Speedmaster questions

Hi, and welcome in.
If yor going touring go for the America, same bike but more chrome, laid back bars and more likely a set of panniers and rack.
I toured around Ireland last year, two up and loads of luggae space with panniers and a large roll sack on the back. Easy done and very comfortable with the missus on the back.
Tank will do easy 200 miles, sometimes 200 before the light even comes on, but that is taking it easy and no pillion. But you don't ride them hard usually, can do if you want, mines has scuffed pipes as well as pegs !!!

I was on a 750 gixxer before the America. Next bike will be in addition to the America, its a keeper.

Bad points ????? OE tyres are shite, but other than that, can't think of ought ! 6 speed box would be nice but they go great and stop ok, in spite of single disk.

 

I have fitted footboards and a summer screen along with panniers. It makes a pretty useful machine. It has a lovely state of tune which allows it torquey pull right throughout the range.

 

I'm with MrOrange, I ride 08/09 America, I put speed master risers on puts bars closer and higher,fuel range is good ! Tested over 104,000 klms now, if you intend to tour two up go for a gel seat ! SWMBO wanted better pegs so I went one better and but boards on for her, with a back rest she is well pleased and in a much better mood after doing big miles ! Better after market rear shocks are a good mod to consider too ! I do lots of two up and have crossed Australia coast to coast on three tours towing my camper(two berth) or luggage trailer ! Motor is a strong one !!! Put 904cc big bore kit in at 92,500 klms bottom end handles new power fine ! If you want the full Modifications list contact me, have fun on the new machine when you get it.

Cheers capt.

I get 160 miles before fuel light comes on , riding like this, as above

 

I have a 2005 Speedmaster and both the wife and I LOVE it. It's comfortable for both of us and munches the miles. Last year I went from Durham to the Isle of White on one go (with fuel and food stops) and had no fatigue.

Due to being a bit short in the leg / arm, I replaced the stock risers with later versions and fitted a kit which brought the foot pegs back 4 inches.

Bottom line, I really rate the Speedmaster....... the America is basically the same bike with some slight differences.

 

Hi Gary
New here myself
Got myself a 09 speedmaster efi last year and absolutely love it!
Already done some rallies on it fully loaded and quite a few good runs 2 3 4 hundred miles a day no problem
Get about 200 miles to a tank
My previous bike was a fazer thou and this is my first cruiser
With it's raked out front end it takes a bit of getting used to but it handles fine and is very very comfortable
Good points
You can do loads to them to put your own stamp on it
Bad points
You can do loads to them to put your own stamp on it
Good luck mate

 

Hi Capt,
Can you message me the details about your 904 kit, I'm on the east coast so if you can give me some rough figures in Aussie dollars and where you got the kit, what other mods did you do as well. If you could message that would be great don't want to hijack Gary's original post.

Gary as an America rider you won't go wrong, agree with what's already been said and regardless of which cruiser you choose definitely look at upgrading the suspension (money well spent)

 

Hi, just this minute joined this forum and was going to ask a similar question to Gary.P. I currently have a Tiger 800xc upon which I have covered 40k miles over a number of countries, however, I am slowly recovering from a condition that means I don't have the same strength or flexibility anymore. This makes getting on the Tiger quite difficult and it feels very heavy....I even dropped it earlier today trying to make a slow u turn. The Speedmaster/America are actually heavier than the Tiger but when I have sat on them and "paddled" them around in the showrooms they feel quite a bit lighter and easier to manoeuvre. Can anyone give any advice on this or have you had a similar situation???

I love my tiger but......... I am NOT giving up biking and still want to tour as have ferry to Spain booked for June.

Thanks in advance and any info will be appreciated.
Dave

 

Hi and welcome.

Sorry to hear your having difficulty, and dropped your bike. Bugger.
Get one out for a long test ride, only way you'll find out.
Easy to get on, from either side! Only difficulty I could see is when off the bike and pushing it around, are quite heavy to manhandle. A sissy bar is a useful lever / handle to push the bike around.

 

I'm bit short in the leg at approx 29" inseam. I used to have a Suzuki Bandit and always felt a bit unsteady moving the bike slowly.

The initial reason my I looked at the Speedmaster / America was the low seat height. I've found that I paddle the Speedmaster flat footed and this feels SO much more secure and easier to do that the higher seated Bandit.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. Will book a test ride as soon as one of the local dealers has one in. I am sure there will be more questions after that !!!!!!