Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Review

• Published On: 15 October 2018
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The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is based on the Triumph Bonneville Bobber. It shares the same engine and other mechanicals with it.

The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is the flagship model in the Bonneville range. The Speedmaster is a more thrived and comfortable version of the Bobber. The bike gets the same 1200cc torquey engine from the T120.

Styling – Styling-wise the Speedmaster is a souped-up version of the T120. The test bike was kitted with accessories, which added more charm to the muscular cruiser. The tall wind visor, pillion backrest, a pair of leather saddle bags and distinctive LED headlight with integrated DRL added more appeal to the cruiser. The chrome treated handlebar, twin slash-cut peashooter exhaust pipes and spoked rims completed the retro look of the cruiser.

Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The circular-shaped single-pod adjustable console shows almost all the information on the Bonneville Speedmaster. The analogue-digital cluster is the same from the Bonneville range of motorcycles. The speedometer is analogue while the digital unit displays gear position indicator, fuel gauge, odometer, two trip meters and total fuel consumption. The switchgear is shared with the Bonneville range but the Speedmaster gets an additional single switch for cruise control.

Ergonomics – The seat on the Triumph Speedmaster is plush and very well cushioned. The seat height at 705 mm makes it very easy to get on and off the bike. The bike gets front set foot-pegs and beach-bar handlebars. With all the above things said, the Speedmaster is very comfortable and has cruiser-oriented ergonomics. There is an addition of a pillion backrest in the accessory package.  The tall windshield gets slight inconvenient while riding in bright sunlight or during late in the night.

Performance – The Triumph Speedmaster is powered by a 1200cc parallel-twin motor which churns out 76 BHP and 106 Nm of torque. The engine is borrowed from the T120 but it’s in a different state of tune. The engine is very torquey and pulls away at the twist of the throttle. The wheelspin on this bike was less as compared to the Bobber due to more weight at the rear and the presence of traction control.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox which shifts gear very smoothly but the clutch on this bike is very heavy and getting into neutral is also a task. The bike pulls to a 100 km/hr mark very easily. The first gear will take you to 80 km/hr while the second gear will take the bike to 120 km/hr. However, the engine runs butter smooth even in sixth gear at 60 km/hr. The parallel-twin sounds load and turn heads when revved hard.

Riding Dynamics – The low saddle height of the Speedmaster makes it very easy for anyone to ride. Getting acquainted with the riding posture is very easy but getting used to the beach bar handlebars will consume much of your time. The front 41 mm KYB forks are the same from the other Bonneville models. The rear suspension is a tiny KYB monoshock which a travel of only 72 mm. The bike is comfortable but it is not suited for our Indian roads.

The Speedmaster weighs 245.5 kgs but once you start rolling, the heavy mass will not be felt. Due to the higher rake angle, it takes more effort in leaning the bike. The Speedmaster sits on 16-inch wheels on both ends. The front and rear get 130 mm and 150 mm section tyres respectively. The Cobra tyres are made in England by Avon. The bike gets a 310 mm dual disc at the front and a 255 mm single disc at the rear, these provide good braking power.

Verdict – The Triumph Speedmaster is the most cruiser looking bike in the whole Bonneville line-up. Getting used to the riding posture and handlebar is a task, but once acquainted it is very comfortable. The suspension and tyres don’t go well on bad roads. The refined parallel-twin engine along with the cruiser character and retro charm makes the Speedmaster more appealing.