Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Member's Rides New to me 2003 american

Hi guys ! I finally found a used 03 American this last week and ended up buying it . I am looking forward to this summer and some long rides on my new bike. I have had lots of bikes in the past but this is my first Triumph! I remember looking at the 650 and 750's back in the 60's and saying to myself I'm going to have one of those someday, well here we are! I have a question about the color of my bike , it is black with silver ghost flames on the tank and front fender . Is this a stock color? I was told it was custom but have seen a couple of other bikes the same color. I need a new set of tiers and a oil change and I should be good to go. I am thinking about the Dunlop 404,s. Thanks Mark

Welcome and congratz on your 2003 America. In what part of the world do you live?

Sounds like you have a custom paint job.
Here is a link on the different models of Americas. http://www.triumphtwinpower.com/triumphbonnevilleamericaspecs.php

As far as tires if you are riding a British Bike you might as well run it on British Rubber. Avon Tyres are the way to go.

Their website recommends

Front Roadrider 100/90-18 56V at 32 psi
Rear Cobra 170/80B15 84H 36 psi

I have these on my bike and love them.

http://avonmotorcycle.com/

Once again welcome to the clan. Hope to see some pictures of that bike soon.

Missed the oil change. Let me introduce to our own Mr. Eddy.

You need 4 quarts of oil, filter, and a crush ring. His oil change kit comes with all of these above.

https://www.fasteddysports.com/products-page/?category=57

Cheers

Welcome to the bike and the site! I put 50 K on my 2002 America and I know you're gonna love it. Truly, one of the very best cruisers out there! As to tires, there are a lot of opinions. I always ran the Dunlops also and got about 8 K out of each set. Chains are good for about 20 K, give or take. Lots of good info on here and good people also.

Avons for me..

With out seeing it... It MIGHT be the factory colour with the factory "custom" flames. I don't know if you can still purchase the tank and the fender from Triumph any more, maybe NOS somewhere. Avons where the rubber meets the road!

Hi Guys , Thank you for the welcome and the info. I live in western MN where we have two riding seasons , winter and BUGS, just kidding we actually have some great weather up here but with 10,000 lakes we do have plenty of bugs !! I think what I have is custom triumph tank and fenders as I have seen several on the net with the exact same silver flames on tank and front fender . I will post a pic as soon as the bike hits my garage on sat. Avon's are ordered ! Take care Mark

Welcome to both a great bike and and a great community.......
I hope you'll like it...hard not to do so.
My current TBA is an '014 LT and runs on factory fitted Metzler ME 880's......but these don't suit it that well imho.....the back end can squirm when cold......suspect the weight isn't enough for the tyres to dig in....On my past Guzzi California's the same tyres worked very well.....Avon's are the way to go......

Flames was one of the four paint kits that were available from Triumph. The paint kit consisted of a replacement tank (with custom decals, not paint) and front fender.

G'day and Welcome

Welcome to the forum & a great bike, michelin commanderII S are also a great choice of tire. I'm on my second set. They perform well in all conditions, and they wear extremely well.

Me too, after swearing Avons were the greatest thing since sliced bread, I bought a 2010 with Michelin tires front and back. I'm totally converted and won't buy another brand unless I have no choice by circumstance.

I'm using Bridgestone Exedras No problems and they seem to handle ok.I will never use Metzlers again.Dunlops have a good name and they handle well but they wear fairly fast.

Tires are like brands of oil,everybody has their own opinion. Personally I do not think in this day and age it makes much difference, they are all just fine.

The original Metzler front tire,on my bike when I bought it was cupped and the bike had a speed wobble at 80kph.We Trieded everything ,fork oil,wheel alignment, wheel balance.Replaced the front tire and, Robert's your father's brother.
Handled like a dream ever since.