Looking into one of the above for one up leisure trips into the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. Does the 865 have enough torque to deal with steep hills in a relaxed way? Thanks
Did a lot of camping with my 09 Speedmaster Been up Sutton Bank with it two up and pulling a trailer If you know Sutton Bank then that should answer your question More than enough GRUNT mate
BIG AL that’s a great looking bike but I’m not ready to take the plunge and it’s also a little over my budget. I don’t think it will be long before you get a good offer.
IwantaTriumph. Don't know what you are looking for but you are not going to get anything half as decent as Big Als bike for less than he is asking it's a steal at those miles and accessories and he is in your neck of the woods. If I did not have five bike I would be sorely tempted. And if it is on eBay then it is worth a punt or talk seriously to him. Just a though choice really is yours. Regards Joe.
Hmmm, I’m beginning to feel like I asked an obvious question? To put what I’m aiming for into perspective: I could thrash a 4 cylinder 1ltr Ford Fiesta up Sutton Bank and feel knackered when I reached the top. Or I could drive my 4.2 V8 XK up the same road with and just sit back and enjoy the view. If an 865 Bonnie engined bike can be the equivalent to my V8 car then I’ll be more than happy.
Joe, Thanks for the input. You’re right, Big ALS bike is very reasonably priced but I’m not in a position to make a purchase at this time. I’m in the process of researching and looking at what kind of bike will fit my requirements. I agree though, I may have to revise my budget upwards!
Fair comment - that’s what I really appreciate about forums like this, we all look at the same question through different eyes - I wouldn’t have thought to draw that comparison. Makes sense
IwantaTriumph Yes this forum is the tops actually the best I have been on. We agree disagree like hate. And we are all still nutters waiting for the white jackets to come out. Good luck in your search and the right machine will rear its head and you will know its your partner. Regards Joe.
I don’t have local insight as I’m in US, but I do live in an area with mountains. The mountains are in the eastern US, so they’re not huge, but still some decent climbs. My 865s have no problem dragging me and sometimes an additional 30-40 or so #s. I can run the 865 down the interstate at 80 all day with no problem. My wife rides, so I don’t have passenger.
Took my America to the Arctic Circle this year up the western side of Norway, 2up and luggage for the 3 weeks. It did not miss a beat and was perfectly capable doing the trip. Is it a cruiser though that likes low revs and lazy riding? hmm compared to most other cruisers I would say no. The America has tall gears, 2nd will do 70mph and it loves being above 5000rpms both for torque and hp, it's a very peppy Cruiser. Therefore to get the best out of it you have to ride it as such and be in the right gear for the terrain after all it's a middleweight bike in terms of cubic capacity. The payback is that you get one hell of a good looking bike that is not to heavy, easy to maintain and perfectly good performance. Every time I think it's time for a change the bike I look at my be better in certain aspects but for me it never ticks as many boxes as the America does. Only the Moto Guzzi California keeps me thinking shall I change because of the torque it has got and the looks but then again do I want to live with the extra weight.........
