 Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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Posts: 13 |
What is the difference in performance between the Speedmaster and American. The specs show the Ameican with more horsepower. The other diffenrence looks to be the chrome, seat, front brakes and wheels. Am I missing anything? Are they basically the same bike. Also, does TBA stand for Triumph Bonneville American?
Thanks
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 279
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Its actually an America. The differences are also that the Speedmaster has dual front disk brakes and alloy wheels. I love my America, it is more retro. The America has a more laid back seating and handlebar position. It moves really well. Both are great, it's up to your preference.
Oh man!! I'm going to jail!!
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Hey Danny, You're just down the street from me! August 5th is the next RAT breakfast. I'll be there, everyone knows me, so they can point me out to you. The difference in HP/Torque between the Speedmaster and the America isn't enough to make a huge difference. That being said, the most important differences are personal prefrences. The seating position being the biggest one. Get over to Cascade Moto Classics (tell Bob, I said Hi) and sit on both. The America has wider and higher bars, the Speedmaster slightly lower and much narrower bars. The Speedmaster has an all black motor, the America has the silver motor. The paint schemes are different as well. Then there is the cost differences. The Speedmaster comes with a tach and dual front disc brakes. Both bikes are absolutley awesome and you won't find a better cruiser on the planet. Soren
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Oh, Danny Boy
Perhaps this will explain it a bit more clearly.
Many a fairytale has a beautiful princess, and whenever you have a beautiful princess, you need an ugly sibling to balance the story. The America servers that purpose with distinction.
Old fables often pit the fast and the slow - Hares and tortises (or is that torti?) and snails. Again, the America is a steller performer - except it doesn't always leave a slimey trail.
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Fairy tales are make-believe fantasy and not real at all. In the real world, the Speedmaster rules.  Soren
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 73
Member
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Member
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alloy wheels are UGLY
Robert in Utah
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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Posts: 13 |
Thanks for the replies.
Soren, I'm going to try to make the RAT breakfast. I went over to Cascade about 2 weeks ago and didn't see any America's, only Speedmasters. I'll have to go again, I may have missed them.
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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we should do this every weekend!
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,378 |
The america has more HP, but the speedy has more torque and it develops it at lower RPMs. according to some theres little diff, but i've also heard different. i'd say that for low down grunt the speedy would be superior. for high PRM fun the america would probably rule. I prefer low down torque and thats why i own the better of the 2.  But seriously, i'd have bought the speedy even if both engines were the same because of the dual discs, mags, tach, and looks. (and spokes do suck 
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10 |
Quote:
America isn't enough to make a huge difference. ThThe difference in HP/Torque between the Speedmaster and the at being said, the most important differences are personal prefrences.
Just to clarify, Australian models show the America as 790cc and the Speedmaster as 865cc from 05' model onwards...is this the same in the U.S.A
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Quote:
And sometimes in fairy tales there's a princess who is asleep and dreaming. You "servers" that purpose with distinction. Eventually you'll get your wake up call.
Speling wuz never mi stong sute
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
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Quote:
alloy wheels are UGLY
Robert in Utah
And so is your aunt Sarah 
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Quote:
spokes suck!
And so does Robert's aunt Sarah 
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Quote:
And sometimes in fairy tales there's a princess who is asleep and dreaming. You "servers" that purpose with distinction. Eventually you'll get your wake up call.
Yeah, I'm thinking Barry would make a fine princess. Then he and yota could get together for a little country lovin 
Dan, they are both fine machines and definitely try each of them out. btw, don't listen to these knuckleheads, the 02 Bonneville America is the best. Everything after is just a pale clone. You guys with 03s and up? Don't be jealous, at least you have a copy!! 
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Quote:
America isn't enough to make a huge difference. ThThe difference in HP/Torque between the Speedmaster and the at being said, the most important differences are personal prefrences.
Just to clarify, Australian models show the America as 790cc and the Speedmaster as 865cc from 05' model onwards...is this the same in the U.S.A
Yes, it is the same world wide.
Soren
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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I've read that the spoke wheels have tubes, is that true with the alloy wheels?
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Tubes on the America, tubeless on SM
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 73
Member
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Member
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your right bout aunt Sara ............
Robert in Utah
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Ah geez Phil, are you STILL sore after all of these years that you bought that black slag heap only to find out the best was yet to come (that would be the Blues for you slower witted maroons out there....) Gosh, I thought you'd be done whining after 4 years. 
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Ah yes, copy boy rears his jealous, pointy little head!  It's OK Greg, someday yours might...... Nah, it'll never match the original!
