Triumphrat

jockc · 02-09-2010, 06:12 AM

Okay...So I take the Bonni in for a 6K service and decide to wait until its done. During this time the salesman offers me over the odds for whats left on the bike and a 59 plate America with only 97 miles on the clock (not a demo either) for £5500.

My good lady has never liked the bonni, she says its too short and feels too unstable, she does however like the America (its a bit bigger and longer).

So my main question is whats the bike like two up? Is there anything I should look for? What mods make it more comfortable?

We intend to do a bit of gentle touring (built for comfort not for speed) so would it do? My Bonni is great for blatting about but I need something a bit more stable.

Cheers

Jock

Oakers · 02-09-2010, 06:49 AM

Hi JocKC

I use mine right thru the summer with my good lady on the back (and just me in the winter

), the bike is great loads of room. I have the short sissy bar, a bit of security for the missus. We cruised up the motorway at 90 no probs. Handling wise, I think as many say on here you would want to replace the rear shocks, I haven't yet but will at sometime cos I ain't getting rid of my America

. Since chnging my front tyre to an Avon Road Rider the stability has also improved when crossinh uneven road surfaces, no wobble at all now. Lastly my wife falls asleep on the back so it must be comfortable.

colinm · 02-09-2010, 08:31 AM

Hi JocKC

59 plate America with only 97 miles on the clock (not a demo either) for £5500.
I'd take it in an instant.

The America good for two up, 75+ all day no problem. As for pillion comfort(never been on the back myself) I've never had any complaints, but as Oakers said a sissy bar for security aint a bad idea.
Depending on weight i'd think about upgrading the shocks(I put on progressive 440s) it does make a differance to ride comfort.
As for stability and handling, I'm more than happy.

pjvenda · 02-09-2010, 08:54 AM

£5500 seems to me like a pretty good deal for an almost brand new america (with my favourite colour scheme)!

If you like/can live with a cruiser, then go for it. I would expect it to be a better tourer than the bonneville 2-up but improvements can be made nonetheless - suspension, tyres, seat(s), footpegs, handlebars...

I just bought a 59 plate speedmaster myself but I'm yet to take the missus for a ride, so can't tell from experience.

Good luck!
Pedro.

jockc · 02-09-2010, 09:51 AM

Apparently the guy bought it a few month ago and went to take it out the garage yesterday and dropped it on his leg, snapped the footpeg but no other damage, I think he got a bit of a fright as it pinned him down(go figure). Dealer said they would replace the footpeg. Its black with no extras on it that they have a record of. So its gonna cost me on accesories

Still it will be worth it in the long run.

pjvenda · 02-09-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jockc

Its black with no extras on it that they have a record of.

whoops, nevermind my comment about colour scheme. I read it in a signature above and somehow connected it to your post.

nonetheless, if you think that story is credible and if you are happy with the current state of the bike, it is still a very good deal!

At this point you should still take care with the engine as it is still in its running in period (regardless of the running in method of your choice).

What kind of extras are you considering for it?

LightningJack · 02-09-2010, 10:28 AM

Sounds like a decent deal, JockC. As for two-up, the America is quite comfortable. I agree with adding on the passenger backrest. Regarding touring longer distances, the stretched wheelbase is right at home, very comfortable and stable. By the way, what is the "59 Plate" version?

jockc · 02-09-2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjvenda

What kind of extras are you considering for it?

Dont know really, had a look at the list, obviosly the sissy bar and rack, pannier rails or the 18ltr panniers from Triumph (are they any good?) apart from that I don't know.......

By the way, what is the "59 Plate" version? Its a late 09 reg over here in the uk we have two registrations per year 09 for the begining of the year and 59 for later (I think)

pjvenda · 02-09-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightningJack

Sounds like a decent deal, JockC. As for two-up, the America is quite comfortable. I agree with adding on the passenger backrest. Regarding touring longer distances, the stretched wheelbase is right at home, very comfortable and stable. By the way, what is the "59 Plate" version?

In the UK since 2001 or so number plates reference the registration year of the vehicle via two numeric characters. a '59' plate (number plate "XX59 XXX" where 'X' is a letter) means the reg date was between Sep/2009 and Feb/2010.

...
'09' - Mar/2009 - Aug/2009
'59' - Sep/2009 - Feb/2010
'10' - Mar/2010 - Aug/2010
'60' - Sep/2010 - Feb/2011
...

pjvenda · 02-09-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jockc

Dont know really, had a look at the list, obviosly the sissy bar and rack, pannier rails or the 18ltr panniers from Triumph (are they any good?) apart from that I don't know......

Ah yes, you mean my list of extras :]

Luckily my speedmaster already had the sissy bar with luggage rack and big panniers. The sissy bar is what you would expect, the luggate rack has a large sticker saying "MAXIMUM LOAD: 3Kg"... don't know how this compares to other luggage racks...

The panniers... I find them pretty but cheaply built. It's thick but synthetic leather, both have the same 3Kg weight limit and mine have 95% of the rivets loose of the important junction that hold the bags to the section that goes under the seat.

I will eventually get the touring seat and change the mickey mouse mirrors. Then it's swapping the handlebar with an america one plus risers with 2" of further pullback...