cruiser motorcycles

Triumph America: Specs, Features, Background, Performance, & More

Triumph America Specs, Features, Background, Performance, & More

The Triumph America is a retro-style classic cruiser designed by a British motorcycle company for American cruiser enthusiasts. The superior build, 865 cc motor, linear power delivery, comfortable seat  , lean frame, and drag-style handlebars  made it a popular choice among American youths looking for an affordable bike with ample fun factors.


The bike’s large fuel tank and efficient fuel system offer a good mileage range for tours. You can also customize your bike and make it a tourer by adding some motorcycle luggage.


After a 12-year-long-production run, the Triumph America was discontinued in 2015. However, it is very much in demand today in the second-hand market.


To find out why the Triumph America holds a significant place in the highly competitive American cruiser market, read this detailed review.

1. A Brief Background of the Triumph America

All Triumph motorcycles  are sturdy, reliable bikes, and the Triumph America is no exception. The Triumph America, also known as the Triumph Bonneville America, was launched in 2002.


The bike was a great success not only because of its looks and impressive power but also because it hardly suffers from major mechanical issues.


Multiple changes took place during the Triumph America’s production run.


The details are listed below:

TRIUMPH AMERICA CHANGES

Year Changes
2006 Bike featured cast wheels
Engine displacement increased from 790 cc to 865 cc.
2007 Spoked wheels were added.
The passenger seat was redesigned for better comfort.
2008 The fuel injection system was introduced to the UK model to meet the emission standards.
2009 The fuel injection system was added to the US models as well.
2011 Front wheel size was decreased two inches. (18 in to 16 in) and was equipped with a thicker tire.
The rear wheel size was increased.
Bulky mudguards and heavily balanced front fork shrouds were added.

The design team kept its target audience engaged by introducing exciting color schemes for these  motorcycles  almost every year. Here are the details listed below:

TRIUMPH AMERICA COLORS

Model Year Colors
2002 Jet Black w/ Silver
Silver w/ Cardinal Red
2003 Black w/ Silver
Red w/ Silver
Blue w/ Silver
2004 Black
Silver w/ Goodwood Green
Blue w/ Silver
2005 Black
Green/Silver
Graphite w/ Mulberry Red
2006 Black
Mulberry Red w/ Graphite
Graphite Gray w/ Silver
2007 Phantom Black
Phantom Black & Sunset Red
Tornado Red w/ Phantom Black
New England White w/ Pacific Blue
2008 - 2009 Aegean & Pacific Blue
Blue & White
Black
2010 Phantom Black
Pacific Blue w/ New England White
2011 - 2013 Eclipse Blue & Crystal White
Phantom Black
2014 - 2015 Phantom Black
Morello & Cinder Red

The iconic Triumph America motorcycles were discontinued after 2015.

2. Triumph America at First Glance

Triumph America Styling

The Triumph America is a simple machine with classic styling. The bike has a true cruiser appearance augmented by its chrome accents and bright paint jobs. The black leather seats look striking against the chrome parts and shiny paint.


The fenders are color-matched with the iconic teardrop fuel tank.


The large spoked wheels bring out the old-school look of the bike. The instrument cover, side covers, headlight nacelle, exhaust, and handlebars have a shiny chrome finish.


The tubular steel frame, raked-out front fork, and big mudguards make it an attractive ride.

Triumph America Engine

The Triumph America’s air-cooled, four-stroked, 270° V-twin engine is a robust motor that boasts an edgy all-black look and produces 61 bhp at 6800 rpm and 72 Nm at 3300 rpm.


The DOHC configuration greatly improves airflow, allowing the engine to produce peak horsepower.


The fuel injection system improves combustion efficiency and ensures a good fuel economy.


The stainless steel header exhaust system features twin walls and two silencers. The headers direct the emission gases to the exhaust. Moreover, it keeps the back pressure of the exhaust low, reducing engine load in the process.


The silencers muffle the deafening engine noise. As a result, the rider can only hear the pleasant rumble of the engine, which is crucial for a complete cruiser experience.

Triumph America Handling

The Triumph America is a lightweight, mid-sized cruiser that glides on the road. The clutch action is light, allowing buttery smooth gear transitions. Due to the light clutch action, the five-speed transmission delivers the engine’s power to the rear wheel effortlessly.


The Triumph America has a low center of gravity for straight cruising, but can smoothly turn corners as well. The front fork suspension is well-damped and offers great support, but the rear shock has more room for improvement.

Triumph America Brakes

The Triumph America lacks an ABS system, but its front and rear brakes can stop the bike quickly. Compared to other cruisers of its size, the Triumph America’s rear brakes are quite powerful, ensuring a safer ride.

Triumph America Wheels

Originally, the Triumph America featured cast wheels, but were eventually fitted with 12-spoked wheels in 2007.


The wide front and rear tires offer great traction on straight paths. Furthermore, the Triumph America’s tires have slim sidewall flex, so the rider can clear sharp corners without the bike slowing down.

Triumph America Instruments

The America’s instrument dashboard is tank-mounted and features the essentials such as an analog speedometer, an odometer, and trip meters. These easy-to-read gauges provide all the necessary riding information, but in the rainy season, it is a nuisance to look down to check your speed as the meter is difficult to make out.

Triumph America Lighting

For better visibility and road presence, the Triumph America features a large headlight, a tail light, and turn signals. The headlight features a halogen bulb, so riders often complain that it only illuminates a short distance ahead which can be problematic on the highways.

