Triumph’s Speedmaster cruiser is one of the last models in the Bonneville family to be upgraded to the new platform. As with other Bonnevilles, the 2018 Speedmaster features a heavily revised and liquid-cooled parallel twin, fresh technology, a new chassis and more classic styling.
Read about the all-new 2016 Triumph Bonneville family
The Speedmaster is a fraternal twin of the Bonneville Bobber that debuted for 2017. It gets the same High Torque version of the liquid-cooled, 1,200cc parallel twin with a 270-degree firing interval, aggressive tuning and raw exhaust note, and they share the distinctive “cage” swingarm that gives both bikes an old-school hardtail look.
Read our 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber first ride review
Like all of the new Bonnevilles, the Speedmaster blends state-of-the-art technology and components, including throttle-by-wire, riding modes (Road and Rain), switchable traction control, cruise control, assist-and-slipper clutch, ABS and Brembo front brakes, with traditional styling. It’s a laidback cruiser with pullback handlebars, slightly forward-mounted pegs and 16-inch spoked wheels shod with chunky Avon Cobra tires. From the silencers to the engine and tank badges, the Speedmaster has a mix of chrome and brushed finishes that impart a custom sensibility to the bike. The passenger seat and chrome grab rail are easily removable for a solo look, and the rider’s seat height is a low 27.7 inches.
Read about the Triumph Bonneville T120, Rider’s 2016 Motorcycle of the Year
The engine, which has a 6-speed transmission and chain final drive, is held within a tubular steel twin cradle frame. KYB suspension includes a non-adjustable cartridge fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock. Dual 310mm front discs are squeezed by 2-piston Brembo calipers and a single 255mm rear disc is squeezed by a 1-piston Nissin caliper, and ABS is standard equipment.
A full line of accessories will be available, including “inspiration kits” such as Highway (windshield, luggage, comfort seat, passenger backrest, luggage rack and highway bars) and Maverick (blacked-out components, brown quilted solo seat, Vance & Hines exhaust).
The 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster will be available in Jet Black, Cranberry Red and two-tone Fusion White and Phantom Black with twin coach lines. Pricing and availability are TBD.
Solid update of the middle weight cruiser.
I must say, Triumph is slaying it right now. However, they’re starting to venture into an unfortunate place where they keep bringing forth “new” bikes that aren’t new at all.
Are you referring to what harley has done for years?
ANYWAY….
ridd,n KTM for years,(1290 SA), and was stupid enough to try drive a New Triumph 900 Scrambler(2017).
Was “sold” after 5 minutes…. Bought it immediately, and has been SO satisfied with all of this bike, engine character, riding position, EVERYTHING, this bike get,s Your mouth smiling when riding….
Also sold the 1290, and replace it with a New Tiger 1200. Not that engine performance as the 1290, but MUCH more comfortable, and mch more quality feeling….
Buy bike with Your heart, not by spec,s : ))
Keep ride,n safe, and most importent at all, SMILING
I used have a Harley but had to sell due to a financial bind (wifey wouldn’t help me keep it & begged me sell it to pay property taxes for the house. Loved that Harley (Vivid Black 100 Anniversary edition). Later, found out she clouda helped me kept it. But, after 6 long years w/o a ride, I bought a new 2018 Triumph Speedmaster(Black). I love it! It handles like dream & fun to ride. It’s bout 200lbs lighter than the Harley Dyna I had. My only gripe is non canceling turn signals. A lot of times I forget to turn off turn signal & sometimes, it seems like the switch gets stuck in the last position. Then, I hafta check the position of the switch. I could try install an automatic cancel gadget, but having a hard time since I can’t find a canceling device. That’s one of my pet peeves. Another problem I have is trying to mount a universal trunk on the stock luggage rack with a stock backrest. Am gonna hafta improvise a mounting procedure than the one I got with the trunk.