Best of Custom Bikes: Triumph America

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Best of Custom Bikes: Triumph America
Stefan Ivanovic

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Stefan Ivanovic

Sep 15, 2013

Cruiser that earned a real credit - Triumph America. It goes back to the Thunderbird and other Triumphs that were modifient in the 60's and 70's in the US.

Triumph America's isn't Harley's clone or copy like so many other Japanese cruisers. It’s a competent motorcycle too. It’s not particularly rapid or sporty but the Triumph America is a pleasure to ride and well put together.

The Triumph America engine is lifted from Triumph’s Bonneville but with a 270 degree crank rather than a 360 one. This means one of the pistons is a quarter of a cycle in front of the other giving a pleasing V-twin like feel. Claimed power for the Triumph America is a modest 61bhp but the bike’s light (for a cruiser) so it’s more nippy than many competitors.

The Triumph America is much longer and lower than the regular Bonneville. It’s surprisingly nimble round town and competent at modest to quite rapid speeds on back roads – the Triumph America certainly capable of more pace than most rival cruisers. Rear shocks are a little bouncy and can transfer big bumps to the rider more than some cruisers.

The Triumph America's bars are wide and swept back enough for comfort but not a ridiculous amount. Seat is low and suits most backsides well. Clocks and warning lights are minimal. Front mounted foot pegs, so you can stand up to absorb shocks when hitting bumps. Triumph offer quite a few extras for the Triumph America and aftermarket companies add loads more choice.

The Triumph America's 790cc twin cylinder engine’s very under stressed and has no recurring reliability problems. Build quality is well above average. Triumph understands the British winter and road salt better than most manufacturers so the Triumph America is quite durable. It still won’t run through winter untreated and clean up like new come spring – but no motorcycle will.

Triumph America offers a unique alternative among the sea of wannabe clones. Traditional British parallel-twin. Lightest in class. Great to ride. Grabs attention wherever it goes.

http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/range/cruisers/america

http://tu.tv/videotag/triumph-america

https://twitter.com/TriumphAmerica

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