Triumphrat

boocat2 · 01-15-2008

Hi , I'm floating over from the Tiger Talk section.

I am selling my tiger and really considering a Triumph Cruiser. The only thing is is that my Wife loves pillion and I am lucky enough to have her come with me on most days out.

My first question is; Which bike has best pillion seat and also the power to pull the bike along nicely two up with luggage?

I can't remember the sec... Oh yes, Has anyone else moved from a tiger to a triumph cruiser and if so, what are your general thoughts, good move? miss the power? etc

Thank you very much.

PS what can i get for around £4000.

Boocat

erikmustride · 01-15-2008

I ride a Speedmaster, and the wife says the backseat is horrible. However, the America is the same bike with a much more comfratable rear pillion. I would say the Rocket is a good choice, but it's well over the price you stated. I've seen fully loaded used Speedmaster/America go for around $5000(I have no idea what the exchange rate is). As far as the difference between a Tiger and a cruiser goes, I cab only Imagine it would be in the Power department, Ya know, that whole extra cylinder and all.

oldgimmer · 01-15-2008

Hi Boocat,
I did the same swap 12 months ago now and have not regretting a thing.
I've missed the luggage carrying capacity a bit with the wife on the back (had the full three boxes on the Tiger). Theres plenty of stuff out there to carry kit to fit both the America and the Speedy. Don't really miss the power that much as I now wear an open face helmet and it seems just as fast. I think the Speedy is the better looking bike with the blacked out engine but the America seat is far more comfortable for a pillion. They are however completely interchangable and I fitted the America single seat with the seperate pilion on the back.
I was finding the Tiger a bit anonomous and couldn't do much more to it. The Speedy gets some admiring looks and you can do loads to it. I'm in the less is more camp and am stripping it down as much as I can.
Theres a great other forum at bonnevilleamerica and a meet in the northwest in May organised which at the moment is attracting up to thirty bikes. Good scene.
Do it and enjoy.
Cheers
Chris

joe tabler · 01-15-2008

I just moved from a America to a Trophy. The America is a great bike and would easily carry two people. My wife was never comfortable on the bike. I'm not sure the Trophy will be a lot better.. The Rocket Tour would be a totaly different case. She was also rather fond of the k1200rt. I'm keeping the Trophy and wish I still had the America and the time to ride them. I believe she wouldn't be a avid fan of any bike. I have resolved my self to ride and drive what I like. The bike is my personal toy. joe

HtownCruiser · 01-15-2008

Thou the America and Speedy are essentially the same bikes, I like the fact that the Speedy has dual disc brakes up front. Even more so if riding with passenger alot. Would rather switch out seat to make it comfortable for the lady and have the duel discs. Plus like Speedy's look better, but that's personal choice......

Gregger · 01-15-2008

If you do decide to purchase a Speedmaster, and want to get the single seat and pillion, make sure you purchase the 2007 or later pillion seat, not the earlier versions. The same is true if you purchase an America. Anything before 07 has a small uncomfortable pillion.

dazco · 01-15-2008

Differences between the speedmaster and america are

1)-cosmetics (different front fenders, chrome vs black engine covers, etc etc)
2)-america has no tach, speedy does
3)-speedy has dual disc up front vs america's single
4)-america has standard bars, speedy has drag bars w/4" risers
5)-speedy has gunfighter seat, america has solo seat plus passenger pillion.

So you sacrifice with both. With the speedmaster you sacrifice the seat for your wife, with the america you sacrifice a tach and dual discs. The thing is, it's plenty easy to find the america's seat coniguration cheap online in the classifieds here or at the BA forum, or on ebay. And they fit the speedy. So you'll just have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for yourself. I would suggest going to the dealer and comparing the feel of the bars and comparing the different looking wheels, fenders and engine covers etc. Then consider which bike speaks to you best and what you'd have to do to be happy. You might want the america but want to add a tach. Or the speedy and add the seat. But i think the looks and bars will probably be what you want to consider most because the seat swap or addition of a tach are both quick and easy.

mag10 · 01-16-2008

I know 2 guys that made the switch from a tiger to a speedmaster. One of them (he's in his 70's and puts on a lot of miles per year) was very happy with the switch.

The other guy hated the speedmaster and traded back in on a newer tiger.

this probably doesn't help but just says your going to have to try it to find out.

one thing though, any of the criusers are terrible on loose road surfaces where the tiger does pretty well, I don't know if you go camping or what but the cruisers are not so fun on the dirt (even for a little bit)

dazco · 01-16-2008

Quote:

one thing though, any of the criusers are terrible on loose road surfaces

Couldn't agree more. When i'm on gravel or dirt i have so little control i just sorta tool along at walking speed with my feet down. They're scary bad on loose stuff.

WazzuKirk · 01-16-2008

I have an 07 America and my fiancee rides all the time with me and states it's very comfortable. I also have a tall sissy bar installed and that helps a lot as well.