Triumphrat

Luziana_Geezer

Interesting. Since I own both a Speedmaster and a VLX, I would think your wife would find the much larger, more accessible VLX kickstand more to her preference. Since I am a mere 5'7" with an even slighter 24" inseam, I can understand her travail with these bikes — all three of them. Once they're upright, the Speedmaster has the advantage in maneuverability over the VLX, and this despite its more massive size; it's just that much easier to steer. What can I say? I enjoy riding them both, even though the insurance cost of owning two bikes with only one rider is a bit high.

As for America vs Speedmaster, I have a good friend who has a 2009 America, and find it to be just as much fun to ride as my Speedy, so I too wonder why someone's personal choice should be an issue here. I immediately liked the Cranberry color so I bought the Speedy on the spot. YMMV on colors, ya know.

vzshadow

Geezer,
What year is your Speedy? The wife's first look at an America was a year ago. She sat on it in the showroom. Knowing the the ergonomics were re-done 2011 she was disappointed with everything. Then the salesman pointed out that it was a used 2007. I guess were weren't paying attention. She popped on a 2012 model and found a world of difference. The bike is superbly balance, she could control it easily. Again as you sit down, it comes off the center stand into an upright position.

As winter is setting in here in the frozen tundra of Maine I doubt there will be any purchases until spring, unless a stupid good deal appeared. I made an offer on a 2012 America about 10 days ago. They turned me down but the bike is still sitting there. I'll wait a while and make the offer again.

Luziana_Geezer

It's a 2011, VZS.

tintinkerouac

Concur with everyone who says that it comes down to personal preference about the bars (that, and I dig the blacked-out look of the Speedy).

When I bought my 03 Speedmaster in fall 2008, I rode both Americas & Speedmasters and vastly preferred the drag bar set up on the Speedy. That is absolutely a preference issue--what feels best to your style and bio-dynamics.

I did worry about the less laid-back riding position on long hauls, but I've ridden it to Sturgis, to Cheyenne WY, and to San Diego CA from Ohio in succeeding years and found it very comfortable, even without a windscreen.

Army Mom

I just bought a 2004 Speedmaster two weeks ago with only 1,642 miles on it. My boyfriend has an America, and of course, believes it's the greatest of all bikes. I had wanted a Speedmaster for years and finally got it, black and yellow - beautiful. The reason I'm so attached to the Speedmaster is because I like the sportier powder coated engine instead of so much chrome, and I like the larger engine and duel disc brakes. The smaller fenders were also a plus. Bottom line, my boyfriend is happy and so am I with our choices. It truly is a matter of personal preferance.

meis3b

I would love to be able to afford one...but... sadly no What I am doing is taking a Legend TT after rebuilding the transmission and putting highway pegs on it. The bars are similar the seating is similar it came with a windscreen and sissy bar. The 900 Triple makes good power and the bike weighs a bit less. I have ridden both and the new Thunderbird (liked the America/Speedmater better), I will let you all know what I think. Though I may be prejudiced by that time having put all that effort into the Legend.

Soooo this spring I will have a poor mans Triumph Cruiser for about $2000 US

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Burton

"When the righteous Triumph, there is great elation" Proverbs 28:12

grzegorz

how 2004 speedmaster can have larger engine than America....???????? What year is america? hmmmmm

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poppy2006

I saw the America back in 2006 and was sold! I had always wanted a Triumph. Last March I bought one and am really enjoying it...I ride everyday rain or shine, cold or hot. Did not ride a "Speed" but for me the handles were too low and I did not like the gunslinger seat. But they are basically the same.

Cherokee48

I have a 2009 America which I love. I did have some issues with back and shoulders bothering me on long trips and I always felt like I was reaching for the handlebars. Replaced them with a set from a 2011 and now it is perfect for me. Got the bars off of eBay for $30. Also put on over sized grips which helped as I have some arthritis in my hands. Have owned all size bikes from 350cc to 1600cc and find the 865cc engine plenty for cruising and longer trips.

Zioo

As an owner of a 2011 Triumph Speedmaster, I can only say that the riding position was excellent for me and sold me on the bike. The comfort level and the handling were unbelievable. I customized the rear shocks but stuck with Triumph stock front springs which are perfect for any rider up to about 220 lb. I do 50 mile rides down to local commuting and do not tour on the bike. If I toured, I'd likely go for the America. I would not change the bars on the Speedmaster. I bought the Triumph aftermarket pipes and a gel seat. I wouldn't change much about the Speedmaster. I hated the stock Triumph saddle bags. I need bags because I carry a lot of stuff most of the time and the rack design for the Speedmaster also sucks as do the stock bags. I got a removable bag system and that works just right. I'm one of the few who has no trouble with the short sport windscreen made by Triumph, however with removable and locking upgrade with it. A K & N filter can be made to fit as well, but only with some difficulty if there are other upgrades like the intake aluminum ring that is an extra. Frankly the low end is hurt by that ring but it helps the high end. Will not work with the K&N, at least at the present time. Some of the aftermarket and upgrades do not work with the Speedmaster. Yet the bike itself is likely the best of all of the Triumph for comfort and riding in all modes, if not perfect for touring. Zioo