 Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
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Just had to go get a closer look today, the interweb had piqued my curiosity so I took a lunch journey down to Hourglass cycles in Buford to get up close and personal.
Good looking bike all in all, more impressed with the pics than in person but a pretty cool bike nonetheless. Love the engine, nice look, 6 spd trans, liked the chain drive, spoke wheels ( though they seemed to have too few spokes for some odd reason) and retro styling. Good looking instrumentation and lighting.
On the down side, in my opinion anyway was a tank that really appears too small for the rest of the bike.. bigger than the Bonnie but it only holds 3.2 gals and Triumph says effective range is about 150 miles. Obviously they have never ridden out west too much.
The handlebars seemed too flat for me.. " beach bars" I had to lean forward to get into riding position. Thinking some America (type)bars would help in bringing them up and back to a more comfortable position. Totally unimpressed with the seat.. looks pretty cool but didn't feel that way when you sit on it.
Luckily, they have a variety of accessories for it to so I'm sure I could make it fit but at 15476.68 out the door, I just don't see it happening, especially with another thousand in accessories to make it rideable.
I didn't get to ride it but I feel confident that it would run and handle like a Triumph should and I would love to take it for a rip down the highway. Cruise control and fly by wire, Anti lock brakes, LED lights and on board computer to adjust for driving conditions IMHO just more expensive stuff to break down the road.
I think it would be a great bike to have in any stable but it won't be in mine.
Good job Triumph! Great bike, love the styling but y'all really gotta work on this gas tank thing...
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Yep I agree.There is a set of "Maverick" bars which seem to suit it but for me I'd want bars, mirrors, a touring seat,and a paint job on the tank.So I'd be looking at another 1,000-1.500 to get it were I wanted it.I got an online survey from Triumph the other day and I told them virtually the same thing.Bars and Seat anyway.
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
So how was the bike in size "physically"? The size of a America or the size of a 120 Bonville? Or somewhere in between? And that price tag DOES put me off a little.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
So how was the bike in size "physically"? The size of a America or the size of a 120 Bonville? Or somewhere in between? And that price tag DOES put me off a little.
It's closer to the Bonnevile than our Speedmaster/America.It may be a bit longer than the Bonneville I'm not sure but it's shorter than our bikes.It's lower and I'd say our bikes would be better for two up touring except for that sweet 1,200cc engine.I didn't feel I was sitting "in the bike like I do on mine,more "on" the bike but I think that may be the beach bars.I'm still impressed with it but I will "hasten slowly"
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1 |
The new Speedmaster, by my calculations is about 8.8 inches shorter than the earlier Speedmasters. The new speedy from what specs I've seen is 2195 mm and the older speedy is 2420 mm. Triumph appears to be targeting the ladies and us vertically challenged riders. 
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,195
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,195 |
Quote:
Triumph appears to be targeting the ladies and us vertically challenged riders.
I sat one on a coupls of weeks ago and wanted to go and ask when they were gettting the full sized model!! I guess Triumph consulted with Snow White's friends for this design.
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
I looked one over in the metal last week...far too small physically for me....I'm 6'3".
Just felt so cramped on it
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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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 |
Quote:
Quote:
Triumph appears to be targeting the ladies and us vertically challenged riders.
I sat one on a coupls of weeks ago and wanted to go and ask when they were gettting the full sized model!! I guess Triumph consulted with Snow White's friends for this design.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297 |
They are starting to sprout up over in Ocala, Gainesville, and JAX. Not sure the reviews here are inspiring enough to spend a day going over to look at it. I get the itch to go back to a retro bike, then I get on Tigger and don't understand what I was thinking.
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Well the wife,(AmyLee) rode her new 2018 Speedy home from Cycle Specialties(Modesto, Ca.) yesterday, loves the cruise control and increase in horsepower, but what she loves the most, is the kick stand that is so easy to reach, compared to her America. 
Last edited by HabuBA; 05/24/2018 10:50 PM.
