2004 Triumph Bonneville America

TRIUMPH AMERICA

Wide bars, forward-set pegs and lazy, twin cylinder power – the America cruises the streets mixing classic British engineering with style from the highways of the USA. And, along the way, has proven one of the most popular bikes Triumph has ever made, especially in the States, where it has become a true alternative to Japanese or American cruisers.

That’s no mean feat when you consider the whole cruising culture was born and developed in the USA. Based around the Bonneville the America starts with a fantastic package to build on. The basic architecture of the America’s 790cc DOHC eight-valve twin-cylinder engine is as the Bonnie’s but it uses a 270° crankshaft firing interval, rather than a 360°, giving a staggered firing order and a mellow power delivery that’s big on relaxed drive and character.

Driving a fat, 170/80-section rear tyre (spun onto a spoked 15-inch rim) through a five-speed gearbox the effortless engine fires its heartbeat out through a pair of deeply chromed slash-cut mufflers. Heavy duty, wide-set telescopic forks add substance and a solid look to the America’s raked front end, as does the 18in front wheel, shod with its 110/80 tyre. Disc brakes matched to twin-piston calipers take care of stopping duties. The America’s built to do the miles and its relaxed riding position, with forward set ‘highway’ pegs, wide, raked-back handlebars and low 28-inch seat height, aids rider comfort and control - perfect for those long days in the saddle.

But this bike’s also built to be admired and from its slab-style top yoke to its chromed twin spring shocks the America is the very essence of cruiser chic. Centrally mounted above the teardrop-shaped 16.6 litres fuel tank (4.4 gal US) is a deep-chromed instrument console, matching the old-style Triumph tank badges. A white-faced chrome-bezelled speedo sits rakishly above the single headlight and with a nod to the past the pillion footrest hangers echo the lines of the trademark toolboxes of pre-war Triumphs. Two-tone paintwork with hand-painted coach lines tops the America, with a choice of Goodwood Green with Silver infill or Caspian Blue with Silver infill. And for the minimalists, there’s a single tone Jet Black option.

Cruising is all about the essence of freedom and individuality and the America provides both. It’s also ready to further personalise whether by the simple addition of luggage or chrome extras or with more functional items such as brake upgrades. There are also entire custom-painted body kits to mark the bike’s – and owner’s – personal identity. To some, the America is perfect as it rolls out of the factory, to others it’s just the starting point.

Specification changes for 2004:

Two new paint schemes –An understated Jet Black single-tone option and a handsome Goodwood Green and Silver two-tone option.

Colour options:

- Jet Black

- Caspian Blue / Silver

- Goodwood Green / Silver

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ENGINE
Type		Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 270º firing interval
Capacity		790cc
Bore/Stroke		86 x 68mm
Compression Ratio		9.2:1
Fuel System		Twin carburettors with throttle position sensor and electric carburettor heaters
Ignition		Digital – inductive type
TRANSMISSION
Primary Drive		Gear
Final Drive		X ring chain
Clutch		Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox		5-speed
CYCLE PARTS
Frame		Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm		Twin-sided, tubular steel
Wheels	Front	36-spoke,18 x 2.5in
	Rear	40-spoke, 15 x 3.5in
Tyres	Front	110/80 R 18
	Rear	170/80 R 15
Suspension	Front	41mm forks
	Rear	Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
Brakes	Front	Single 310mm disc, 2 piston caliper
	Rear	Single 285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
DIMENSIONS
Length		2424mm (95.4in)
Width (Handlebars)		955mm (37.6in)
Height		1184mm (46.6in)
Seat Height		720mm (28.3in)
Wheelbase		1655mm (65.2in)
Rake/Trail		33.3º/153mm
Weight (Dry)		226kg (497lb)
Fuel Tank Capacity		16.6 litres (4.4 gal US)
PERFORMANCE
(MEASURED AT CRANKSHAFT TO DIN 70020)
Maximum Power		62PS (61bhp) at 7,400 rpm
Maximum Torque		60Nm (44.3ft.lbf) at 3,500 rpm

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