2009 Triumph America Review

Introduction

Cruisers are all about smooth flowing lines, a symphonic engine and a laid back riding position so it is good to see that the bike has all that. But why are we saying this before even mentioning anything about the engine at all? Simply because we’re dealing with the latest Bonneville engine, a fuel-injected version of the unmatched 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 270 degree firing interval unit now found at the greatest level of performance and reliability thanks to the recent shot of modernity that it gets.

Like on all America models before it, the 2009 model year comes with a five-speed transmission and X-ring chain final drive so that the best of the engine would be smoothly transmitted to the rear 15-inch wheel which, by the way, has a 170mm wide rear tire. Up front, we’re talking about an 18-inch wheel and a 110 wide tire. Stopping power is delivered to the 12-spoke wheels through 2 piston calipers acting on a single 310mm disc brake so that the stylish front wheels would stand out properly and 2 piston calipers acting on a single 285mm disc.

2009 Triumph America

America’s 41mm forks are positioned at a rake angle of 33.3 degrees which is just perfect both for creating that nice classic look and only needing a pair of pullback handlebars in order to achieve a comfy riding position. But, we shouldn’t forget that the Triumph America, like the veritable cruising two-wheeled machinery that it is, comes with the frame and swingarm made of steel and that has much to do with the 497 lbs dry weight of the bike.

Thanks to a low center of gravity and a 54 bhp powerful engine, that weight seems like being lost when accelerating. Also, with torque being 51ft.lbf, we notice that despite getting fuel injection, the bike does not feature increased performance numbers which can only mean that Triumph replaced the old carburetors just so that the bike would meet environmental regulations and to be as modern as their contenders are.

2008 Triumph America History

Competition

2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low

The 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low is a motorcycle built following the same idea as in the case of the 2009 Triumph America. The engine is what makes these bikes middleweight ones and in the case of the Sportster, it is an 883cc, air-cooled Evolution one that is as well fuel injected. The V-twin powerplant is capable of 55ft.lbs at 3,500 rpm so maximum torque is reached much lower than America’s engine does (4800 rpm). But, the Sportster also weighs 563 lbs dry the performances don’t differ much. The rider’s taste is what makes the difference between the American bike and the America called bike, but the price is of great importance as well especially considering the $6,999 base MSRP of the 2009 Sportster 883 Low.

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

Earlier, we mentioned that the America is Triumph’s idea of a classic cruiser so it is recommended to mention a veritable one as an alternative for it. The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic features timeless look in a category where mean should do the trick. Still, engineering is modern so Kawi manages to get 58.2ft.lb at 3,500 rpm from the fuel-injected 903cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve per cylinder V-twin engine. The riding position is as comfortable as in the case of the Harley and Triumph, but we shouldn’t forget the $7,499 MSRP.

Exterior

2009 Triumph America

Just like Harley’s Sportster 883 Low remains basically a custom bike, but still the appropriate thing in relation to the America, and the Vulcan 900 Classic a never going out of fashion kind of bike, the 2009 Triumph America has a unique recipe for success, the combination between classic and custom, with the best from both categories being united in an unbeatable combination.

You may have noticed that the America doesn’t come with deeply valanced fenders, but neither with sharp ones. Also, the wheels aren’t the same custom ones as on the Speedmaster, neither standard spoked like we’d expect to find on a veritable cruiser, but a pair of stylish alloy 12-spoke ones. As a final and unique touch, the handlebars are pulled back, but still look close to drag ones.

The teardrop fuel tank fits the characters of a classic bike’s one perfectly while the parallel-twin cylinder engine is the British’s own interpretation of the cruising style and not a bad one at all. In fact, fitting the America with the much needed fuel injection system, which brings a major contribution to it meeting Euro 3 regulations, didn’t change anything in what concerns the design factor as the throttle bodies actually look like carburetors. The exhaust pipes are individually directed on each side of the America so that the bike would look both the same from each side and from simplicity purposes too.

In this case, the seat is made out of two pieces for enhanced rider and passenger comfort so that’s a notable classic feature, just like the gas tank is. The side engine and transmission covers are chromed and not matt black painted, just to make a difference in relation to the Speedmaster.

We can’t help mentioning how much we appreciated the also chromed round headlight and mirrors, but what really makes the 2009 model year stand out are the special color schemes available for it: Pacific Blue/Aegean Blue, Phantom Black, Pacific Blue/New England White.

2008 Triumph America Test Ride

Price

Among the bikes mentioned above, the Triumph America is the most expensive mostly because of the amazing build quality as well as fit and finish. This statement is sustained by the fact that the bike’s MSRP varies depending on the color scheme elected; $8,699 for the single color painted bike and $8,899 for the two-tone color America.

Conclusion

2009 Triumph America

Overall, what’s the most interesting about the 2009 Triumph America is that you come to discover new and interesting features every time you circle around it. In what concerns the engine and the fuel-injection system that this gets as this year’s model, we have nothing but good references: fuel consumption is improved and emissions are lowered while the bike’s classic carbureted engine look remains the same.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2009 Triumph America Engine

Type: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 270 degree firing interval
Capacity: 865cc
Bore/Stroke: 90 x 68mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Fuel System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI
Final Drive: X ring chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox: 5-speed

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Triumph America Chassis

Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm: Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel: Alloy 12-spoke, 18 x 2.5in
Rear Wheel: Alloy 12-spoke, 15 x 3.5in
Front Tyre: 110/90 18
Rear Tyre: 170/80 15
Front Suspension: 41mm forks
Rear Suspension: Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
Front Brakes: Single 310mm disc, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Single 285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Length: 95.2 in
Width (Handlebars): 37.8 in
Height: 46.1 in
Seat Height: 28.3 in
Wheelbase: 65.2 in
Rake/Trail: 33.3 degree/153mm
Weight (Dry): 497 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.1 Gallons

Features

2009 Triumph America

Engine: The America’s 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC, twin cylinder engine shares its basic architecture with the Bonnie, but the 270º firing angle provides a loping exhaust note and smooth power delivery that’s big on easy-going drive and full of character.

Fueling: The America has a fuel injection system to meet Euro 3 legislation. Cleaner running than a carburettor engine, the fuel injected engine is also easier to fire up from a cold start and runs more smoothly when cold. The cool retro styling remains uncompromised though, as the fuel injectors are cleverly concealed by throttle bodies designed to look like carburettors.

Fuel Tank: The America’s seamless, teardrop-shaped tank holds more fuel as well as looking great with its chromed badges and hand painted coach lines.

Chassis: Both new and experienced riders will appreciate the sure-footed ability of the chassis and the confidence-inspiring handling. The riding position is relaxed for both rider and pillion and offers a supremely comfortable ride, thanks to the large, low seat, forward set pegs and pulled-back handlebars.

Wheels: The cast, aluminium alloy 15 inch rear rim is crowned with a fat, 170/80-section rear tyre while the front, an 18 inch cast wheel, wears a 110/90 tyre. Durable, wide-set telescopic forks add substance and a solid look to the America’s raked front end, while twin-piston calipers and front and rear disc brakes take care of stopping duties.

Exhaust System: The America’s engine fires out through a pair of deep-chrome reverse cone silencers.