Triumphrat

doclees · 07-02-2008, 01:04 AM

Has anyone locked the rear brake on the America/Speedmaster? Does it stay upright? I ask this because my search for my next bike keeps coming back to a cruiser. Namely the M109 (even with its issues) or an America (even though it can't tow a 5th wheel). But I have been spooked by the forward controls. I've always used standard foot controls until my motorcycle safety course. There I had the 250 Suzuki with the forward controls. When going into a slide I get on the pegs to recover. Not something I have figured out how to do with forward controls. So not once but twice I managed to lock the rear brakes on the 250 and it disappeared from under me. I have since blamed that on the "riding by the seat of your pants" position.

bikerboy · 07-02-2008, 03:28 AM

Yeah I've had the rear on the America lock up a couple of times and she's actualy been really stable. The thing with locking the your brake is to release the brake and brake again so that your stopping is more effective and avoid skidding.

Ben

doclees · 07-02-2008, 10:43 AM

thanks, Yeah I know what to do when it locks but with this little 250 it was all in an instant. Within a blink of an eye I went from a nice quick stop, with no hint of lock and slid, to no bike under my butt anymore. It was as if I was on ice. I need to know that this is not how all cruisers with forward controls respond.

CAPTDON · 07-02-2008, 11:08 AM

One of the bad things about fwd controls- lack of control of what the bike wants to do!! Why I would never have them! Anyone that has ever ridden MX knows how much control you can do when the bike is in a strange riding posotion. Hiking helps w/ pot holes as well! Cant do that w/ fwd controls!!

LightningJack · 07-02-2008, 11:08 AM

I've only done it once, turning a corner. I locked up the rear brake as I ran across some loose sand and gravel. The America was very forgiving and came thru without incident. All in all, it's a very stable machine.

giddy_up · 07-02-2008, 11:15 AM

I agree with bikerboy on releasing it.

I have noticed on my America that it has unbelievable stopping ability. (Rear and Front) On other bikes I am sure the rear tire would have locked, but the America did not.

After a few short days I totally adjusted to the forward controls. I don't know how I drove other bikes.

12 days - 4 rain days = 700 miles and still loving the America

Gtorockz · 07-02-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doclees

Has anyone locked the rear brake on the America/Speedmaster? Does it stay upright? I ask this because my search for my next bike keeps coming back to a cruiser. Namely the M109 (even with its issues) or an America (even though it can't tow a 5th wheel). But I have been spooked by the forward controls. I've always used standard foot controls until my motorcycle safety course. There I had the 250 Suzuki with the forward controls. When going into a slide I get on the pegs to recover. Not something I have figured out how to do with forward controls. So not once but twice I managed to lock the rear brakes on the 250 and it disappeared from under me. I have since blamed that on the "riding by the seat of your pants" position.

I purchased a new M109R a couple of months ago, was not impressed at all.. so I traded it in for a new America and absolutely love it!

Derby Boy · 07-02-2008, 04:37 PM

I am not a big fan of forward controls. I had an 05 V-star 1100 with forward control floorboards for 2 + years. I had an emergency stop on the stock Bridgestones (donkey cart tires) and locked it up 3 times and ended up on my butt for the first time in 20 yrs. I'm sure the America is much more stable than most metric cruizers. I road tested an America and loved it except for the forward controls that kill my back on long trips.
I'm a little concerned that you kept losing control of a 250 in controlled conditions. No offense intended, but you may need more experience before tackling the crazy roads and cagers.

KingOfFleece · 07-02-2008, 06:14 PM

Locked wheels all come down to rider skill. The bike is way secondary. Do yourself a favor and practice a panic stop on ANY bike you get.

doclees · 07-02-2008, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derby Boy

I am not a big fan of forward controls. I had an 05 V-star 1100 with forward control floorboards for 2 + years. I had an emergency stop on the stock Bridgestones (donkey cart tires) and locked it up 3 times and ended up on my butt for the first time in 20 yrs. I'm sure the America is much more stable than most metric cruizers. I road tested an America and loved it except for the forward controls that kill my back on long trips.
I'm a little concerned that you kept losing control of a 250 in controlled conditions. No offense intended, but you may need more experience before tackling the crazy roads and cagers.

No offense taken. I am a returning rider after 25 years. Got the bug last year and have put 8k on my 79 honda cb650. Started riding mini bikes at 12. Had dirt bikes, 71 Daytona, 69 BSA, KZ400 took cross country and over the Rockys. Last year I took my Honda from PA to CT. Was to be a 5 hour ride but took 9 1/2 hours due to weather. 30 mile cross winds and dumping rain. Rain so heavy it shorted the bike out. After drying out I got gas at a station that had just sealed the gentle sloping drive way. Going 5 mph down the drive both tire started slipping (old front tire and cheap Chin rear). Thought for sure I was going to dump it but I recovered after 30 ft and just before the road met.
Went to the Suzuki shop the next day and asked what bike could handle that weather better. They said a car.