Reflecting on the 2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Chrome Edition - Review 4K
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- The Triumph Speedmaster is one of my favourite of the whole Triumph Range - so I jumped at the chance to ride the bike again in this limited edition form - The Chrome!
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I think Freddie Dobbs problem of being unable to obtain a gasket for his 2013 Bonnie from Triumph and their inability to give any idea when one will be available is a bit of a black mark against them. It would make me think twice before buying a Triumph.
Just make your own gasket
Is Freddie‘s bike a 2013? I thought it was slightly older than that, but nonetheless, it does seem like he’s having awful trouble sourcing parts for the bike.
@@FoxtrotOscar999yes but why should you have to. They should be available for a 2013 bike. Triumph need to sort out their spares department....
My mate had a hard time getting a gasket for his classic daytona 900 , I think he got one from America in the end ?!
That’s why I stick to bikes with Japanese brand names no matter where they are built ,especially Hondas & Suzukis. I never had one break down on me or ever failed to get gaskets or any parts ,even on bikes over 20 years old . You got more chance getting a gasket for a proper genuine Triumph from the 1960 ‘s ,than these modern fake overpriced triumphs . Instead of introducing more models Triumph need to sort the issues & part availability & stop pricing their bikes for posh boys ,with more money than sense .
Great looking retro-style bike and seems perfect for bugging around town or a nice ride through the country side. Looks well built and has an appealing charm which takes one back to the good old days of bare bones riding/adventure. Very nice bike.
Well said!
@@TheMissendenFlyer As a kid, I remember feeling overwhelmed with envy of my older brother and his friends riding Triumphs and cool looking Hondas (and also Nortons?). Then a 305/350 was standard, a 650 was King Of The Hill and the 850 Matese was the fastest bike on the planet- very rare to see here in upstate NY. Still not sure if I ever did see one or only heard magnificent stories of them and dreamed that I did. These bikes have a special place in my mind and soul. Glad you are making these videos, Andy.
Another great review of the speed master, thank you.
I believe those rubber things on the forks are called ‘Fork Gaiters’.
Indeed they are - if only my brain had told me that at the time...!!
You correctly described the handlebar as “beach bars.” American reviewers often describe the Speedmaster bars that way. I’ve heard the term derives from the wide, swept-back handle bars that bicycles often have of the type people ride along beaches, such as in Southern California.
I'm with you when it comes to feet forward, had a couple of bikes with that feature but couldn't get on with them. The cost of those middle pegs seem OTT to me and with all the publicity over FDs gasket can't see myself changing to a Triumph.
It's great to see you on the Speedmaster again Andy. I absolutely love my Speedmaster Gold Line. I find it supremely comfortable and it is very easy to ride. It's my favourite bike next to my Softail Deluxe. Paint wise I was always a huge fan of the Hopper Red which was discontinued in 2022.
You and me both!
Both the 900 and the 1200 High Torque engines are a joy to ride. Great improvements to both engines in 21.
I didn’t know the tank was so small, that’s a lot of stops on a long journey. I’ve only ever sat on one but they do feel so comfy.
You actually get 130 miles on a tank. Still not massive, but better than the 100 miles Andy said.
I get 55 mpg in real world riding... and that means riding it hard... although I've gotten as much as 58. With a 3.2 gallon tank, that's 165-170 miles per thank. That's a nice time to take a break anyway. And with the fuel gauge and miles to empty, it's easy to keep an eye on things.
@@donaldaltman8474 Yep, my MPG is showing 58 right now. Amazing for a heavy 1200cc bike.
So many negative comments on this bike possibly from people who have never even riden it.
I had to stop riding for over 10 years because of Osteoarthritis in my right shoulder, both hips both knee's and my hands, fingers and a damaged lower back, I also have very short 29" inside leg so most bikes because of seat height put to much strain on my hips and knees, my arthritis was bought about because of a very serious life threatening accident on my Bandit 16 years ago.. but after watching many reviews on this bike (including your own), about 18 months ago I went out and bought one..
I've have riden from my home in North Wales on the Snowdonia boarder down to just 5 miles from the Cornish boarder total of 7 hours in the saddle with no pain.. Since owning the bike I've done just under 11,000 miles and I absolutely love it..
You see hundreds of T100's and T120's but I've only ever seen two other Speedmasters and I don't like owning a bike that everyone else seems to own..
I have added many aftermarket parts but the exhaust sounds so good stock I've kept it on and saved myself some pennies..
The forward controls for me are perfect but I do rest the back of my heals on the pegs to give them a bit of a break in a different position..
