Triumph Speedmaster goes on trial
Verdict revealed after new cruiser endures the MCN250
‘Is that a new Triumph?” I’m filling up with petrol in Oundle at the very start of our route and already the Speedmaster has drawn the attention of a passer-by. “I used to ride trials when I was younger but that would tempt me back onto two wheels.” That’s the Triumph effect for you. Young or old, their range of modern classics always attracts admiration. Sensing a convert, I point out that this is the two-seat version of the Bobber Black and powered by a water-cooled parallel twin. Tucked away is tech such as ABS, traction control, cruise control and even two power modes. My inquisitor’s eyes glaze over and he begins to retreat towards his Range Rover.
For those who are more interested, the Bonneville Speedmaster is Triumph’s new laid-back cruiser. Running feet-forward footpegs, swept-back beach bars and the same 16in wheels and twin front discs as the Bobber Black, it is aimed at those looking for a chilled retro with the ability to take a pillion, something the two Bobber models have no provision for. There is a small pad attached above the mudguard and a neat chrome grab rail, but it’s not exactly Gold Wing levels of luxury. As I was to discover, neither is the rider’s seat.
Just by looking at the Triumph you know it isn’t built for commuting, but its parallel twin is happy to chug along at a steady 60mph in traffic. The A605 is a busy road so I don’t bother overtaking and instead plod along in top gear. There’s no vibration and it’s all very laid-back, although my bum is already starting to protest at the firmness of the seat. Which is worrying as I’ve only done 15 miles. With the A605 giving way to the dual carriageway (A45), I open the Speedmaster up to 70mph and am pleasantly surprised that you can sit at this pace without the need to brace too much against the wind. The pulled-back bars and seat position mean you are naturally set against any wind and sitting at 70mph is fairly effortless. I’m tempted to try the one-button cruise control, but the traffic is so heavy that I can’t be bothered to keep repeatedly turning it on and off. Having passed Northampton I cut off the A5 and take the back roads to Silverstone. Initially it’s a delight to let the Speedmaster off its leash. However, this feeling of joy disappears as the poor high-speed damping in the shock comes into play. The bike can’t handle sharp jolts as its shock hasn’t got enough movement to
soak up the forces, meaning they are transmitted straight to your spine and bum. It’s one of those bikes that makes you involuntarily say ‘urgh’ when you hit a sharp bump. Picking up the A4525 the Speedie starts to come alive. It rolls into bends beautifully, and the harshness in the rear suspension is replaced with a lovely plush feel as it no longer has to respond to instant jolts. Despite the 16in wheels and long wheelbase, Triumph have instilled enough agility to allow it to be enjoyed in a spirited fashion. It’s lovely, and takes my mind off the numb bumb. Well, until I hit the M40. Motorways are never fun, but at least with simple-to-use-cruise control the miles pass slightly quicker. My only gripe is that I’d like to have had heated grips as my fingers are getting a chill. Offering them as an £189 extra seems a little tight. For anyone wanting to cover serious miles there is the option of a touring screen, as well as panniers, but I reckon they’ll ruin the looks. At Stratford I try to enjoy the twisty roads towards Broadway but all I can wish for is the pain in my backside to abate. During a coffee stop I look on Triumph’s website for a comfort seat. It costs £195 and I wonder how much same-day delivery is.
I know the route from Stow and despite drizzle in the air I give the Speedmaster a workout. Going up and down the gearbox highlights the harsh gear-change action. With both my toe and back/bum hurting, I stop for a bite at The Cotswold Diner. Rather predictably, someone stops me mid-bacon buttie to ask about the bike. I spare them my bum woes and talk about the styling instead. With the rain now falling hard I select Rain mode for my run into Cirencester, but I struggle to feel much difference in the power output. The parallel twin is the HT
‘Despite the long wheelbase it can be enjoyed in a spirited fashion’ ‘Traction control is useful when you exit junctions’