Triumph Speedmaster reviews

Only had it for a week now and ordered it with the aftermarket Triumph short slash pipes (still too quiet for my liking). Have tried to get the 'run-in' over with ASAP and have another 200 kms to go before first service. I also have a 2000 ST Sprint that has done nearly 60,000 kms (entirely trouble free), and they are so opposite. I have found myself getting a sore bum after 1/2 hour on the Speedmaster which goes away within minutes of getting off (I can stay on the Sprint for hours before getting sore) - all your weight seems to centre on your bum in this sitting position. The performance seems adequate - pulls well from 100-150 kph in top gear and seems to be capable of about 200 kph. The handling was a surprise, I did not think that it would be as good as it is. Plenty of clearance and is relatively easy to get over - got rid of the 'chicken strips' within the first hour! Found that the back wheel locks up a little too easily and will have to keep from using it - never use it on the Sprint but it seems to be in position of invitation. Show less

I'm 30 years old and new to motorcycling and the Speedmaster is my first bike. I've done about 500 miles and the bike has been very easy to control, and predictable in turning and braking. Other bikes I considered were the Kawasaki Mean Streak and the Suzuki Marauder. The Japanese bikes felt so much bigger and heavier, almost clunky; and cost 2 grand more. The Speedmaster is smaller and lighter (almost like an H-D Sportster) yet could fit my rather lengthy frame comfortably. The 1200 Sportster is significantly faster though, and at times I splurge and go for a ride on it just for thrills. And of course, I am sort of an engine nut and when I saw the symmetry of dual carbs feeding the twin cylinders, I thought that was the coolest looking design out there. Also, the lack of chrome was an added bonus. I will primarily use the bike to commute a short distance to work daily, and it will sit all day in a parking garage with a salt water breeze. Knowing myself, I won't keep up with keeping chrome looking nice. A black anodized finish over the engine is a nice touch for those of us who give most of our time and energy to worthy causes in this world, not the frivolous, meaningless luxuries such as polishing chrome. Show less

I have put 4,000 miles of mixed riding on my Speedmaster. The pluses are great styling, smooth ride, and great quality. Performance is good around town and on the highway the bike stays at 75 to 80 mph without sweating, even with two up. It will push to 90+ but strains in the effort, 105mph is the fastest I've gone. Not having a lot of interest in going that fast, it is all the bike I need. Handling is excellent for a cruiser, but it's not a sport bike. You need to ensure you have the proper air pressure and I keep the suspension tight. I have owned numerous bikes over the past 30+ years including metrics, Harley's, and even a Norton and this is one of the best. This bike is a class act. The only suggestion to Triumph would be to put a few more horses on, but keep the styling. Show less

Bought my '03 SpeedMaster in June of '04. Had 420 miles on it, has over 1100 on it now. Not bad for only having my temp license so far! The ride is great and comfy. Awesome alternative to the usual Japanese cruisers seen all over the road today. I wish the Speedie had more power, though, and wish the pipes were louder. I guess I'll have to go for the aftermarket pipes. A fuel gauge would be nice as well. I hate having to estimate my distance and worry about running out of gas. Show less

This is my first bike. It is a great first bike. I have no regrets. There was one minor oil leak when new (oil cooler line - replaced) and the rear wheel clear coat peeled (replaced). It is very fun, nimble and very stable. The front springs are fine, if you use both brakes like you are supposed to. Metzlers are great - do it in the rain, too. It is a little sportier than the America. I think the Gunfighter seat is fine, and have made several 300-400+ mile trips (one day trips). Show less

The Speedmaster has the looks of a modern classic motorcycle. It's has plenty of power for its design, is simple in concept, comfortable, eye-catchingly attractive, and FUN to ride just in its stock configuration. You'll want to personalize it, and there is beginning to be more and more aftermarket parts available for you to do that. It's light and as wonderfully responsive in the twisties as it is around town. While others are caught up in the cliche of Harley-Davidsons, I enjoy the individualism, tradition, and handling that Triumph offers for a very reasonable price. I have two bikes, and the one I WOULDN'T sell would be my Speedmaster. I LOVE IT! Show less

I just picked up a new Triumph Speedmaster, I'm VERY pleased with everything about the bike. I park it at work and people stop and stare before they come in. I get thumbs up and "nice bike" from passing cars. People start asking about the bike when I'm pumping gas in it. Most didn't know Triumph still makes bikes. It's great on the highway, seat and ergo's are fantastic. It's very quiet, and rather refreshing when all my other bikes are very loud. James Dean rode one, so did Steve McQueen, and Marlon Brando... how cool is that? I considered a V-star or a Shadow, but there are so many out there right now. Triumphs are so few, I never see a bike like mine in the same parking lot. I think more people should test ride one before they buy a Japanese cruiser. Show less

I purchased my Speedmaster in April and have gone riding every chance I get. I absolutely love it. I get compliments on it all the time, and it even turns the heads of hog riders. I am 6'1" and have no problem with room on this bike. This is my first brand new bike (I learned on an '83 Honda Nighthawk 650) and I would definitely buy another Triumph. The only change I would make is a locking fuel cap. Thank you Triumph for a wonderful ride! Show less

Acquiring a Speedmaster was like a dream come true. I would admire the Triumph's in the 60's while still very young and always thought about owning one of these incredible machines. With the new cruisers, you get performance only a Triumph can deliver. However, it's definitely a one-seater with the gunslinger type of seat. Very comfortable machine with exceptional response. Show less

First off this is a replacment for my 88 Heritage softail(HD)I'm impressed!! This bike is well thought out, the dogbone risers with the flat tracker bars are in all honesty,comfortable and I've got long arms. The gunfighter seat is firm and supports your back just fine,however it really is meant for solo riding. My wife had her fill of back seat riding after a cruise of 75 kilometers and both my boys 6 & 10 felt with the sloping back they would feel safer with a backrest. The only thing that seemed to offend me with the forward controls is that if you tend to wear thick toed riding boots,you may find yourself adjusting your feet on the pegs(optional floor boards were the cure for me). The dual disc up front stops you FAST! I was very impressed that the single rear disc kept the bike straight and upright. I had to avoid a red light runner and these brakes worked WELL!!The performance for a stock bike is adequate, however I found myself wanting to shift up a gear at around 60mph at 3500rpm's(I was in 5th)Considering I'm a heavy built guy, this bike still honks when you run it through the gears. The stock exhaust is pretty quiet and restrictive on the available horse power(I will be installing a set of off road pipes and jet kit). The Metzlers are a great choice for this bike, you can power the bike through some wicked bends and feel reassured that they won't let you down. The gas tank holds a reasonable amount of fuel I have averaged 245 kilometers before I turn to reserve which gave me an additional 30 kilometers. Like I said at the beginning, I come from a Harley family I have owned many British bikes in my youth(I'm 48)Norton being my favorite, with BSA and Triumph following closely, this new breed of Triumph's are very impressive. The Speedmaster, in my opinion, for such a great price it is a grand machine! Do yourself a favor, check out your local Triumph dealer's test ride promotion and take the Speedmaster for a stroll, you won't want to return it, I didn't! Show less