[Bigman]

I am looking for a cruiser for the wife and I to take some rides on and have been looking at the America and the Speedmaster. Please give me your pros and cons on each model. Which is model is better and in your opinion, why? How well do they handle with tow passengers? Does the smaller engines (versus most other cruisers) pose any problem for two up riding? Please include pictures as well if you have added bags and windshields. I looked at the Japanese metric cruiser and found them lacking.

I currently have a 2005 Bonneville and enjoy it to death, but it is too small for the wife and I to take a trip of any length. Ultimately, when I have the money I would love to get a Rocket III. Thanks for the input.

 

[SCbonneville]

I think the America would be the better choice for two up riding as it is set up a bit better for that and cruising/touring.

My impression is that the Speedmaster is more of a "roadster"...

A buddy that has a wicked Bonnie bought a Speedy and set it up for two up riding so his girlfriend could go along..See it can be done! He later sold it and bought an '04 Thunderbird Sport as his "squeeze" was not that comfortable on the Speedy... It's now his favorite bike! He loves it!! So does she!

Have you thought about going the route of a Tbird or Tiger.. You should be able to get a clean used one for around $5 or 6k...

BTW.. I saw an '07 America, black with the sunset red tank inserts and gold coachlines at my dealer the other day... I'm not a "cruiser kind of guy" but it looked REALLY good!

[ This message was edited by: SCbonneville on 2007-01-07 12:51 ]

 

[Silverado57]

Bigman, my wife and I just returned from a 2-hour (short!) ride on the Speedmaster. It's great!

We put the Triumph touring seat on it with sheepskin butt pads and short Triumph sissy bar. We could ride all day if we wanted to! Plenty of power and comfort. You can get decent-sized saddle bags mounted to Easy Brackets and throw a touring bag on the sissy bar and you're good to go for an overnight or more.

When I want my "roadster" look, I put the stock seat on and take the saddlebags off.

I don't think you can go wrong with either bike. Good luck!

 

[urbanspaceman]

My 06 America handles very well both with just myself and with a passenger on the back. I did a trip up to Whistler area with a passenger and had no troubles with the power and highway speed. Handling is good and with a good passenger the mountain road corners were a breeze. I haven't customized my scoot yet but am looking forward to the day when I can start. Enjoy whichever bike you choose.

 

[bobw3592]

Bigman. The little extra room on the America/Speedmaster makes a very comfortable platform for two up. I have the America with gel passenger seat and a tall backrest for my wife. I have been looking at the relocation kit for the passenger pegs that Brett sells to add to her comfort on longer rides. The motor is fine for leisurely rides in 790 or 865 /270 degree configuration. These bikes, as you are aware from your Bonnie, are not going to compare with an R3 or Wings, GT's and such. I would take a test ride on both Triumph models and make sure you like it's handling and then put the SO on board to make sure it still fits the bill for you guys. My wife and I really love ours, but I am also looking at an 07 Tiger, Sprint or ?

Good luck.
BobW

 

[dardoonk]

I have an America and have no problems riding two up for shorter days with the wife. Keep in mind, I am 275lbs & my wife about 130lbs, so we're definately at the load limit, and for a weekend in the mountains & neither the Speedy or 'merica would be the ticket anyway.

I haven't changed the rear shocks yet, but that will be done in the spring. Pipes, jetting & airbox modification gets you a noticable increase in power, escpecially 2 up.

 

[dazco]

There are only 2 differences that i see as important when it comes to riding 2 up. One goes to the america, one to the speedmaster.

America: more comfy passenger seat
Speedmaster: more torque

I guess you could cite the speedy's dual discs, but i don't think thats a big consideration two up any more than solo. Other than those 2 things i can't think of anything else that would be different between the 2 for 2 up riding. Personally i'd go for the torque because the seat can easily be swapped out with a touring saddle or an america setup. But getting the extra torque isn't as easy. then again if you mod it enough it would matter a lot less. But torque is the more important aspect of the engine 2 up.

 

[bobw3592]

dazco, good point. I think the bars/cable length allow for more/easier options on the America and not having to change seats or perhaps just the pillion pad was what I was thinking about, plus I love the look of my spokes. If he went 07, the bikes motor wouldn't be part of the equation and the few remaining differences would be easily compared subjectively.

Hope the holidays went well for you my friend. We have been riding like fools with all the warm weather here.

Cheers to all.
BobW