Triumphrat

alvitdk

Hi, coming from 24 Years riding sport bikes, my 42 Year old back is in need of a more comfortable riding position so I put down the down payment last November for the new Tiger 800. Now, I never saw myself riding a cruiser style bike, somehow this seem to be for even "older" people (no offense ). Last Friday I brought my wife who starts out riding a nice beginner bike she liked, the Vstar 250.

Anyway, after riding the bike for the last 2 days to a big parking lot to practice her skills before going to take the MSF course, I discovered the great pleasure of riding a cruiser style bike, even though the 250 is a bit small on me. I could not stop grinning and loved the rumble of the exhaust.

So, after doing some research I will go tomorrow to my dealer, cancel the tiger 800 order and get myself either the Speedmaster or America.

Sorry for all this leading up to my original question, I tried to read lots of reviews but am still not sure about the differences riding wise. My dealer does not allow for test rides so I have to rely on you guys to tell me how much they differ. I love the black engine on the Speedmaster but think the America looks a bit more, how should I say...bigger. How do they compare in twisty roads, highway, 2 up and so on....any advise would be great.....can't wait, I think I was never that excited about any of my other bikes, thought about a harley, but there is something about the English Twins that feels (and looks) just right. I am also in the middle of rebuilding a 73' Tiger 750, and I love the sound!

Thanks...Tom

newzthou

hi alvitdk, although the'yre still essentially the same bike, I'd lean towards the america if you're going to be doing more highway work, two-up, and the speedmaster if you're more keen on solo twisty road cruising. Keep in mind, the drag bars on the speedy make cornering in the twisties easier to get confident about, but changing seats and bars on these bikes is easy, with a bunch of different choices. Go for the one you think looks prettiest, and modify from there. If your wife has her own bike now, I can't see you doing too many trips two up - why pillion when you can ride?? Good luck, and have fun.

Maybe go out of town a bit to a dealer that'll allow test rides? make him compete with the NY dealer?

alvitdk

Great Idea, unfortunately I am afraid if I go somewhere else I have to forfeit my 500.- non-refundable down payment on the Tiger 800
I will go there first thing tomorrow morning and see what they can do, they should have no problem getting rid of the Tiger as it is in very high demand. I hope I make the right decision after waiting for the last 4 month on the Tiger, this is really a gut decision, it just feels and looks right.

newzthou

the out of town dealer doesn't need to know, ride his bikes, take his card, make non-committal noises, and regretfully let him know later that you got the america/speedy from another dealer. I still can't believe they make you buy a bike without being able to ride it first. I know fuel is getting expensive, but ffs.

alanrco

Hmmm, I wouldn't buy a bike without trying it first. Never came across that problem before. Must be a crap dealer! Although, in his defense I guess the 2011 models may be a bit scarce atm and he's not been able to aquire enough bikes to use one as a demonstrator. Did you get to ride the Tiger before you commited?

BTW, I guess you know that the tacho is an extra on the America but comes as basic equipment on the Speedmaster? Haven't a clue why that is.

alvitdk

Thanks, indeed I bought several bikes without test riding it first
The Tiger was ordered unseen just by specs, but so was my YZF600R and way back my CBR.

Not worried about it really, I did test ride the 2010 from a friend on mine and it was great, so I guess the new 2011 should be even better by the looks and reviews of it, but since I never really had a cruiser I would like to try the one I order.
Anyway, changed my order already and will see what I get, I am convinced it's a great bike....love the sound of the twin...and yes he does not have a demo available.

newzthou

i reckon the tacho on a speedmaster is just fluff anyway - it's not the kind of bike you're watching the needle race towards redline before race shifting into the next gear on.....bike should be loud enough to know exactly what kind of revs you're doing.

1d2a3d4d5i6o

America America America!!!!

As stated in previous opinions, they are roughly the same bike, so if you did get the 'wrong one' a few parts off that well known auction site would have it as you want it.
when I knew what bike I wanted 'THE AMERICA' I had 3 months before delivery, so in that time I aquired a pair of TORs, screen, gel seat and rear rack, all at half price or less.

I went in the dealers to buy a Bonneville I sat on the full range but they all seemed 'small' I sat on the America and decided that this was the one, I was asked if I wanted a test ride, but I refused.

My first ride out on my America proved I had made the right decision, although the forward pegs do take a little getting use to , I would never go back to a normal bike.

The America or Speedmaster or any of the Bonneville bikes are idea as they are affordable and hold their value, ( look at the resale prices) they are economical, cheap to insure, relatively easy to work on, easy to clean and although not road rockets will keep up with most bikes driven at the legal speedlimits.

And it passes my pick up test, on occasions bikes have a tendency to how can I put, it fall over riders error or nature. The America is a easy lift by one person, last month I had to assist a rocket 3 rider wright his bike, after whilst manoevering he stepped in a hole and the bike fell over

I love the new 2011 america but cannot justify parting with my 2010 model.

regards,
GC

leemadinger

I have the tach on my America, and find it useful because I can look at it and tell what gear I'm in.

As to choosing either the America or Speedmaster, I would sit on both of them and decide which handlebars feel more comfortable. The pulled-back bars of the America make you sit back and up a little straighter.

While some people want the Speedmaster for the dual rotors on the front brakes, I have never had an issue with my brakes not being sufficient on the America.

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Lee

FAT BIKER

I have the same headache (nice to know I'm not alone) Made a booking for a test ride on the speedmaster and tiger 800 at my triumph dealer this weekend. Just came on the forum to help me to decide (HAS'NT HELP) The only worry I have is speed,with the speedmaster do not need alot getting older now still enjoying the ride (more ways then one) just need to step off the bike at the end of the days ride not fall off. Hopefully the test ride will help. how it stands so far 65% speedmaster