2008 Triumph America Review

Intro

When it comes to motorcycles there are a few names that come up time and time again. While the American manufacturers are certainly popular, the name Triumph definitely has its place. This British company has long enjoyed a great deal of popularity in the U.S. and with good reason. Triumph bikes are always well made with plenty of impressive engineering and an attention to detail rivaled by few companies in the world. It is impossible to discuss Triumph without speaking of one its most impressive models, the America. While obviously intended for the American market, this bike was first introduced in 2002 with the name Bonneville America and was part of the Bonneville line. It wasn’t until 2003 that the Bonneville name was dropped and the America stood on its own. The America carried on virtually unchanged until the 2007 model year when the British Triumph chose to make some changes to the model similar to those offered on the Speedmaster. Those changes include reverse cone silencers, front brake levers, and an adjustable clutch, in addition to new cast wheels. The America has been left relatively unchanged since those upgrades and continues to be a popular model in the U.S. and around the world.

You would be hard pressed to find a review of the 2008 Triumph America that had anything bad to say about this cruiser. Like most of the company’s other products, the 2008 America is simply gorgeous. This bike is well designed with plenty of features to set it above the rest. The body design is in a word, cool. There is no way to not look good riding around on this model whether you are cruising around town or hitting the open road. The America is technically a mid-sized cruiser which in name alone gives the impression of a smaller bike. However, this model manages to look enormous with its highly stylized fender and overall body design. The 4.4 gallon gas tank adds to the look of the bike and pullback handlebars are wide set, giving the machine even more of a massive appearance. Chrome accents such as on the tank ornaments and rear fender are ideal for adding to the stylish look of the 2008 America.

While it’s fun to talk all about the America’s good looks, it can’t be denied that this bike has serious staying power on the road. Riding this model is an exercise in what’s amazing about motorcycles. It’s obvious the English engineers really thought about what it’s like to ride on the American wide open roads and highways when designing this bike. It is more at home taking on the asphalt for long periods of time than puttering around town or city streets, though it can do that as well. Power isn’t a problem for this cruiser either. In test drives, it is capable of reaching the maximum speed of 110 mph. interestingly enough; the rider won’t be bothered by any excessive noise or vibration, keeping the rider relaxed and the journey more than pleasant.

New For 2008

  • No new changes are reported for the 2008 Triumph America motorcycle.

2008 Triumph America Specs

  • Model: Triumph America
  • Engine Type: Parallel-twin DOHC
  • Bore and Stroke: 90 x 68mm
  • Compression ratio: 9.2:1
  • Valve Train: N/A
  • Induction: N/A
  • Ignition: N/A
  • Transmission: five-speed
  • Final Drive: chain
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.4 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: N/A
  • Brakes (Front): disc
  • Brakes (Rear): disc
  • Suspension (Front): N/A
  • Suspension (Rear): N/A
  • Wheelbase: 65.2in.
  • Rake: 33.3°
  • Trail: 153mm
  • Seat Height: 28.3 in.
  • Curb Weight: 497 lbs.
  • Tires (Front): 110/90 18
  • Tires (Rear): 170/80 15

Accessories

  • Custom paint
  • Chrome seat rail
  • Luggage rack

Key Competitors For The 2008 Triumph America

  • Harley-Davidson Sportster
  • Kawasaki Vulcan 900
  • Suzuki Boulevard C50