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Touring comfort on an America/Speedmaster

32K views 27 replies 18 participants last post by  TriumphLance 
#1 ·
I currently own a 2004 Bonnie and a 93 Tiger, I use the Bonnie for blatting around locally and the Tiger for longer runs, rally's and touring but just lately on longer rides I've been getting a lot of knee pain ( I have knackered knees anyway) which has never been a problem in the past but I'm getting old and these things happen.
I think a cruiser may be the way to go I toyed with the idea of a Harley but I'm not that old yet and as I love the engine in my Bonnie (904 wiseco with mild tuning mods) I thought the America/Speedmaster route might be the way to go
How do you find the cruisers on comfort for longer trips and what are the options for hard luggage? I've not been able to find much apart from Givi from Norman Hyde.
Thanks
 
#2 · (Edited)
Speedmaster Tourer

Hi. I have a 2010 Speedmaster that I've adapted to touring. It's worked out GREAT! My wife has ample room and comfort, and the bike isn't lacking for power. Everything seem to work well, and we're pleased with our decision to go this route. We just didn't want another 700 lb machine to muscle around.



I've added the following:
Corbin Solo w/ pillion
Triumph backrest w/ luggage rack
Rivco passenger floorboards w/ relocation arms
Triumph lightbar
Triumph Roadster Screen brackets
Clearview Roadster screen
Edge saddlebags on Easy Brackets
Home made lower deflectors
Triumph dresser bars

I use a T-Bag for the luggage rack

EDIT: I thought I would need floorboards, but the pegs have worked out surprisingly well. I'm comfortable and I can change my foot position on them.

The EFI motors have the maximum torque much lower than the carb models. So, at 100 km/h, she's on maximum torque at around 3500 RPM. This works out very well for me and the terrain that I ride in. I seldom downshift on the hills at highway speeds riding 2-Up. This motor is very impressive, as you know.

I like the handlebars of the Speedmaster, so I haven't changed those. Some like to put America bars and risers on. The twin discs on the front wheel are effortless to use for 2-Up riding. Very little pressure required on the lever.

HTH,
H.
 
#23 ·
lower side screens

Hi. I have a 2010 Speedmaster that I've adapted to touring. It's worked out GREAT! My wife has ample room and comfort, and the bike isn't lacking for power. Everything seem to work well, and we're pleased with our decision to go this route. We just didn't want another 700 lb machine to muscle around.



I've added the following:
Corbin Solo w/ pillion
Triumph backrest w/ luggage rack
Rivco passenger floorboards w/ relocation arms
Triumph lightbar
Triumph Roadster Screen brackets
Clearview Roadster screen
Edge saddlebags on Easy Brackets
Home made lower deflectors
Triumph dresser bars

I use a T-Bag for the luggage rack

EDIT: I thought I would need floorboards, but the pegs have worked out surprisingly well. I'm comfortable and I can change my foot position on them.

The EFI motors have the maximum torque much lower than the carb models. So, at 100 km/h, she's on maximum torque at around 3500 RPM. This works out very well for me and the terrain that I ride in. I seldom downshift on the hills at highway speeds riding 2-Up. This motor is very impressive, as you know.

I like the handlebars of the Speedmaster, so I haven't changed those. Some like to put America bars and risers on. The twin discs on the front wheel are effortless to use for 2-Up riding. Very little pressure required on the lever.

HTH,
H.
Hi you say you made the lower screens do you find them efficient? also I presume you made the screens did you buy the brackets ?
 
#3 ·
I would recommend that you look thru the picture files...there are many America's and speedmaster set up for long distance touring...you could PM those owners on likes/dislikes of bike.....I only say this because of MC class I went to this weekend...these people are what you would call "long distance riders", most rode a BMW...
 
#4 ·
I had a 2009 Bonnie SE for 6 months, sold it in June and bought an 03 Speedie. I have to say that the Bonnie never felt right to me- the seat was like a plank and the shocks way to hard.

My first impression on the ride home with the Speedie was that it was like riding on air, the difference was huge. I find I can cruise quite happily at 80-ish, which is enough for me these days. I do have the BA seat(s) on mine and the butt interface is excellent.
 
#5 ·
The bike really is pretty comfortable for two-up riding and longer rides with a few mods.





Touring seat
Tall backrest with rack (tweaked for more comfort)
National Cycle Chopped Switchblade windshield
Progressive 440 shocks
Throttle lock
Tourmaster Cruiser III saddlebags

My SO and I have not had any issues putting in a couple hours between stops when traveling around MI. Granted, we haven't done any huge long distances, but we've gotten 4.5 hours from home without feeling beat up or fatigued.
 
#7 ·
I've not done too many long(ish) rides on my America but after a couple of hours in the saddle - my bum starts hurting. But that probably means I should stop and smell the roses :D
I've got back/knee/shoulder problems.[If I was a horse they'd shoot me!].I had my TBA seat repadded with denser foam by an upholsterer [who's also a rider]. I can do a couple of hours too,then my backside[along with everything else] starts hurting, but I find if I stop for just a couple minutes every hour and a half or so, I'm ok for more.
 
