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speedmaster consensus ?

11K views 38 replies 23 participants last post by  rodhotter 
#1 ·
Just wondering....seems as tho after looking thru 5 pages here theres nearly noting about the new speedmaster. Is there a general consensus about this bike thats not good? I see plenty of T120 and bobber posts but it seems like the speedy may not be selling well if that can be judged by the amount of content here. Maybe it;s just a cosmetic thing that holds it back? (i personally don;t like that huge front tire and suppose many others may feel the same)

In any case, just watched that jays garage video someone posted and jay seemed overjoyed with the bike, and i guy with something like 500 bikes can't be too easy to please !
 
#3 ·
This is a great bike. Some find the seat and handlebars uncomfortable , and everyone has their own likes etc in that area, but the silent majority find the riding position very nice as most reviewers say.
Also, these reports of limited ground clearance surprise me. Bear in mind this is a cruiser , I can take signposted 80km corners at 120kph no problem. Compared to other bikes in this category , clearance is good and shouldn't be problem. It does handle very well but if you try to ride it like a sportsbike you may push the limits.
I also have seen criticism of the bike being too small ? Really ? Its one of the main reasons I love it. I didn't want another monster motorcycle to have to lug around the garage. My days of those bikes are gone and, unless you have a large rider and large pillion with lots of luggage, I don't see what they do better than the SM.
As far as sales go, here in Aus the first shipment sold out. My Triumph dealer said mine was the last.
Am I happy with the 1200 Speedy ? You bet. Just the bike I have been looking for for many years. ��
 
#6 · (Edited)
My take on the Speedmaster is that it is brilliant... to sit on. The local dealer is stingy with their test rides and I haven’t had an opportunity to ride one (I want to before I buy). This is also the same dealer that says the T120 and the Bobber/Speedmaster are the exact same bike (if that tells you anything about their people).

I reckon that the Speedmaster will suit some people who may be coming from the cruiser/HD world or someone who wants a really comfy bike to take a nice lazy ride. As for me, I want to ride the Speedmaster/Bobber Black before I pull the trigger on anything.
 
#8 ·
I just sold my 2018 Speedmaster. I really wanted to like the bike, but I just couldn’t get comfortable on it. I blame the seats, both stock and “comfort”. I’ll admit , part of the problem is me. I’m rapidly falling apart, and riding any bike is getting more and more difficult. On the plus side, the bike rode well, worked well, no complaints with engine, brakes. Needs a bit more rear suspension, but it’s a cruiser. But in the end I decided that the old Speedmaster I have just fit me better, so that’s what I kept.
 
#11 ·
I'm just asking out of curiosity more than anything. Yes, i have considered it but very loosely due to things i dislike such as the bars and the huge front tire. If those were more "normal" i'd be much more interested tho still not "all over it". I haven't ridden one but say on one and those bars make me wonder what planet the designer came from. Problem is, i really want that 1200 engine but nothing they have put it in so far excites me. Build a slightly bigger scale street twin with the 1200 and i'll be camped out at a deler's door. (tho that horrible paint scheme would have to disappear !)
 
#12 ·
Happy owner

As the proud and happy owner of the very first Speedmaster 1200 sold in Seattle, I can say that my search for the perfect bike (for me) is done. Bikes I've owned: 80's Honda 500 Ascot, 06 Vulcan 800, 08 FJR, 07 T100, 2014 Honda CB1100DLX. I've already had the Speedy out for many a long day ride, an 8-day tour from Seattle to Glacier Nat'l Park and back, freeway commuting, you name it. I recently had the mid-controls installed, and there is no more scraping the pegs around corners...plus my low back likes it better than forward controls.
I don't do super-slab tours of 800 miles a day, I'm not a foul-weather rider (unless caught out), I absolutely despise the looks of a big windshield on any bike, I don't need locking luggage, I don't ride a pillion. I don't want or need a stereo or GPS display. With my Aerostich suit, Motofizz small tail bag, and a credit card, there's no limits to where or how far I can go (minus heavy off-road / adventure stuff...which is not my thing anyway.) The bike is a dream to handle in all situations too.

Honestly, though? The main reason I bought it (never even test rode it or it's cousin the Bobber) is because of its looks. Not ashamed to say it either. It is flat out the most beautiful motorcycle I've ever owned or ever will own. I'm partial to the 1940's vibe that Triumph so expertly recreated here. It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea, I'll admit. And yes, if parked near other motorcycles, it looks small. But I like that too. That's a definite advantage for how I like to ride. Oh yeah...I'm not that easy on the throttle either, and I'm averaging 58 mpg since purchase. As you can tell, I can go on and on and on...
KvdV / Seattle
 
#13 · (Edited)
I am very fortunate to own both the new Speedmaster and a T120.

