Triumphrat

aceuggy · 09-19-2009, 02:01 PM

Hi, I currently ride a Speed Triple and to be honest it does everything that I could ask of it, but I'm hankering after a slightly more relaxed style of riding. I have owned Harley's in the past, but they are just a bit too expensive for my budget so I'm staying with Triumph. My choices are the Speedmaster and the America though I am leaning towards the Speedmaster at the mo'. Can any of you good people give me some feedback, good or bad on these two models back to back to help me decide which one to go for, or indeed whether to just stick with my Triple.

Many thanks.

Speedy Dave · 09-19-2009, 08:44 PM

Very happy with my 2009 Speedmaster. Not sure if it helps your decision but I went in to buy the America and left with the Speedy. I like the bars, blacked out engine and front brakes better.

jimmy4871 · 09-19-2009, 09:18 PM

I went the america for the opposite reasons to Speedy Dave, I like the chrome and the bars are a little more suited to cruising.

Jonsun · 09-20-2009, 06:35 AM

I have recently moved from Speed Triple to a Speedmaster and loving every minute of it... The performance and handling are much better than I imagined it would be....but only your own style will decide whether to go for Speedmaster or America...either way you wont be dissapointed

colinm · 09-20-2009, 06:55 AM

+1 for the America, love the riding position.
Both are great bikes, but the America is a bit better

B02S4 · 09-20-2009, 11:24 AM

I had a LSL Superbike equipped Speed 4, with a similar riding postion to the older generation S3, & then added an 07 Speedmaster. I subsequently sold the S4 because I strongly preferred the SM. I found that adding footboards to the SM greatly improved my comfort.

robertrichhart · 09-20-2009, 12:00 PM

After owning an '08 America I would say it was a great bike for the money...no doubt. But, after trading for a '10 Thunderbird a couple of weeks ago, I would definitely recommend you at least consider the TBird as your move from the Speed Triple.... The TBird is the most powerful feeling engine I have ever experienced in a 'cruiser' style of bike. And it's handling is amazing! Kinda like riding an extra wide Thruxton on steroids...... This bike is also very easy to chill out on for just a relaxing sunny afternoon ride..... Just my opinion after experiencing the new TBird for a few weeks, but I am absolutely thrilled with my choice of the new TBird...... Well worth the cost difference from the Speedy or America in my opinion....

HumpedZebra · 09-20-2009, 02:12 PM

I posted the same question two years ago and several others have since. It pretty much comes down to personal preference. I went SM because of the dual discs in front.

In the mountains and canyons around here, I felt they would be less likely to overheat when used hard.

Also, less polishing, more riding.

I did,however swap for the America seats, that gunfighter is not for SWMBO.

skromfols · 09-22-2009, 10:47 AM

Go in to the dealers and take your time to look over each bike carefully, then spend some time sitting on each. Go have lunch, or a cup of coffee (or a beer), then come back and look at each again. What type of riding are you going to be doing? Will you have a passenger, and if so, consider the passenger accomodations. Are you going to use a windshield, if so, what do you think the bike will look like. Is that what you want? Both the Speedy and the America are great bikes, with similar power and handling, and both are reasonably priced.

The bottom line is the bike should make you smile each time you walk out and see it. Take your time and I'm sure one or the other will give you that special feeling that a new bike should.

Good luck in choosing.

venator1226 · 09-22-2009, 11:53 PM

I'm in the same boat...I have looked at the America and Speedmaster...I would really love to get the Thunderbird but that may just be too much bike for me (big check and a big bike!!)

I could much easier write out a check for the other two but am I going to be disappointed....Im coming from a 2007 Shadow 750 and wanting something with more power and that I could ride 2 up with my wife....

My ultimate question is ...are either of these going to have enough power above what my Honda has to ride 2 up (with or without mods) or should I just bite the bullet and write a much bigger check for the T-bird?