Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Ok I give in..I want another TBA.

I'm not entirely sure why I keep doing this but I do.
I keep hankering after another TBA
I've thought about the new 1200 Speedys but they just don't do it for me.
I already have two fine triumphs...Tbird 1600 and an immaculate Tiger 955i with all the desirable mods.
But I so so miss the TBAs
The look is perfect, at 6'3" the size is right, my wife loves the pillion and I've done many many thousands of miles on my previous 3 TBAs.
I always wanted a bit more oomph when I ran them but, WTF, they did all I really needed. We toured two up and other than the pogo rear shocks it was never an issue.
There's now a delicate conversation to have with HER.
I've seen one I want.... gorgeous Goodwood green and silver 790, well cared for and I Want it.
BUT
I'm 67..if I get the virus I'm not even in the queue for a ventilator.
I've got a couple of underlying heath problems.
God knows when I'd get to pick it up or ride the TBA if I bought it
Plus I've just been called back to my original health care profession because of the current situation
So, I could end up dead with 3 surplus bikes for my Beloved to dispose of
But on the other hand, it gives me something to live for doesn't it?
So
I'm waiting for the right moment to have the conversation.
What would you do? ( As if I didn't know).
Watch this space.

I feel (felt) your dilemma, and did something about it.
Currently:
'12 TB 1600
'06 Tiger 955i
'08 AmeriMaster
'14 America LT
(so many bikes.... so little time!)

That's the way to do it.
( " Money fer nothin and yer chips fer free)
Apologies to Dire Straits for this misquote

It sure isn't hard to give you advice from what you've said! You only live this life once and at your age (and I'm gonna be 63) you should get what you want. For myself, I absolutely LOVED my 02. But after 5 years and 40 K, I did finally tire of it some. Bought the Indian and never really missed my America. But still one of my most loved bikes ever!

I'd prolly buy the bike... We're only here once,eh?

I'm 70, with a bad heart, and bought my second TBA a few years back. You're right, we could go soon, and the TBA, yeah, it could use a wee bit more go power, but what the heck; it does everything just fine. I got rid of my 04 and a few bikes and years later, had to get another America. So glad I did!
Sometimes, ya just gotta ride!
Good luck with your choice!! Stay healthy!

There is a lot of good gear out there to get a bit more pep out of a TBA, can often be cheaper than selling and buying something bigger..just sayin..

Thanks folks that's exactly what I need to hear.
In fact I'll not want to upgrade the performance on a TBA...if I want to go fast my old Tiger 955i is well capable of scaring the bejabbers out of me.
It's interesting that, when I told my friend Clive that I wanted another TBA he was more than enthusiastic....he sold an 04 Speedy last year to a friend and still has to see it riding round the neighbourhood ( note the essential ' u' in that word, Dwight).
I suspect he's currently scanning eBay UK for another one too.
Now all I need to do is have that diplomatic conversation with my Beloved.

I got the 1200 speedmaster and it's a good bike for me especially since I did the de-cat.More and more my go too bike.It's more nimble and handles better than the 07 America, and more powerful of course. It makes the 07 seem archaic with it's EFI and electronic trip meter,cruise control,fuel gauge,traction control etc.etc.
BUT I am so glad I kept the old school carb America too.It's powerful enough cruises excellently,rides better on the highway ,and is more comfortable.Also the 1200 would be too cramped for you Alan as you have stated.I am 66 and pretty busted up.Just had a stent put into one of the triple bypasses I have.So everyone get to doing whatever you want right now because no one knows when the final bell is going to sound.

Having just lost Porkchop suddenly that strikes a cord with me and I hope we all have plenty of time yet.

I say buy the bike. As for the rest of it, if you are gone, its not your problem is it. Plus that goodwood green and sliver, IMO one of the best factory paint jobs ever.

Isn't it a beautiful paint scheme?

Yes I echo all your sentiments above.......on the assumption I get approval from my Beloved, I need to find a way to check my balance on my bike slush fund account....I don't do internet banking so it'll need a trip into town for that.
Ought to be plenty enough dosh in there.

