The Triumph America->ke1869 is the kind of retro-inspired cruiser->ke392 that riders enjoy to exude that nostalgic feeling of riding a machine inspired by yesteryear in the modern setting. In a lot of ways, it's a bike that seamlessly blends the classic cruiser appeal with the signature reliability and practicality of modern-day Triumph->ke1864 cruisers.
The America isn't the most powerful bike you'll come across, but it does enough to make your rides interesting. It's the classic cruiser look down to a tee, and its 865 cc parallel-twin has enough "oomph" to get you where you need to go without feeling inadequate about it.
One other good thing about the America is its handling capabilities. You normally don't associate cruisers with supreme handling credentials, but the America has enough of it to make you enjoy the ride, even if it means that you lose out on the unbridled power of bigger cruisers.
Click past the jump to read more about the Triumph America.
triumph-america
- Make: Array
- Model: triumph-america
2015 Triumph America
- Make: Array
- Model: 2015 Triumph America
- Engine/Motor: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 270º firing interval
- Horsepower: 61
- Torque: 53
- Transmission: 5-speed
Design
Like most cruisers, the Triumph America doesn’t deviate from what bike like this look like. The unmistakable design of the bike is defined by its eye-catching chrome details and polished instruments. The headlight bowl prominently sits at the top of the front fender, dominating the scene and emphasizing its identity as a tried-and-true Triumph.
Move a little further back and you’ll get to the comfortable sculpted leather seat that actually makes the rider feel like he’s not stretching too far to just to reach the curved, rear-facing handlebars that hang high and wide, embodying the spirit of a true cruiser.
The configuration allows the rider to seat upright comfortably on the seat. That is, after all, what cruisers are supposed to be. It allows you to enjoy yourself without taxing too much out of your body. The Triumph America hits that in the head.
Design Specifications
Length |
2387mm |
Width handlebars |
920mm |
Height without mirror |
1175mm |
Seat height |
690mm |
Wheelbase |
1610mm |
Rake |
33º |
Trail |
143mm |
Tank capacity |
5.1us gallon |
Wet weight |
250 kg |
Dry weight |
231 kg |
Frame
The Triumph America’s design isn’t going to make you feel like you’re riding a new-age two-wheeled road prowler. But it does imbibe what you want in a cruiser, specifically in the way the bike’s frame was developed.
In this instance, Triumph developed the America with forks raked out at a shallow angle with a polished shrouding and silver legs. These elements match the chrome springs and covers of the laid-down, twin rear shocks, creating the kind of laid-back comfort and road feedback that characterizes what a real cruiser should be about.
The suspension system is complemented by a wheel-tire-and-brake set-up that features 16- and 15-inch cast aluminum wheels on the front and rear, respectively. These wheels are then fitted with deep sidewall tires to not only retain that classic cruiser look we all love, but to also provide a more comfortable cushioned ride.
Working hand-in-hand with the wheels and tires are single disc brakes on the front and rear that both provide plenty of stopping force when called upon, all while maintaining balance throughout the chassis so that riders can have control of how much they want to push their cruisers.
Triumph has drawn from Triumph heritage and set Triumph unique British 865cc vertical twin at the heart of the long, low and sleek frame. Proud and upright, it not only looks the part, it breathes through carefully shaped, deep chrome exhausts to create a noise that connects you to the ride.
Frame Specifications
Frame |
Tubular steel cradle |
Swingarm |
Twin-sided, tubular steel |
Front Wheels |
Cast aluminium alloy 12-spoke 16 x 3in |
Rear Wheels |
Cast aluminium alloy 12-spoke 15 x 4.0in |
Front Tires |
130/90-16 |
Rear Tires |
170/80 B15 |
Front Suspension |
Kayaba 41mm forks with polished stainless steel shrouds, 120mm travel |
Rear Suspension |
Kayaba chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload, 96mm rear wheel travel |
Brakes front |
Single 310mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper |
Brakes rear |
Single 285mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper |
Instrument display and functions |
Analogue speedometer with odometer and trip information |
Drivetrain
Cruisers like the Triumph America don’t rely on their engines as much as sports bikes or superbikes. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. In this case, the America comes with a 865 cc air-cooled DOHC engine that pumps out a decent 60 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque. The strong torque at low revs is particularly appealing, but there’s something about the America that just fees a little lacking, maybe even muted considering the circumstances. Make no mistake, the America will get you where you need to go but it’s more ideal for urban cruising at low revs than it is at long distance runs on highways.
If you’re in the market for an America, it’s an important distinction to have.
Drivetrain Specifications
Engine type |
Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 270º firing interval |
Capacity |
865cc |
Bore |
90mm |
Stroke |
68mm |
Fuel system |
Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI |
Exhaust |
Stainless steel twin-walled headers, twin chromed silencers |
Final drive |
X ring chain |
Clutch |
Wet, multi-plate |
Gearbox |
5-speed |
Oil capacity |
1.2 US Gallon |
Max power ec |
61BHP @ 6800 |
Max torque ec |
72NM @ 3300 |
Fuel Consumption urban |
48us mpg |
Fuel Consumption 56mph/90kph |
59us mpg |
Fuel Consumption 75mph/120kph |
55.5mpg |
Pricing
The Triumph America is priced at $8,399 for the Phantom Black America and $8,799 for the Cinder Red / Morello Red version.
The good thing is that Triumph offers a two-year unlimited mileage warranty on new Triumph and Genuine Accessories to go on top of a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty on replacement parts and 6,000-mile service intervals.
Pricing Specifications
Price and Colors |
$8,799 Cinder Red / Morello Red |
$8,399 Phantom Black |
Quotes
“To the onlooker, Triumph Cruiser bikes could be mistaken for being just about pure classic cruiser style. but one ride tells you that they are about surprising levels of agility and performance in a bike that can deliver an engaging ride every day. They just happen to do it with that pure classic cruiser style.” ----- Total Motorcycle