Good morning all I'm new to this forum having found it on Google while looking for advice. I'm pretty new to riding having passed my DAS earlier this year having not ridden for nearly 30 years. Anyhoo...I'm currently looking for my second bike having gained some experience on a Virago 535 (please don't laugh) and I love the idea of a British bike. I'm certainly in no rush or overestimating my ability but I'm looking to upgrade to a physically bigger bike. Long story short, it seems my wife loves riding pillion and the little Virago is just too small to travel any distance. Looking at the space available in my garage, budget and the style of bike I love I've narrowed it down to either an older Speedmaster 900 or a Thunderbird 900. I love the cruiser type/retro looking bikes. It will be used for days out, possibly the odd camping trip so needs to be able to carry stuff and maybe the occasional trip to the seaside (200 miles). Am I looking at suitable bikes? Any advice from those more knowledgeable would be appreciated. Thanks for accepting me on the forum, I look forward to getting to know you.
Welcome in Payney, I can't help much with your choice as I ride a B*W but from what I've seen a speedmaster might not be the best choice for your pillion comfort wise. I would recommend that what ever you get, having ABS would be a must have. Good luck in your search
Hi, @Payney, and welcome to the forum. May I suggest you start a new thread with a title that draws some attention to your specific question? There are folks here who ride both those models so could most likely be helpful if they see your post. I don't know much about either of those two models but I would also suggest that you take each for a test ride with your wife (if possible) to help make your decision. Even just sitting two-up on both bikes would probably help narrow it down. Good luck and please let us know your decision!
Thanks Littleade, definitely something to think about. I'm not a speed freak but ABS would be an advantage certainly. I'm thinking more about the physical size of the bike for 2 up. I would be mainly on my own.
Thanks Sandi T I've sat on a couple of Speedmasters and the size is plenty. Originally an America was in the frame too, but the handlebars are too wide for the path at the side of my house . I'm yet to try the thunderbird, which I think may be a smaller bike but I love the look. I'll let you know how I get on.
Welcome. I don't have direct experience of the bikes you mentioned but I would throw a first generation Bonneville 790 or an early Bonneville 865 into the mix. These would do what you are looking for and won't break the bank. They are also readily customised and have many options available including bars, seats, luggage, screens etc. I certainly miss my tuned T100 which had loads of grunt and was comfortable over long distances.
I own 3 Triumphs. In my old age, I have gravitated to my early America [about the same as a Speedmaster]. The longer I have it, the more it becomes a part of me. Easy to live with. Easy to ride. I tend to modify my bikes to suit me, which makes them even more of a "family member". They become your own creation after a while. I have a 900 Legend [Thunderbird], but I never ride it. Too temperamental for my taste. You have to find your own fit. ...J.D.
Thanks ManinTheJar. I'll certainly have another look at the Bonneville's, they just seemed a little smaller than the Speedmasters for a pillion. The write ups on them are great though.
Hi Wire-Wheels. A great looking set of bikes. Is the Thunderbird generally temperamental or is it your particular bike? I know the Thunderbird 900 I'm looking at has 6 gears which would be an advantage over the Speedmaster, but I want a bike that's generally reliable and easy to live with. It's good to be in touch with someone who has experience of both. Thank you for your reply.
Eyup Payney! As you started on a Virago then I cannot think of anything better than the bikes you have mentioned. Though I dont think you would have trouble with the 1200s. Especially if you are two up and loaded down with camping gear. Some of those hills over the CatnFiddle would be easier with a bit more grunt. The Speedmaster is more on the torque than on the top speed. I use mine for some long legged journeys loaded up. and as a big lad I probably weigh something like you an your wife combined . Also looks good in the line-up outside the fish and chip shop in Matlock. lol
Payney. Good choice of bikes and all capable of journeys. But don't discard the Bonneville's . I find they are more manageable and travel along very nicely. They are very capable of carrying luggage and pillion easily. You may find that whatever bike you go for you may have to play with suspension to suit your needs. Most dealers have set their bike for an average rider and weight. But you can really transform a bike with the right suspension and setting. What ever you get do let us all know. Joe