The bikes are similar, but at the same time very different. I am coming off of many years and many miles on big Harley touring bikes. I am no longer touring and have gotten tired of pushing a 900+ bike around. I bought the T120 a year ago and just fell in love with it.
The day I ordered it, I also ordered a Corbin Dual Tour seat. I never get along with stock seats and have put Corbins on all of my bikes including my Vespa. My only complaint with the now with the T120 is the handlebars. They are too low for me and after a while my neck hurts. My SO who has many miles on the back of my Harleys with the throne seat, likes the Corbin and backrest on the T120.

When the Speedmaster was first announced, I immediately put a deposit on one thinking the forward controls (I prefer forward controls) and different bars would make this the ultimate comfort bike for me. When I got it this past Feb., I can't say that I was in love with it. Both seats, the rider and passenger, especially the passenger seat were not great. Replaced both with the upgraded Comfort seats. The rider was OK, not great, but the passenger seat is still a joke. I also bought the passenger backrest. My SO finds the backrest to be too low to be of any comfort for her. Bottom line there, she will not ride with me on the Speedmaster and prefers the T120.

I was not crazy about the beach bars. I always felt that above 50 mph the wind wanted to push me off the bike. The bars came back at too much of an angle and a weird wrist position. I have since changed those out to an LSL Flat Track bar with ROX 2" risers. This combo feels great to me and feels very similar to my old 2016 Road King. Plus, with the new bars, the Comfort seat does not feel as bad to me. I guess the seating position angle has changed just enough to make it comfortable. I'm still going to get a Corbin when they become available though. Hopefully, the passenger seat will accommodate one of their backrest and my SO will ride on the bike again.

When I go out to my garage I have a nice choice to make, Speedmaster or T120. 90% of the time now I choose the Speedmaster when solo. We take the T120 when going 2 up. Best of both worlds. Ginger or MaryAnne?

T/L..didn't read....Great bike for me after a few mods.
 
#15 ·
I absolutely LOVE the new Speedmaster. It’s the 14th bike I’ve owned in 30 years of riding and the best daily rider. It’s not perfect of course (nothing with a cat is...) but a few easy mods and I feel it’s as close as any bike can get. I’ll address some of the common concerns I’ve heard based on my experience over the last month/1200 miles:

Stock Seat: Personally I love it, but my iron butt has been cross country on sport bikes in the past. The passenger pillion is a different story, we had to swap it immediately for my GF to be comfortable on the bike. I will probably get the Corbin when it comes out though.

It’s small: It is, and that’s a good thing :). Handles great in parking lots and the twisting as long as your prepared for one of the footrests to scrape. It’ handles high speed highway cruising well for a bike it’s size too.

Lean angle: Truth is it corners really well. The peg feelers will scrape but there are several ways to fix that; remove the feelers, or cut them down, or get mid sets. The issue is with the feelers, not the lean angle imho.

The bars suck: Yup, they sure do. I replaced mine with Biltwell Chumps. 6” rise and stock cables were able to re-route to work.

It’s very easy and inexpensive to de-cat, unlike most other bikes in the category

Tube tires: this bothers me too, but is an issue for a later date.

Power: no one is complaining about the power

Looks: no one is complaining about the looks

I think there aren’t a lot in the wild because it’s still really new, the ones I see sitting in dealerships seem to be the one with the weird (gold?) striping which might not be to everyone’s tastes. I bought mine because of the HUGE grin on my face after test riding it. When I pulled back into the dealership my GF said she could tell before I turned the bike off that we’d be leaving with it and bid the Diavel we’d rode in on goodbye.

Land vehicle Motorcycle Vehicle Motor vehicle Car



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#16 ·
I absolutely LOVE the new Speedmaster. It’s the 14th bike I’ve owned in 30 years of riding and the best daily rider. It’s not perfect of course (nothing with a cat is...) but a few easy mods and I feel it’s as close as any bike can get. I’ll address some of the common concerns I’ve heard based on my experience over the last month/1200 miles:

Stock Seat: Personally I love it, but my iron butt has been cross country on sport bikes in the past. The passenger pillion is a different story, we had to swap it immediately for my GF to be comfortable on the bike. I will probably get the Corbin when it comes out though.

It’s small: It is, and that’s a good thing :). Handles great in parking lots and the twisting as long as your prepared for one of the footrests to scrape. It’ handles high speed highway cruising well for a bike it’s size too.

Lean angle: Truth is it corners really well. The peg feelers will scrape but there are several ways to fix that; remove the feelers, or cut them down, or get mid sets. The issue is with the feelers, not the lean angle imho.

The bars suck: Yup, they sure do. I replaced mine with Biltwell Chumps. 6” rise and stock cables were able to re-route to work.

It’s very easy and inexpensive to de-cat, unlike most other bikes in the category

Tube tires: this bothers me too, but is an issue for a later date.

Power: no one is complaining about the power

Looks: no one is complaining about the looks

I think there aren’t a lot in the wild because it’s still really new, the ones I see sitting in dealerships seem to be the one with the weird (gold?) striping which might not be to everyone’s tastes. I bought mine because of the HUGE grin on my face after test riding it. When I pulled back into the dealership my GF said she could tell before I turned the bike off that we’d be leaving with it and bid the Diavel we’d rode in on goodbye.

