The Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster | A Young Man’s Evaluation Of The Epitome of Modern Classics
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- čas přidán 11. 07. 2024
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At long last I rode the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Stealth Edition. The Ol’Man has ridden this bike quite a few times and has stated in the past that it is his favourite Bonnie. But will it be mine?
In this video we give this 2024 Speed Master a full review and tell you our true thoughts on the style, performance, handling, cool factor and more...
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I'm close to 61 ans I'm riding the Speedy since march 2023. My height is close to 6'3'' and I'm really happy with this bike. During the yearly maintenance last month a T120 was loaned to me. My conclusion is that the Speedy is much more comfortable for me. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany.
I'm 81 and was riding a Victory Vision with a Hannigan side car. 7 years later, after a brief respite from biking. I bought the Enfield Interceptor, needing a bike I could handle and pick up if necessary. I tired of the lack of acceleration and the finish on the bike and traded it this past year for a Speedmaster. Best bike I've ever owned. Easy to ride, comfortable. Plenty of acceleration at any speed. It invites you to ride. It's charm is obvious. Many folks ask me how old is the bike and are surprised when I say it's brand new. I have after market pipes that sound brilliant and foot rests for cruising. This is the bike I'll be buried with.
I am 34 and love those bikes and now have a Triumph Bobber. Its great!
@@thoraxx321 awesome 👍🏼
Triumph need to bring back an updated, lighter version of the thunderbird 1700, as for me the speed master is just to small physically.
@@ianbrooker2389 yes that would be great 👍🏼
I agree with you 100% !!!!
Royal Enfield made a bike called the Thunderbird.
Id 100 percent buy one of those. My first bike was a speedmaster, and I needed something a little bit bigger after a few years. If Triumph had something like that it would’ve been my choice, I ended up buying a Lowrider ST instead
Maybe a Rocket 3
I’m also 22 and I absolutely love these kind of bikes and that’s why I just love your channel and dobbs too because you guys review a lot of these bikes
Best looking Triumph.
I'm 31 but love the bonnevilles more than any other bike. I've got a green and silver t120 goldline edition and to me it's the most perfect looking motorbike ever. I got my license just for a bonny
Just adding, I own a 23 thruxton rs, that shares similar design queues to this bike and everything Darcy says about what people complement about the bike it's true. Everytime I ride it I get atleast 2 people taking photos and atleast 2 people starting up a conversation. On top of that people ask if it's old as the fake carbs trick them. The bikes are classy and mostly well made.
I have one of these, a 2023 Chrome edition. I like the 'faux' Amal carb fuel injectors - it's a nod to the Triumphs of the past. And I have fitted a 'fender extender' to the front mudguard to protect the front of the engine. I also got the dealer to fit a Triumph radiator guard, heated grips, and a aux electrical socket (useful to keep the battery charged when the bike's in my garage) as part of my purchase deal.
I don't do pillion so have removed the pillion seat and fitted the Triumph 'finisher' in its place. And fitted my SW Motech soft panniers. Oh, and a 'soundbomb' horn as the original is puny.
I absolutely love the bike. How they got those exhausts past the latest regs I don't know, but they sound gorgeous. They roar on acceleration, and crackle on the over-run like a Rolls Royce Griffon in a Spitfire (no bangs - it doesn't backfire, it just crackles).
I do like your dad / son vid style. It works really well. I look forward to more!
Vince
Lovely bike. I’m 6’1” (185cm) so I always appreciate when you guys show how you look on the bike. Looking forward to the T100 comparison. See you then.
The greatest feeling a Triumph owner can get is seeing someone's face light up when they see your bike and start telling you how their father had a beauty just like it.
I love everything about them, except the chain
I'm 34 and bought a 2023 Speedmaster a year ago, the Chrome version. Being it my first Triumph, it's impressive how good the quality is. Everything looks premium, the engine is excellent, and i love the sound of the stock exhaust, more when you open the throttle or when you are slowing down and it "pops" while revving down. I love it, it's a perfect bike.
