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Coming back to the fold
#601658 06/05/2021 11:21 AM
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Hairdoo Offline OP
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Hey y’all. After dalliances with a rocket, a storm, a 98 bird, and a Honda, I’ve realized the america is the bike I should have kept. I’ll want to move the controls a little more mid position - better on my tailbone - but Fasteddy can get me on that.

So I’m looking for an america now. Torn between wanting the old school tank vs wanting tubeless and larger engine. (Open to opinions…)

Anyone selling a good one?

I hope to have relevance here one day again soon!


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601659 06/05/2021 9:47 PM
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Speedmaster has always been tubeless. I like my 790 engine, no need for larger for me.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601660 06/05/2021 10:15 PM
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Like you, I 'messed around' with others scoots. When my Superglide got too heavy, I was able to score my second America, a 2010 about 4 years ago.

I'm pretty happy with it. Just my opinion, but I get better mileage and performance over my old 790 carbed bike. I'm a go-fast rider. My 790 routinely gave me mid to high thirties. My FI 865 turns in mid to high 40's. My 865 seems to have a bit more torque and horsepower as well.

Especially like the tubeless tires for safety reasons. Years back, a friend had a blow out on his rear tire at speed and nearly lost control. He had wire wheels on his '02 America. I've heard that tubeless tires don't have blow outs.

I also like the look of the mag wheels. Admittedly some do, some don't.

The larger tank is nice and looks great from the side - I do miss the wasp shaped tank of the 790s, but I don't miss the cheap looking flange underneath it.

Brakes and handling are as good as my old 790. YMMV. That said, if I were in the market I would be happy to buy a low miles 790 or an 865 bike in good shape - both are fine bikes.

Welcome back!


John 3:16
let's ride...

1969 Triumph Trophy 500
2004 America
2010 America
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601661 06/06/2021 3:10 AM
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Tubeless tires are more likely to have a blow out than a tube type but neither do that often. I had a blow out on my Speedmaster once, rear tire with my grand son on the back. That was a tubeless tire. I have never had a bow out on any of the tube type I have owned in 40 years of riding.I am not speaking of flat, I have had flats on both kind but full inflation to zero in a split second only once and that was tubeless.
790 has a better grind on the cams, pretty much optimal for a stock engine, 865, not so much.

Last edited by The_Dog33; 06/06/2021 3:13 AM.

I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601662 06/06/2021 8:10 AM
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Yes, Roadie. I guess that's where I am - pros and cons. It'll really come down to what's available, cost, equipment, etc...


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
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Re: Coming back to the fold
The_Dog33 #601663 06/06/2021 8:13 AM
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I had one "flat while going 75" but not really a blow out - on a tubeless rear tire on my storm. It was....unpleasant. But better than a true blowout. I didn't know that about the cams. More info for me to consider.

Thanks!


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601664 06/06/2021 10:34 AM
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You can put 790 cams in an 865


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601665 06/07/2021 1:18 PM
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"Tubeless tires are more likely to have a blow out than a tube type but neither do that often. I had a blow out on my Speedmaster once, rear tire with my grand son on the back. That was a tubeless tire. I have never had a bow out on any of the tube type I have owned in 40 years of riding.I am not speaking of flat, I have had flats on both kind but full inflation to zero in a split second only once and that was tubeless.
790 has a better grind on the cams, pretty much optimal for a stock engine, 865, not so much."

"I had one "flat while going 75" but not really a blow out - on a tubeless rear tire on my storm. It was....unpleasant. But better than a true blowout. I didn't know that about the cams. More info for me to consider."

Hey Hairdoo - Long story short - either bike would be great - I've had both. When I got in the market the second time the 865 was the one that was available. Would have jumped at a decent 790 had one been available, too. One advantage with carbs is you can change pipes and jetting without fooling with the changing the computer settings on the FI, etc. My carb 790 always started and ran flawless (had it about 9 years), cold weather or hot, rain or shine - like my 865 FI.

Dog's an expert on our bikes. I'm just a rider - 50 years. I'm hoping some of the other folks will chime in with their ideas...

I notice Haymarket isn't that far from Bull Run. I lived down in Stanton for 4 years in the 60's. Shenandoah Valley, beautiful country!


John 3:16
let's ride...

1969 Triumph Trophy 500
2004 America
2010 America
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601670 06/08/2021 6:49 AM
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Thank you but I am not an expert, I am a mechanic and been working on bikes for most of my life but there are those here who know our bikes better than I do from experimentation.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601672 06/08/2021 8:54 AM
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Thanks, Roadie. That's kind of where I am now - on americas - what's available - then start choosing. I have ridden down that way a lot (staunton, harrisonburg, luray, all along the shenandoah valley) - it's one of my favorite places to ride.


