History is littered with the names of motorcycles that for one reason or another, have ceased to be. Brough, Scott, Henderson and Indian to name but a few. There was nothing wrong with them, they just became unviable enterprises. For a long time it appeared that Triumph would join this dubious list, but, just like the Bonneville, it is back better than before.

Triumph’s latest addition to it’s family is something called a Speedmaster, (curious name) which is based on the America but with the inclusion of twin disk front brakes, tacho, alloy wheels, gun fighter seat plus a few other changes. Because I tested the America last May, I’m going to concentrate more on the details of the bike. If you want any further information refer to my web page printed below.

The engine produces 45kw (61hp) in standard trim. Power can be enhanced by the fitment of more open, slash cut mufflers ($750), that give a brilliant growl to the exhaust note. According to the tacho, at 3500rpm I was doing 100kph, which means that the motor is fairly understressed for it’s 790cc capacity. I further noted that in fifth gear I could easily pull away from 35kph and wind it out to well above freeway overtaking speeds. Out on the freeway, the Speedmaster will happily sit on whatever speed, legal or otherwise, that you choose to ride at. The engine is willing to rev, with plenty of useful power right through the range.

Handling is a strong point on this cruiser and I found that I was able to lean the thing hard into fast tight corners without grinding bits of the undercarriage away, (strange with your feet out in front of you). Low speed cruising through supermarket carparks etc. is a dream, you’d hardly believe that it weighed 230kg (dry) and the seat height is a low 720mm off the deck, so even my vertically challenged friend Dave was able to get his bare feet flat to the ground. The sitting position had me a little confused to start with. The handlebars are flat and set on risers, which meant that if I sat like I did on the America, it was uncomfortable. I eventually worked out that I had to put my bum in the back of the seat and tilt my body forward at the hips, far more comfortable.

I was most impressed by the speedo, which like the somewhat small tacho, has black numbers on a white background. These were very easy to read and not given to over the shoulder reflections from sunlight, that you often get on items where it is white on black. Moreover, at night the numbers on the speedo/tacho are backlit and this makes it very easy to read without having to consciously study them. The tacho is good but some may find its size hard to read.

With a mixture of city, freeway and highway running, I achieved 260klms before the 3 litre reserve was required, which is around 19.3klms/litre.

I found it impossible to find a pillion to try the minuscule excuse for a seat. Suffice to say this is a single person bike. There are however, many accessories that can make the Speedmaster more suitable for touring with a pillion, and it is only limited by your imagination or wallet.

My master mechanic tells me that the Triumph is very easy to maintain, and tyre prices are very reasonable ($100/$160). Price on road is $16849.

Speedmaster? The name seems right after all.

Test Bike courtesy of Brisan Motorcycles 49694500.

May your lid never skid….www.users.hunterlink.net.au/~mbbidp

Specifications Triumph Speedmaster.
Engine Cubic Capacity 790cc Air cooled 270deg Parallel Twin
Bore/Stroke 86/68mm
Max Output 45kw 61bhp at 7400rpm
Max Torque 60Nm @ 3500rpm
No. of Cylinders 2
Valves per Cyl. 4 (DOHC)
Twin Carburettors with throttle positioning sensors and heaters.
Gearbox 5-speed with multi plate wet clutch.
Front Suspension consists of 41mm front forks & rear chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable pre-load.
Spring Travel Front/Rear – ?
Brakes - Front twin 310mm discs with 2 piston calipers and Rear 285mm disc with 2 piston caliper
Wheels Tyres Front – 110/80R18 Rear – 170/80R15
Dimensions/Weights
Rake/Trail - 33.3deg/153mm
Wheel Base - 1655
Seat Height 720mm
Weight – Unladen with full fuel tank – 229kg
Fuel Tank 16.6 litres
Tubular steel Cradle
Fuel Consumption @ 19.3km/ltr
Acceleration 0-100km/h (62mph) – ? sec
Colours - ?.