The ever-growing range of Bonneville modern classics has received a new member for 2018. The latest Speedmaster is a cruiser variant built on the Bobber platform, offering laid back ergonomics, touring capabilities and a beefed-up version of Triumph's latest liquid-cooled 1,200 cc twin High Torque engine.
The Speedmaster has been part of the Bonneville range since 2002, starting out as a cruiser version of the first-generation roadster. It received a larger 865-cc inline twin engine in 2005 and fuel injection three years later.
Now Triumph has introduced its successor, building it around the new liquid-cooled twin engine and basing it on the Bobber, which itself is a modified variant of the latest T120 roadster. As such, the new Speedmaster gets the torquier version of the 1,200-cc High Torque engine, which delivers 77 hp (57.4 kW) at 6,100 rpm – a fraction less and lower in the rev range than the 80 hp (59.7 kW) at 6,550 rpm of the T120.
On the other hand, the 2018 version of the twin motor in Bobber and Speedmaster guise sports more midrange torque, punching out 106 Nm (78.2 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm and, most importantly, some 10 percent more at 4,500 rpm compared to the T120 roadster.
The Speedmaster is heavily based on the Bonneville Bobber, featuring the same shorter KYB 41 mm cartridge front forks, which offer 90 mm (3.5 in) of wheel travel instead of the T120's 120 mm (4.7 in). The front system is also equipped with the two-piston Brembo calipers of the Bobber, acting on 310-mm steel discs – whereas the T120 series uses Nissin units.
The meticulous classic styling hides a series of modern electronic amenities, including ride-by-wire throttle, two selectable riding modes (Road and Rain), ABS braking, switchable traction control and LED headlighting. The engine is equipped with a torque assist clutch for lighter action and a cruise control system. All listed as standard equipment.
The riding position is characterized by a low set height of 705 mm (27.8 in), forward-positioned foot pegs and swept back handlebars. The Speedmaster is designed as a more touring-efficient version of the Bobber and to this end the fuel tank's capacity has grown to 12 l (3.2 gal) from the Bobber's 9 l (2.4 gal).
The Speedmaster will be offered in two solid colors (red and black) and a two-tone black and white variant, complemented with a long series of official accessories. It is expected to hit the markets in the first trimester of 2018 at a price that hasn't yet been disclosed.
Source: Triumph
