2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow vs. Triumph America [Video]

[Buzglyd]

Originally Posted by schizuki

Sportsters are cheap, simple, basic and elemental. If I had to show an alien a motorcycle, I'd show them a Sportster or a Bonneville. Two wheels, an air-cooled engine, boom, there ya go.

My Sporty is the most satisfying bike I've ever owned (not that I've owned much). I've never understood the appeal of hyperbikes on the street. Chacun à son goût.

You could show the alien this too:



Same elemental appeal but smokes the Sporty and the Triumph.

[schizuki]

Originally Posted by Buzglyd

You could show the alien this too:



Same elemental appeal but smokes the Sporty and the Triumph.

Sorry, but an ethanol-sensitive plastic fuel tank is an automatic disqualifier.

Give it a metal tank and I'm listening.

[Buzglyd]

Originally Posted by schizuki

Sorry, but an ethanol-sensitive plastic fuel tank is an automatic disqualifier.

Give it a metal tank and I'm listening.

If one, ONE, candidate would say they'll end the ethanol mandate, I'll vote for him. Even Obama.

[Africord]

I realize this was a "head to head" comparison, but to ignore that the America is part of a collection of options that revolve around that 865 twin seems to be disservice to the reader. I realize that there are multiple versions of Sportsters, and the author commented on it, but what about the Bonneville, and Thruxton options? Yes, this turns the bike into a standard, and cafe racer, respectively. But these bikes are close to the same price point. No, I don't think the 270 vs 360 firing order is a huge difference in the experience.

[sarnali2]

The 360 vs 270 is a philosophical difference more than anything. It gives the bike a lumpier idle instead of the pop-pop-pop-pop 360 that they're supposed to sound like and is more of a cruiserish sound. On the Scrambler it's supposed to increase torque, I've owned Bonnies and Thruxtons but not the Scrambler so I can't say one way or the other.

I've also owned a couple of Ironhead Sporties and have ridden my buds evo engined Sporty and also the Buell version, I personally think they're a kick in the butt to ride. I can't do the superlow version simply because I'm too big but regular Sporties are more fun than a pillowcase full of puppies.

Given the choice I'd go with the Speedmaster or Superglide myself but that's just personal preference. Either of these two bikes would be fine.

[bbtowns]

Long story short, if you want a Harley get a Harley, but if you want the motorcycle in this comparo get the Triumph. The Triumph does have weird tire sizes though, you don't see 15" rear tires very often. I don't ride cruisers, but I'd think your choices in that size might be limited.

[thm4855]

I wonder if you heard of wind shielded microphones? Beside an unclear voice the "talker" was not easy to hear.
ThM - Norway

[Huss]

Originally Posted by Buzglyd

You could show the alien this too:

I'm not sure if it is a good idea to excite an alien.

After all, they are famous for probing an' stuff.

Personally I'd show them a Rebel 250. Or maybe a Chinese scooter.

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by The Spaceman

I'm really surprised the Triumph didn't get a clear "Win" out of this comparo. The suspension travel alone might be enough, add in a smoother and more powerful engine; seems to me you've got a winner.

"The Triumph America is in some ways a typical Harley-clone."

No, it's not. The Triumph's DNA stands alone; unlike the typical Japanese cruiser knock-offs. The Brits were already building virtually this same bike back in the 50's when HD started designing the Sportster. I think Triumph deserves credit for being true to their own heritage, versus glomming on to HD's.

One last thing: Triumph did a beautiful job on the engine. Between the hidden EFI "carbs" and making it look like a non-unit construction, it's very cool. It might be hard to pick out the vintage bike if you parked the America next to a well-restored 1960's Bonneville.

For once I have to agree with Ken. There were Triumph cruisers/choppers loooong before "The Motor Company" produced it's own organic cruiser. Until the Japanese invasion the Brits were the forefront of performance.

The Sportster itself was HD's response to the demand for lighter, more powerful motorcycles by returning US servicemen. It was a Triumph/BSA/Norton clone.

HD's an upstart company anyhow. Both Triumph and Royal Enfield pre-date it.

[Huss]

Originally Posted by seruzawa

HD's an upstart company anyhow. Both Triumph and Royal Enfield pre-date it.

I just rode a new Royal Enfield. Dealer gave me the keys hoping I would buy one.
Fun in a way all 2 wheeled powered transportation is but... priced at $6K, feels like it should be sold for $2K...

I have a feeling in India (where it is made) it is priced correctly.