Quote: Buy the XR1200, get lots more twist and shout out it over the America and you won't have to have the dealership you don't like. Then again its 2-3k more money. But is more bike.
The America and the 883 are almost a dead heat in quality, ride and performance. Its a matter of what you like to look at. Both are good motorcycles. If you are looking for image the 883 is the Harley starter bike. It has no image. The Triumph is baby starter to the T-brd. I think it is way cooler. Toss a coin.
IMHO the 1300 Honda Stateline is superior to both of them. But is in a different class too with about a $2500 increase in money.
For the smaller cruisers you have the two isolated pretty well.
With all the hype out there and the different opinions. What’s the bottom line? To me it’s just to have a bike I like and am comfortable with. I just want to “ride” I don’t want to race. I’m 6’1” 215lbs. I totaled a 2012 Triumph America 7/6/12 that was 4 months. I loved that bike. The only reason I am not buying another is because of the dealer. He took me for granted, poor customer service. I’ve been riding for 43 years, I’ve had 8 different bikes and a sportster back in the 70’s. My new 2013 XL1200C will be in the 18th of September. And all I want to do is enjoy the ride, no matter what bike I’m on. I am sure you (at least most of you) will agree it doesn’t really matter what you are riding, but that we are all out riding and having a great time enjoying it.