#8 ·
Used to drive a Honda CB1300 and damn! my hands would hurt. I think that my centre of gravity is too big (around the waist :) for that bike. Bought an America and have been very happy about the ergonomics. I can drive for over 200kms without stopping. Also the insurance went down significantly for the lower power/weight ratio. From 85kw to 45kw and I don't mind the loss of power.
 
#9 ·
I´m having a few probs with my speedy as regards comfort. I´m 6´3" and 96kg. I tend to get a bit of a pain in the ass ( my wife says thats cause I am one!) and my tail bone after about 60-80kms. I am playing with the idea of changing the seat and fitting a screen. Still love the bike though, but I have to learn to stay away from the motortways and keep to the back roads as that is where she really shines:D, the long motorway hauls are just knackering!
 
#10 ·
Hi, thanks for all the info, I agree with you Slinky on the Bonnie seat, went to Brussels on it in June, did the outward journey in 2 days an no probs but the one day trip home hurt like hell, my knees were OK though.
I've got a road test on Saturday on the Speedmaster and the Thunderbird, although to be honest I can't afford the Thunderbird but just want to see what a 1700 twin is like
 
#12 ·
I've toured on many bikes, most recently a BMW K1200 GT through the USA and western Canada. I did over 200,000 kilometres on a Harley Road King before that. There have been others...

I have not done any long haul stuff on my 09 America yet, but will. I have ridden some 3 hour stints one up and 2 hours 2 up. Although I am average height for a male (175 cm), it could be said I am short for my weight, thus testing the bike further :) The K's I have done on the Bonnie so far have been pretty easy so I look for many more to come... soon!

I did put ICON shocks on ASAP and Intiminators in the forks. It is a different bike with the suspension sorted. I have a Triumph backrest for my pillion. I use K-Drive bags which work great (except for the dodgy way they mount the carry handle which requires a small mod to prevent the carry strap pulling out of the mounting strap). A tool bag dangles lazily below the headlight.

I would like to try different pillion peg hangers to give my passenger more stretch room. We are currently looking for a bag to mount to the sissy bar.

I don't really worry about screens but acknowledge they can make a big difference.

I love it for touring so far, can't wait to test it further. It may lack some of the refinements and advantages of the other touring bikes I have owned, but not enough to make it a poor choice to see the country side. I love the simplicity of it and the lighter weight (K1200GT = 350Kg, Road King = 400Kg, America = 225 Kg, Al = too many Kgs).

Al
 
#13 ·
hi Bigaloz, I have a 2010 america. before you buy any passenger footrests try what I have done, remove the passenger footrest brackets and use the p/footrest to screw into the silencer bolt this moves passenger f/r forward 6"
Also fit a gel seat I bought one second hand vast improvement, also the screen allows me to cruise 80+ easy.
 
#14 ·
G'Day 1d2a3d4d5i6o,

Catchy name (daddio?)... :) Thanks for the tip on mounting the passenger pegs, I'll give it a go.

I know the screens help but I prefer to ride without it. I check out the gel seat thing.

Cheers (and beers)!
Al
 
#15 ·
touring

thanks Al - picked name as when i joined every name I put in was taken, so I thought id pick a name no one had.!!

you say you removed snorkle does this cause it to pop back on overrun.

I fitted a K&n filter but had all sorts of probs cutting out, popping back etc. even though I have TOR exhausts and ecu update.

in end had to put original filter back now runs great

you also say you removed AI any probs there? I take it that yours is a EFI model

regards

Graham
 
#18 ·
you say you removed snorkle does this cause it to pop back on overrun.

you also say you removed AI any probs there? I take it that yours is a EFI model
G'Day Graham,

I have an EFI model. The bike does pop occesionally when you back off, mostly downhill. Usually pops once each time I back off, not enough to worry me. I tried Forchetto's process to recalibrate the ECU. Basically, start the bike with no throttle (you can use the "choke" govenor if necessary, and run it for about 20 mins withoout throttle. I did this after removing the snorkle and it runs like a dream :D

Best,
Al
 
#22 ·
G'Day


View attachment 30305

Just picked up 08 America as I also intend several road trips in the coming year. Have had both America and TBird in the past, but cant go past these for touring comfort.

Pretty much set to go but will have to look around for an exhaust I can live with
Hey Pali, I like your set up - is that rear rack easily removable? Thanks!
 
#17 ·
Ey up mate!
Try an America - I have fitted Klikbag panniers - brackets fit in 5 minutes, lockable to bike but look like leather, rack with cissy bar and for UK winters the Triumph roadster screen. Avon tyres and a Scottoiler will complete the bike and with a large waterproof roll bag will enable two up camping. I found the Metzler "Marathon" tyre on the rear was aptly named - probably out last the rider in more ways than one! The Lazertech on the front tracked every imperfection in the road - of which we have many! PM me if you want more.
 
#19 ·
Highway pegs and throttle lock

I have a 2010 Speedy with a windshield and the large leather saddlebags. Works great on trips! I can do 200 kms or so before a break. I was looking at potting the dresser bars and highway pegs. Do they make a good difference? Does anyone use a throttle lock? Any recommendations on a brand?
 
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