Triumphrat

Kem770 · 07-14-2007

Before buying my America I took both the T100 and the America for rides. I went to Baxter Cycle to buy a T100, but I left with the America.

I knew within a a mile which one I was buying. I like taking 200 mile rides through the country. Although I love the T100, I think the America is the best choice for my type of riding.

Kem

bendavanza · 07-18-2007

One thing to consider is inseam. TBA may have a slightly lower seat, but the seat is wide (that counts for a lot), and the bike feels more top heavy than a bonnie. it really does feel huge in comparison. When you test ride the std bonnie or t100 keep in mind that many handlebars and seats are available. So is the sprocket gearing. Everyone's ergonomics are different.
-Ben

richb · 07-19-2007

Standard Bonnie (haven't ridden the T100)more nimble round corners - something to do with riding position, less rake, and the fact that therefore you are almost leaning over the handlebars.
Speedmaster extremely comfortable, long distance no problem, slightly less manouverable maybe...looks to die for.

Largely an aesthetic thing I think , otherwise dependent on the particular style of riding you are going to do - cruising Speedmaster/America; lots of in-town traffic work, Bonnie maybe. I prefer the Speedy?America shape, personally.

oldroadie · 08-23-2007

I have both and they suit different purposes. The Bonnie is nimble and really handles traffic and in-town work very well; the America is longer and is the ticket for long highway runs and comfort cruising. They are equally up to the task of carving turns in the twisties; I find the Bonnies footpeg position gives me a finer sense of control while the America seems more relaxed yet they both power through the curves very nicely. Love them both.

ggRAT · 08-23-2007

I've had three Triumphs in the past four years, left to right in this order...

The Speedmaster was first in 2003 and I never felt comfortable with the feet forward controls. The laid back riding style put more pressure on my lower back, also.

The Sprint had a forward-leaning riding position, which was great for controlling the bike, but was too severe for my knees which would cramp up after about 2 hours. My lower back was fine, however.

The Bonneville is my current ride and it is my favorite. I'm actually able to take longer rides on the Bonnie than the other two because my knees don't cramp and my lower back doesn't ache. Handling is surprisingly close to the Sprint and I really like having the pegs directly under me, i.e. a standard riding position. The windshield on the Speedmaster made high-speed highway riding much easier because I didn't have to grip the handlebars too hard. So for long distance touring on a Bonnie, I'd recommend a windshield.

Naturally, everybody's body is different, so you'll have to make the choice.

KingOfFleece · 08-23-2007

I've had both and they are great bikes. Both are quick and handle well. The Bonnie is "quicker" to react and blast thru the twisties-but so is the America-you just need to be smoother on the America. I found it's a bit more work to get the America around than the Bonnie-but not in a bad way or any of that. Just a bit different. The America likes a smooth input whereas the Bonnie can change lines mid corner no problem. At first I missed the extra horses in the Bonnie but as the America broke in and I could wick it up a bit the low and mid range grunt evens it out-so it's a toss up there. Both riding positions I liked but i favor the America a bit more as my legs are a bit long and it's better on my knees-but really a toss up there, too!

The factor on selling the Bonnie (which I really miss as it was dialed in perfect) is my wife wanting to ride along with me. I had a good two up seat and sissybar for her but she never seemed 100% "good" back there. So, we went down and rode an America and a RocketIII and she liked both much more so America it is for us. So, one up they are both great-two up we both enjoyed the America more. As for the Rocket, if I was going to spend 15K on a bike I'd have it in a heartbeat-a total and complete riot to drive!