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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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:
Well the wife,(AmyLee) rode her new 2018 Speedy home from Cycle Specialties(Modesto, Ca.) yesterday, loves the cruise control and increase in horsepower, but what she loves the most, is the kick stand that is so easy to reach, compared to her America.
Tell AmyLee congrats for me here, Bob! I think these new water-cooled Triumph twins are a great step forward in design.
(...btw, you didn't mention how she likes the quicker steering on these new steeper raked Speedies...bet she likes that too, huh!) 
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: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
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.Congratulations to your wife on the purchase.Please keep us updated how the bike goes over the long term.I'm still interested.Maybe by the end of the year,early next year.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
I knew it was a girlie bike!
Seriously, I hope she enjoys it.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1 |
Will do, I'm looking at the Speedy for a bike that will work well in my senior years. My Tbird 1600 is getting heavier, or I'm getting weaker, hoping Triumph will come out with a new America with the new 1200 engine. 
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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They say that about the Sportsters too.Must be "penile challenged"  Seriously though it would be nice with a bigger [say 16ltr tank] .I don't like the beachbars and the seat would need to be replaced but that motor was nice when I had a tiny ride on one.For tall guys it'd be I can see it'd be cramped
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
Good review of the Speedmaster. Triumph Speedmaster
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240 |
It will be interesting to hear from owners after they’ve had their new Speedy’s a while and had some time to put some miles and time in the saddle. Just how good of a road bike is it? How does it feel droning down an interstate? Can it be packed? Could I live on it for several days on end?
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Posts: 2,240 |
On the other hand, what if it is? What if it does? What if I could?
Triumph Engineering? Is this really the next-level Triumph we crave?
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
I know, I know...I really wanted one of these but I'm 6'3" and it felt like a toy when I rode one.
And my Beloved rides pillion lots and would kill me if I bought something that was so uncomfortable for a long ride.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 94
Member
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Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 94 |
New Speedmaster and Bobber are great bikes. As I have a new Bobber, had an America and currently still have an old Speedmaster, my thoughts are as followed:
Selling the bobber next year using the money for a 1100 ccm Kit on the old Speedmaster. The there is power, brakes and groundclearence which is the main problem of the new Speedmaster and the Bobber. Everything else is much better on the new bikes.
So it has to go, I do not want to stash it, but I do not want to crash it either. If you want to go fast, stay on you old generation Speedys and Americas or go for a new Thruxton or T120. But not the Bobber and especially not the new Speedmaster.
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 94
Member
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Posts: 94 |
But if you cruise it or just go fast from light to light, go for a new one.
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Good advice!
Very helpful!
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
New Bobber and Speedmaster are getting great reviews from the owners.
They are nice bikes, but they seem metropolitan to me. It is not a bike I would want to take on a long haul especially 2 up.
Think it would be a great regional bike or a day trip bike.
That is kinda how I look at the America now since I have the Rocket, but the America just fits well and is such a relaxing/easy bike to ride as far as seating, footing, and bars.
I look at my America as my forever bike. Seen nothing thats gonna change my mind. Been thinking about getting a second one to stash away.
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
New Bobber and Speedmaster are getting great reviews from the owners.
They are nice bikes, but they seem metropolitan to me. It is not a bike I would want to take on a long haul especially 2 up.
Think it would be a great regional bike or a day trip bike.
That is kinda how I look at the America now since I have the Rocket, but the America just fits well and is such a relaxing/easy bike to ride as far as seating, footing, and bars.
I look at my America as my forever bike. Seen nothing thats gonna change my mind. Been thinking about getting a second one to stash away.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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My America is just the right size and weight, the only thing lacking is low end grunt. A cruiser should not need to be wrung out to get to the power.The new engine put in the old frame would have been perfect, Triumph screwed the pouch and gave up to soon on the cruiser market.
