Mastering Speed
Triumph Motorcycles recently unveiled their latest cruiser, the Speedmaster, and the Bobber Black in the UK and we were there to take a close look.
REVEALED IN THE UK, THE LATEST BONNEVILLE variant is based on the Bobber but features high-end cycle parts, including new suspension and brakes. Along with the new Speedmaster, Triumph also showcased the Bobber Black which, as the name suggests, gets an all-black treatment on the exhaust and engine, along with a twin-disc front brake and smaller 16-inch wheels with a wider tyre.
The Speedmaster borrows inspiration from the classic American cruisers of the 1960s and aims to give the British brand access to new customers who fancy cruiser styling and relaxed riding position at comparatively entrylevel pricing. It gets a hard-tail-style chassis and swingarm which further enhance its retro styling like the Bobber, but gets pulled-back ‘beach’ handlebars and a low saddle height which add to its cruiser appeal. Moreover, the Speedmaster is a two-seater where the rear seat can be removed if one wants to convert the bike into a single-seater.
Powered by the Bobber’s 1,200-cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 77 PS and 106 Nm, the Speedmaster promises to offer strong mid-range performance with improved torque flow. Also new are the 310-mm twin disc brakes with Brembo calipers up-front along with 41-mm forks (90 mm travel) and an adjustable monoshock at the back.
Being positioned as a cruiser, the Speedmaster gets a larger 12-litre fuel tank which improves the range, so that one makes fewer fuel stops while touring. Electronics include cruise control, ABS, traction control and pre-set ride modes. The instrument console looks similar to the one seen on other bikes from the Bonneville family.
Both the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and Bobber Black are expected to be launched in India next year, and possibly showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. As of now, the Triumph Bonneville range consists of the T120, T100, Street Twin, Thruxton R, the recently launched Scrambler, and, of course, the Bobber.
Along with these two motorcycles, Triumph have also announced the new Triumph Factory Visitor Experience, which gives the brand and other motorcycle enthusiasts a chance to witness the inner workings of the Triumph factory and see how the iconic British bike-makers build modern-day Triumph motorcycles. We will bring you a comprehensive review of the Visitor Experience in the next issue, so don’t forget to pick up the December issue.