Hmmm I'll probably have to give that particular bike a miss. Overdue it's big 12k service so I'd need to budget for a valve shim...I'm too old to tackle that in my front garden. Seller won't come down enough on price to make it worth buying and getting the job done.
I could take a chance on it being ok but I'd only worry.
On the plus side, my Beloved didn't hit the roof at my wish for another TBA.
Anyone in UK wanting to sell a decent TBA with carbs and the later style crankcase mod, I'd love to hear from you.
Meantime I'll keep looking. Something will turn up.

It's been a while, but when I had my '02 790 AMERICA, it didn't even need the valves adjusted until over 24,000 miles. If the bike seems well cared for and no funky noises, I don't think it'd bother me too much. That being said, I do have a place to do my own checking & adjusting.

My 04 790 had just a couple valves out of adjustment at 12,000 and even those were so close they would have been fine for a while and I have not had the valve cover off since.

Thanks folks but as we're on lockdown I can't travel the 120 miles to even take a listen to it.
Yes it might be fine but I've not been lucky in the past.
If I have to wait then I'm not spending anything much these days...I've got regular payments going into my slush fund account so the final bill will be that much less painful if I have to wait a bit.
All the same I'm looking with serious intent...if I see the right bike at a good price I'll buy.
I can also go for an early model...my friend who, unlike me, hasn't got dodgy hands has offered if necessary to fit any purchase with a safestart.
So that widens my search criteria a good deal...plus I like the early paint schemes.
So, please be patient and put up with my occasional flurry's of enthusiasm, followed by nothing happening. I'll get there either sooner or later.
Al

It's indescribable how, when this two-wheeled bug gets into one's veins and you find yourself getting up in years, that a common series of thought enters the mind; "Do I ride enough to justify having and maintaining this small stable?", "Should I give this up?", " Aren't you tired of reaching over and tripping over motorcycles to get a broom in the corner of the garage?", "Who's going to want all this stuff when I'm gone?", "At this age, how difficult will it bee to heal after an accident - If I'd even survive it?", Yes, I have all these thoughts and a plethora of similar ones all the time. Truth is, the immediate answers to many of those questions is - Get them out of your hair while you still can and move on. But, I just can't do it. Those several hundred mile rides to no place unparticular have become just 5 - 10 mile rides to a bike night, car cruise, or, just an ice cream cone. Those almost daily rides have changed to once per week or sometimes month. The days of riding year round have changed to warm seasons only. The days of riding for hours in a downpour have become fair weather only. Still, I just can't do it. The bug still swims in my veins. The dream of one really big adventure reappears each time I straddle a saddle. And some days, just sitting on the garage floor with a hand full of tools or some polish and rags does what that long ride of yesteryear once did, So, in short, if you want the bike - forget all those thoughts of apprehension - Get the bike.

Thank you
I'm completely with you on those thoughts.
I'm still actually thinking about the Goodwood green one... will come to a final decision soon.
I have a trump card to play...out in my shed today I unearthed lot of Guzzi stuff from my time riding Californias.
My wife doesn't want me to have another Guzzi ( hates to see a grown man cry, she says) so a gentle hint a buying another and she'll see the attraction of the TBA.

As long as I can get from my wheelchair onto the bike I'll probably still be riding. I like to play with antique tractors too.

Seize the day with a TBA!!!

Working on it...honest.

I have always thought the older America and Speedmaster are one of the best motorcycles ever.
There is no one thing you can say it is top of class in, but the overall package is just something special to ride.
I own the very bike you are looking at the 2005 Green and Silver.
I have spent more money on mods and upgrades than I spent on the bike used in 2015 and she is worth every penny.

I plan on her being next to my casket instead of those damned flowers when I pass.

Buy it.

I have more dollars than sense in my 07 SM. That said, the way the bike is set up, it is such a joy to ride. I have no plans to sell it!

I know...I have a photo of your own bike downloaded to my phone.
It's superb.