2005 Triumph America?

 

Hi,

I would like to hear some objective opinions about the Triumph America
2005.  I am thinking of getting into cycling and think either this or a
H-D Sportster would be the appropriate intro cruiser bike.  I like the
styling of the America better than the Sportster.

TIA,
Dan

 



First, congrats on your decision.  Motorcycling is probably the most
fun thing you can do with your clothes on.  That's still legal anyway.

I haven't ridden an America but it looks pretty nice.  I have ridden a
Sportster and it's kind of a beast.  Not as smooth or easy-handling as
a cruiser should be (IMHO).  You can read a lot about these bikes by
googling:

"Harley Sportster" +review  

or

 "Triumph America" +review.

I wouldn't recommend going out and buying a shiny new (expensive!)
bike to start out.  You're gonna drop it in parking lots, slide out in
corners, etc. etc.  My advice would be to get an old beater for the
first six months or so.  There are lots of cruisers out there, maybe 8
or 10 years old, very cheap, still lots of life left in them.  And
they can sustain some cosmetic damage without losing too much value
(in fact they may already have some cosmetic damage--so much the
better).  An old Virago wouldn't be a bad choice, or a Honda Magna
(with that incredible V-4 engine!)

After a few months of riding you'll know better what you want.

 

If 'ya gotta get a new bike for the first time out, get the Triumph.
Too many Sporties around.

 Better to get a used bike for yourfirst as suggested. I do have to
respectfully disagree about "sliding out in turns, dropping it in the
lot", ect.

 If you ride like you want to live and keep the bike awhile, the worst
you'll do is grab the front brake while stopping in some oil at a light
or turning into a road/driveway, and drop it. Still,if you pay
attention, you'll do well.

 Remember all your protective gear.

 

On 8/7/2005 6:43 AM, Bike Guy Joe wrote:

I would take the Riders Edge New Rider class before I go shopping.  Some
$350 but I think it is worth it.  Then I could handle an America no problem.

 

Dan wrote:

Don't know how it stacks up against Rider's Edge but, ABATE has a beginners
class here in Indiana for $50. They provide the bike and a weekend of
instruction plus riding time. If you need a license endorsement you will
recieve that at the end of the sessions.
davidj92