
TRIUMPH SPEEDMASTER 1200 Bonneville Speedmaster (2018 - on) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £460 |
Power: | 76 bhp |
Seat height: | Low (27.8 in / 705 mm) |
Weight: | High (541 lbs / 246 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is based on the proven and hugely successful Bobber and is arguably more desirable, comfortable and practical, plus you have the option of sharing the ride with a (small) pillion. It’s laid-back, smooth and has class-leading handling.
- Latest news: 2021 Triumph Bonneville family unveiled
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe suspension is similar to the Bobber’s and gets that classic hardtail look, but is reworked to compensate for the extra weight of a subframe and potential pillion and luggage. The steering feels fluid, and the Speedmaster rolls into corners with relative ease for a laid-back cruiser. Footpegs eventually scrape the road when you push hard, but ground clearance isn’t bad for this type of bike. Twin Brembo calipers offer decent braking considering they’re stopping 245.5kg (dry) of Bonnie and are backed up by an unobtrusive ABS system.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Speedmaster shares the same high-torque engine as in the highly acclaimed Bobber. The parallel twin will pull strongly from as low as 1800rpm, allowing you to simply short-shift at 2000rpm and surf the torque in the classic cruiser style. If you need a quick escape, this Triumph fires away from the lights too, laying down enough power to activate the traction control.
At 70mph the motor is hardly working, hovering around 3000rpm, which results in impressive fuel economy. Triumph claims 54.7mpg but we’ve averaged 64mpg with spirited riding.
At town speeds the engine can feel a little snatchy due to the sheer amount of torque available at low rpm. However, the changeable riding modes smooth-out the power at low speeds and Rain Mode is perfect for town work and low speed cruising.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueNo major issues have been reported on the previous, pre-2018 Bonneville/Bobber range, so the mechanically similar Speedmaster should prove just as reliable. The attention to detail is class leading and the level of finish superb.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe basic Bobber, which the Speedmaster is heavily-based upon is just over £1000 less than this Speedmaster, but only runs a single front disc and a lower spec. The 2018 Bobber Black, which has identical wheels and twin discs, is priced the same as the base Speedmaster.
Equipment
It receives the same engine and brakes as the 2018 Bobber Black, with twin 310mm discs up front and Brembo calipers – Nissin caliper at the rear.
Like the Bobber, the Speedmaster’s beauty is in the detail, be it the seat piping or stylish and functional single clock, the battery box with heritage styling or carb-styled twin throttle-bodies, the finned exhaust clamps or hand-finished fuel tank. Every time you gaze at it something new catches the eye.
Cruise control comes as standard, unlike the original Bobber. It also features two rider modes, traction control and ABS. The fuel tank has increased from the Bobber’s 9.1-litres to a more practical 12 litres.
Specs |
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Engine size | 1200cc |
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Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 8v, Parallel-twin |
Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
Fuel capacity | 12 litres |
Seat height | 705mm |
Bike weight | 246kg |
Front suspension | 41mm, KYB forks none adjustable |
Rear suspension | Single KYB rear shock, pre-load adjustable |
Front brake | 2 x 310mm discs with Brembo two-piston radial caliper |
Rear brake | 255mm single disc with single-piston Nissin caliper |
Front tyre size | 130/90 x 16 |
Rear tyre size | 150/80 x 16 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 64 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £93 |
Annual service cost | £460 |
New price | - |
Used price | £9,300 - £11,900 |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | two years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 76 bhp |
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Max torque | 78 ft-lb |
Top speed | 115 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 166 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
The 2002 - 2011 Triumph Speedmaster. 790cc powered laid-back Bonneville.
Owners' reviews for the TRIUMPH SPEEDMASTER 1200 (2018 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their TRIUMPH SPEEDMASTER 1200 (2018 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your TRIUMPH SPEEDMASTER 1200 (2018 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £460 |
Version: Basic
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £460
Love this bike. I have upgraded front and rear shocks and rear brake to Brembo 310mm, but I am 110kg and ride with occasional pillion. Worst feature is the pillion seat, although fine for short distances for small pillions. Quality is top notch.
upgraded to comfort seat for rides over 2 hours. raised bars 70mm/2.5" for 1.8m/5'11"" height to straighten my back. Also upgraded rear brake to Brembo 310mm for extensive trail braking use. Twin front discs are impressive.
Snatchy at low speed maneuvers which rain mode improves, otherwise a very torquey engine with good gearing the winds forever.
I had the left indicator replaced on warranty, caused by rubbing behind teh light cowl. Replacement cabling was much thicker.
occasional oil top up
Avon Cobras are great, replaced with Cobra Chrome. Added the auxiliary plug for USB charging and better horn. Recommend a Dart fly screen for buffering some wind at high speed.
Buying experience: Purchased new from a Triumph dealer. Service was very good, but it pays to read the manual, especially the mono shock preload adjustment for riders > 80kg
Year: 2018
Attention to detail and ride position with an awesome high torque 1200 block. Makes you smile every time you get on it.......... Makes all the old boys smile when they see it also ! Great sound from the 270 deg block with V&H exhaust installed
Two Brembo 310 caliper brakes to the front are really good at bringing you to a stop when you need to, the ABS kicks in at the right time also. 4 out of 5 because i think there should have at least been a single 310 Brembo at the back and not a Nisin, it feels like there's not even a brake there. I love the ride position but I had tail bone ache after 1.5 hours so went for the comfort seat and that's much better
It would be quicker to tell you what i dont like about this engine.......... NOTHING! I honestly feel that this engine is just about as good as it could be. If i was to be really picky, maybe a bit of foot vibration when going over 70 mph
1st proper service not had yet (only 500 mile service so far)
Great options for this, however like i said i dont like the Nisin pot on the back or the standard seat. Apart from that i love everything about this bike although i think a small none tinted "dart" type screen should have been an option aswell along with 100% leather panniers and not leather / fabric combo but thats a personal choice