for you......line". So this raises some doubts.
Any constructive info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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 Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Rich, welcome to the Bonneville America website! Quote:
1) are there any common mechanical issues with the America?
If the operative word is 'common', then the answer is no.
Quote:
2) are parts and service more expensive than say for a Japanese cruiser? Regarding parts (if needed) are there any known issues with dealers getting them in a timely manner?
Parts are not more expensive than any other bike generally speaking. However, I've never priced a coil nor an ignitor (CDI) for anything other than our bikes.
All oem parts go through Newnan, GA. So yes, the parts take longer to get, especially since the dealers tend to not maintain an inventory of parts.
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3) I'm fortunate to have 2 triumph dealers within 45 mins of where I live (north bay area in CA) and one dealer has positive things to say about the America while the other says they won't even carry one! I find this odd to say the least. The dealer that won't carry one gives me the old "if you really want that bike we can order one for you......line". So this raises some doubts.
The dealership that that won't even carry one is an asshat. That dealer is a true bona-fide sales oriented asshat conglomeration as are trying to upsale you and are not concerned with what YOU want. Did I say asshat? I bet they have a crappy service department too. Our rides are amazing machines. They'll carry you from Sea to sea without nary a worry.
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Any constructive info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Shop both dealers for price. Then steer clear of those asshats.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
They'll carry you from Sea to sea without nary a worry.
Proven over and over again, just in the past two years. 
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Bought my Speedmaster from Matt Capri down in Lomita. Havent a single issue since ive owned it (that i didnt cause) in nearly 3yrs. Got about 22k on her, dont get many long trips but ride everyday!
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
I agree with Moe. There seems to be very few mechanical issues with the America's. I had to replace an ignition coil once and I got it straight from a dealer in OKC for around $60. I had 33,000 miles on my bike when I lost an argument with a pick-up's rear bumber and just changed the oil every 6,000 miles and did routine maintenance. I had the valves checked 2 or 3 times and they never needed adjusted. Americas are also very versatile. You can fit it for touring cross country or have fun in the twisties with the sport bike guys. As for the dealer that doesn't carry them. That is too weird. Can you imagine going to a Toyoata or Chevy dealer and them telling you they don't carry a specific model? It sounds like he just doesn't want to take the effort of finding one for you because they are sold out. I definitely would go to the first dealer you mentioned. I hope you get one then you can continue to be part of the the best MC site on the net! 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
If they still use the rubber speedometer cable guide on the front fender, that probably still breaks after a while (cheap to expensive options have been detailed elsewhere).
Occasionally the rear brake switch sticks on (mine was replaced under warranty).
If you don't like blued pipes remove the AI (does that still apply to FI bikes?).
The CDI might go on the fritz some day but I think the numbers are so low I wouldn't worry about it.
The kickstand kill switch can become corroded after a few years and cause your bike to shut off intermittently (but that's rare and easily fixed).
On older bikes the chrome is kinda crap, but presumably you're buying it to ride not to show. Mine doesn't look great but it hasn't peeled or rusted.
Now, I did have a bike die at 52,000 miles with undetermined electrical problems (still dead). But I've done a lot of custom stuff to the bike and it's probably all my fault somehow. When I adjusted the valves the first time it was a virtual comedy of errors (new valves can take 3 months to get from England). Other than the CDI failing (and fixed by Chy with a tube of RTV, BTW, as Woody can attest) I've had virtually no problems not caused by me.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,160
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,160 |
A good dealer makes all the diffrentce I have a dealer 45 mins away I drive right by that dealer to get to the dealer I use 2 and a half hour away. I am very happy to do that to because of the quality of service. I am a number with doller signs at the first dealer. I am a name at the other one they know my bike what I have done to it and much much more.
Life need a little Triumph!
2008 Triumph Speedmaster, Single baffle drag pipes, lots of black powder coatin,K&N pods, AI removed, TBS needles and a procom cdi.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
As a former hondayamakawazuki rider, I'd say that dealer #2 knows that once you buy that America, you won't be coming back to buy overpriced accessories (that he doesn't stock) or that you'll return to trade for the newest advertised model in just a few months/years. Basically, he'll get money from you once and rarely see you again. Volume is what keeps those guys in business and my guess he's more of a "sportbike" center.
My Triumph dealer started out as a one-man parts/service shop that I had been using for over 25 years. Years later he began carrying Triumph, Ducati and Royal Enfield. Unfortunately he closed a few years back (probably the economy). Even though I've got a Honda dealer nearby that now carries the Triumph/Ducati brands, I prefer to use the service dept. at the local Yamaha dealer that I've also used for 20+ years. They've had no problems handling the carb jetting, tires and other things I don't feel like dealing with. Everything you'll ever need to know about Triumph is addressed on this board - one of the few websites I read that doesn't recommend a dealer visit for every little issue.
