Triumph Boneville Speedmaster
We ride Triumph’s newest bike for India
Based on the Bonneville Bobber and Bobber Black platforms, the Triumph Speedmaster was first launched in 2003 as a ‘factory custom’ cruiser. Ever since the company has continuously made interesting upgrades to the motorcycle at regular intervals. This is why 2018 is no different. Because it seems, the British manufacturer has plenty more game, as it gears up to launch another new model in 2018. Enter the all-new Speedmaster.
At first glance, it’s impossible to not get nostalgic and compare it to its predecessor. Needless to say, the motorcycle maintains the quintessential Triumph sleek style and comes across as a proper no-nonsense cruiser. The front end boasts of 41mm cartridge front forks, a short fender and chunky 130 section Avon Cobra tyres shod on spoked wheels. The new Speedmaster also gets a 310mm twin disc brake setup in the front. The single pod headlamps not only amply portrays the ‘cool factor’ but are sharp as well. On top one gets the single pod instrument panel. The pod consists of an analogue speedo and the digital display can spoil you for choice with features like cruise control indicator light, traction control disabled warning light, daytime running lights indicator, low fuel level indicator
light, and rider modes to name a few. Then there is a fuel gauge too. The new Speedmaster gets cruiser-style beach bars which undoubtedly add to the riding comfort, and while doing so, look good too. The fuel tank is exquisitely finished and can hold up to 12 litres of petrol. Unlike the Bobber, the Speedmaster also gets a twin seat setup. An evident difference between the two is that, with the new Speedmaster, one also has the option of removing the rear seat.
We love the fact that the rear section has the ‘hard tail’ look which has been retained from the Bobber. The monoshock though is brand new and readily takes on the additional weight. The new mean machine gets the same 1,200cc parallel twin as seen on other Bonneville motorcycles. However in the new Speedmaster, the motor is tuned to offer 76bhp@6,100rpm and 106Nm@4,000rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels using a 6-speed gearbox. The Speedmaster also gets features like traction control, cruise control, ABS and switchable riding modes.
As for the ride quality, swing a leg over and the sheer comfort in the riding stance is admirable. The beach bars, the forward pegs along with a low saddle height all collectively result in a brilliant ride. As you thumb the starter, the massive 1,200cc wakes up with a growl from the twin exhaust pipes—typical of a cruiser.
The gearbox feels precise as it slots through the box and at the same time acceleration is brilliant. Not long before the motorcycle opens up and you touch cruising speeds, one immediately feels at home with this cruiser.