Triumphrat

garry · 09-02-2006

I'm shopping for either a lightly used America or Speedmaster. There are things I like about both bikes. One of the uses will be taking the wife out for a relaxed afternoon ride. My local dealer let me demo a 2006 America he had and bike handled two-up well enough, but was really lacking in passing power IMO.

Does the extra displacement/torque of the Speedy make much of difference here? I know it's got less HP than the smaller America, but the extra torque should give a bit more roll-on oomph, right? Haven't had the chance to demo a Speedy two-up yet.

bobw3592 · 09-02-2006

Hey Garry, there have been a couple of posts on this topic, but I'll give you my info.

My wife loved the traditional look of the America, black, chrome and spokes. The seat is better designed for a passenger vs the Speedmaster. I had the Triumph touring passenger seat upgrade added with free Triumph dollars along with a rack/back rest. Wife is very comfortable with this combo for local day trips. Seats are interchangeable for both models as well as aftermarket seats.

We are appx 350 lbs combined. Bike rides very stable/smooth and when two up I don't push it so no problem braking etc. have been noticed.

Not sure if demo was broken in, but these bikes really take several thousand miles to reach their peak. At 5k mine literally gets better by the mile. I ride in the mountains on tight 2 lanes, I tend to keep my rpms between 3500/4500 and the bike is never far off it's sweet spot to accelerate without lugging or being buzzy. YMMV. Plenty of power as the bike was delivered, but many upgrades are located in numerous posts here.

Bottom line IMHO, buy the one that fits you guys best, a seat or ? swap is easily done. The 07 models will be unveiled soon, but these are bullet proof, gorgeous, good handling, moderately powered, most fun.....you can tell I really like my TBA.

Good luck and enjoy.
BobW
:-)

Silverado57 · 09-03-2006

We have the Speedmaster and with the touring seat and sissy bar we can crank right along. We have been on the interstate with a full load of luggage and moving right along. The bike is just as comfortable on hilly and twisty back country roads.
Good luck with your Speedmaster.

garry · 09-03-2006

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'm just going to have to demo a Speedmaster two-up and see for myself. I'm used to much more powerful bikes and I'm concerned about having enough power to pass a car or two on a twisty two-lane mountain road when a short passing zone presents itself. The Triumph demo truck will be in the area in a couple weeks, so I guess I'll have get the wife out there for that.

FWIW, the America demo had about 1200 miles on it. It had the Roadster screen (the tall one) which caused horrible buffeting for my height once over 55 MPH.

bobw3592 · 09-03-2006

Garry, the recent windscreen posts have some good info, my Roadster screen vote is "get something else". lol

BobW

Normandy · 09-03-2006

If you get the rev's up you could pass 2up easy but if the primary riding is with 2up, I would get a bike with more muscle.

Dinqua · 09-03-2006

Just another thought, you get way more HP and Torque from a 790cc bored to 904cc with the wiseco kits then you get from the 865cc motors.
I can ride two up all day, one the hills/highways and have no problem passing everyone and everything.

road_dog · 09-03-2006

Hey garry,

Whichever one you decide on, then you're gonna look for a nice used one to buy... right? So why decide before you start looking for a deal?

Leave your option of either one open and increase the odds of finding the best deal. And as bobw3592 suggests, you could do the mods you like to either one. Maybe if you just by increasing one tooth on the OEM counter sprocket on the 865cc Speedy would make it better for two-up cruising???

However, my very best advice... ask your wife which one she likes the best, and go from there. Don't forget your priorities, if "Momma" ain't happy with "your" decision, it won't matter which one YOU like anyway. :horns:

:hihi:

gm16sw · 09-05-2006

I don't think you would want to get a new bike and have to tear it apart and spend another 1000 bucks to put a big bore kit into it. If you really want t bike to tour on with two people you should probably get something other than a Triumph, unless you get the Sprint or Rocket. Try a Honda Valkrie (sorry about the spelling)

ErwinM · 09-10-2006

Hi Garry,
I must admit "I too thought the America lacked 2 up passing power". After talking to some "Web" folks about this issue, I realized I was riding the machine wrong :???: . I didnt know much about these Triumphs. Mine was given to me as a gift. yea, no kidding. Turns out I needed to rev it higher. Once I got used to doing that I was sailing like seal sh_t on ice.
Good luck pal.

Erwin :hammer:

[ This message was edited by: ErwinM on 2006-09-10 18:37 ]