No brand whores - just smart enthusiasts here!
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
+1 what everyone else said! I have two 07 Americas. one for me one for my g/f. Hers had the CA emissions crap and was causing a stalling. I removed the emissions crap and no more issue. If your a bigger person suspension can be a bit lacking and this will be more obvious than it would be for the smaller of frame. Nothing a nice suspension upgrade won't fix but then you'll find yourself really enjoying the ride. I needed a new battery last year but that was normal wear. You may go through more tires than your buddies cause these bikes are fun to ride. One of my main buying decisions was based on my weight. Im 300# and wanted to make sure this little 865cc would move me. I read a few reviews (by owners not by magazines) and I love my bike. Wanna know how a 300# dude rides one of these bikes... http://vimeo.com/26944551 At about 7min into the video you'll see me passing a semi... my little America is pulling me up a grade and were holding a steady clip of ... well, faster than I shoulda been lets say that. At 8:45 there was a nice sweeper at speed. At 11:00 I had crested the pass and missed the scenic pull off. I at that point decided to kick it up and enjoy the rest of the ride to the next stop. Oh...and Im not even as aggressive as some of the guys on here. God help you if your ride with Dwight!
Last edited by Zmilin; 01/09/2012 8:42 PM.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
1) are there any common mechanical issues with the America?
You'll want to ride it that much, you'll have to keep replacing the fuel 
Quote:
2) are parts and service more expensive than say for a Japanese cruiser? Regarding parts (if needed) are there any known issues with dealers getting them in a timely manner?
That would be a US specific question that I cannot answer
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3) I'm fortunate to have 2 triumph dealers within 45 mins of where I live (north bay area in CA) and one dealer has positive things to say about the America while the other says they won't even carry one! I find this odd to say the least. The dealer that won't carry one gives me the old "if you really want that bike we can order one for you......line". So this raises some doubts.
I'd use dealer 1 
No problems with mine, which is used in all weathers, after over 3 years. I recommend them to anyone who'll listen
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Im 300# and wanted to make sure this little 865cc would move me.
Rounding down are we?  
(says the guy throwing stones out the front door of his glass house)
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379 |
I will be buried with my steel lady...and I am sure she will be running long after I am not...nuff said.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Better drain the fuel and shrink wrap it before the service. Otherwise, there'll be work to do after they dig you both up in a couple hundred years.  BTW, mine's a keeper too!
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
53,000 on my 2005, still runs like new....
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 242
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 242 |
The America's and Speedmaster's are as reliable as a Honda and twice the fun. Also the best looking bikes in my opinion. You will not regret it if you buy one.
08 America
Rinehart exhaust, Clearview shield, Viking bags and magic carb's
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
What Moe said .........same thing. And no the price of parts are not higher. At my shop I order parts for all kinds of bike as an independant. I prefer the America or Speedmaster over every bike I have had to deal with.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Oh, and I ride two up with my wife all the time. I'm about 270 never a problem.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
If you love it while sitting on it, wait till you buy it and start riding it. You will go from love to lust. Buy the bike!
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
I have an '03 bought new. Only issues are that I have to stop riding every 2 hours or so to put gas in it, at stops it collects crowds of admirers who want to tell about the one "just like it" they had 50 years ago, and every 6K miles I have to stop riding for service.
It handles well enough to surprise many sport bike riders and is as fist as my other cruiser with twice the engine displacement. Fuel economy is good, averaging from high 40's to mid 50's MPG. Of all the bikes I've had, this is my favorite. Only thing it needs to make it absolutely perfect is a kick start and manual ignition advance.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
...Only thing it needs to make it absolutely perfect is a kick start and manual ignition advance.
So Ed, I take it a chain primary drive isn't on your list here anymore, huh?! 
(...or did ya just forget to include that one???) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Only thing it needs to make it absolutely perfect is a kick start and manual ignition advance.
