Eyup MoreT - a proper Derbyshire greeting . The 1200 would be nice but they are a bit more than I want to spend. There are a few cheaper ones about but I'm always a bit wary of stuff that's too keenly priced if I don't know its history. I agree they look good at Matlock. The chips are good there too.
Hi Joe. Maybe I will give the bonnevilles another look, that's the good thing about these forums, getting advice from those more knowledgeable. One of the reasons for looking at the Speedmaster was that there seems to be readily available suspension upgrades and I think that pretty much most add-ons that are available for the America should be suitable for the SM. Thanks for the advice.
My 2010 T100 easily handled pillions including the Cookie Monster . The Triumph OEM luggage rack provided good handhold and somewhere to bungee a bag.. My bike was heavily upgraded including Hagon shocks (a must have), Thruxton wheel rims, Feked mufflers, De-cat, extensive airbox mods, Twin Power Re-map etc. etc. It could pull up tree stumps and handled well solo or two up. Basically they lend themselves to as much or as little customising as you want.
Of course it is only my opinion, but I also have an early T-3 Sprint [shown on the right]. I kind of feel the same way about it. It is a bit hotter version of the 900 Thunderbird motor. But I seem to be always tinkering with the carbs. on both those bikes. The old 790 America is carbureted, but no fuss or bother. One other thing you might consider about a Speedmaster is it had dual front brakes, nice if you are riding two up. My America only has the single front brake, but I upgraded it to a 6-piston caliper. Really made the bike MUCH better. It needed that. ...J.D.
Thanks ManInTheJar. The Bonneville is back on the list of possibles. I told the wife it would be fine for two as long as she dressed appropriately. She didn't seem too keen .......I suppose it's a case of getting the bike and improving any points that are lacking as you go along.
Cheers WireWheels I do have budget to improve anything I buy but obviously the less I need to do the better. The other thing with the Speedmaster is the cast wheels which I think allows tubeless tyres which could be easier for a quick fix if needed. Just wish they had a 6th gear.
Hi folks and thanks for all your replies. Settled on a TB eventually. The main reason being the add ons that are already fitted. Thenderbird 900 with screen and extender, heated grips, usb port, what looks like an upgraded seat (but I could be wrong), rear rack and passenger backrest. Price was right, low mileage and there is a lifetime warranty if the bike is serviced with the shop. Can't wait to pick her up in a couple of weeks.
Looks nice and plenty of pillion room. What's happening with the bungees between the rack and number plate?