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Driving report: Triumph America / Speedmaster
Chrome compact class – Triumph America / Speedmaster
The America has been in the Triumph model range since 2002.
The America has been in the Triumph model range since 2002, when it was still with wire-spoke wheels. The slightly more wiry Speedmaster offshoot followed in 2003. Over the years, the English saw little need for change. Why, the two long forks are different enough in their genre with the in-line twin instead of the otherwise obligatory V-engine. The only major change was the increase in displacement from 790 to 865 cm³, which took place in the Speedmaster 2005 and America in 2007.
F.However, for 2011, Triumph saw a reason for revision. Official reason: Speedmaster and America should become more independent, more differentiated from each other. Which is not that easy when the complete drive, frame, tank, instruments and a number of add-on parts are identical. Some modifications serve less for diversification than for easier handling in everyday life. In both cases, the front footrests slid 39 millimeters backwards and 27 downwards, the rear ones moved 154 millimeters forwards and 55 upwards. Regardless of this, there are models that are much more suitable for a decent two-person operation at Triumph. The side stand moved back 190 millimeters for easier access.
The main and ultimately defining differences relate to the forehand: the Speedmaster has a front wheel that has grown by one inch to 19 with a new design and only one brake disc, while the America now has 130 / 90-16 rubber instead of a 110 / 90-18 going for a walk. To make the confusion complete, their handlebars narrowed 45 millimeters, while the Speedmaster grew 63 millimeters in width. The seat height, in turn, fell from 720 to 690 millimeters for both, which is a confidence-building measure, especially for smaller drivers or beginners. The less cranked handlebars mean you sit a little on the Speedmaster "Hasta-la-vista-baby"-more moderate than on the America, which forces you into a very passive sitting position. Ultimately, you sit on both of them as if nailed to the ground, the freedom of movement is almost zero, so that after a short time you will want to take a break.
The air-cooled, 61 hp twin with the 270-degree crankshaft is identical in both, except for the chrome-plated housing cover on the America, and with its torque-oriented character fits well into the concept. From idle, he works cultivated and as powerful as his 0.865 liter displacement allows. Ease of turning is not its forte, from 5000 revolutions it is only slow. The power is channeled by a five-speed gearbox, which cannot be shifted very precisely, and passed on to the rear via an O-ring chain.
archive
Fat Boy slim: America blows its cheeks with a thick front wheel, fat mudguard and wide handlebar.
If the two unequal twins get in the way of corners, the ABS-free brakes come into play. Here as there, no two-finger systems are installed, but the effect is always okay. Thanks to the narrow front wheel, the Speedmaster is much more agile and precise than the rather sluggish America. There is a tie again when it comes to the lean angle: here as there, the footpegs touch down much too early, as is customary in this genre. A small consolation on the side: it’s not much different with the Bonneville, which is offered as a retro bike. The steering lock on the frame and the non-lockable fuel cap are not retro, but really old-style.
Ultimately, the decision which one to take is a matter of taste. The Speedmaster is available in red and black for 8,890 euros, the America costs the same in plain black and 200 euros more in blue / white. Spring can turn chrome.
Technical specifications
For 2011, Triumph saw a reason to revise.
ENGINE
Air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, 270 degree crankshaft, injection Ø 37 mm. Bore x stroke 90.0 x 68.0 mm, displacement 865 mm
rated capacity 45 kW (61 PS) at 6800 rpm Max.
Torque 72 Nm at 3300 rpm
LANDING GEAR
Double loop frame made of steel, telescopic fork Ø 41 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel with two spring legs, spring travel f / r 120/96 mm, front disc brake Ø 310 mm double-piston floating caliper, rear disc brake Ø 285 mm double-piston floating caliper. Tires 110 / 90-19, 170 / 80-15 (130 / 90-16, 170 / 80-15)
Mass and weight
Wheelbase 1600 mm (1610 mm), seat height 690 mm, weight with a full tank of 250 kg, tank capacity 19.3 liters.
Guarantee: two years
price Including additional costs 8890 euros (black) 9090 euros (white / blue)
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