Tin Man 2
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
My America is just the right size and weight, the only thing lacking is low end grunt. A cruiser should not need to be wrung out to get to the power.The new engine put in the old frame would have been perfect, Triumph screwed the pouch and gave up to soon on the cruiser market.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297 |
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
It’s is shorter than the America/Speedmaster by at least a foot. The engine has all of the grunt that the 790/865 is missing, even though I found those engines to be quite capable for many years. The handlebars are almost exactly the original Speedmaster bend but because they sit lower they don’t feel the same, they feel really good so far. The drive by wire throttle is going to take some practice to master, it’s not at all like a wired carb or throttle body when you roll off the throttle especially in busy in town traffic. The suspension is pretty good, the seat is very Corbin like and after an hour felt like it had glued my a$$ to it...it was also very hot yesterday and I was wet from sweating. The seating position is almost too low so it's not going to appeal to the taller riders but at the same time you don’t feel like your sitting “in” the bike cruise style like the America/Speedmaster and I felt like there was a bit more wind buffeting above 70mph. The forward pegs aren’t as forward but for me the position is very natural and relaxed, it’ll be too easy to grind the feelers here in the hills. The wheels stay planted in turns and while I didn’t push my first ride much I could tell it was capable of much higher speeds in the turns. Great brakes, cruise control is a nice added feature, the ABS isn’t noticeable, I don’t see any need for aftermarket exhaust as it’s way better than TORs right off the showroom floor with a throaty rumble that’s not obnoxious. I think I’m going to like it just fine.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Just saw a post on facebook, a new speedmaster owner had replaced the feelers on the pegs with Titanium ones
was grounding pegs and showering sparks all over the place on what I would class as sweepers, not get down lean right over corners.I WANT to like this bike so much,and it's good in many ways but I still have reservations.The bars and my wrists are not compatible.The seat would need replacing for me.also grounding the pegs on what I consider easy corners isn't acceptable and he fuel tank could be 16 not 12 litre,I loved the engine.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
It’s definitely not going to be for everybody. I didn’t push the sweepers or tight turns yesterday so no scraping but I was still well in excess of the posted limits. I ground the side stand and pipes many times on the America so I’m certain that there will be much difference in that respect...but I’m going to find out.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,262 Likes: 14
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,262 Likes: 14 |
Congratulations Ed on the new bike. Pictures are good if you can post some.
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I’ll admit that pictures have become problematic since I quit renting my own graphics server and Photobucket went crazy.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
I’ll admit that pictures have become problematic since I quit renting my own graphics server and Photobucket went crazy.
Yep me too with photobucket!
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
It’s definitely not going to be for everybody. I didn’t push the sweepers or tight turns yesterday so no scraping but I was still well in excess of the posted limits. I ground the side stand and pipes many times on the America so I’m certain that there will be much difference in that respect...but I’m going to find out.
I'm no boy racer by any stretch of the imagination and I also try not to push corners too much these days it just seems everyone remarks on grinding pegs.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Yup, I’ve read that and the mass of seat complaints. It’s going to scrape sooner than mid pegs or rear sets no doubt, much the same as the side stand lever drags on an America, I just think it’s a given based upon the design. It’s not really a cruiser, either, with the short wheelbase and lower neck angle...it’s at least 4° tighter than the America. The staff told me a lot of the design inspiration came from the Speed Twin and that only has a 55” wheelbase and I think you have to take that into account; so smaller by design and not so friendly to riders over 6 feet is my thought.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
Yup, I’ve read that and the mass of seat complaints. It’s going to scrape sooner than mid pegs or rear sets no doubt, much the same as the side stand lever drags on an America, I just think it’s a given based upon the design. It’s not really a cruiser, either, with the short wheelbase and lower neck angle...it’s at least 4° tighter than the America. The staff told me a lot of the design inspiration came from the Speed Twin and that only has a 55” wheelbase and I think you have to take that into account; so smaller by design and not so friendly to riders over 6 feet is my thought.
I'm only about 5'8" so the bike sort of fits me .The other problems,[seat,bars etc.] can
be rectified but the scraping  As you say it's in the design.My America does well.It'll handle better than I want to push it these days.
Last edited by findlay13; 08/11/2018 6:44 AM.