Very nice!
I agree with previous comments about the Speedmaster size. The Thunderbird is one I do like but with regulations we don't see much of them now. Australia seem to follow Europe with spec allowances which makes a lot of the bike bikes disappear from out shops. Ain't it annoying that people in politics make decisions on what we are allowed to ride, yet none of them ride.
Good video guys
Well I'am 22 to, and on the same page as you. Since a week I got my dream bike V7III stone s with mistrals on it sounds Amazing. I tested 2 aprillia's, with them as they did not feel solide, and proper same thing goes for the suzuki's.
That Truimph bobber looks glorious, what a real bike should radiateWell I'am 22 to, and on the same page as you. Since a week I got my dream bike V7III stone s with mistrals on it sounds Amazing. I tested 2 aprillia's, with them they did not feel solide, and proper same thing goes for the suzuki's.
That Truimph bobber looks glorious, what a real bike should radiate.
looks gorgeous. I test road one the other day and found it wasn't as comfortable as I expected. I'm 5'7" tall so on the shorter side but yet I still felt like i wanted the seat scooted back and raised ever so slightly but at the same time it was hard to get my toes under the gear shifter. In the end it hurt my back after a 6 mile ride. I was absolutely stunned because I had pegged it as my next bike!
With some adjustments it might be better but, for me, this bike didn't turn out like I wanted.
It's absolutely gorgeous though.
I'm same height as you with 29" leg. The forward foot controls can be adjusted so that the gear change and foot brake are easy to operate. The first dealer I visited Essex Triumph in Dunmow couldn't be rsed to adjust the foot controls for me and it quickly became painful trying to slide my toe under the gear lever to change gear whilst on the test ride and indeed to lift my foot up onto the brake pedal. I didn't buy the bike.
About a year later I went to the Triumph dealer in Stratford Upon Avon and they couldn't do enough for me. They adjusted the foot controls of their demo Speedmaster to suit me and the bike was transformed. Easy to change gear and brake.
However out on the ride I found that the comfort seat was NOT comfortable for me. It felt like it was making slouch back and I ended up with lower back ache which I do not suffer from. I am fit and have a strong core. Also I didn't like the small lumbar pad in the middle of the comfort seat. It felt very UNcomfortable. I felt the rear of the saddle needed to be raised at the back as it was making me lean back. I had to keep consciously sitting up straight whilst riding. I guess it could be sorted with spacer brackets to lift the rear of the seat, but it would affect the line and fit with regard to the pillion seat. Also I didn't like the single plastic clock. Cheap. Twin brushed aluminium or stainless steel clocks would have been smart like on the Speed Twin 1200 or Thruxton. Also Triumph should have made the Speedmaster with belt drive. I believe there is an aftermarket kit to convert to belt available in the US. Apart from this it is a very pretty bike and I would have one in an instant. I would also get a TTS supercharger kit fitted. Pricey but well worth it. Would be nice if the petrol tank were a bit larger as well.
Great review especially hearing D'Arcy's viewpoint. I love the dynamic between you both so its great having you back together again. I've had the T120 from new in 2017 and will never part with it. The Speedmaster is a lovely derivative of that. And being an engineer at JLR you had me at 10.22 - "It's like a Jaguar" !!
@@hopgood007 thank you 😊
I have a T120 and a 2003 XK8 so tickled me as well! This bike is on my list for two up riding with the better half. Both old and with a 29 inside leg, most other bikes are just not suitable.
Totally agree with the apples to oranges statement. When my CRF250 was stolen in the Netherlands, I had to decide whether to get another one or something different, so I test rode a Tiger 900, a speedmaster and a speed twin.
Knowing that I would be taking it back out to Europe with me, to use on my off days, the Tiger rally pro was the winner. I had it for two and a half years and chopped it in for a speedmaster chrome.
