New Triumph (Speedmaster 2018), Keeping the Guzzi

[twowheeladdict]

I was fortunate to have a chance to get on a buddy's 1400 Touring over thanksgiving weekend. I'd stopped by with my not motorcycle savvy girlfriend and started talking the bike up to her. He threw me the keys and told us to pick a couple of helmets out. we went for a quick 6.5 mile jaunt, Kentucky style, so it was twisty. I won't presume to review the bike based on that but I can tell you it felt VERY light and nimble. I was stunned. Coming off an old Jackal, I expected much more heft, even looked forward to it. It just wasn't there. Another reviewer here recently commented the the 1400 was too cramped for him, coming from a Victory. I completely understand what he meant. Once on board, it feels less substantial than expected in every way.

Just throwing that into the mix. My brother in law is on an older America 865 2008 (I believe), which I had use of for a summer weekend. Nice bike. Quieter and less of everything than a cali, but enough to be a more than competent tourer.

Anyway from my perspective, despite it's appearance, I think if you can wrangle a sporty or a tonti california, you'd do anything at all with a 1400 California no sweat. My.02

It's been a few years since I hefted a California 1400 off the side stand so I can't comment, but I did heft a flying fortress off the side stand a few weeks ago and my Harleys feel light by comparison.   That MG definitely carries the weight up high.

[JJ]

Of course, if one wanted a "heavyweight-cruiser"...AND...a Triumph, look no further than the 2300cc inline 3-cylinder Rocket 3!!!  :1:   A torque monster of biblical proportions!!

[kingoffleece]

I rode a Rocket III for 10,000 miles.  Love every one.  Unbelievable motor ans danced way better than it had any right to.
Sold it as I "needed" other bikes but it made such an impression I expect to have another one at some point.

I had that R3, 4 Bonnies, a Tiger 1050, and a Thunderbird 1600.  The Triumphs were all well made and dependable machines.  As nice as they were, they went away to finance the GUZZIS now in the barn.  I don't fancy any changes but I did just add a BMW G310R for the bride as a holiday present.

[Psychopasta]

Those 300cc BMWs do look tasty. I'm planning on trying out the G310 GS once the weather warms up. Would love to try out the Rocket 3 though. Insane machine.

[JJ]

I rode a Rocket III for 10,000 miles.  Love every one.  Unbelievable motor ans danced way better than it had any right to.
Sold it as I "needed" other bikes but it made such an impression I expect to have another one at some point.

I had that R3, 4 Bonnies, a Tiger 1050, and a Thunderbird 1600.  The Triumphs were all well made and dependable machines.  As nice as they were, they went away to finance the GUZZIS now in the barn.  I don't fancy any changes but I did just add a BMW G310R for the bride as a holiday present.

I always liked the standard "Roadster" model... :1:

[rocker59]

So, this new Speedmaster is pretty sweet looking.  I wanted to like the original in the early 2000s, but it just wasn't quite right.  Basing the new Speedmaster on the new Bobber was a good move by Triumph.  The added passenger accomodations and luggage ability make it a real-deal motorcycle.  Well, except for the 3.2 gallon fuel tank.







I'm gonna have to take a long look at one of these, next time I'm over at Brookside Motorcycles in Tulsa.

 

[twowheeladdict]

So, this new Speedmaster is pretty sweet looking.  I wanted to like the original in the early 2000s, but it just wasn't quite right.  Basing the new Speedmaster on the new Bobber was a good move by Triumph.  The added passenger accomodations and luggage ability make it a real-deal motorcycle.  Well, except for the 3.2 gallon fuel tank.







I'm gonna have to take a long look at one of these, next time I'm over at Brookside Motorcycles in Tulsa.

 

Not a bad looking bike.  Triumph cruisers were a hard sell when we had a triumph dealer in our area.  The adventure bikes were the biggest sellers, followed by the sport bikes, then the Bonneville line of classic standards.  When I bought my Trophy SE it was discounted $5000 and Triumph through in $1000 in accessories.

[Kev m]

So, this new Speedmaster is pretty sweet looking.  I wanted to like the original in the early 2000s, but it just wasn't quite right.  Basing the new Speedmaster on the new Bobber was a good move by Triumph.  The added passenger accomodations and luggage ability make it a real-deal motorcycle.  Well, except for the 3.2 gallon fuel tank.

What's this first pic from, early design sketch? I looks like it is missing the second disc (something I believe all Speedmasters have had so far).

[rocker59]

What's this first pic from, early design sketch? I looks like it is missing the second disc (something I believe all Speedmasters have had so far).

Yes.  Triumph design sketch.  It's missing the front disk and there are a few details that changed from the rendering to production.   

And, Triumph is not offering the nice blue with white stripes paint.  Too bad, because it looks great.

[JJ]

I like this photo - - 2018 Triumph Speedmaster :cool   Nice looking bike!

[Kev m]

Yes.  Triumph design sketch.  It's missing the front disk and there are a few details that changed from the rendering to production.   

And, Triumph is not offering the nice blue with white stripes paint.  Too bad, because it looks great.

I've got an Aussie acquaintance from the Sportster board who rides an Orange/Black 1200N (Nightster) and recently picked herself up a Triumph Bobber in black (before the dual-disc version came out, she's kicking herself a little now). Anyway, she just got her tins back from the painter and is going with a beautiful Orange (with faded gold checkers in the paint).

Before:



Tins:





I can't wait to see the assembled bike!

[rocker59]

That'll be nice!

[JJ]

Beautiful work!   Please post a photo when these body part are on the bike!

[Kev m]

Beautiful work!   Please post a photo when these body part are on the bike!

Will do! 

