Based on the Bobber, the Speedmaster is a more accessible cruiser-styled motorcycle that aims to retain the highlights of the Bobber. The Speedmaster is gorgeous - the proportions are spot on and rather than a Bobber with add-ons, this looks like a complete motorcycle by itself.
This bike is powered by a 1,200cc, eight-valve, SOHC, parallel-twin motor which puts out a healthy 77hp and 106Nm. This motor is paired to a six-speed gearbox and the bike is light and easy to handle, even at city speeds. At high speeds, this bike is really in its element. It accelerates with a punch and the gearshifts are slick. The exhaust not, even from the standard pipes sound fantastic and emit just the right sort of pulse for this bike.
Those swept-back 'beach bars’ aren’t just an aesthetic gimmick - the Speedmaster loves the open highway. At 100kph in sixth gear, the bike cruises at 2,600rpm and 120kph, the bike runs at 3,100rpm. The sweet spot is between 80-120kph. The bike features super-intuitive cruise control (standard and integrated into the left-hand-side switchgear pod), and you can set it with just a click.
This bike can handle corners also fairly well, despite it being a 245kg motorcycle. It feels stable and confidence-inspiring and quite indulgent. The Speedmaster absorbs most bumps admirably well and doesn’t crash through sharp bumps. Braking is another strength and Triumph Offers a twin-disc configuration at the front-end; the Bobber only gets a single disc. This bike also comes with traction control and two riding modes (Rain and Road).
The Speedmaster is a delight to clock saddle time in – the seats are well-cushioned. It also comes fitted with a Bonneville-sourced fuel tank that can accommodate 12 litres of fuel, which means you can take it to around 220km.
The Speedmaster is a genuinely appealing alternative not only to most Harley Sportsters but to the Bonneville family as well. You also get a lot of kit - you get cruise control, LED DRLs, a twin-disc setup, the better-suited suspension and also an additional seat. You can expect it to be priced at ₹10.5 lakh (ex-showroom), a slight increment over the Bobber. The Speedmaster should hit showrooms by end of March or early-April 2018.