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601674 06/10/2021 3:33 AM
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I'd agree that either bike is great... My 790's were definitely quicker but had less torque and midrange than my 865's.
My only real advice is to avoid post 014 models which have canbus systems...they have a cut out engineered in at 97mph. When I had my 865 LT I found it so frustrating to be left in the dust by my friends old speedie that I sold the bike.
My ideal is an 08 865 with the nicer white face Speedo and prettier tank.
Current beast is a speedie of that year with America upgrades..eh seat, bars and the like.
Al


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601675 06/10/2021 7:41 AM
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Thanks, Al. Too late for me - I bought a 2016. Just waiting on the shipping. But I rarely go over 75 and prefer to stay on secondary roads. I've had my former rocket up to 115 and my former storm up to 110. That was plenty for me. I'm moving back to an america because I figured out I like to cruise and relax, so, I was willing to give up some power (along with some weight) for that and just enjoy the ride.

I do appreciate the info, and followed some threads with you and (pieman?) on getting a scrambler speedo and later america tune, if I ever do want to tune the limiter out.

Thanks for the info!


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601676 06/10/2021 1:08 PM
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Hairdoo - Congratulations on your new America! You live in a great area for riding and in my opinion you just bought a great bike for it, enjoy!


John 3:16
let's ride...

1969 Triumph Trophy 500
2004 America
2010 America
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601677 06/10/2021 1:12 PM
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thanks! I'm excited about it!


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601678 06/10/2021 4:33 PM
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Best of luck...I'm sure it'll work out well...and yes Pieman ( alias TTP) can now cure the limiter I believe.


I took the Road Less Travelled. Now where the ****** am I?
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601679 06/11/2021 9:13 AM
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Welcome back (from another from VA). When I started riding again in 2007 after 20 year hiatus while my daughter was growing up, I got an '06 America 790. I also went through several bikes up to a T-Bird, two Tigers, Legend, an America LT & Speedmaster. For various reasons, I'm back on an America (2008) I still have the '06 Tiger 955i though. When it's time to get down to one bike, it'll probably be the America, though I currently ride the Tiger more.
I think you'll be fine with the '16. They're fun and nimble, and you should be able to get 50+ MPG if ridden moderately.


The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601691 06/21/2021 7:23 AM
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...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601693 06/22/2021 12:56 AM
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Beautiful bike! Really like the color. Looking forward to your ride report / review. How does it stack up to your old Rocket and Storm? While it can’t outrun either of your old rides, I think you’ll find that your new America is no slouch when it comes to performance… Enjoy!


John 3:16
let's ride...

1969 Triumph Trophy 500
2004 America
2010 America
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601696 06/22/2021 7:39 AM
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Thanks, Roadie. So far I’m loving it! Exactly what I wanted. I do need to get rid of the heel shifter. It’s always in the way and I don’t use it. And I have a saddleman seat on the way. The mustang scrunches me forward. I love the paint. I was surprised how nice it is. My old 02 (and even my 12 storm) didn’t have nearly as nice a paint job. Now if I can just keep the cat off it….


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601700 06/23/2021 2:13 PM
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Excellent! Let us know what you think of the saddleman seat!


John 3:16
let's ride...

1969 Triumph Trophy 500
2004 America
2010 America
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601717 07/01/2021 12:44 PM
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so far the saddlemen seat feels like it's going to need a long break in.....while it's great at keeping my weight off my tailbone, it also puts a lot of pressure on the two "butt bones" or whatever they're called.

I have a clearview shield on order. I'm super excited about that. pics when I get it.

My buddies and I are riding down to gatlinburg next week. I think I'm going to leave the mustang on for that trip rather than use the trip to break in the saddlemen seat.

I ordered bags and easy brackets from eddy. looks like they'll arrive before the trip - so, those should go on this week (for the trip).

I've never used easy brackets before. I have always liked the bags to be tighter to the bike than that. so, we'll see. the reason I went with them this time is I don't intend to leave them on all the time.


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601720 07/02/2021 1:33 AM
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Thanks for the info on the Saddleman! Reminds me of the Corbin I had on my 04 - it looked amazing, but it felt like a concrete. I bought an Airhawk and never looked back.

I currently run OEM Triumph bags on my ‘10, like Corbin saddles, they look great but using them isn’t. Easy brackets does push the bag width out a bit, but the convenience is worth it.

Nice to be able to get the whole saddlebag off in seconds to adjust the chain, wash the bike, etc. And when you want to go without, same story.

With the brackets saddlebags can go with you in the motel, No worries about stuff inside them getting “lost” while you sleep.

How about a short review of your new-to-you bike when you get back from Gatlinburg?


John 3:16
let's ride...