Triumph America Comfort

The Triumph America’s ergonomic design makes it easy to handle this bike. The rider seat is comfortable and low-slung, allowing a rider’s feet to touch the ground for support and balance. The wide handlebars make it easy to maneuver the bike. The forward-positioned footpegs offer a natural seating position. The ergonomics of this bike make it less intimidating which is why it is a great choice for beginners, female cruiser enthusiasts, and shorter riders.

3. Triumph America: A Buyer’s Guide

3.1 Does Triumph Motorcycle Company Still Manufacture Triumph America Cruisers?

The production of standard Triumph America cruisers stopped after 2015. In 2014, a limited edition tourer variant of the Triumph America was launched and was eventually discontinued after 2016.

3.2 What Is the Difference Between Triumph America & Triumph America LT?

The Triumph America is a standard, naked cruiser designed for urban riding. On the other hand, the Triumph America LT is a tourer motorcycle that features factory-installed saddlebags and a windscreen.


The Triumph America is a middleweight cruiser with a wet weight of 551.2 lbs.


The Triumph America LT is a heavy motorcycle with a wet weight of 595.2 lbs.

3.3 What Is the Top Speed of the Triumph America Motorcycle?

The Triumph America has an estimated top speed of 110 mph.

3.4 How Much Horsepower Does the Triumph America Motorcycle Have?

The 865 cc, four-stroked DOHC engine generates a peak horsepower of 61 bhp at 6800 rpm.

3.5 How Many Miles Per Gallon Does the Triumph America Motorcycle Get?

The Triumph America has an estimated urban mileage of 45 mpg and a highway mileage of 50 mpg.

3.6 Is the Triumph America a Good Beginner Motorcycle?

The Triumph America is an excellent ride, especially for beginners. Its ample torque, powerful engine, lightweight frame, and nimble handling make for a reliable urban commuter.


The suspensions are nothing fancy but work well on smooth roads. The Triumph America’s minimal styling, remarkable level of comfort, and affordable prices make it an attractive deal for entry-level riders.

4. Detailed Specification (Triumph America’s Specs)

4.1 General

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles Limited
Production Years 2002 - 2015
Model Bonneville America
Category Cruiser
Touring Ability Good
Base Price as New $8,399
Colors Phantom Black
Morello & Cinder Red
Warranty Two Years
Unlimited Miles

4.2 Dimensions

Max. Length 95.3 in / 2420 mm
Height 44.9 in / 1141 mm
Width 32.3 in / 821 mm
Max. Weight (Dry) 509.3 lbs / 231 kg
Max. Weight (Wet) 551.2 lbs / 250 kg
Max. Seat Height 27.2 in / 690 mm
Rake 33
Wheel Base 63.7 in / 1617 mm
Trail 5.6 in / 143 mm
Oil Capacity 4.5 L
Fuel Capacity 5.1 gal / 19.30 L
Fuel Economy/Mileage 45 mpg (urban)
50 mpg (highway)

4.3 Chassis

Frame Type Tubular frame
Cradle: Steel
Front Suspension Kayaba Forks
41 mm wide
Shrouds & Lowers - (highly polished stainless steel)
Rear Suspension Dual Kayaba Spring Shocks
(Chromed)
Preload: Adjustable
Wheel Travel Front: 120 mm
Rear: 96 mm
Wheels Cast Aluminum
12 spokes
Front Tire Size 130/90-R16
Rear Tire Size 170/80-B15
Brake Type Disc: Single
Front Disc Size: 310 mm / 12.2 in
Rear Disc Size: 285 mm / 11.2 in
Brake Calipers (Front & Rear) Nissin floating calipers
Two-Pistons
Anti-Lock Braking System Unequipped

4.4 Engine

Type Air-Cooled, Four-stroked
Bore 90 mm / 3.5 in
Stroke 68 mm / 2.7 in
Displacement 865 cc / 52.78 cu in
Engine Details 270°
Intervals of Firing or Firing Angle
Cylinder arrangement DOHC
Two Cylinders
Compression 9.2:1
Fuel System/ Induction Fuel Injection - Electronic
Multipoint & Sequential
SAI Present
Exhaust system Headers Featuring Twin-Walls
(Stainless Steel)
Two Silencers
(w/ Chrome)

4.5 Performance

Maximum Power 61 bhp at 6,800 rpm
Maximum Torque 72 Nm/53.1 lbs/ft at 3300 rpm
Top Speed 110 mph
Weight to Power Ratio 0.2641 hp per kg

4.6 DriveTrain

Clutch System Wet Clutch w/ Multiplates
Transmission Five-Speed
Primary Drive Gear
Final Drive Chain - X Ring

4.7 Electrical

Starter Electric
Ignition Digital
Type: Inductive
Lights Single Headlight
Turn Signals
Tail Light
Instruments Analog
(Speedometer, Odometer, Trip Meter)

4.8 Triumph America Limited Edition Models

Production Years 2014 - 2016
Model Triumph America LT
Category Tourer
Base Price as New $9,800
Colors Sapphire & Pacific Blue
Warranty Two Years
Unlimited Miles

5. Aftermarket Parts & Modification Options for Triumph America

The Triumph America or Bonneville America is a classy cruiser designed to provide a comfortable daily ride for bikers. While it fulfills its purpose well, the bike also has other benefits for its owners.


The limited cruiser styling makes the Triumph America customizable. At the time of its launch, the company kept the prices low to attract a larger audience. Now that the bikes are discontinued, you can get a Triumph America at a cheap price from the second-hand market. Buying Triumph aftermarket parts for your cruiser won’t be taxing on your budget.


By adding saddlebags , luggage racks,  fairing, sissy bars, rider and passenger backrests, and crash bars to your bike, you can convert it into a tourer. Although you cannot go for a week-long motorcycle tour or a camping trip with the Triumph America, you can go for a day-long highway trip every now and then.

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