 How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Dec 2010
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Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2010
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Hello everybody...I'm new to the board and thinking of buying a new America or Speedmaster and was wondering the pros and cons for long distance travel. I like the Thunderbird but not sure if I want to shell out the extra money. Anyway just wanted to get the advice from the owners. Most of my riding would be around town and maybe a couple of trips per year.
Thanks
Randy
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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One or two up, Randy? (...btw, welcome to the forum!) 
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: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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Lots of us on here have done hundreds in a day, over one thousand in one day, hundreds over a week, thousands over a week, over one thousand in a weekend, you name it. Well, at least I've done all the above on my bike.  These are very capable machines. I ride two up also, my wife went to Sturgis with me and we averaged about 300 miles a day there, not including up and back home miles.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Well, I guess THERE GOES the advice I was gonna give to Randy about these babies being pretty good at one-up touring and only somewhat adequate for two-up. And so Dave, if you've ridden two-up all the way from St. Louis to South Dakota and back on your BA, and you and the Mrs found it satisfactory for doin' that, then who am I to argue with ya!
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: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
I ride roughly 450 miles each way every year when I go to Nelson. Those miles are all done one way and on a single day. No issues here!
Last year my GF (Karen) rode her bike, for the first time to Nelson, and she had no issues either.
They are very capable bikes.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,707 Likes: 3
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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Dwight, I must clarify though, she drove herself there and back while I rode, and parked the cage as soon as we got there. She's just not a fan of slabbing it all day. Still no problems two-up for any amount of riding we've ever done.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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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
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Quote:
How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
Fantastic!
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Dec 2010
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Thanks guys...probably solo when traveling and two up around town. I had concerns about being chain driven but after searching various posts on this site regarding chain life...I've placed that concern to rest. I have not ridden any of the new triumphs and plan to test ride one when this cold snap goes away. One other question: At what speed do you normally cruise at on the interstate?
Randy
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,707 Likes: 3
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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Quote:
One other question: At what speed do you normally cruise at on the interstate?
Randy
I try to go faster than the speed of sound 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,707 Likes: 3
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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really, I'm comfortable doing 80 all day
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
One other question: At what speed do you normally cruise at on the interstate?
No one here EVER exceeds the legal limits! 
Two years ago I was pushing 90mph, with a headwind, on I90 to Spokane. I was getting some crappy mileage but had no issue.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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Quote:
One other question: At what speed do you normally cruise at on the interstate?
About 70-80...depending on how fast those 18-wheelers are bearin' down on me. 
Here's the thing, Randy...the motors in these babies are smoooooooth through the entire rev-range, from idle all the way up to their redline, about 7000rpm. You'll be hittin' about 4000rpm at 70mph in top(5th) gear and about 5000rpm at 80mph. They just hummmmmmm along, all day long.
(...in other words, unless the bike "doesn't fit ya" for some reason, BUY THE SUCKER...you'll NEVER regret it!!!)
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: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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If by interstate you mean freeways, I sit on about 130 km which is 80 miles per hour. 
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: May 2006
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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for me, 75-80 on the speedometer is a perfect speed. The speedometer reads a little high, so true speed is probably low 70's. Its very comfortable.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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whats an interstate? back roads 60-70 mph.all day. or @ least as long as the fuel lasts!
"Got the wind in my face the road goes on for miles...."
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
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The more miles I can put on in a day, the happier I am! These are VERY capable bikes!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
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Quote:
really, I'm comfortable doing 80 all day
Yeah, but thats just Dave's in town speed.  These engines will pull 80 MPH with two up all day long. Ask me how I know. No, wait, ask Dave, cause he's how I know. 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
whats an interstate? back roads 60-70 mph.all day. or @ least as long as the fuel lasts!
+1
500 miles days are easy.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
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The longest single day ride I have taken was 400 miles. I did most of it at near 85 mph. The worst thing was the saddle soreness that comes with a long day like that. Matilda held up better than me. My wife and I have made some 300 mile trips, and the bike had noproblem with it ran fine. I think I got the best mileage I ever got out of her riding two up. One day the wife and I were riding the back country roads and it was cold out so we were cruising slow like between 45 and 60. That day we got nearly 50 mpg. I never got that good before or sence but well there you go. Its a d#mn good bike. I once thought I would try to trade my america for a thunderbird but just couldn't part with it.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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60-80 MPH is great. Makes the Interstate seem a little less obnoxious. Recommend using a windshield to block some bugs and leave you a bit less tired at day's end. Good luck and welcome!