I've never owned a cruiser stye bike before and it not really my go to type of bike but I do love the Speedmaster I really do think its one of the best looking rectro bikes out there.. btw I do also own a Baja Orange 660 Trident which I also bought new about 3 months ago so I can still have some fun in the local twisties..
Thanks for another great video.. I do like the chrome tanks but looking after them would be a nightmare so happy with my red one. 🤟😎
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Andy, definitely prefer the speed twin, for pretty much all of the reasons you gave, that foot forward foot peg position encourages you to roll your lower back, so not brilliant for an aging spine. But as you said it certainly looks beautiful. Thank you.
Yes I rode my Speed Twin against this quite a lot, it's a tough call, but on balance I think I prefer my Speed Twin....
Belt drive is a must especially on bikes like this and many more bikes.
In my experience chrome is generally a bit tougher than a paint finish. I’ve got a couple of old BSA’s (1957 & 1961) with the original chrome tanks. A gentle rub with polish and they shine up lovely 👍
Really? I never knew that!
@@TheMissendenFlyer sarky or serious??
@@DaveDayveBased on Andy's mechanical knowledge...I'm guessing 'serious' ☺️
@@deanmsimpson 😔
Aah....the villages of Naphill, Walter's Ash, Bradenham and West Wycombe. Brings back happy memories....although all now blighted by traffic as you say.
I have this exact bike...the chrome edition. My workhorse is a gs (of course!😂) so I wanted something different. I tried the T120 and although it's very good and so natural to ride, it wasn't different enough to make me buy it. I happened to just sit on the Speedmaster as I left the showroom, and that was it. The swept back beach bars, low seat and forward controls were as far from the gs as possible. I love riding it but the roads here in the Brecon Beacons makes you realise how comfy the gs is! I know people that have fitted mid controls and even straight bars, but for me that defeats the object, you're better getting a T120. I also wouldn't want my legs scrunched up like that. The seat is actually lower than my Monkey bike, and getting on the Honda afterwards is like getting on a 1200 explorer 😂. I'm only 5'9 and the fact that I can paddle it about snotty car packs is fantastic. You're right about the chrome but it takes a bit of cleaning, but a pledge and it comes up a treat. The only thing I'd say is that it will never need a heated seat as the engine gets absolutely scorching and would be horrible to ride through the city streets of Italy or Spain in the summer say. I have to wait around 2 hours before the headers cool down so I can put a plastic cover over it...don't ask how I know. We don't have to worry about hot weather in Wales though. Great review to watch over breakfast again and nice to see one on the exact bike I have!
Glad you enjoyed it Paul....thanks for watching and for dropping by
Great vid , and triumph have put ceramic pots on the handle bars instead of cheapo plastic ones 👍🏻 always a bonus
I love my 2021 Speedmaster - and I'm off in a couple of weeks on a tour from South of Spain, up to Bilbao, meeting some chums from the UK and then touring the Picos and Portugal... so looking forward to that especially the long term comfort - now hopefully improved by my riders backrest! Great video - but I am rather biased.
Have a great trip!
Another cool video Andy. Those things are fork gaiters! Cheers
Yes, those are the words I was struggling to find Paul thank you for that, as you can imagine you’re not the first person to remind me. Thanks for watching!
Chroming has played a significant part of Triumph's iconic history, from the original Speed Twin back in 1937 with its intricately detailed chrome tank, I remember seeing several bikes in the 60's that had a chrome tank (with some parts of it painted)
Good review. Had its bigger brother for a few years (Thunderbird) and miss the cruiser ride, so may look at the Speedmaster.
I ride a 2018 1200 Speedmaster, I have the highway pack, which includes panniers, screen, engine bars, luggage rack an back support for the pillion. I didn’t like the beach bars so changed them out for the bars from an America, which sat me a bit more upright (great for my back) and I’ve moved the foot pegs forward by 3”, this put me in the same riding position as my old America which I love, 5 years on and I still have to find a bike that I would swop it for.
Coming from a little bit of detailing business experience (I happened to invest in one some time ago), I wouldn't suggest any coating or PPF on the chrome. In fact, in our experience, chrome is best left alone and all it needs is a bit of DIY chrome polish in a gap of 10-15 days (this regularity matters). What one may do is to buy any brand of chrome polish, apply as wax and rub it off with a damp microfibre cloth or a dry one. Just wash off any muck or dust and use this polish. If anything happens to the chrome like rusting (rarely, can happen under acid rain or the mark you showed from petrol), one might use the chrome cleaner/shiner used for bathroom fittings at home.
Thanks for the tip!
