Triumph Speedmaster test: on the road again, again
The Speedmaster is back in 2018 at Triumph, in a brand new version … very close to the Bobber Black which has just been released too! What is the new Bonneville cruiser from the English brand worth? ? Site fetched the answer from San Diego, California (USA).
Speedmaster test page 1: one more Triumph ?!
In full swing. Triumph broke new sales and results records in its last fiscal year – between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 and will become the exclusive engine manufacturer of the Moto2 category from 2019. The British manufacturer has also signed a new partnership with the Indian giant Bajaj and opened its "Factory Visitor Center"…
- Video test :
The introduction of the press conference at the worldwide launch of the Speedmaster 2018 is therefore particularly triumphant! The managers of the 100% English and 100% independent brand legitimately savor their success … but above all seek to make it last.
To do this, Triumph does not fall asleep on its laurels and continues to offer many new products that are the driving force of the growing sacrosanct. After the Tiger 1200 XR and XC 2018, the Bobber Black version and before the future Tiger 800 XR and XC soon to be tested on Site, the Hinckley firm is releasing a new Speedmaster !
The advantage of being called Triumph Motorcycles (the company established in 1983 by John Bloor), is that we take advantage of the glorious past of the previous brand Triumph Engineering (producer of motorcycles between 1902 and 1983). A history strewn with models with evocative names: Bonneville, Speed Twin, Trophy, Thunderbird or Daytona to name a few.
However, unlike these dynasties or the "Tiger" saga which began in the mid-1930s (1936 to be exact), the "Speedmaster" line is clearly younger: the first of the name only entered the official catalog. ‘at the very beginning of the century … yes, the 21st !
Appeared in 2003, updated in 2011 and disappeared in 2016, the Speedmaster returns this year in a slightly more classic form, but on a much more modern background. Indeed, this 2018 version benefits from the latest English work on "Modern Classics".
To simplify the task and ensure a new triumph (?), The pragmatic engineers relied on the excellent Bobber, launched successfully last year. Remember that during the press presentation of this novelty 2017, MNC quickly fell under its spell. And last year, no less than 562 French bikers took their turn !
The "new generation" Speedmaster therefore intelligently takes up the main elements of the acclaimed English custom, starting with its central element: the magnificent 1200 cc parallel twin, in its "HT" version and its Bobber configuration (read our technical point on the third page ).
Speedmaster 2018: the bobber-cruiser
At the heart of this "cruiser" reinterpretation of the Bonneville T120 therefore sits the same watermill whose radiator is skillfully fixed vertically along the frame, and whose polished cylinder fins, exhaust collars (fins too! ) and fake carburettors deceive the neophytes as much as they satisfy the old ones.
Besides the impeccable finish of the engine – "Wow" effect provided by the brushed housings! -, Le Journal moto du Net appreciates the absence of cables around the Twin, but also on the entire tubular steel frame. Impeccably assembled – in Thailand – the Speedmaster has nothing to envy to some preparations from renowned workshops…
So that their new machine ticks the "Premium" box – a prerequisite for many European motorcyclists in general and French in particular – Triumph has simultaneously loaded two Brembo calipers (instead of the Nissins mounted on its bobbers) to clamp the two 310 discs. front wheel mm.
We note in passing that the stick rims of previous Speedmaster are replaced in 2018 by spoke rims: it’s "stuffed fresh, magle"! Or, in other words, this corresponds better to the classic spirit that the brand wishes to breathe into this model … Same observation at the level of the fork, equipped with bellows this year.
The remarkable combination of modern and classic is found at the rear of the bike: like the Bobber and Bobber Black always, the Speedmaster hides its single shock absorber under the rider’s seat! Likewise, the oscillating arm – in the shape of a triangle and in the extension of the frame – perfectly mimics a rigid frame..
The cruiser nevertheless differs from its cousins by its rear frame which supports a second saddle and a handle for a possible passenger. Another important difference: the tank sees its capacity increase by 3 liters (12 l therefore) in order to increase the autonomy of the motorcycle without disturbing its line..
More classic look, more modern equipment
On the tank, we note the presence of a beautiful Triumph emblem, more refined and similar to that of the T120. The many chrome touches underline the American accent of this English, without forgetting of course the typical custom riding position: front footrest, rear handlebars, but saddle still as low or almost.
The more prominent LED headlight than on the Bobber has a sparkling nacelle. To a lesser extent than the rear loop of course, it contributes to the weight gain of this Bonneville: dry and according to its manufacturer, the Speedmaster weighs 245.5 kg, against 237.5 kg for the Bobber Black (with double front discs also) and 228 kg for the Bobber (single disc).
At the end of its inspection, MNC finally has only two grievances to present in terms of finish: the sheathed wires of the commodos and their collars which run through the chrome handlebars, as well as the inscription "Speedmaster Bonneville" affixed on a simple sticker when she would have deserved a nice badge !
In the column of weak points (read our review in the right column), Site already lists the absence of belt transmission: if fitting a roadster with a chain seems normal, it is less conceivable on a bobber and unacceptable on a cruiser…
Expected from mid-March in French dealerships, the Speedmaster 2018 will be displayed at the same price as the Bobber Black, namely 14,350 euros in its basic black color, 14,475 euros for the more distinguished red and 14,650 euros for the black and white biton "with hand-painted edging", boasts Triumph.
To perfect the look, improve the services or personalize their custom, future buyers will be able to draw from a catalog of accessories rich in 130 references: "Vance & Hines exhausts, saddlebags, road footrests, engine protection bars, guard adjustable GT breeze, single seat, passenger handle removal kit, rear fender cover, etc. ", lists the manufacturer.
To simplify the task of its customers – and further lighten the wallet that clutters their pocket! -, Triumph offers two kits: the "Highway" at 2199 euros which is intended for frequent travelers, and the "Maverick" which – as its nickname suggests for anglophiles – is aimed at rebellious bikers…
But it is indeed the new "short" Speedmaster that Site was able to drive during a beautiful day in January … in California, near San Diego: beautiful sunny spells, not far from 20 ° C and deserted roads are at hand. program. Contact ! But where exactly is it? Ah yes, under the right thigh, as on the "real" old ones … Come on, kisses, we’ll meet you on page 2 !
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