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
The Speedmaster is not a copy, it's a refinement. Two front discs are better than one. The rest is subjective. Personally, I prefer non-spoked wheels, they are easier to clean and you never have to tighten/true them up. The rear wheel of the TBA is probably lighter than the TBS's near-solid one, the fronts are probably even. I definitely prefer the blacked-out look, though. To each his own.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 18
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 18 |
From the Book of Bipun...starting with verse 23. 23. And on the 4th day Cyclo, the Great One, made a bimotor. He called it TBA. He made it in his image, silver, 790cc, spoke wheels and chrome. He saw it was good. 24. Cyclo would come to the garden and ride and there was no rust, no chain wear and no gravel to cause discomfort. 25. TBA was faithful, yet lonely. Cyclo saw this and said I will make a help meet for TBA. 26. So he made a deep sleep to come upon TBA. Cyclo then removed a Triumph badge from the TBA and from there, he created the speedmaster in the image of the TBA. Now TBA had someone to travel with. He saw this was good. 27. They were permitted to travel anywhere in the twisty beautiful land, except the area of Mud/Ice and Tar. 28. Speedy begged TBA to ride in Mud/Ice and Tar, saying that Cyclo was afraid that they would have too much fun. 29. TBA steadfastly argued not, but Speedy eventually won and the two went to the forbidden land. 30. Speedy fell first, TBA fell trying to rescue her. 31. As a punishment, TBA and Speedy have forever been aflicted with rust, chain wear, flat tires, and the need for constant cleaning. Additionally they have been banned from the land of no gravel to forever worry about little patches of the stuff in curves and old roads. So you see, the TBA was first and the original. Speedy is here to keep us company 
06 America, debaffled pipes, modified box, 132 jets, 1 shim
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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How about the handlebars? They seem they would be more comfortable on the TA. Also the foot pegs are in the same spot on each aren't they?
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Quote:
Cyclo then removed a Triumph badge from the TBA and from there, he created the speedmaster in the image of the TBA
So the SM is the girl (weaker, smells pretty, fraught with emotional outbursts)? Sounds about right to me! 
<running and ducking and hiding>
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 18
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 18 |
Quote:
So the SM is the girl (weaker, smells pretty, fraught with emotional outbursts)? Sounds about right to me!
Do not forget tempermental as well 
06 America, debaffled pipes, modified box, 132 jets, 1 shim
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 334
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
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you need to ride both. sitting on them don't prove anything. your not spending your money to sit on it.ride them and you make the choice. they are very different,on the out side and on the in side. so what ever trips trigger is the one buy.
A motorcycle is a down payment on accessory
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Yeah ask Mert about that one. She was outright convinced she wouldn't want a speedy so she got an America. Spent a week riding a speedu in GA and went straight home and totally converted her bike to a speedy setup.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
Hey - we can hear you all you know!!! As for the running and ducking and hiding......I expect better from the Administrator.....  Irony is.....I look at my America as female... tempermental, too much to say, stronger (never tell a female she's weaker than you....you'll not know what's hit you). The courtesy SM I rode - definately male. Was pathetic..... It's been for sale for the last 3 months....
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Ya know I was really more pointing out that it is riding more than sitting. I am perfectly happy with my America! Anything I want to change, I do  Also, I am constantly trying to think of a cool name for my bike, but I am torn over the gender issue...
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Quote:
As for the running and ducking and hiding......I expect better from the Administrator..... 
Was completely joking Gina. That's why I ran, ducked, and hid. Figured I'd get a broadside from someone! 
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
Ok....maybe I'll let you off, only cos I'm in a good mood.
But then again that could just be the wine I've been drinking.....
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 532
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I think Raven was a little jealous when she saw the Shiny Mulberry of my TA 05. She wanted you to paint her just like my Mulberry. You guys are driving me crazy, I'm starting to hear voices from black Triumphs!!!!!!
Where's my $6 million??
05 TR America;2010 T-Bird
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
I gotta jump in here... I saw two bikes in the dealership when I bought my bike... both Americas. One was mulberry and granite the other black. Now for background, I am a died in the wool, bleeding from ever pore a FSU Seminole. When I saw that mulberry and granite, it looked an awful like garnet and gold to me... REALLY like garnet and gold. I mean that bike just screamed I'm Seminole Garnet and Gold... BUY ME!!! I thought long and hard for about 2 minutes and still bought the black one. I heard those Black Triumph voices too...
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Posts: 2,626 |
Ah, a team reference. I'm a big Steelers fan, and when I saw my '03 TBS in black/yellow with the blacked out engine it looked masculine and tough. I think I picked the right name for it too, 'Steelheart'. Yeah I know, the engine's aluminum but its heart is a steel crank. But enough already with the sibling rivalry, they're both great bikes and I'm glad we have a choice.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: May 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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It's fairly obvious - The Black Speedmasters are the fastest, sexiest, offer the rider immortalitly, and actually restore ones virginity, all after one single five mile ride.
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,026 |
As Triumph has been a sporting brand, the Speedmaster fits that image, with the gearing, blacked out look and the sport wheels and better brakes ( I guess they know which one, when riden, will need the brakes), whereas the TBA is the laid back, grandpa type of vibe ( all that chrome, the spokes, the tube tires, the laid back seating position ).
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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i'll run my tba against your speedy and i will shouw you grandpa  j/k. it really comes down to seating position and weather you like black or chrome. other then that i wouldnt lose much sleep Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
i'll run my tba against your speedy and i will shouw you grandpa j/k. it really comes down to seating position and weather you like black or chrome. other then that i wouldnt lose much sleep
Frank
Yo, yute! come on with it! See ya in September and we'll show you that the Speedmasters are indeed, Masters Of Speed. 
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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 Re: Speedmaster VS American
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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lol pat you dont count, your the exception to the rule lol. give me a year or 2 and then i may take you up on that offer. and if i can get time off in september i will see ya there
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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