Triumphrat

grndwagon2 · 10-25-2005, 09:19 AM

Well, I'm moving on from my Speed4 (actually forced removal), and I'm considering a Speed Master, Thunderbird, or Thruxton. My dad has an America, and while beautiful, it is the most uncomfortable bike I have ever ridden. I don't know what it is, but I just can't even go across town on the thing without cussing it. Is the speedmaster's seating position any different? I know it has the drag bars on it, moving your upper body over the tank more. Has anyone ridden both?

FattRat · 10-25-2005, 10:21 AM

I really like the SpeedMaster, but I've never done "Cruiser"....

I also like that it's got tubeless tires and (I think) dual discs up front. The drag bars help to position the body into more of a forward riding position that I'm accustom to.

But those stupid forward controls!
It may be that my 24" inseam prevents me from reaching them, or that I flat just can't get behind riding with my legs/feet splayed forward like that.

(I love that big white faced speedometer though!)

dazco · 10-25-2005, 10:41 AM

Try setting the seat in your car in a way you usually never do and that feels odd to you. Then allow me to bet my entire bank account with you that in a week or so it'll feel normal and your old seating postion will feel odd. The only problem with this scenario is which new triumph i should buy with my winnings.

I felt the same whaen i rode mine for the first time guys. In fact, with no bike licence and most dealers not allowing test rides in my area i had to buy a bike w/o riding it ! Had i tested it i may have come home with a bonnie. That makes me real glad i DIDN'T test it because i may have passed on the bike i really wanted. Point is, anything thats very different from what you are used to is ALMOST ALWAYS going to feel wierd at first. I now love the forward controls. They absolutly freaked me out on the way home when taking delivery of the bike.

Sprocketti · 10-25-2005, 12:44 PM

.... Speedmaster for sure...

IF... You're looking for a stylish roadster that doesn't make you feel like you're at the racetrack.

If you plan on riding everyday and occasionally ride with the sportys the Speedmaster is a great choice.... However, if you're still wanting to ride faster than is sane on the twisties (lean angle) AND you'll be taking multi-hour trips with the Honey or not; the TIGER is a better choice... Unless you get a good butt-pad ala, LINK:

Airhawk seat pad

---Sprocketti

Beau · 10-25-2005, 02:05 PM

I have ridden both and much prefer the bars on the Speedie.
The forward controls do get a little getting used to but now when I ride a standard bonnie their controls feel like rear-sets to me.

The Speedie has a little more low down grunt due to the timing of the crank (270°).

I could never own an America but wouldn't think twice about another Speedmaster.

Binnsy · 10-25-2005, 04:35 PM

I had an America before my Speedy. While I had the America I thought it was the best thing on two wheels. I changed to a Speedy 'cos I liked the look of it but, I find it a much better ride. I know there isn't much difference between the two but I can tell you I would never change back to an America, or any other bike as a matter of fact. The Speedy just seems to fit better and feel better. I still get a sore azz and need to wriggle around on a longer ride but thats biking.

Go the Speedy..............Binnsy

dazco · 10-25-2005, 05:06 PM

Quote:

I had an America before my Speedy. While I had the America I thought it was the best thing on two wheels. I changed to a Speedy 'cos I liked the look of it but, I find it a much better ride. I know there isn't much difference between the two but I can tell you I would never change back to an America, or any other bike as a matter of fact. The Speedy just seems to fit better and feel better. I still get a sore azz and need to wriggle around on a longer ride but thats biking.

Hmmm......i've read another post somewhere, i think at BA in which someone said a similar thing. I wonder is there actually IS a difference in them besides the known things.....wheels, dual discs, etc. I wonder because someone said progressive refused to warranty his shocks because he put them on a speedy and they don't list the speedy in thier vehicle app guide. matby there IS some difference we don't know about? Or maybe it's the alloy wheels? I do know mine is the most solid stable ride of all the bikes i've owned by a considerable margin. But i figered the america would feel the same aside from the bars.

jeffrey1 · 10-25-2005, 05:34 PM

Go with the speedy i tryed out both and bought the speedy its more bang for your buck i think

tba-golfer · 10-25-2005, 05:42 PM

Even though I am thrilled with my TBA, ya gotta be different from the dad, don't ya think! Father and son on the same ride? My kiddo has made a point, with encouragement, to not be like me- he isn't bald, for one thing

Sprocketti · 10-25-2005, 06:45 PM

.... The frame geometry is different.... Different cam timing.... Obviously the wheels and tires (tubes Vs. tubeless and Dunlop Vs. Metzeler tread)... Handlebar height (Speedmaster has 4 inch risers with drag bars).... Different seat (solo with pillion).... .... Weight (I think the Speedmaster is lighter).... Tachometer (Speedmaster has one... optional for America).....

--Sprocketti