Triumphrat

gm16sw · 11-22-2005

Hey what's the deal with plastic fenders on the new America. I thought Triumph always made metal? I love my new America but I really wish the Asian influence of using plastic didn't rub off on the Brits!

dazco · 11-22-2005

Quote:

I thought Triumph always made metal?

Yep, but when have you seen metal fenders on anything but a traditional old school classic triumph like a bonnie? And they still use metal on those. But the america is not a classic triumph. It's a new modernized bike with some classic influences. Personally i hate plastic on bikes but i don't mind plastic fenders i guess becaiuse they're painted and i sort of look at them like the bodywork on a sportbike. A good light paintable structure that won't rust. That and the seat, the sidecovers, and of course light lenses are the only places i'm fine with plastic. Luckily there are few others than that on our bikes.

Philip · 11-22-2005

I believe it's just the front fender that is plastic; the rear is good old metal. It would have to be, as it's load-bearing with a passenger on board.

At first I, too, thought the front should be metal. Then I realized that there's a benefit to lightness, and it looks great, so who cares?

Philip

Thunder_Forever · 11-22-2005

You can tell if it's metal if it has long, black hair thrashing around to Iron Maiden.
:kck:

gm16sw · 11-22-2005

Yeah I guess your right. I know the Rocket III has metal fenders and on the America, the rear is plastic, it is just reinforced with the frame. It definitely thuds, not pings. I don't know maybe its fiberglass or carbon fiber which wouldn't be so bad.

Bryan · 11-22-2005

Quote:

On 2005-11-22 12:46, gm16sw wrote:
Yeah I guess your right. I know the Rocket III has metal fenders and on the America, the rear is plastic, it is just reinforced with the frame. It definitely thuds, not pings. I don't know maybe its fiberglass or carbon fiber which wouldn't be so bad.

.That's funny. A magnet sticks to my rear fender. Just exactly how does that thud test work? That nice light front fender is unsprung weight. I like the thought of it but I don't like the plastic dash board on the tank. :-D

dazco · 11-22-2005

Quote:

but I don't like the plastic dash board on the tank

I've seen that said before and i thought so too when i removed it at forst. but i'm not so sure now. I think it's cast pot metal. next time i remove it i might have to take a dremel to a tiny spot and see. Or better yet an exacto blade or such. If it's plastic it oughta be real easy to gouge with a sharp tool.

Bryan · 11-22-2005

Already done that. The only thing metal about it is the chrome.

mikemm03 · 11-22-2005

Console is plastic, mirrors are plastic, front fender is plastic, who gives a rats a** what a great bike.
I've had more complements on this bike than any I've every owned.
I feel like a Rock Star I've been stopped so many times by people inquiring about my America.
I started carrying a sharpie pen, I'm sure someone is going to ask for an autograph.

Peace out :-D :-D

ssjones · 11-22-2005

Definitely plastic, although mine has held up beautifully with 14,000 miles. The factory paint is flawless. The rear fender is metal and full of orange-peel (good candidate for color sanding I guess)

Us America/Speedy owners need to save some weight in every spot possible so we can hang: windshields, floorboards, saddlebags, chrome stuff, etc! <g>