Triumphrat

cjpeltz

apologies if this has been asked and answered...what are the key non cosmetic differences between the America and speedmaster?

Findlay13

None.

except twin front discs on the speedy.The america seems to stop well enough with the single disc though.

Slinky

I think the new ones are all single disc.

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98 Thunderbird, 03 Speed Master

lgregory

The Speedmaster has "drag style" handle bars which for me are not near as comfortable as the America's. The Speedy bars are straight and do not bend back.

lgregory

The America's/Speedy's braking power up front whether dual disc or not is about the same. Same amount of hydraulic force is applied.

Findlay13

Yes,sorry that's true.they're now all single disc.

Luziana_Geezer

IMO the "drag style" style bars on my Speedy look way cool and are very comfortable. As noted above, the differences between the Speedy and the America are all cosmetic; they're the same bike mechanically.

Hyates

The front wheels are different. The America has a smaller diameter, but wider tire/wheel. The Spedmaster has a taller, but narrower tire/wheel.

The handlebars/risers have changed on the Speedmaster for 2011+ model years, as have the seat.

I like the direct feel with the drag style handlebars on my Speedy, however, they don't work for everyone. Rivco makes alternate risers. My wife and I have the stock setup, and they work well for us.

H.

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2007 Speedmaster Tornado Red/Black (Hers)
2010 Speedmaster New England White/Black (Mine)

Slinky

At the risk of sounding pedantic,

The Speedie has a 1/2" bore master cylinder, I think the BA has 11mm, same as the Bonnies. That would mean more fluid displacement and hence more braking effort for the same amount of lever travel.

Of course, that only applies to the twin disc Speedies, I expect the newer single disc ones have the same m/cylinder as the BA

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98 Thunderbird, 03 Speed Master

Luziana_Geezer

One of the true advantages of our drag style bars, H, are that it's easier to hold on when accelerating away from a traffic signal, thus making the Speedy rider assured that he will not be enmeshed with the 4-wheelers creeping off at the pace of a tortoise.