Triumphrat

singular · 10-13-2012, 07:49 PM

Hi, I'm a new rider researching and trying bikes before I buy my first one. For middleweight cruisers the Speedmaster compares favorably for me on so many levels. It's almost perfect, actually. One thing I'm concerned about is the cornering clearance seeing as it's a cruiser. During a test ride I didn't want to scrape it and didn't get a feel for how hard I can push it in corners. For you experienced Speedmaster / America riders, how does the cornering clearance fare for you? Do the pegs or does the exhaust scrape first? Would you like more clearance?

I have read that among cruisers the Speedmaster and America are near the top of class in terms of lean angle which is one reason I'm pursuing the model. I recognize if I really want to lean then I should pursue other types of bikes, and I have a list accordingly, it's just that the Speedmaster has everything else I'm looking for.

Would it be heresy to raise the suspension? Can it be done? Would this ruin the center of gravity / dynamics?

Thanks for any answers you can give me.

steve0suprem0 · 10-13-2012, 08:10 PM

pegs scrape before exhaust, and i do it frequently enough that i bought titanium lean sensors to throw sparks. seriously a spry bike.

duncan67 · 10-13-2012, 08:59 PM

I own an america ,as said already the lean indicators hit before anything else. They corner very well but as a new rider I would be more concerned with going slow and upright for quite a whyle before wanting to kneedrag.

BobKreyole · 10-14-2012, 06:45 AM

I am a new rider who purchased a Triumph America. I say, go for it. Quite a few new riders have purchased Speedmasters and Americas as their first ride. You don't need a starter bike if you have the right mind set and take it slow and know your limitations. Take the MSF courses, and ask a lot of questions.

Enjoy

vzshadow · 10-14-2012, 09:03 AM

Interestingly I test rode a Speedy last week. It was used with 1875 miles and of all things a center stand. I absolutely love the bike. Peppy with plenty of power but not a huge excess of power. I found the steering very responsive for a cruiser. As the test ride was coming to an end I had to make a left turn after being stopped at a traffic light. Dang I scrapped something. I don't know if it was a peg, I don't think so as I heard it but the left foot didn't sense it, or the center stand, but either way I wasn't even trying.

cwood · 10-14-2012, 09:21 AM

Buy the Speedmaster and take the MSF courses. If you work at riding it well, in a few years you will be able to discern whether you would like something different. You can always add an old beater to ride hard and fall down on, finding the edges of traction and your ability. There is a lot more to riding well than dragging the pegs IMHO.

singular · 10-14-2012, 01:21 PM

Thank you all for your responses! You all sound very positive about your Speedmasters/Americas.

I've taken the MSF and loved it. My instructor told me roughly the same things you have: as long as I'm smooth with throttle and clutch control and cognizant of my limits, then I should get the motorcycle I intend to grow into. It's nice to know there are others who have chosen Speedmaster/America as their first bike without problems.

I am also kind of a safety geek and have a white snell-approved helmet and a white jacket lined up, and have a parking lot available for drills etc.

I don't intend to be scraping any pegs or dragging my knees for a long time. I just don't want to feel limited when the time comes to expand my skillset.

vzshadow: Any idea what you scraped? Sounds ominous!

I don't suppose anyone's felt the need to raise the suspension?

I'm a hair away from making the decision. I'm also looking at a couple of standards like the new Moto Guzzi V7 Stone. But something about standard position makes me feel like I'm going to fly over the handlebars (as opposed to the recessed cruiser feeling). Plus, where I live, a standard bike seems kind of vulnerable on the big roads.

I may also be able to get a deal on an America. Is it easy to black out the America and change the handlebars to the straight version? I kind of like the larger front forks/wheel on that bike.

duncan67 · 10-14-2012, 01:35 PM

You wont feel the need to raise the bike at all but many get better proggressive rear shocks and upgrad the front fork springs to something better. For the first year or so on it you will be totally pleased with the sm or ba. I have kept mine stock in the suspension and im happy with mine and Im a big guy.

vzshadow · 10-14-2012, 04:01 PM

I'm pretty sure it was the center stand. The salesman told me he had never seen a center stand on a Speedy. It wasn't bad, I was just surprised. I left my Honda Shadow and the cruiser world because I scraping the pegs all the time. I ride a Bonnie now, but am considering an America or Speedy.

steve0suprem0 · 10-14-2012, 06:58 PM

it's a very balanced bike, as far as power goes. it's no slouch, but it's also not some behemoth. a great choice to grow into. and as stated, they handle amazingly well for cruisers.

that moto guzzi is waaaay cool and i understand handles beautifully also, but it's only got 50 hp. omg, this is so depressing. that bike is so effing gorgeous, but my suzuki weighs less and has 20 more hp. i would want one so bad if it made just a little more power. anyway, i'd say you'd probably grow out of that before you would the trumpet.