Love the speedmaster, it has the touring screen too (which I brought with it, thinking I would probably remove it - but I love it). I have also just added the Himalayan 450 to the garage, it has done 250 miles so far and I have already dropped it on the Bridgestone trail at the ABR festival -OOooops
I’m 35 now and got my hands on an 1e gen Speed Twin 1200, a red one with the Vance and Hines and now with a lot of Motone stuff. I love that it goes like a freight train when you pin it but also a chill ride is amazing. I’ll never gonna sell it, period.
I love the channel, it’s calm and easy and the vibe is simply perfect!
The Triumph Bonneville is an iconic British motorcycle.Well known,and highly regarded by riders world wide.I'm happy to be one of them.👍
My son, 31 yo, and myself too, always had a big crush for classic motorcycles, so we can fully understand and support your passion, Darcy 😘!
Love the old man standing there making sure you say the right thing, I do that with my lad.. 🧐
Great Vid! I would love to see you guys review this bike side by side with the T100. Both are stunning Triumph examples of the range.
Your 22? That's amazing. You and your dad make great videos keep em coming!
The sweepback on the bars is one of the things that attracts me to it. Without a fairing I'm gonna slow down a bit too and that's what I need to do. Great Review this is now on my radar. It would have a been a great idea to have allowed that pillion seat to pivot on its front edge and lock into place as a backrest for when the rider was alone and wanted some extra back support.
always loved the review you did on the Harley 48. that really sticks out in my mind.
You guys are so blessed to have such an awesome relationship. I wish my father and I were this close.
Great video guys and I love the paintwork on the Bonneville ❤
@@JoJo-hc4dj thank you 😊
Awesome looking bike ! Seriously considering buying one here in LA. Drive safe my friends
The footrests on my Speedmaster have been moved to the mid position same as the bobber and I love it like that.
I was in the same mind about the swept back handlebars but again I love them.
@@martynhughes8305 great to hear 👍🏼
Hi, Martyn, How tall are you? and what's the lean angle improvement with the mids position? Thanks. 2024 SM owner.
@pod-puretone Hi, I'm 5ft 6 so not the tallest bloke. Iv never scraped the pegs and you can lean the bike to the edge of the tyre. Only being short the mid pegs also help me sit more upright and in a nicer position so no back ache issue on long rides. I'm able to ride alot quicker through twisties as I'm able to weight the pegs.
For me personally I wouldn't have the bike any other way.
@@martynhughes8305 Nice - I'm considering them. I'm 5'10 so I think they'll be fine from a comfortable leg position. My problem is a dicky left knee when I change up through the gears. lifting the foot in that upwards position with the forwards pegs can at times cause pain. My 2017 T100 had the OEM mids and I never had that problem and that bike could carve out the corners - impressive actually.
I've consider boards with the heel-toe shifter which would resolve the knee issue but they're $300 NZD more expensive than the OEM mid assembly and I'll gain little lean angle. The mids might be the go - thanks for the reply, Martyn.
Great review boys great channel probably the best looking production bike made thank you for a great insight 👍👍
Many thanks 😊
I like your channel. As you said, many will review the rockets and top speed bikes, which no-one ever gets to, or almost never. But looking at some useful bikes, enjoyable rides, good thing. Thanks guys.
This bike one size larger would be 🙌🏻
Bought the T100 because it better suits my tall inseam (93cm) and very happy with that one, but still the looks of this one are stunning as well
@@gertcruysen7440 👍🏼
T100 with Speedmaster bars would be my pick.
@@Jonathan-L Thats actually an interesting mix. The bars of the T100 could be wider so this could be something else to consider
Traded my 2017 T100 for the new SM - massive upgrade for me. Love it!
That color is a dream !
"I am drawn to beautiful classically styled bikes.." That means you are highly intelligent. 😎
@@thededicatedbiker2799 💯
Really great decision. This will age well and be good old. A thing of beauty and it goes in an excellent way.
I had this bike for a while. I loved it, but the seating position was an issue for me so I had to reluctantly sell it. I traded it for a T120 which is a good compromise for me. But I think the Speedmaster is one of the best looking (and sounding) bikes out there. It got so much attention everywhere I went.
Sat on one of these two days ago and love the riding position...perfect for me. Now i either have to modify my interceptor bars or trade it in and get one of these 😂
Was an odd choice that Triumph changed the fuel tank from the previous classic wide 16.6 litre fuel tank to a 12 litre.
The small tank does look nice in person, but will turn away anyone who wants to ride distances
Totally agree. It would be on my shortlist to buy but for one thing. The pathetic size of the tank. If you have only one bike and want it for all purposes, constantly looking for the next fuel station when touring would be very annoying
As a Speedmaster owner, I agree. A larger fuel tank would have suited it fine too. It is annoying to be thinking about fuel after 90 miles. I've bought a couple of 2 litre fuel containers to put in my panniers for tours abroad.
The T100 is a better touring machine. Much better range, suspension and smoother engine, BUT nothing matches the niche appeal of the Speedmaster.
If you like the idea of a gentleman's cruiser, you'll never stop smiling when you own a Speedmaster.
Got DNA filters for the lurchy throttle, now I just need to fix the short suspension... Hehe.
Great video guys and a beautiful bike 😍
@@2wheeledwillie395 thanks Willie 😊
My only issue with the Speedmaster is that the fuel tank is way too small for a cruiser like this. You want to go long distances with this bike. The bobber, I get it, for this size of tank as you are more inclined to pub hop.
I push mine and am averaging 4.6l/100km (51 mpg US - 60 mpg Uk) 250 Km's per tank. That' an adequate range. Just.
I got my Speedmaster 2 years ago. Fairly quickly I swapped to V&H pipes which give it an amazing sound. I also swapped the engine casings for the black option available on the Bobber. I absolutely love my bike .... BUT .... the small tank means range is limited to around 120 miles and that is a pain in the @£$E, particularly so when I'm out in the Yorkshire Dales or Northumberland where petrol stations are sparse. I'm thinking of changing to H-D Sport Glide or Low Rider ST.
I love this bike :) that’s true, the sound is even better than my Thruxton RS FE ( something for popcorn lovers
Great looking bike & am a RE fanboy👍🏻😎
What a beautiful looking machine, I would feel very lucky to be riding one 👍
A wonderful bike the Speedmaster. I have one. The only thing I have done to mine is to fit the Triumph mid control kit, which I do prefer over the forward controls, plus I couldn't believe how much weight you save in the process. The kit from Triumph is superb and all the brackets are alloy as opposed to the steel ones on the original forward controls. Definitely a worthwhile change.
Hi Graham 👋. What cost was involved and did it give better ground clearance when cornering? Regards, Mo 😊 👍
@@momarsden3053 Hi Mo, I seem to remember the cost was about £400-£450 for the kit. There was one part, a cover for the exhaust which Triumph supplied but I didn't use it as the original one fitted gave the correct clearance around the new foot control position, so I could have saved my self a few £s there by taking it back. I might still do this. The kit is basically what is fitted to the Bobber so the ground clearance will be about the same. I really cant say whether it is better or worse then before as I never grounded out the pegs on the original forward controls. However, for me, I personally prefer the mid control position for my riding.
@grahamtricker4103 Cheers Graham. Thanks for getting back to me and the info. Ride safe. Regards, Mo 😊 👍
@@momarsden3053 👍
11:18 "That's good". Ha ha ha! Great review as always!
A clutch and engine break gives greater and more precise control. Many truck drivers prefer an 18 speed manual to an automatic for that reason. An automatic is usually just good enough.
