Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Unveiled

Triumph Motorcycles has expanded its ever popular Bonneville range by unveiling the new Speedmaster in UK. The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is based on the Bonneville Bobber but is a cruiser motorcycle based on the same platform. According to the British bikemaker the new motorcycle is aimed at bikers who liked the Bobber’s styling but wanted better touring capability. The new Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster will also be available in inspiration kits - highway kit and maverick kit. The highway kit adds traditional cruiser elements like adjustable windscreen, larger saddles and panniers; while the latter features a flatter handlebar, Vance & Hines silencers, blacked-out elements and single quilted leather seat which is closer to the Bobber DNA. Fuel tank capacity has also been increased from 9.1 litres as seen on the Bobber to 12 litres, for better range while touring. The riding position of the new Speedmaster is also in sync with that of a cruiser, with a curved back handlebar and forward-set footpegs. However, centre-set footpegs are available as an option. It is also the first Bonneville offering to feature LED headlight and DRLs. Also Read - Triumph Bonneville Bobber Road Test 

The biggest addition on the new motorcycle is the addition of a pillion seat as the Bobber was available only as a single seater. The Speedmaster shares the hard-tail style swing-cage type swingarm as seen on the Bobber but gets a new subframe which made it possible to add a pillion seat and panniers. The rear monoshock is adjustable for preload but suspension travel is just 73mm, and given our experience with the Bonneville Bobber, expect stiff ride quality. Instead of the large 19-inch spoke wheel up front, the Bonneville Speedmaster gets 16-inch spoke wheels on both ends. Another useful addition on the new motorcycle is the 310mm twin disc front brakes setup with two twin-piston Brembo callipers.

Powering the new Speedmaster is the same 1,200cc parallel-twin powerplant as seen on the Bobber, which produces 77PS at 6,100rpm and a peak torque of 106Nm made available at 4,000rpm. In comparison, the Bonneville T120’s engine delivers 80PS and 105Nm whereas the Thruxton R’s mill pumps out 97PS and 112Nm of maximum torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Talking about electronics, the new Triumph cruiser has been equipped with two power modes (road/rain), switchable traction control, ride-by-wire, and also is the first Bonneville motorcycle to get cruise control. 

The new Speedmaster will be offered in shades of  Jet Black, Cranberry Red, Fusion White and Phantom Black. Triumph hasn’t divulged price and launch details for the new Speedmaster but we feel the new cruiser will land on Indian shores by Auto Expo and be priced around Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete against the Indian Scout Sixty and the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom.