Triumphrat

bonnieamer1 · 10-24-2005, 04:52 PM

I have only 980 miles on my 05 Bonnie America since buying it in August. Seating position and looks are what got me interested in it in the first place. Haven't been on any road trips yet, but have had it on the highway a few times and up to 70MPH. It is very smooth and almost no vibration, but it sure does seem like anything past 60MPH is really pushing it, but my inexperience could be a factor there.

Check out Motor Cruiser magazine (Oct 2005 issue, pages 49-52). Author talks at lenght about his experience with the 05 America on a raod trip. Article was of course mostly about the road trip, but author concludes, "Overall, the America makes a fine touring bike...." Also see the December issue of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine, page 72. It is a short follow-up on the America at 2500 miles. Very favorable press. To quote the author, "So far the America has proven to be the perfect bike for me in nearly every respect. Will it continue to be so? Only time and mileage will tell, but my money says yes. Stay tuned."

Gerry.

Lovin every minute of it!!

dardoonk · 10-24-2005, 07:59 PM

I've had my America for less than a month now, but I can tell you that I have no concern in the power area. At my size, I'm putting more on the bike than some people riding 2-up. I'm a big guy, 275lbs and it hauls me around fine. One thing I was really impressed with is how smooth it is.. I expected more vibration, but I don't notice much. I can see clearly, and actually define objects in the mirror & I ride some bumpy roads around home.. I can tell you though, give some serious thought to a better saddle, my bun gets a little numb. Other than that, it's comfortable. Check out both the Speedy and the America, I was just the opposite from an earlier post, I kinda felt better with the wider bars due to my size. The Speedy bars look cooler though, I have to find some that are a couple inches wider.

You'll be pleased with either one

Philip · 10-24-2005, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Thanks for all the feedback that you all gave and hope to hear some more.

Here's some more. I have 2500 miles on my America. I've changed the rear shocks and front fork springs, and added a Corbin seat (though more for looks than anything else, as the OEM seat is perfectly comfortable). I also changed the front sprocket, going from the stock 17 tooth to an 18 tooth.

With those mods, I would ride the bike anywhere in complete comfort. It cruises in a relaxed manner at 75 (I also have a windshield), and will pull past 95 in a pinch (though I rarely go there). Vibration at any speed is neglible, and the mirrors are always usable.

The America, dollar for dollar, is as close to the perfect bike as I've ever ridden -- and I've been riding for 44 years now. With all the mods I've mentioned, plus pipes, carb tuning, and various aesthetic touches, I don't have 10K in the bike; but it's more satisfying, to me, than would be a Harley at twice the price.

Philip

Bryan · 10-24-2005, 09:13 PM

Here you go nyolds click here to see my bike.. I love this bike it has plenty of power, rides smooth, is comfortable, is great right out of the crate, and draws lots of attention. Mirrors hold steady all the time.

[ This message was edited by: Bryan on 2005-10-24 22:12 ]

stdbkrhwk · 10-25-2005, 12:02 AM

I've got about 5k on my 05 America and it is a joy to ride.
I usually stop and stretch about every hour or so when riding but have never suffered any major discomfort.
As for power, one up - awesome, two up - still plenty of power but you can feel difference.
Hits 110 easily on the Hwy, engine loves high rev's.
Vibration not an issue. smooth ride.
Seat is fine for me.

I have also ridden the Speedmaster and found it not as comfortable as the BA.

I recommend it fer sure. (the Mulberry is the fastest)

Dave

vol245 · 10-25-2005, 12:23 AM

Quote:

On 2004-07-15 13:06, GaryD wrote:
Problem with 790 cc's? One of the August mags has an article about a man and wife who have been on an around the world riding trip for the last 17 years on a 500cc bike (the same one all 17 years) laden like a pack mule.. Anyone know if this is true, or still the case?

Reminds me of the movie Motorcycle Diaries where a guy and friend travel across South America on a '39 Norton 500cc. I could not believe how much stuff they had loaded on that bike. They traveled on mainly dirt roads too. Ahhh...when men were men.

[ This message was edited by: vol245 on 2005-10-24 22:27 ]

Raven · 10-25-2005, 02:23 AM

I have about 6700 miles under mine and I've been very happy with the bike. There's a bit of vibration at 3200 RPM but it comes and goes. Some days it bothers me and others, it doesn't. Last weekend I just wanted to crank that throttle! Very responsive.

I plan on taking a ride up north from LA to SF this weekend, rain or shine. I'm a bit apprehensive about the 'rain' part but I have no qualms about the bike's ability. She'll do what I ask of her and then some.

Ton plus, no problem! The road ends before the power does.

Shakey · 10-25-2005, 02:46 AM

I do a 2000-2500 mile run on my TBA every summer and have no complaints. The displacement isn't an issue. I have custom fit my seat, added floorboards, a wind screen and buckhorn bars for comfort as well as a belt drive, but she handled it just fine in stock form. I can do over 600 miles a day and manage to walk away from her. The Bonneville America is a good touring platform.

EnglishWombat · 10-25-2005, 06:32 AM

When the alarm on mine is working it's a joy to ride.

I rode mine from Bristol to Manchester and back - I know compared to you guys in the States it's not that far - but to someone who'd only passed their test a few weeks previous... There was no problem with the bike, just I seized up from being in the same postion too long!! I was having too much fun to stop!

However I also use mine every day(alarm permitting). For commuting to work it's perhaps not the most practical. I just make the 2 miles to work about 20 every day...

Top speed... I've bottled out at 95 - but I could tell there was more there. She's quite happy cruising at 70 though.
(I rode back from a TOMCC meeting with someone on a TT and she called me a speed freak... well hitting 70 and then changing in to top... course you carry on accellerating...)

I don't know about anywhere else, but there aren't that many around here. People tend to go for the SM or the Rocket. Where ever I take her she always has people stopping and looking. Even at the TOMCC meetings... Except for the sissy bar and rack combo and the bars for the leather panniers she's as bog standard as they come too. I'd probably put the footboards on if I was to do a lot of long distance though.

Hope this helps.
After reading some of the other messages everyone seems happy with their Americas... a good choice then!
:-g