John
============================
"The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is planning" - Charles Hutchins
2008 TBA / Black / NCHD Windscreen / Saddlebags / De-Baffled Pipes / Flat Black Console
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Twisty and/or two lane roads? 350-450/day. Super slab (it's necessary, sometimes, but obviously not preferred)? over 600/day.
Disclaimer: with Corbin seat with backrest, Windvest, Triumph footboards and (much more recently) rear driver pegs. Couldn't do it on the stock bike.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Dido on cruising at 75 to 80 mph on the speedometer (of course reading a little high) is perfect all day for me. I tend to get around 47 mpg at this pace and stop every 120 to 150 miles to take a gas, drink stretch the legs break. For fun I would ride less than 400 miles. After 4 to 500 miles, you are just trying to get somewhere quick!
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Welcome to the site Randy  As for your question, if I was to stand outside of my house and decide to go 500 miles in any direction, I would run out of land  But the bike would be quite capable of doing it, 2 up and loaded for a weekend
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Robin was OK for about a 200 mile ride on the back of my America. I had to put a sissy-bar and pad for her to even do that. She used to fall asleep on my Harley and a 400 mile ride was OK with her back in the day. She wanted something more comfortable for the longer touring, but I wouldn't go back to a Harley. For two up riding now, she sits on the back of a jap bike, a 2006 Venture. The Triumph is my toy and joy now, all mine! The most fun and reliable bike I have ever owned!
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Anderson, South Carolina to west of Indianapolis in one day. The bike took it fine, my neck, not so much, but I have neck issues anyhow unless I'm really religious about posutre, even when typing on the computer so it's not the bike.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Welcome Randy,you'll love the bike.your Height and weight could affect comfort.I find mine great but I don't do any long trips two up.Like Dave says 80 all day.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Just get her one of these. when not in use, it can be stashed. (oh and a black sharpie is good for getting rid of the purple flowers) http://buttybuddy.com/
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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You would be well advised to change out your stock seat and get a windscreen as soon as practical. These changes will greatly enhance your comfort and enjoyment of the bike on longer trips, and the windscreen will add a bit of safety from flying crap as well. While many would disagree with me on this, I found the Speedy to be just a tad light on the freeway when passing or being passed by 18 wheelers. Overall, the Speedy/America is a great all around medium cruiser, and you should have no problems at all on longer trips (as long as you change your battery more often than seven years and check your tire pressures from time to time  ).
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: May 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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To and from work is 107 miles- mostly interstate. With windshield, floorboard and corbin seat w/backrest the commute is fine. However, I wouldn't get excited about going on a roadtrip. Perhaps if mid-mounted footrest were installed. Love the America and it suits my riding style, but I'm anxious to see the rumored Trophy. Then we'll talk about traveling.
Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
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Quote:
However, I wouldn't get excited about going on a roadtrip.
No? I'd take mine across the country in a heartbeat. And for me at least, my America is more comfortable than my Trophy.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: May 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Quote:
However, I wouldn't get excited about going on a roadtrip.
No? I'd take mine across the country in a heartbeat. And for me at least, my America is more comfortable than my Trophy.
Wow! At hwy speeds, I have to "hold" my feet on the floorboards. Also, my knees have to squeeze the tank or they act like wind foils. That gets old.
Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Quote:
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However, I wouldn't get excited about going on a roadtrip.
No? I'd take mine across the country in a heartbeat. And for me at least, my America is more comfortable than my Trophy.
Wow! At hwy speeds, I have to "hold" my feet on the floorboards. Also, my knees have to squeeze the tank or they act like wind foils. That gets old.
I know what you mean about the knees catching wind. If you have Triumph boards that could be the problem. The OEM floorboard tip slightly down from their pivot point, causing one's legs to bend out into the wind. The rider really shouldn't have to tense up to get his/her knees tucked up close to the tank. I modified my board to tip slightly up, and now my knees rest comfortably against the tank pads without tensing any muscles at all.
Otherwise, there are many, many of us who ride huge distances with these bikes. It often takes a bit of tweaking to make them more comfortable, but long distance is well within the realm of reason.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 331
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Have done 800 ks in a days ride -one up- riders back rest-stock seats- no sore bum- Find that having a screen extends the distance that you can travel quite a lot and you do not arrive absolutely buggered!