1969 Triumph Trophy 500
2004 America
2010 America
Re: Coming back to the fold
roadie #601744 07/12/2021 9:49 AM
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so....I prob should have ridden the saddlemen. Trip ended up being about 1300 miles of riding. so, it would have been totally broken in by now. as it was, the mustang really just doesn't fit me....I would have been happier breaking in the new seat. but- I only know that because that's what I did....lol.

I'm happy with the easy brackets. they didn't end up making things look too broad from behind, and easy to take on and off.

the bike itself performed pretty flawlessly on the trip. I was riding with three friends (two on ultras and one on a giant indian roadmaster). I'm generally the road captain - so, I was up front on the america most of the time and had no issue with leading at a good speed everyone was comfortable with. I tended to lose them on the twisties (we spent some time on Blue Ridge Parkway, diamondback, some other mountain roads).

I'll say I'm looking forward to my new clearview shield arriving. the summer screen was fine...but would like a little better coverage and some cleaner air moving around me. the summer screen was a little buffety.

late afternoon on a hot day is my least favorite time to ride. the air is unstable and it feels like everything is vibrating....and we did a lot of late afternoon riding. I survived ;-)

I believe at (now a little over 14K miles) this bike has likely not had the 12K service (it was at 13040 when I got it). the valves are awfully noisy at this point, so, I may have that checked out. (I draw the line at valves - as far as what I'll do myself).

the tires look like they have plenty of life....but they definitely have no real stop point when leaning to turn (if that makes sense) - most bikes I've had - including prior america - felt, as you pushed over to lean for a turn, like it had a sweet spot where it stabilized in the lean. this bike / these tires feel like it'll just keep going over until you're laying on the ground. i guess if i were a sport biker I'd love that - but I find it disconcerting.....so, I *may* look at new tires at least to start next season.

in the "fun" department, some kind of hornet got into my sleeve on blue ridge parkway and stung me 5 times before I was able to stop and get my jacket off and kill the bee when it fell out....(I assume a hornet of some sort since it could sting multiple times). Luckily I'm not allergic to bees (last I knew) - but we were about to get off the parkway for gas anyway (25 miles ahead) - so, I grabbed some benadryl while we were off, just in case.

overall - great trip, fun riding, hot weather, and I learned a lot.


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
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Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601745 07/12/2021 11:19 AM
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All bikes are different but I did my 12,000 service at about 14,000 and it really could have gone longer but brought all the valves back into about mid way of the spec. next adjustment was at 30,000 and didn't need any adjustment.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601747 07/13/2021 10:00 PM
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Thanks Hairdoo! Great ride report. Glad you survived the hornet ordeal - I've gone through that myself, more than once. Not something you forget soon. Benadryl is your friend.


John 3:16
let's ride...

1969 Triumph Trophy 500
2004 America
2010 America
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601784 08/02/2021 12:34 PM
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I just received (and installed) my clearview shield. I haven't ridden with it yet - that'll be tonight after work.

But as far as fit and finish, I'm super happy with it! It mated right up with the existing mounts for the quick release summer screen.

I'll take a ride with it, as well as upload some pics once I get it out in the sunlight. More to come.

Last edited by Hairdoo; 08/02/2021 12:35 PM.

...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601786 08/02/2021 6:53 PM
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I’ve had my Clearview for several years and more than 5,000 miles. Still looks as good as the day I installed it. I think you’ll be happy.

Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601787 08/03/2021 6:55 AM
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I’m very happy with it. I got the medium height. I still get plenty of air, but it’s clean (non-buffeting) air.

[img]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cWwFfPKeWc0YNdgW2XDx8tudDj-WZ6yp/view?usp=drivesdk[/img]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cWwFfPKeWc0YNdgW2XDx8tudDj-WZ6yp/view?usp=drivesdk

Last edited by Hairdoo; 08/03/2021 6:58 AM.

...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
Re: Coming back to the fold
Hairdoo #601791 08/05/2021 4:08 AM
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I see you got the vent. They didn't offer that when I ordered mine.

How do you like that feature?

Nice looking bike BTW.

Re: Coming back to the fold
Hermit #601792 08/05/2021 9:31 AM
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It's interesting....they didn't offer it in any way that I could see either. But they had to call me because of some issue before they made the shield and I said "why don't you have a vent option?" and they said "we do!" - so, I added it.

I like having the vent a lot - not so much for cooling off, but for changing air flow in different conditions. Like when it's a hot afternoon, and the air is cooling off, but the road has a lot of heat coming off of it, the air feels more unsettled and buffety.....adjusting the vent seems to help reduce some of that.

And thanks! The one thing I was a little surprised about was that the recurve is barely noticeable. I had assumed it'd be more visibly apparent. It's def there - but very subtle. I have no idea if it does anything, but hey....lol


...you're gonna feel a little pressure....

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