BRITISH INVASION
Although the reborn Triumph showed its first models at the Cologne, Germany, show in 1990, it wasn’t until 2001 that it resurrected the Bonneville, the storied marque’s best-known model. Later that year, Triumph introduced its first purpose-built cruiser, the America. They shared an engine platform—an air-cooled, carbureted 790cc parallel twin—but little else. The Bonneville’s 360-degree firing order was changed to 270 degrees on the America for a more loping cadence, and for a proper cruiser look, it featured a raked-out front end, a lower seat and feet-forward pegs.
Over time, displacement grew to 865cc and electronic fuel injection replaced the carbs (the throttle bodies are disguised to look like CV carbs to maintain a classic look). In 2014, two versions of the America were offered: the base-model ($8,299; it returns unchanged for 2015 except for a $100 price increase) and the new America LT ($9,499), with a tall windshield, pullback handlebar, leather saddlebags, passenger backrest, floorboards and heel-toe shifter. The two-tone Pacific Blue/Sapphire Blue paint scheme returns for 2015, but the price bumps up to $9,799.
The Triumph was the horsepower king on Jett Tuning’s dyno. It made 56.0 horsepower at 6,700 rpm, but torque was the second lowest—49.7 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. With the second-best fuel economy (49.8 mpg) and second-largest gas tank (5.1 gallons), the America LT also had the second-best range at 252 miles.
2014 Triumph America LT
Base Price: $9,499 ($9,799 for 2015)
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Website: triumphmotorcycles.com
Engine
Type: Air-cooled, transverse parallel twin
Displacement: 865cc
Bore x Stroke: 90.0 x 68.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Valve Train: DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Valve Insp. Interval: 12,000 miles
Fuel Delivery: Multipoint sequential EFI w/ secondary air injection
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 4.8-qt. cap.
Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: X-ring chain
Electrical
Ignition: Digital electronic
Charging Output: 312 watts max.
Battery: 12V 10AH
Chassis
Frame: Tubular-steel double cradle w/ steel swingarm
Wheelbase: 63.6 in.
Rake/Trail: 33 degrees/5.6 in.
Seat Height: 27.2 in.
Suspension, Front: 41mm stanchions, no adj., 4.7-in. travel
Rear: Dual shocks, adj. for spring preload, 3.8-in. travel
Brakes, Front: Single disc w/ 2-piston pin-slide caliper
Rear: Single disc w/ 2-piston pin-slide caliper
Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.00 x 16 in.
Rear: Cast, 4.00 x 15 in.
Tires, Front: 130/90-H16
Rear: 170/80-H15
Wet Weight: 626 lbs.
Load Capacity: 364 lbs.
GVWR: 990 lbs.
Performance
Fuel Capacity: 5.1 gals., last 0.8 gal. warning light on
MPG: 87 PON min. (low/avg/high) 48.5/49.4/51.7
Estimated Range: 252 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: NA
MORE INFORMATION
This motorcycle review was part of a larger motorcycle comparison article called Touring Twins, which was published in the January 2015 issue of Rider magazine, along with individual reports on all four motorcycles. Follow the links below to read the individual reviews and see full specs on each motorcycle.
2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
What an awesome bike! I purchased a brand new 2016 America last month and so far it’s everything I wanted and expected in a Mid size cruiser. Like a lot of things in life it’s hard to get any one thing that fits and does it all but the America comes close!
Thanks for the Great Review, can’t wait to take mine on a 1,000 mile trip up to Blueridge …Ed
What is the top cruising speed of the Triumph America
I have an older model, 2006, which has smaller displacement of 790cc. Top speed of around 110 mph. Cruises all day long very comfortably 75-90 mph.