Triumphrat

worldspeaker · 05-19-2007

Hi everyone,

I remember one of the original differences between a speedmaster and an America was the gearing. The America was better for the highway and the Speedmaster was geared lower for stoplight takeoffs. Is that still true?

Also are the twin disks up front really better and make a difference in braking or is that hype?

Any other differnces between the two besides seat and handlebar?

Dave

dazco · 05-19-2007

They are both the same as of '07 I'm sure. They gave the America the same exact 865 engine as the Speedmaster and they put a 18 tooth on the speedy. (the 18 happened somewhere between the '05-'06 change) If anything the America which used to have a 17 would now be geared LOWER if it still had a 17 ! But i assure you it's not. I'm sure they are identical now in gearing and engine specs. Theres no way they'd have given the America a taller gearing than the speedy now has, as that would leave it really lacking off the line and at low speeds/rpm's. The 18 is about as high as you'd wanna go. The reason they were different before was because the speedy was designed for low end torque and they geared it low to take full advantage of that, something they obviously realized was not appreciated by their customers when they changed to an 18. but they now share the same engine and there is no longer a difference in triumphs vision of each bike's purpose as there was before. Now they are the same with only cosmetic differences between them not counting the brakes and lack of tach on the America. (assuming is IS still lacking one in the 07's)

As for the discs, i dunno. I thought it was a good thing to have for safety. But 2 years later I'm beginning to think it doesn't matter because they are so powerful you would never be able to use that much power w/o locking the wheel up. So the America is fine I'm sure. I do however like the twin disc LOOK a lot more. It just looks much more symmetrical/balanced.

worldspeaker · 05-19-2007

Thanks for that info. That makes sense that they are now the same. I am leaning toward the speedy for the brakes because, like you, I have to deal with crazy LA drivers. I like the looks and feel (extra chrome & pull back bars) of the America better but just want the extra safety of those brakes. Although maybe the America would be fine anyway. Seems like braking is something Triumph really makes sure they get right.

Dave

dazco · 05-19-2007

I would say to go with the america then. I really don't think the single disc is going to be lacking in any way, and if anything might feel better by being less touchy. But if you really want that, call a dealer and find out if the new wheels on the 07 america can accept a second disc. It might be expensive, but it may be worth it to you. If i like the looks of one a lot better, it would take much more than a difference in brakes to make me go with the one that i like less. Anyways, a lot of people with americas in the past wanted the twin disc upgrade but couldn't because the wheel wouldn't accept it. So Triumph may well have sourced the new wheels with that in mind and made them upgradable.

On a side not, i'm not positive but i thing the america's wheels may be the same wheels as on the 883 sportster. At least one of the models years if not the latest. I say that because there is a sportster at work and the wheels look like the america's. It may be several years old tho so i'm not sure if they still use the same wheels. They seem to change them almost monthly.

Normandy · 05-19-2007

I went from an 03 America to an 05 Speedmaster and noticed a positive improvement in braking ability.

saul · 05-19-2007

there's a 05 883 sitting next to my 07 speedy atm , the wheels on the 883 are tiny compared to mine , but then again , so is the 883.....

mattfromomaha · 05-21-2007

Riding both models side-by-side I can't tell the difference. Get the america and upgrade the rotors and pads to higher performance if you need!