Morning I had a speedmaster couple years ago a22 plate and I loved it as you say the handlebars I didn’t like after a couple months I found I held them with the palm of my hand on the end of the bars which got uncomfortable after about hour and a half but that could be changed with some straighter bars maybe even the bobber bars but then you’d be crouching further forward so don’t think it would tie in with forward controls so they’d need a bit of a curve in them but the bike itself I loved it and did regret selling it great video by the way hope you sell your Harley and have fun with what you have next can’t wait to see take care
Have you tried the mini apes?
I saw a black and white speedmaster at the Triumph factory in Hinckley and thought it was a thing of beauty, so I arranged a test ride. I so wanted to love it, but I didn't love it! and couldn't put my finger on precisely why. I was so disappointed. Maybe the fault lay with me and not the bike.
I'm glad I tried anyway.
Man - my 2024 is superb! I'm 5'10 80kgs and 60yrs - perfect bike for me, and @ 3000-5000 rpms it can boogie!
This is like the jaguar of the motorcycle world...that's quite a compliment.
I recently subscribed to the channel and what a breathe of fresh air. Love the relaxed style you guys have.
I had small bikes when I was young (mid 50's now) and I'm due a mid life crisis and this channel has re-kindled my love of design. As a youngster I became very bored of the same old generic design of bikes and gave up riding. All the best and keep up the fine work chaps.
@@AdrianSams many thanks and welcome to the channel 😊
I had one! I loved it. You don’t need an aftermarket exhaust, just the decat pipe. Then it sounds perfect! My only complaint was the time my friends decided to pull off the road and up a little steep dirt hill. The traction control kicked in and it wouldn’t go. My shiny new bike was stuck at the bottom of the hill! I still don’t know if there’s a way to override it.
That tank paint is stunning 😍
Stunning bike chaps, if one where to own this you would be very happy with it and even stood still, you can sit back and look at it all day. Darcy this bike would suit you as your own… Thanks Liked as always, Cheers Nick
💯 yes it is a stunning bike. Check out Darcy's bike reveal video next Tuesday 👍🏼
Great breakdown, and beautiful bike! I checked one out at my dealer, and it seemed incredible. I don’t understand why it doesn’t come with those premium looking clocks like on the T120, 100 and Thruxton. At this price point I expect that touch. The one piece you stare at through the entire ride is the clock. For that reason, I think I’d still pick this after a T100/T120. Still, amazing bike.
Now that is a thing of beauty!
I bought mine new in 2022 and the first thing I did was rip off those stupid handlebars. I currently have a set of 12" apes (didn't like the triumph official tall bars) and it's amazing now.
In 2008 i got knocked off my bike and broke my left ankle quite badly which meant I struggled to change gear. So I bought a Triumph America with heal and toe change. Very nice bike, not in the class of the speadmaster and nowhere near the power but still a very comfortable bike.
'any granny you're fancy' 🖤 and the bike is just masterpiece. We will ride together in about 10 years, in my 50s 😏 Take care ladies! Keep doing this 'cause you are the best on the net! 🤘
@@plandovanje thank you 😊
Excellent review as always, just a shame they didn’t put a granny on the back as a pillion to make sure she would be happy with it! 😂
Tried today her at Triumph London, definitely easy for me
Could you activate the subtitles? His work is very interesting and I don't want to miss any details. thank you so much!
Yes we will sort out shortly 👍🏼
I've been following this channel for some time now, because I share your taste for modern classics and as I'm planning to buy one in the next couple of weeks, too. As a matter of fact, I also roughly share the Ol' Man's body dimensions. Naturally, I've been looking into Bonnevilles as part of the process. Like you guys, I fell in love with the bikes. My only problem is, I feel they are too small for my size. And frankly, that's also my impression looking at the Ol' Man sitting on them. The proportions are not right. I'm considering a Kawasaki Z900 RS now, because it is at least slightly bigger, and I've started looking into the R18 and the Americans. I don't like choppers though, so I'm really sturggling to pick "my" bike. I'd appreciate your perspectives on this...
