Cruisers

2008Triumph America

40 fields on record

The 2008 Triumph America is a middleweight custom cruiser designed for riders seeking authentic British styling with accessible performance. Its 865cc air-cooled parallel-twin engine delivers smooth, manageable torque ideal for leisurely riding and city commuting. Known for its retro aesthetic and comfortable ergonomics, the America appeals to cruiser enthusiasts who prioritize character and heritage over raw power.

Capacity: 865.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 226.0 kg
Seat height: 720 mm
Power: 62.0 HP (45.6 kW)

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What’s new for the 2008 Triumph America

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Power	55.0 HP (40.5 kW)	62.0 HP (45.6 kW)
Torque	69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m or 50.9 ft.lbs)	74.0 Nm (7.5 kgf-m or 54.6 ft.lbs)
Fuel capacity	16.70 litres (4.41 US gallons)	19.30 litres (5.10 US gallons)
Front suspension	41mm forks	Kayaba 41mm forks 130mm travel

Other years 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding60%

Daily riding65%

Touring50%

Two-up55%

Track10%

Best for: Built for laid-back cruising and classic-styled boulevard riding rather than outright speed or sport performance.
Built for: A traditional air-cooled cruiser with a torquey, easygoing twin-cylinder character and classic Triumph styling cues.
Not ideal for: Not suited to riders seeking sharp cornering agility, high-speed touring capability, or any off-road use.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 720mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Triumph America, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 865.0 ccm
Power: 62.0 HP (45.6 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: 8TDXC.865BAR-003; 8TDXC.865RKM-006
Torque: 74.0 Nm (7.5 kgf-m)
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2743 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 90.0 x 68.0 mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet. multi-plate

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1655 mm
Overall length: 2420 mm
Overall width: 960 mm
Overall height: 1170 mm
Seat height: 720 mm
Dry weight: 226.0 kg
Wet weight: 250.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 19.30 litres
Oil capacity: 4.50 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension: Kayaba 41mm forks 130mm travel
Rear suspension: Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake (fork angle): 33.3°
Trail: 153 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 285 mm
Front tyre: 110/90-18
Rear tyre: 170/80-15

Other

Color options: Pacific Blue/Aegean Blue. Pacific Blue/New England White. Phantom Black
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2003	2006	2008	2010	2013	2016
Capacity	790 cc	790 cc	865 cc	865 cc	865 cc	865 cc
Dry weight	226 kg	226 kg	226 kg	226 kg	229 kg	231 kg
Seat height	720 mm	720 mm	720 mm	720 mm	690 mm	690 mm
Fuel capacity	16.6 L	16.6 L	19.3 L	19.3 L	19.3 L	19.3 L