New Triumph Speedmaster builds on history
Built on the Bobber, Triumph’s new bike promises old looks with new gadgetry
More traditional styling and more classic DNA: If there’s one lesson that Triumph has learned from the phenomenal success of its Bobber — the fastest selling new model in Triumph’s storied 115-year history — it’s that yesteryear sells.
Hence the Speedmaster, a marriage of traditional Bonneville visuals with the kinda-like-a-hardtail chassis of the Bobber. Marrying a traditional Bonnie tank to the Bobber’s High Torque engine and monoshock frame, the Speedmaster throws in swept-back, “Beach” handlebars, a more comfortable seat (for two, no less) and calls the result a tourer.
Indeed, one of the “inspiration” kits Triumph is offering for the Speedmaster — the Highway — offers an adjustable windshield and soft panniers that look like they could have been lifted from a classic JC Whitney catalogue. Ditto for the Maverick kit, which strips the Speedmaster to the bone.
But the Speedmaster is far higher tech than Triumphs of yore. Fuel injection, throttle-by-wire and a torque-assist clutch (making clutch pull lighter than its 1200-cc would normally allow) all make the grade, as does a switchable traction control system, anti-lock brakes and LED lighting. Twin front Brembo discs and a 41-mm cartridge fork, along with a monoshock suspension, ensure that the Speedmaster is capable of two-up touring. Look for Speedmasters in your local Triumph dealership in the spring.