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That is a cool looking retro style bike. Care to share how you mounted the viking bags ?
 
#21 · (Edited)
1500 miles so far on mine. Added comfort seats, backrest, and did a decat. Loving it. I'm 5'10", bike is comfortable and performs really well. Noticing the engine is only now starting to really loosen up, break-in takes a while. I like the fact it is 'small'...size is just right, helps keep the weight down.

And yeah, it's sexy. Of course so is the Bobber and the T120...
 
#22 ·
Hi Mykebytes.
Like the look of the chumps.
Not so high as the mini apes with a bit more pull back.
Would you say its as comfortable to ride as with the stock bars?
Also you said you used original cabling and hoses,not the hi bar kit,how did you manage that??

Thanks.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Hi Mykebytes.

Like the look of the chumps.

Not so high as the mini apes with a bit more pull back.

Would you say its as comfortable to ride as with the stock bars?

Also you said you used original cabling and hoses,not the hi bar kit,how did you manage that??



Thanks.


The chumps are MUCH more comfortable that the beach bars that were stock. The beach bars came back a little to far and the angle made it feel like if you really got on the throttle the bike could come out from under you and you hands would slide right off the grips. They were also a little awkward in hard turns.

As for the cables, after re-routing they’re a little tight but they work. The extended cables would have been way to long. To reroute I had to disconnect the brake line and clutch cable and run them behind the triple tree instead of through it.


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#25 ·
There's not a lot of room to take up slack with the longer cables, the brake line connects right under the forward part of the tank, and the Clutch cable is pretty stiff. the electric cable extenders can probably take a lot of slack up under the tank.

If you do go with the Chumps (and I highly recommend them) or other smooth bars, my safety tip is to wrap steel wool around the bars under the handlebar clamp to keep them from turning while you're riding. Also, you'll have to drill a hole in the bars to on the right side to fit the right grip on. Measure twice, drill once :). Or cut out the pin that goes in the hole.

Are you doing full exhaust replacements or just slip-ons? If you haven't de-catted yet, i'd do that before changing slip-ons.
 
#26 ·
I need to read up on the de cat proceedure first.
Was hoping a set of slip ons like the westlakes dont need a de cat to run.
Happy with power and torque so not looking to increase those if I dont have to.
Would just like a better looking and sounding pipe with minimum of effort!
 
#27 · (Edited)

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#30 ·
they are great lookin bikes, sans the tractor tyres!!! have yet to test one but will + i know wire wheels are easily resized using the OE hub, but seeing the higher pricing on it + adding prolly $1500 for 17" wheels does not set well with my wallet!! looking for a sportier version to come, if not who knows what, ny 12 base bonnie is good + my 13 Hammer is quite a great ride even though a bit big it feels light + handles great with more balls than i have!!
 
#32 ·
Love the bike. Perfect for me. Manageable, comfortable, great motor and those looks!!!

Added the touring screen - don’t bother really bad turbulence/ noise and I tried every adjustment to dial it out. (I’m 5’8”) Added the comfort seat fine for me. Handlebars fine for me. Forward controls fine for me but do scrape now and again. Also added the backrest and rack combo.

Did a long weekend tour down to the Dordogne. All day comfy, but screen was a pain. Took it off when I got there! 63mpg. Slight oil weep from rhs (anyone else had that?) Back to dealers. Tubes tires a pain - had a puncture!

Liking those Viking bags. Still want a hard set of bags and foot boards (£400+ here !!!). After a long time on bikes big and small fast and adventure have now found one that I feel really comfortable with - so easy to ride. Bought it after test riding the Thruxton which was great but a bit “naughty” and would get me into trouble!

May not suit everyone and, as always, get a test ride first!

Napoleon
 
#33 ·
Definitely test drive the new SM. I rode my Diavel into the triumph dealership thinking to trade it in on a deeply discounted Rocket III. The Rocket didn’t really trip my trigger and I tested the SM just because it looked like a fun little bike. My GF said when she saw the smile I was wearing when I pulled back into the dealership she knew we were going home on it.


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#34 ·
My wife got a Speedmaster to replace her '12 T100. She loves it. Installed mid-controls and that really helped her confidence on the bike. Like me, she likes her pegs under her. But with the mids I'm a bit cramped. Would not suggest them if you are under 5' 7-8".

I ride a T120 and it's interesting at how the two bikes feel so different. The 120 is just plain faster. But the SM feels more powerful down low in the revs. And it corners a bit better. I even like the beach bars, but have not ridden the bike for than 50 miles at any one time. Overall a beautiful and fun to ride bike. If I had to choose between the SM and the 120, it would be tough.
 
#36 ·
Any riding position that's bolt upright gets uncomfortable for me real fast. With the T120 I have a comfortable stock seat, a slight forward lean, foot pegs and controls in just the right places, and all-day comfort. This has been an amazing change from my T100, that I can sit for no more than an hour at a time. I actually have to plan fuel stops and breaks around that hour. I'm 5' 9" and 170, and I could swear that the T120 was custom designed for me.
 
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