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I don't think it will take long for the Bonneville to have a full water jacket. When you can control temperature you can build to tighter tolerances with higher RPMs.

I believe the America/Speedmaster may have a limited lifespan now. I don't think Triumph will make them at 1100 with a air cooled motor. 500cc is a small leap and you have the customer on a Thunderbird.

They will either be left alone or built with liquid and ABS. The general population wants ABS and they are moving to liquid cooling. I know on my bigger bike when I glance down at the thermometer in Texas heat 225 degrees vs. 180 if it was liquid is a lot of temp.

If I ever add another bike, unlikely, it will have a radiator and ABS.


That is an interesting thought. For me it's not about the 500cc, it's the $5-$6k difference in price. And if they price the 2016 1100cc Bonnies, Speedmasters, Americas, whatever in the $10,000 to $11,000 range I will start looking at other brands. Heck with Harley at least I would be able to find a decent set of pipes and accessories.

2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.