Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Though the Speedmaster is based on the Bonneville Bobber, the two couldn't be more different. It gets a rear subframe that’s been beefed up to accommodate a pillion seat, while the rear wheel travel has been reduced. Other changes include twin discs with Brembo calipers at the front, a sharper rake and a fatter 16-inch front wheel. The front forks and rear monoshock have short travel and are a tad stiff. However, they feel plush when compared to the Bobber’s sporty setup, especially the rear monoshock that has lesser travel but gets a variable spring rate. Ground clearance is on the lower side so you do have to be careful while negotiating badly designed speed breakers. The Speedmaster corners quite well for a cruiser and is only held back by its low cornering clearance. The 1200cc liquid-cooled parallel twin motor might have the same internals as the Bonneville T120’s ‘High Torque’ unit but it is tuned to the same specification as the Bonneville Bobber. It is a highly torquey motor with plenty of shove available across the rev range before tapering off post 6000rpm. Refinement is of top order, with only a small amount of vibration creeping around the top end of the rev band. The gearbox and clutch feature light actuation and riding the bike in the city feels effortless.

The Speedmaster is a softened up version of the more focussed Bobber, with traits expected of a cruiser. It might miss out on size but it perfectly marries modern technology with vintage design. It gets LED elements in the headlamp, tail lamp and turn indicators, while the vintage Beach-style handlebars are a nice touch. The optional Highway pack (Rs 1,23,736 excluding taxes) helps give the bike a larger silhouette. The pack includes a front windshield, more comfortable rider and passenger seats, pillion backrest, pannier mounts and two beautifully crafted leather panniers. There are three colours on offer: Red, Black and a two-tone green/white. Fit and finish levels are top notch, as is the attention to detail seen all over the bike. The features list is impressive as well. It has all-LED lighting, ride-by-wire, two riding modes, traction control and cruise control.