TRIUMPH has continued with its 'twins' theme for the 2011 Speedmaster and America. While the parallel twin cylinder layout has been retained for both (and not likely to change in a hurry either), there's much more of a styling differential between the two models.

The looks and riding position are different enough that it'll be easier to make your choice.
No longer will you be haunted by your dreams hinting you should have bought the 'other' bike.In a sea of V-twin cruisers these two stand out as a market sector all of their own.

Martha or Arthur

While the America has stayed on the traditional path, even gone down it a bit more, the Speedmaster has taken a turn down the chopper route, with a look which should attract younger buyers.Both bikes share the same engine and chassis but are definitely different to ride. To say which one is better will come down to personal preferences, both for the look and the ride.

Engineering

Nothing much has changed on the engine front. Retaining the 865cc air-cooled engine which has seen use in a range of Triumph's models since the middle of the last decade has been a smart decision by Triumph. It's not the most powerful engine but grunty enough to put a smile on your face, and with the 270 degree crank layout it sounds and feels much like a V-twin. Even though it's fuel injected, the injection looks much like carburettors so the old school look is retained.It's the same with the chassis.

The only differences being some geometry changes for the America to suit its longer wheelbase.As said before the real changes and differences lie in the styling and ergonomics.
To get that stripped down look for the Speedmaster, Triumph has given it a taller and skinnier 19 inch wheel, a smaller headlight and minimalist bodywork, different wheel design and a smaller seat. Its also got a wider back wheel and a single disc with a twin-piston caliper. Even though it's more streamlined than before it almost looks like an old steam locomotive, if you squint your eyes a bit. I reckon it looks cool which is no doubt the reaction Triumph was looking for.

On the America Triumph has gone for the squat look, with more substantial guards, a smaller and fatter 16 inch front wheel, pull back handlebars and a much wider pillion seat. Pipes are different on both bikes and I sampled a couple of versions fitted with accessory Triumph mufflers, letting the engine give out a nice healthy 'bark'.
Even though the seat height on either bike shouldn't be a worry for shorter riders it will be worth noting the seat on the America is now down to 695mm, some 25mm lower than before, while the pillion perch on both bikes is 20mm lower than last year's models. 
The rideStarting off on the America I found the riding position to be quite good. An easy stretch to the footpegs and pull back ’bars gave me plenty of room. If you're seven foot tall you might be cramped but for the majority of riders there's enough room.

At cruising speeds the buffeting wasn't an issue and at any rate Triumph offers a quick release accessory screen which when sampled later proved to be just the ticket for freeway speeds.If you've just jumped off Triumph's Thunderbird or Rocket III you might be thinking where's the power gone but it pumps along nicely, with quick overtaking requiring a change down before you twist the throttle open. I don't think these bikes are about horsepower anyway, they are more about enjoying the ride for what it is.

Where the engine revels is its mid range and flexibility. If you use the torque you'll be pleasantly surprised how well the 61 PS unit punts along. Also as sweet as a nut is the gearbox. Ratios are widely spaced and at 100km/h the engine will be spinning around 3500rpm in top. You could play with the gearing but I don't think there'd be much point.
Jumping on the Speedmaster had me thinking it was a completely different bike for a second. You would think the America's smaller diameter front would make it quicker steering than the Speedmaster but I found it to be the other way around, due to the wider front tyre on the America. I also preferred the flatter ’bars on the Speedmaster.

For some reason the Speedmaster I rode even felt more powerful than the America, but only just.
The engines are the same so that can't be it, and according to Triumph's own specifications there's no weight difference (250kg full of fuel). Sometimes you just get sweeter engines out of the box so that could have been it. 
Both bikes suffer from a lack of cornering clearance but you expect that from all cruisers. In fact the bikes handle much better than the clearance will allow you to explore.

Suspension is also basic – front forks are 41mm and non adjustable, while rear shocks are adjustable for pre-load – but once again for this type of bike it is fine. Sure, big bumps will see the rear shocks struggle but as all manufacturers have found out, it's hard to have long travel suspension in a bike which sits low to the ground.I preferred the look of the Speedmaster's seat, but the feel of the America's. Triumph do an accessory gel seat, and if longer rides were on the agenda I'd look at one, especially on the Speedmaster.

Like most cruisers the twin-piston back brake seems to do most of the work, and it works well.
The front brake feels a bit wooden on either bike but they work well enough.

Verdict

Both bikes are $13,990 + ORC which is actually cheaper than the previous models.
At this price they are very good value.There's a number of middleweight cruisers in this market sector but the Trumpies are a real point of difference.
Don't just think that's the only thing going for them though, the bikes are fun to ride, and stack up well and look very different to most of their competition.