[Muzz]

As soon as you see the word 'Speed' in a motorcycle's designation you know it's going to be a slow, evil handling disappointment.

Sorry, S'true.

I ride with my son (2003 Harley Sportster) and his mate who has a 2014 Speedmaster. It goes well, seems to handle ok and is not too "slow" but it is noticeable that when we come to tight twistie bits the Speedmaster is indeed the slowest around the corners by a considerable margin. It is not his riding; he is in his 40's and has been on bikes all his life and rides just fine.

I always want them to lead in those situations so that I don't put pressure on them.

[Kev m]

Beautiful work!   Please post a photo when these body part are on the bike!

As promised!!!.


From Tracy:

And finally, I got the tins on TBob! Even more excited than the day I picked her up!





Click pics for larger images.










I'll get some close-ups of the graphics in the sunlight soon.

[Rhodan]

WOW!  That's a nice lookin' bike.  Really like that orange and it seems to suit the bike a lot.

[JJ]

Well done! Fabulous looking Triumph! This is my favorite photo / angle! :1:

[twowings]

THAT is GLORIOUS!! Kudos   

[BOAT]

My 2 cents worth:

I have enjoyed a Bonneville T100 since I bought it new in 2006. My first real motorcycle was a `65 Bonneville back in `67, and I guess I never got over my joy for what-it-is they`ve got. The `06 (last year for carbs) has been a great machine for me, especially solo rides. I put Dominator silencers on her and a Firestarter CDI card, and a Carvin seat.

I thought the Triumph was enough for me until I got my first Guzzi 14 months ago; a `95 Cali 1100i. Very different but don`t I love her, too! And the times when the Cali required more work, money, and attention, I always had the Bonny waiting.

Life is good.

[scura283]

Small correction, 08 was the last year for carbs and 07 was the last year for the less bulbous tank that was required for the in tank FI pump.
Mine is an 07 and the last bike I will ever sell.

[JJ]

Back in the day, I had a 2001 Bonneville in Sky Blue / Silver like these.  Beautiful bike...even my wife says I should have kept that one... :1:  However, my pin-headed, "close-minded" motorcycle friends gave me so much "CRAP" about the color... ...that I ultimately traded it in for new a 2002 V11 Le Mans...






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Learned my lesson from that experience.... not to listen to anyone about my choice in motorcycles ever again... ...so you can just imagine their facial expressions when I one day wheeled up on..."Moby Dick!!" (aka "The Great White Whale!!") 




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[Beerman]

Pricing is out on the Speedmaster at £11,650 basic (dependent on colour) + around £2k for the 'inspiration' kits that come with it.

I've ordered it, I'm looking forward to it...but the Cali 1400 still looks like a bike I would like to own. I'll send  ride report in when I get it - but it'll be March at the earliest.

In the meantime, the weather here in the UK has not been conducive to riding. I've just returned from a holiday in South Africa where 35 degrees Celsius is greeted by mega Harley rides around the Cape - a wonderful sight.

Beerman

[Beerman]

Well, whether I should have gone for the 1400 or not, the Speedmaster has arrived and made its 1st pub visit on the 1st good day of the year..

Beerman

[menzies]

Please keep us apprised of your experience with the bike as I am seriously considering trading in my scram for one.

[Beerman]

Menzies,

Out for a couple of hours today. It is a fantastic bike to ride, and fun. It is a cruiser - but the forward controls aren't as forward as I've seen on most cruisers - it's a midway point, though you can have them set further back. I've found it to be really comfortable, and the finish is excellent. In term of appearance, I could look at it all day.

The bike journos talk about scraping pegs - but in normal riding I didn't manage it. I can't really fault it.

I'm really pleased with it. You may find this an odd comment though - when I get back on the V7 I am reminded just how good that bike is  and it's at a lower cost, with shaft drive.

I recommend you to get a test ride. It's very easy to ride, and feels much lighter than its 245kg.

Beerman

[Bud]

Very sharp bike!

[kingoffleece]

I had a 2007 America.  Rode it 14,000 miles in 18 months and then sold it for a Rocket 3.  It was a fantastic bike capable of running at 80 all day long in great comfort.  And it got around corners just fine, thank you.  If the new one with the 1200 is anything like the 1200 Bonnie I test rode the bike will be a real winner.

[JJ]

I had a 2007 America.  Rode it 14,000 miles in 18 months and then sold it for a Rocket 3.  It was a fantastic bike capable of running at 80 all day long in great comfort.  And it got around corners just fine, thank you.  If the new one with the 1200 is anything like the 1200 Bonnie I test rode the bike will be a real winner.

My Triumph buddy Dwight has a slightly modified Bonneville America (see photos), and he LOVES it!  :1:








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[ohiorider]

This was one of my all time favorite rides.  A 2003 790cc Bonneville Centennial Edition,  In Lucifer Orange and Silver.  We picked some nits on TriumphRat forum, since mine was a POST FIRE bike, not a PRE FIRE BIKE.  Story goes Triumph had committed to build a specific number of Centennial Editions, the factory burned.  So they built the remaining bikes as 2003 models.

Mods ...... just a few.  440 Progressive shocks, Progressive fork springs, saddle from Thruxton, lower handle bar, TOR mufflers, re-jetted the overly lean Keihins.

Bike never missed a beat!  Bought used with only 4100 miles showing, sold to a forum member in 2012 showing 50000 miles

Pic taken Easter Sunday morning 2010, on Rt 39, in downtown Millersburg, Ohio.

I preferred the standard Bonnie to the earlier Speedmaster, but really like the appearance of the new one you bought.  (Having said that, the orange bobber in this thread is spectacular!)