We've always found, that long bikes are what look best on a taller person. Taller bikes don't really make the difference (eg Z900). The R18 is very long, so are most Harleys or Indians.
Very nice classy bike, beautiful colour and a great review. If you ever want to do a comparison or review on the Triumph Thunderbird Storm I have one and you’re more than welcome to use it.
The classic Bonnie, the Speed master and the Thunderbird are the holy triumph Trinity for me.
If you never seen a Thunderbird live do yourselves a favor and go at least see one. It's an exceptionally beautiful bike and I'm a V-TWIN guy through and through
God damnit, I always want a british retro bike after I've watched your videos and I'm on a Gasgas ES700 Enduro which I'm actually very happy with! xD
I've had mine 18 months now and love it. The swept back bars were actually the thing that did it for me. I love that riding position but having only been out on it for a day, I did a 5 day tour this spring and my wrists are still sore. Being an ex cyclist I quickly realised that my hands were at 45 degrees to my wrist which for cycling is a no no. The way I've got around this is to hold the ends of the bars differently and keep my wrists straight. I know most riders have no problem but for me it was agonising and the option of fitting straight bars didn't appeal to me as it would take away a big part of the appeal.
I fitted highway pegs on the dresser bars and actually sometimes use the pillion pegs to change leg position on a long haul. Great bike.
Bought a 2nd hand 2018 Speedmaster 2 years ago which came with a bucket load of extras including running boards and heel toe selector. Previous bike was a panhead Harley with running boards and western bars. Riding position was almost identical and the Speedmaster is a lot more fun.
I’ve got a similar one. Love to ride it.
Another great review guys. What jeans is the Ol’ Man wearing?
Thanks very much. These are the Brandon jean’s from &Sons. We love this brand! andsons.co.uk/products/sons-brandon-jeans-tan
Great review and beautiful motorcycle. After test riding one I would swap the bars for the T120 bars and maybe switch to mid controls. Do you guys sell the shirt the old man is wearing in the video? My wife tells me I need to upgrade my wardrobe.
Thank you 😊 the t shirt the Ol' Man is wearing is no longer available, if you click the link in the video to our t shirt store it will show you all the current designs 👍🏼
I was put off by the bars and forward footrests. At the time I felt if it had the Bobber’s bars and rests it would be great. I should try one.
Love my speedmaster in the U.S.A.
Loved the old mans snigger at your baby comment 😂
I have the 865 air/oil cooled efi speedster. they should have kept the same rake as the old speedy as its better than the new shorter wheelbase for this type of bike.
Longer rake is more stable in a straight line and perhaps suits a cruiser ride better, but the shorter rake makes it easier to steer and, for me, I haven't enjoyed long rake bikes, but my Speedmaster feels lovely to steer and I don't like to do lots of straight line miles.
Horses for courses though. The old Speedies are awesome too.
That's a great paint job, im thinking the fenders would look good if they matched the tank, aside from that its a great looking motorcycle
I almost considered one of these a few years ago, but my local Triumph dealership was greedy with all the "unboxing" fees adding $3k to the price. It is a beautiful bike and maybe someday I will have one.
Its a brill bike love it brill review 😊
If I may say so myself, a stunning bike good sir 👌 Only true gentleman ride these beauties!
I own the exact bike shown in this video. Good points: Fit and finish great, engineering is precise, fun and easy to ride, good power, nice looks and features. Bad points: Not a good choice for taller riders, larger tank would be nice, does not take bumps well especially at highway speeds...too hard, kind of expensive for a mid-sized bike.
Amazing to think Darcy was just twelve in 2014. 😅. Great review as always Gents.
Excellent VDO as usually👌
Instead of reading the dry spec sheet you display the stuff important for iron horse riders!
