Hey, Johan here from South Africa. I've been riding my '07 America for 6 years now. I love the bike for the same reason you do - seating position with the foot pegs forward. I mostly commute with the bike, but I've done some 200+Km trips as well. I didn't realize how hard it rides until I got my Tiger 800, but the Tiger's seating position strains my left hip and knee 😜. I won't ever sell my America, it is way too much fun to ride. Happy and safe riding.
From the USA here. I have a 2016 the last year of production. I bought it new and just love the bike. If I could have asked for one important change it would only be to have belt drive in lieu of chain. I've got bad knees and a weak right side and the lightness of the bike really helps me. Also that I can flat foot it with no problem. The bike is very rare here in the US and it is nice to not see them all over like HD's. When I ride with friends with HD's my bike gets more attention. I've got the big floorboards standard which helps a lot. I highly recommend then and the heal and toe shifter. I am afraid of what will happen for parts as the years go by. So far it has been perfect in reliability so only chain maintenance and oil changes. Maybe 5th gear could be a little higher so the engine rev's slower but the engine is so smooth it really doesn't matter except for fuel mileage I imagine would improve. For years now I have been trying to find a OEM backrest for it. I don't have a riding partner but it makes a secure holder for a seat bag. I still hope to get a riding partner someday. There is a bracket for a center stand but I have never seen it offered.
Mate you picked a great bike for comfort and touring. I am thinking about changing my T100 to a Speedmaster because of the arthritis in my knees. I see you have chosen a Dart Marlin screen, you have done your research obviously. Enjoy and look out for Yowies
I was looking at cocktails also, but decided on the slash cuts. They do make the bike sound so much better! From a sowing machine to a Tommy gun! 😉cheers for commenting. Safe riding.
Hey, Johan here from South Africa. I've been riding my '07 America for 6 years now. I love the bike for the same reason you do - seating position with the foot pegs forward. I mostly commute with the bike, but I've done some 200+Km trips as well.
I didn't realize how hard it rides until I got my Tiger 800, but the Tiger's seating position strains my left hip and knee 😜.
I won't ever sell my America, it is way too much fun to ride.
Happy and safe riding.
It is great fun to ride, don’t think I’ll ever sell mine either! Great all round bike! Enjoy.
Like the fork rake.
Thanks for sharing mate. I’m looking at a Bonnie America as a potential next bike and found this really helpful.
No worries, it’s a great bike & i love it. Great for touring and a daily cruise in the twisties.
From the USA here. I have a 2016 the last year of production. I bought it new and just love the bike. If I could have asked for one important change it would only be to have belt drive in lieu of chain. I've got bad knees and a weak right side and the lightness of the bike really helps me. Also that I can flat foot it with no problem. The bike is very rare here in the US and it is nice to not see them all over like HD's. When I ride with friends with HD's my bike gets more attention. I've got the big floorboards standard which helps a lot. I highly recommend then and the heal and toe shifter.
I am afraid of what will happen for parts as the years go by. So far it has been perfect in reliability so only chain maintenance and oil changes. Maybe 5th gear could be a little higher so the engine rev's slower but the engine is so smooth it really doesn't matter except for fuel mileage I imagine would improve. For years now I have been trying to find a OEM backrest for it. I don't have a riding partner but it makes a secure holder for a seat bag. I still hope to get a riding partner someday. There is a bracket for a center stand but I have never seen it offered.
Love my 03 America. Haven't taken it camping yet, but I would like to.
They are great bikes, they even run well on dirt roads that I’ve come across while camping!
Mate you picked a great bike for comfort and touring. I am thinking about changing my T100 to a Speedmaster because of the arthritis in my knees. I see you have chosen a Dart Marlin screen, you have done your research obviously. Enjoy and look out for Yowies
Cheers mate, yeah the Dart Marlin screen makes a big difference. The speedmaster is a great bike. Yeah I haven’t come across any Yowies yet!
Not really me but that is a beautiful machine.
Thanks mate
I have a 2010 america with cocktail pipes love it. mines the 865cc and the stock cams need to be upgraded. besides that it is a perfect small cruiser
I was looking at cocktails also, but decided on the slash cuts. They do make the bike sound so much better! From a sowing machine to a Tommy gun! 😉cheers for commenting. Safe riding.
Nice bike what exhaust do you have
It’s an EMGO slash cut. Comes with a removable baffle also.
Where’s the exhaust from?
Hi, they are called Emgo Slashcuts. Bought online here in Australia.