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I’m thinking the bars pullback is more than the old speedy, I measured it at 9” with a 1 1/2”-2” rise and 30” wide. Not really a classic beach bar it seems like maybe it’s more what a Mike at Bellacorse calls a western bar. If it ever stops pouring rain I can take it out for a canyon run and comment on the scraping.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
I’m thinking the bars pullback is more than the old speedy, I measured it at 9” with a 1 1/2”-2” rise and 30” wide. Not really a classic beach bar it seems like maybe it’s more what a Mike at Bellacorse calls a western bar. If it ever stops pouring rain I can take it out for a canyon run and comment on the scraping.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I just spent the last hour or so going across Lookout and Sand mountains here in North Alabama and riding as many twisty roads as possible. The new Speedy tracks really well and is capable of 20~30 over the posted limits in turns without scraping anything. The comfort seat is indeed comfortable and I believe better than the stock item. Mirrors don’t vibrate at any speed. You can really feel the bigger pistons pulse through the pegs but I didn’t find it annoying although it seems that the Triumph third gear thing happens with this bike, too, where it does get vibey at higher rpm. Does a steady 58mph at 3K rpm in 4th gear; going uphill too without seeming to strain at all.
Like any soft tail really rugged pavement will give you a stout jounce , the front suspension is light years ahead of the older forks and the bike stays well planted in all conditions. There’s a learning curve to the throttle/engine management and I’m thinking by the 500 mile service it’ll be second nature. I like it a lot.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,262 Likes: 14
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,262 Likes: 14 |
If you're interested there's an upgrade available for the mono shock. Check over on the Triumph Bobber Forum.
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I purposely chose a tertiary road that has big chunks in disrepair and the suspension really performed very well. Keep in mind I'm almost 80 lbs lighter from the cancer diet so that’s a factor, too. Some places that gave me a solid kidney punch in the America or Scrambler still did but it wasn’t quite as sharp a knock...whether that’s my new weight or the rear shock is a bit better I don’t know. The front end is a vast improvement and very similar to the Race Tech valve mod I had in the Scrambler but better, the total lack of braking dive is a solid confidence booster.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Today I mounted the factory floorboard kit; it’s really very nice and includes a new brake pedal, heel-toe shifter and new linkage rods and new cast mounts for the chassis. Oodly the new linkage does not include the four stop nuts and you must use the old bolt on the new gear shift pawl. The floorboards are pretty heavy, very well chromed and the rubber mats are superior to the items supplied for the America/Speedy. I rode 70 miles though the hills running tight turns and big sweepers and didn’t drag them but I see that you could if you really tried. IMO they are roomier than the older design and the way the pedals sit gives your feet access to the entire floorboard unobstructed. I like this set up better than the pegs.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,262 Likes: 14
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,262 Likes: 14 |
Nice, I'm a fan of the comfort level foot-boards offer. Plenty of room to move around on long rides. I supposes I might be in the minority but I've found I drag quicker with pegs than I do with boards on cruiser style bikes.
I have a tendency to drag the boot heel with the peg set up.
If you catch one of those raised road reflectors with your boot heel while laying into a turn if can be quite jarring.
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 Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,297 |
Mike, I do that too, no question. The best time was when I left my toe under the shifter and touched my heel while laying it over in a turn at Deals Gap. Imagine my surprise when I changed gears....
In Between the Dark and the Light..
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Re: Bonneville Speedmaster
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Alrighty, I’m 900 miles in and this thing has broken in very nicely. It’s still not a cruiser no matter what any PR dept says but it is a very nice ride, well capable of deep turn carving and powerful acceleration. One thing that’s become really obvious is how fatiguing it is to go over 65 with the combination of seating and bar arrangement; in that aspect it is totally unlike the America, or the Scrambler for that matter. I think it must be something about the bike's geometry but I haven’t quite figured it out yet. My next thoughts are headed toward some sort of windscreen...I’m drawn toward the clean look of the Dart but I’m wondering if a bigger piece isn’t required to really take that air pressure away. It’s a puzzlement for sure.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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