Triumph Speedmaster reviews

Triumph Speedmaster (1200cc) The Speedmaster seems a little overlooked, as Triumph's copy of an HD Softail. But it's EXCELLENT. It is supremely comfortable, and handles very well, with a lot of grunt, not too much weight, and a very light-feeling front end. The tank, seat, and general lines, are beautiful and classic. The beach bars and forward controls make for a very laid back but easy riding position, and it is a LOT of fun to ride. The exhaust note is the best from a factory exhaust I've heard, honestly! It is not too loud, not quiet, just a beautiful deep thrum from the 1200 twin. I added a Madstad windshield, bags, a sissy bar, and bobbins for chain maintenance, and that is all it needed. It comes with just enough features, and the cruise control is easy and intuitive. making it good for long rides. Beautiful, reliable, fun, and easy. Take this thing to the cafe, or across country, it is a very gratifying, pretty, and functional road cruiser. (I like it better than the HD Softail, too. Not as heavy, hot, loud, or difficult. I never had to make any excuses for this Triumph. Fantastic bike!) Show less

the air / oil cooled 865cc version (2009 up to 2019) are SUPER reliable and are still a high performance feel and a very sporty and accurately handling bike: it goes exactly where you want and has STRONG braking power if you come across one with 2 discs up front. I got a touring seat on mine Show less

this has been a superior handling and low maintenance and POWERFUL bike for me in the 15 years owning it and has only needed preventive maintenance done. Never had any major engine or transmission or ignition problem Show less

I have had nothing but good times with this motorcycle. Lightweight, great power for the size, good mileage. Great look, get asked all the time what year it is with people expecting it to be a classic when it is a modern motorcycle. This bike is awesome, cruise control is super convenient, heated grips are helpful in the winter time or during early morning rides before it starts to warm up. Added the saddlebags to add storage for the longer rides. Three years of owning this bike and I love it. Show less

I've got over 4,000 miles on my Triumph Speedmaster and it is truly an awesome bike. The styling, the power, the handling, the all-day riding comfort, and the customization that's possible make it a stellar cruiser. The detailing on the bike is high quality. Even the welds are tight and nearly invisible. The bike comes with a nice comfort rider's seat, although I changed to a Corbin dual seat because the rear pillion is stiff--and the wife wanted something more cushy. The technology sets this bike apart from what many other cruisers have. It's got a compression front fork, preload rear mono shock with rear suspension linkage to allow for extra movement. Dual front forks with ABS and traction control are standard. Also standard is one-touch Cruise control and two rider modes. There's a digital Tach, gear indicator and loads of other tech readouts on a beautiful instrument clock. The tech is integrated beautifully, so that the bike remains a classic in style and looks, but is modern in handling and power. The twin engine is awesome, with almost 79 ft. pounds of torque and 77 hp. You get 90% of your torque from 3700-5700rpm, so you can really rip on this bike. Many just want to cruise at lower rpm and you can do that on the Speedmaster. But if you're like me, you can make some simple mods that boost power, since the 1200 engine makes almost 100 hp in Thruxton and Speedmaster versions. As for reliability--I've had other Triumphs and they are among the most reliable bikes I've owned. The Speedmaster's maintenance is every 10,000miles, so it's not a costly bike to maintain. The handling is excellent, with the bike being totally solid on the highway, even in windy conditions. At 580 pounds, it's not too heavy or too light. The bike carries its weight low, so it's easy to move around the garage and to park, and not cumbersome to drive at slow speeds like much heavier bikes. I like the forward pegs, but there's a kit for moving the pegs and controls to the mid position for those who prefer that. Lastly, the pipes sound great, even stock. This is a modern classic bike that will probably be a classic in another 20 or 30 years. Show less

The best cruiser I've ever owned, and I've had too many to list. I've owned this motorcycle for over a year and I have 5,000 miles on it so far. I've only taken one long trip on it, approximately 1,600 miles, and I've found the performance aspect and comfort to be very good. The T120 engine is just awesome! I like the beach handlebars, and the seat is very comfortable on short and long rides. I've accessorized the Speedmaster with a SW-Motech 48 Liter Legends soft tailbag, and a Madstad 18" windscreen; Both items easily removable, and both a necessity for longer rides. The only cosmetic change I've made is replacing those hideous lollypop-like stock mirrors, with the Triumph black teardrop mirrors; a nice look for the lines, color and overall style of the bike. A minor issue I had with the Speedmaster is with the OEM battery. Despite being plugged-in a Battery Tender Jr. over the winter months, it would not hold a charge when spring came. Didn't even bother going back to the dealer for a warranty claim. I replaced the failed battery with a lithium battery and had no more issues. My opinon, after having owned the Speedmaster for 16 months: This bike has it all, looks, power and good comfort. Definitely not a beginner's bike. This is an enthusiast's bike, one to be ridden hard and enjoyed on backroads. Show less

I love the Speedie. I migrated from a crotch rocket back to a naked cruiser and it was a coin toss between the Triumph and a Harley. I went with the Triumph and have not regretted it. My only beef is no locking fuel cap, but that's it. Otherwise, it's my perfect bike. Show less

Having owned most brands over 45 years of riding, I was very surprised to find that the "master" checked off all of my boxes. I ride solo about 90% of the time so it just fits. Handling is great, fit and finish is super and it has all the power you need for cruising. Even with a passenger there is no problem. Show less

This is a really good and unique kind of motorcycle that is cool to ride. This bike feels confident in the bends, it has a really nice range in the gearing (in that you're not shifting all the time). After coming from touring bikes of all makes, this bike doesn't feel lacking. It's also got a lot more power than most in this range and price point. Looks wise, it's got it, it's a TRIUMPH. The only downside for some, might be the chain. If you're looking at the competition at this price point, I highly recommend checking out TRIUMPH. The look, handling and uniqueness of this bike give it an advantage. It's a blast to drive. Show less

I haven't written a review for any previous bikes that I have owned before, but I just couldn't go by without writing one for this bike. I have owned many cruisers before including Kawasaki, Honda, Harley Davidson and Triumph. I purchased this bike a few months ago based mostly on the looks. I like Triumph bikes, but I love the new re-design of the Speedmaster with the drag bars, short rear fender, wide tank, and its beautiful stance. When I first sat on it, I felt right at home and after riding it, I was even more impressed with it. It rides great, handles great and just looks absolutly stunning. It's a fantastic bike for a fantastic price. By far, it's my favorite bike to date and I plan on keeping this one for a long time. Show less