My next bike might be a 2006 America

[1965T120R]

I've been looking at this year and model due to I love the look of the Cruiser, the CC's and CI's and that it is a Triumph. I like the total over all look of the bike itself as I have looked at many although most I see I would put lower shocks on the rear due to I am short and it would be a solo ride anyway.

Now a question. Is there one year of the America Cruiser that is better than the others? Pro's and Con's by year and so forth.

I'm more into the pre 1969 Vintage scene no matter if it is Triumph, Norton, BSA or yes even a Harley but if I am to look at a newer ride this looks to be the choice I would pick above all others I have been reviewing.

All posts appreciated. MLH&R and please respect all who ride.

 

[hemibee]

Devo should be along sometime tonight, the 2006 America in your title will catch his eye. I'll defer all America pro's and con's to him.

 

[DaveM]

Well your biggest difference is when they went from carbs to EFI. A bigger difference in looks would be between the America and Speedmaster if you like the style and would just like a bit of a different look. Devo would be able to give you a great comparison on the models as he has had a few

 

[1965T120R]

Too cool everybody and thank you. Here is the style I was looking at if I was to buy one. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/3527286763.html

I'm looking ahead after my Rigid Build to the next project. This would probably end up being my cross country rider or interstate rider. I am a member of the Patriot Guard Riders so this style of ride would be a fine Steed I feel for longer trips than I want to do on my Rigid like those trips over 200 miles round trip.

Thanks in advance.

 

[devo]

Now a question. Is there one year of the America Cruiser that is better than the others? Pro's and Con's by year and so forth.

.

Personally I like the 07 as this was the first of the new look Americas.I like the look of the black motor (looks clean ) and open rear peg hangers.
The other big change was the step up to the 860 motor.This puppy produces more torque than the 790 and even tho it was rated with lower power output, you can steal it back with a few breathing mods.I do know that Thunderbike here in NZ make a cam kit for the 865, but as far as I know,it is a very similar grind as the 790 cams which had a lot more overlap, so interchangeability would be worth checking out.I personally haven't bothered because I don't have a lot of disposable income at the moment.
I wont bother putting up pics of my bike as the forum is full of them.

 

[1965T120R]

Thank you very much for your reply and I will for sure look into the 2007 model as my research continues.

Personally I like the 07 as this was the first of the new look Americas.I like the look of the black motor (looks clean ) and open rear peg hangers.
The other big change was the step up to the 860 motor.This puppy produces more torque than the 790 and even tho it was rated with lower power output, you can steal it back with a few breathing mods.I do know that Thunderbike here in NZ make a cam kit for the 865, but as far as I know,it is a very similar grind as the 790 cams which had a lot more overlap, so interchangeability would be worth checking out.I personally haven't bothered because I don't have a lot of disposable income at the moment.
I wont bother putting up pics of my bike as the forum is full of them.

 

[CarlS]

The biggest changes in the America are the styling that Devo mentioned above, the engine displacement increase, and carbs vs EFI. The entire Bonneville family are solid, dependable bikes.

 

[1965T120R]

Yes I know they are solid which is why I am building my 1965T120R into a custom rigid configuration and as I said I am looking ahead after this build is complete to my next bike. Whether I go with another pre 1969 restore/rebuild or new build project or I go looking at the America will depend on the economy and my limited budget each month. Right now while I'm building the old bike I'm doing the research on the next one. That 2006 I linked to I like the lowness and it's Cruiser style. As I said I'm only 5'5" so for me low is great.

The biggest changes in the America are the styling that Devo mentioned above, the engine displacement increase, and carbs vs EFI. The entire Bonneville family are solid, dependable bikes.

 

[CarlS]

My daughter is 5'4" and she rides a Speedmaster which she handles with ease.

 

[1965T120R]

Nice. I have a bad left knee(broke it in 6 places and it is all original still) and other lower body injuries so I like the low feel for comfort. If I can sit on the bike and my feet are flat on the ground I'm a happy biker.

 

[CarlS]

You should be able to do that easily on the American and the Speedmaster.

 

[1965T120R]

Thanks.

 

[DaveM]

Yeah they are really low when you sitting on them and you should not have an issue

 

[1965T120R]

Ya that is what I look for in a bike anymore. Thanks DaveM.

Yeah they are really low when you sitting on them and you should not have an issue

 

[dazco]

Yeah, thats one of the older ones with very different cosmetics, carburetors, and the 790 engine. Later they changed the cosmetics radically and went to EFI and changed the engine to the 865 with the torquier cams. So the HP was reduced in favor of more torque. The EFI 865 should have more power in all ways and be much easier to mod for power because there are lots of maps available and a app called tuneecu you can load maps with easily. I had a '05 speedmaster and rode the newer EFI america. Same engine but the america i had as a loaner had EFI. I loved the ride, so if it were me i'd go with EFI. But if the older cosmetics with wire wheels and that whole look is your preference, then it's your call as to whether it's worth it.

Too cool everybody and thank you. Here is the style I was looking at if I was to buy one. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/3527286763.html

I'm looking ahead after my Rigid Build to the next project. This would probably end up being my cross country rider or interstate rider. I am a member of the Patriot Guard Riders so this style of ride would be a fine Steed I feel for longer trips than I want to do on my Rigid like those trips over 200 miles round trip.

Thanks in advance.

 

[1965T120R]

Ya I like the older more vintage cruiser look in the 2006. As I said it "Might" be my next bike. Might is the key word.

Yeah, thats one of the older ones with very different cosmetics, carburetors, and the 790 engine. Later they changed the cosmetics radically and went to EFI and changed the engine to the 865 with the torquier cams. So the HP was reduced in favor of more torque. The EFI 865 should have more power in all ways and be much easier to mod for power because there are lots of maps available and a app called tuneecu you can load maps with easily. I had a '05 speedmaster and rode the newer EFI america. Same engine but the america i had as a loaner had EFI. I loved the ride, so if it were me i'd go with EFI. But if the older cosmetics with wire wheels and that whole look is your preference, then it's your call as to whether it's worth it.

 

[CarlS]

Let us know what you decide.

 

[1965T120R]

Oh I will

Let us know what you decide.

 

[Bear]

I went up last Saturday and looked at a 2013 America, I really like that bike, and the easy way it comes up off the sidestand, I have a very screwed up lower back and left leg, thank you deer, anyway lifting my big hog up is getting to be a problem for me..am considering selling my 10 harley, keeping the 99 for the wife and I to ride on together and getting the new America for me as my solo bike..if I sell the 10 I can buy a new Triumph and have extra money left to do a little something to the America..

 

[1965T120R]

I went up last Saturday and looked at a 2013 America, I really like that bike, and the easy way it comes up off the sidestand, I have a very screwed up lower back and left leg, thank you deer, anyway lifting my big hog up is getting to be a problem for me..am considering selling my 10 harley, keeping the 99 for the wife and I to ride on together and getting the new America for me as my solo bike..if I sell the 10 I can buy a new Triumph and have extra money left to do a little something to the America..

Sounds great. I do know after I get this Rigid done and decently finalized my next ride I will be looking at is the 2006 America or as close as I can get. I just love the style and the specs. I cannot afford a new one that is for sure. I'll use my Rigid for in state running and the America for those out of state runs.