 
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
Buy the bike allready. :-)
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Buy the bike allready. :-)
+1
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 340
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 340 |
If you like to talk a bit when you stop for fuel, an "adult" beverage, at a rest area,or (?) you'll be fine. Almost every time I stop someone wants to stop you and talk about Triumph's (used to have one in the 60's, Dad used to have one, are they still making those?, ALL possitive!) If you change to Kuryokin grips, keep the old throttle in the saddle bag for a spare (experience). Like Frier said, CDI "may" give you a problem in heavy rain - keep some RTV onboard or coat the top with before hand. Better yet, ride with Frier (or now myself) who "always" has a spare on board. A good dealer/service dept. is worth their weight in gold. If they'll talk to you about the many good points of the America and throw in some of the very few negative considerations, stay with them. Also, if they have a local RAT (Riders Assoc.of Triumph) group associated with them, that's a good sign. Finally, if you want a good bike that will carry you for long trips, short hauls in town, with minimum problems and is more fun than is legal, you'd be hard pressed to find something better than an America. Spend a few(?) hours going through the posts on this forum and you'll learn more about them than you've thought you need to know. Good luck and enjoy that America.  GO FOR IT!
I'm speeding because I have to get there before I forget where I was going.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
I've had more bikes than I can remember and it's my favorite.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490 |
Go with dealer #1, I have only one dealer near me, the next is 120 miles away. My local dealer is expensive(being the only game in town...warranty) but I do call the out of towner, get his price and get my local to match it. The America is a great machine, there was not one for me to test ride locally, I tried out the Speedy and took a crap shoot on the American...I am glad I did. Yes, I had to wait for them to order it in, they even tried a Calif search and found a black one, I said no thanks, I'll wait for the blue & white..glad I did, again. The America is light enough to maneuver around the garage and beefy enough to command the road.
Ride like you mean it.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
My local dealer sucks but, fortunately, it's only 42 miles to a good one.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379 |
Quote:
My local dealer sucks but, fortunately, it's only 42 miles to a good one.
My dealer is fast eddy lol
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425 |
Quote:
My local dealer sucks but, fortunately, it's only 42 miles to a good one.
Is that the one on 25A? Which one are you using?
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425 |
Quote:
My local dealer sucks but, fortunately, it's only 42 miles to a good one.
Is that the one on 25A? Who are you going to?
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Rich... come back, come back! Would love to get your thoughts on everything that's been said here.
Live to love, love to live.
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 Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9 |
Wow! Thank you all for the replies and answers!! I appreciate all the information! It's nice to get info from actual riders and not have to rely on salesmen info. I hope all who took the time to reply will see this response. You have helped me make my decision! Like I said before I really liked the America but was a little unsure........NOT NOW! It's my goal to make my purchase early spring (just need to save a little more cash). I'm confident that the bike will a great fit for me as well. I'm 6'2" & 235 and power won't be an issue. Again thank you all. Any additional info will be appreciated as well. 
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5 |
I'm 230, and I have yet to think "wow, I need more cc's" - I love this bike. If I *ever* get another bike, it will be an *additional* bike, not to replace this one....I don't think I'd be able to ever part with her.
...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
...If I *ever* get another bike, it will be an *additional* bike, not to replace this one....I don't think I'd be able to ever part with her.
+1
Used to be that Cinnamon Girl was the hands down "I'll ride her of State" machine. Now that she is 14G shy of Vera Lynn on the odometer front, not so easy a decision anymore. Maybe it's time to add to the stable so I'll have a low mileage continental cruiser while the girls get some boob jobs?
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
The one in Greenville, SC. I've had bad dealings with the local guy. I'm not sure Sweeten Creek Road is considered 25A at that spot but it might be. They are parallel. That's the guy, though.
FWIW, I rarely go to a dealer. For parts, if I need them asap, I go to the HondYamaKawZuki guy in town.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5 |
...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425 |
lolol Shows how long since I have been back. As far as I ever knew Sweetencreek and 25A are one in the same. Like 25 becomes Biltmore hwy.... LOLOL
Good to know about the shops If ever back there.
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
I don't know which dealers you are talking about, but Munroe Motors in SF were awesome, and they had a part I needed in stock last summer, after I had dropped my bike. Fortunately, Z was there to talk me through the repair. We stopped at the Santa Rosa dealer, and they didn't give us the time of day. And by the way, we were on a nearly 2 week ride. The only problems, were the ones I caused. Super reliable, and no need to talk about how fast we raced up the mountains in Utah or the desert in Arizona. These guys around here made me confident enough in my bike to just take it anywhere the road leads me. Have Fun!
~Brent
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"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524 |
'05 America with 52k miles. Other than general maintenance, nothing mechanical has gone wrong with it. As far as parts and operating cost, it's no cheaper than the last Harley I owned.
Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
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Re: Pre-purchase questions
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9 |
Thanks for the info about the dealer in sf. I have been to the Santa rosa one and they are the dealer who won't even carry the bike. They are good if you want info about adv riding. It seems as though they don't have much of a market/demand for cruisers
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