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Mar 2010
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I've ridden my BA over 500 miles per day solo and two up both with and without a windscreen. Kuryakyn ISO grips and pegs with stock bars. To me it's as comfortable as any bike I've ever ridden. An indicated 80 mph is my preferred cruise speed, but I pretty much keep even with traffic regardless of speed. We've never had any real issue with power fully loaded two up.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 12
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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the longest I have done on the speedmaster is 640 in a day. dozens of 3-500 milers and several 2000 and 3000 miles plus trips (more days). No break downs, used up some tires, and came pretty close to running completely out of gas a couple of times. Rain, heat, hail, road construction, its all good.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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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 |
A couple of people here have done the Iron Butt thing on their America. 1,000 miles within 24 hours. My max is about 573 miles in one day and I was ready to get off. If you put the 19 tooth sprocket on your bike, cruising 75-80 is a breeze. You're not searching for another gear.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: May 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
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Quote:
Quote:
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However, I wouldn't get excited about going on a roadtrip.
No? I'd take mine across the country in a heartbeat. And for me at least, my America is more comfortable than my Trophy.
Wow! At hwy speeds, I have to "hold" my feet on the floorboards. Also, my knees have to squeeze the tank or they act like wind foils. That gets old.
I know what you mean about the knees catching wind. If you have Triumph boards that could be the problem. The OEM floorboard tip slightly down from their pivot point, causing one's legs to bend out into the wind. The rider really shouldn't have to tense up to get his/her knees tucked up close to the tank. I modified my board to tip slightly up, and now my knees rest comfortably against the tank pads without tensing any muscles at all.
Otherwise, there are many, many of us who ride huge distances with these bikes. It often takes a bit of tweaking to make them more comfortable, but long distance is well within the realm of reason.
What did you use to modify the floorboards?
Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,053 Likes: 6
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,053 Likes: 6 |
I've done just under 1700 kms over a weekend on the bike one up. No problems at all.
Bill in Ottawa drove his across Canada and the States several times.
The only problem you will have trying to drive 500 miles will be the delays everytime you stop for gas/food. People will stop you and ask countless questions about the bike. It is a magnet.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Hey Eddie, to answer your question about what I did with the floorboards... I fashioned a sort of cam (2 per side) which fits on the bolts that the boards swing on. It's a bit hard to explain but the cam is sized to lift the boards resting position. But what I also suggest is to replace those two bolts with one long one instead. This will give the boards much less room to flop around which contributes to them sitting at an angle.
Live to love, love to live.
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 Re: How is the America or Speedmaster for 500 mi Trips
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I'm over 69k miles on my Speedmaster now, first and only motorcycle I have ever ridden. I have done 600+ mile days. I have done several 400-450+ mile days two-up. I can't even tell she's back there, and she's not a small girl. I have ridden to the Georgia Rally from Houston the last two years, stopping only to sleep (not because I was ready to get off). I rode home both years straight through, over 800 miles this year as it was Mother's Day so I stopped at her house 80 miles North of Houston, and over 900 miles last year in 16 hours (I waited out a bad storm and stopped for food and gas a few times, only). And even then, after riding 2500 miles in less than a week, and after a 800-900 mile ride home, I don't feel a thing, or would not have a single reservation about getting back on again the next day to ride another several hundred miles. She's as comfortable to me as any La-Z-Boy recliner. Get the America for cruising, get the Speedmaster for riding more aggressively. It's all in the riding position/handlebars. I ride the Triumph Touring seat, which I found real similar to the stock Gunfighter in rider position, and nothing more than a Flyscreen to protect me from the wind. These are the perfect bikes! Light weight (500 lbs.), with all day torque and power (no T-Bird or Rocket III), enough to keep the grin on your face for every mile of it. Very dependable too, even now I won't hesitate to take off on another 2500 mile trip, and look forward to doing the same well after 100k miles. But that issue about being a magnet - that is a problem. Every where I go, every time I stop....people just have to come up and gawk and ask questions. Overall, I would replace her with the same exact bike in a heartbeat. If something ever happened to her, I would strongly consider buying another Speedmaster, but I would probably look to the secondary market for another 790cc engine, or at least for one with the old tank-style before they revised it to accommodate fuel injection. I love my kneepads! 
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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