QUIKSPIN: Triumph Speedmaster - Speed, Pop And Crackle

 

When you think cruisers, you think big V-twin engines. Harley-Davidson, Victory, Indian and Yamaha’s Star range all run high cubic-inch V-twins. It’s all very American. 

 

For the very British Triumph marque, with its history dating back to the 1890s, heritage is paramount. Its range of old-school cruisers are all powered by the venerable parallel twin. It’s an engine still used by many manufacturers for middleweight commuter duties, but there was a time when British side-by-side piston engines ruled the racetracks and sales charts of the world.

 

When Triumph Australia delivered its new 2014 Speedmaster to Gassit HQ, I quickly discovered the two-pot engine still has plenty to offer in terms of performance and a unique sound. 

 

The styling of the Speedmaster is unmistakably Triumph. The tough British-style of the 1960s echoes through its lines. The low, blacked-out chopper look comes courtesy of 33.8 degrees of rake, a big 19-inch front wheel and 15-inch rear wheel. Covers shaped like twin carburettors and airfilters hide the modern fuel injection system. 

 

A low 690mm seat height allows your feet to be planted firmly on the ground, and the swept-back flat handlebar puts the controls within easy reach. The footpegs are in a forward position, but they still provide an upright riding posture. Long trips on the Speedmaster failed to inflict the usual lower back pain I often associated with riding a cruiser. 

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The magnificent sound coming out of the Triumph genuine accessory Hi Flow chrome silencers ($468.05) is what really won me over. The off-beat rhythm created by the 865cc, air-cooled, DOHC engine’s 270-degree crank is only exceeded by the shotgun-like crackle on a trailing throttle. Claimed power figures of 45kW at 5800rpm isn’t earthshattering performance, nor does it need to be. The 72Nm of torque which peaks at just 3300rpm means the Speedmaster is happiest at low revs. 

 

The five-speed gearbox has a light feel to it and the spread of ratios is at home in both the city and a mountain road. The 41mm non-adjustable KYB fork and twin rear shocks with adjustable preload offer a comfortable and relaxing ride. 

 

Cornering at speed will produce a bit of footpeg scraping, but the Speedmaster is easy to throw around and doesn’t mind picking up the pace a bit through the twisty stuff. Its low-speed stability and turning circle are excellent. 

 

The Speedmaster would make the perfect next step for a LAMS rider looking to get into the cruiser market. The Triumph name carries plenty of street cred and the engine has enough grunt to satisfy experienced riders without being a handful for anyone stepping onto their first big bike.

 

PROS

Sound

Looks

Comfort

 

CONS

Key Position

Brakes (No ABS)

Needs accessory pipes

To get the sound

 

 

Protect your Triumph. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.