Keep up God's good, lads 🙏
@@kwakithailand pleased you enjoyed it 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlManmost definitely enjoy not only this, but all of your VDOs 👌
Jizz seing this bike on your show! What a handsome machine
i have the chrome addition
Still my bet for your next bike.... Lovely thing
Check out my new bike reveal video this coming Tuesday 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I can't wait! By the way, what new bike is it?
@@Jonathan-L sorry can't reveal until then 😊
For a bonny, I myself enjoy the t120 best, I believe its ergonomics, performance and looks fit best in that particular package. The t100 is almost there and definitely an amazing bike, but that extra bit of torque is addicting.
For a cruiser, however, it would be near perfect if the speedmaster didn't have a chain. A shaft or belt would be better.
It's a very lovely bike nonetheless.
I traded my triumph tiger 1050 sport for a bonneville for my second bike.
What a deal I got she needs some Tlc however she shouldn’t ride how she looks I love her.
And congratulations Darcy that’s a beautiful bike dude ride safe to you And the ol man 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Great to hear and thank you 👍🏼
Love it any granny you fancy cracking. The pegs are just to low for me.
Having ridden lots of bikes touring on them I foresee one problem with this bike.... steering bar shape... holding a bar 45 degrees will kill your wrists on a long journey. If I buy it replacing steering bar is a must for me
Darcy, I am 22 myself and have little interest in the sportier bikes so you are not alone in that viewpoint. Classic styling all the way!
💯
Great father and son team. Quick question. Does the Speedmaster comes with tube or tubeless tyres?
Thank you! They are tubed tyres in the Speedmaster
I think this bike and the Super Meteor are more closely matched. Especially the frames, the backbone is angled up on both of them, like the American bikes, like a Harley. You sit “in” the bike, not “on”.
I like the Speedmaster, though if I were to pick one up, it'd be either the old carbed model or the injected models up until 2015. They had a more cruiser geometry, and the tank just looked stunning. I think the current Speedmaster, while a superb riding bike looks too cluttered.
Not to mention, the earlier bikes, especially the carbed models are missing all the ridiculous EURO5 and EURO4 regulations
I had a T100. I think it is the best all-rounder there is if you want a retro bike.
I have a dodgy knee, though and had some pain on long rides with mid controls, so traded in for the Speedmaster, which is sooooo comfortable to ride.
No regrets. The Speedmaster is a visceral joy to ride. So much character. There is nothing like it in its niche as a gentleman's cruiser. It is awesome.
I may one day go back to the T100 one day, though. The range and the suspension are a limitation on the Speedmaster that the T100 doesn't have. Also I think the 900 engine is better/easier.
I absolutely love my Speedmaster, though.
FYI: Fitted DNA air filters recently and they smooth out the slightly lurchy throttle control at low speed. If I can improve the range and suspension, somehow, there will be no need to go back to the T100...
As far as the seat goes I like a firm one, they usually break in to be more comfortable after a couple thousand miles. Personally I would go with a t series Triumph over the Speedmaster.
I'd strip it bare, only the bits needed for the bike to function. Bob it to coin a phrase. But my handle gives my bias away. 😎👍
Sounds like this one is pulling at your heart strings D'Arcy it is similar in looks to your Harley but a bit smaller would take up less room in the garage, new bike maybe I am thinking.I have a 2014 T100 but would love one of these as well I owned some Jaguars in my time and your right Triumph are the Jaguars of the bike world.
Janky and unreliable? Not these new ones.
You need to really try this speedmaster with them mini apes triumph are missing out on sales the handling is much much better and it looks cool ime 6ft 2 it's niegh on perfect
The one thing that I wished they add to it is a reverse gear, yes I know its not as heavy as other behemoths but still a heavy cruiser. Reverse gear is really underrated on these type of bikes.
My Harley clunks into gear which I like.
I've noticed there are a lot more classic-looking bikes on the road these days. Not so many of the racey lot.