Do you mean polish (cutting agent/abrasive + wax) or wax alone? Constant polishing of modern, thin chrome finishes will rapidly erode it away and eventually expose the base metal. Products such as Autobrite Direct’s “Blendz” wheel sealer (my favourite for chrome wheels) or “Ballad” ceramic coat or Bilt Hamber’s Double-Speed wax will coat chrome with a reasonably durable, glossy hydrophobic finish. These products (others are available) contain no cutting agents (abrasives) so will not thin your chrome. The 30 gram sampler pots from Autobrite Direct will last a considerable time and the Bilt Hamber polish is really good value for money.
@@Trevor_Austin Not abrasives, as you have rightly pointed out the latter ones. Like I mentioned any good brands will do. However, no ceramic or graphene coatings or PPF is required. Chrome itself is robust.
Chrome doesn't rust, it the metal underneath that rusts. Usually due to poor preparation.
The chrome spokes, feet position, tank finish, one gaudy dial, lack of a small windscreen are all items Triumph could have addressed and didn't. Should have a belt drive on machines like this as opposed to a chain. If this bike had these features, I'd be seriously interested as it is a nice-looking bike as you suggest Andy.
Recently saw a Speedmaster with a Madstad full screen fitted. Owner said it work very well.
The twin dials are gorgeous and hard to beat. That's what kept me from the bobber and speedmaster, among other things.
Serious question...why should it have a belt drive as opposed to a chain?
@@deanmsimpson greater reliability, less maintenance, less noise, no oiling or greasing and cost-effective over the span of the bike's lifetime.
Other than the chain, these other reasons you mentioned are why I bought the Speedmaster. The lesson is everyone’s taste is different, so find a bike that suits you vs “complaining” about an existing bike that is stunning and a dream bike to others.
Best of luck with your search! Speed Twin 1200, perhaps?
Since that model rereleased in 2018 it's always had twin discs. It was the original bobber that only had the single disc which was rectified with the bobber black. The last time the speedmaster name had a single disc was the old 865cc model
Gaiters Andy, great vlog again and a lovely bike, love those really fat front tyres it looks the business.
That’s the word I was looking for and failing to find!
Or boots, nice looking bike, but with a Sportster cruising range.
I live in the US and am looking at getting one of these. I have had many bikes and I love the old style retro bikes. I am a Shorty as you say, 5'5". Very infromative video.
Go for it!
Recently chatted with a bloke who had owned two 1300 Pan Europeans. He loved them but the bike became too heavy for his ageing body. So bought a new Speedmaster. Said it was excellent once got used to the forward footpegs.
I had a 2018 and loved it! The smoothest shifting bike I’ve ever had.
I put my tiger 900 RallyPro in against the speedmaster chrome, which I collected on the 1st March and used it as a daily commute from Rushden to Stevenage (1hr) each day in all weathers (okay there was 3 days when we had snow, so took the car).
I test road the speedmaster in 2020 when I was looking to replace my CRF 250rally and the forward pegs were a little shock to start and ended up buying the tiger, also because I was working in mainland europe and wanted to take the bike out there too.
I came back to UK at the end of 22, so decided to try the speedmaster again, I popped into my local dealer PURE TRIUMPH in Wellingborough and was chatting to the salesman about the speedmaster chrome, to which his response was that they have one allocated to them with no name on it, no brainer the card came out and my name was on the list.
I opted to have the chips screen (thinking I could take it off when doing local runs) heated grips and saddle bags. I left it as feet forward and for a shorty I am surprised how quickly it gelled and I love it.
I also love the touring screen, that’s not coming off for any reason and is suitably adorned with 2023 DGR badge and 2023 ABR festival badge (yes I did see you there again, you was behind me again for the chip wagon, which I offered you one saving you the need to dip in yourself lol - TBH it was instigated by your mate Ian the previous time).
While I was at the festival, I took advantage of a deal at Supremecoat for a ceramic coating and I love it, generally it seems to stay cleaner and will need less work to maintain its lustre.
I personally think the chrome is worth the extra, because it is a special edition and it just looks the dogs, a real head turner.
I want to get a lightweight off roader for some dirty times in the lanes and have no intention of getting rid of this bike, it is sooooo comfy and I will be riding it on little tours to see if it is suitable for a European trip next summer.
Get one, you know you want to!! 😂
Great to hear from you and glad you love the bike!
Thank you very much for clarifying the middle peg and the cost of them. I really fancy one of these Speedmaster (non-chrome version), but the forward pegs were a deal breaker. My girlfriend lives in Wooburn Green and it’s actually really nice watching you riding around because I recognise a lot of the places you’re going to.
Being a Northerner however I always get lost and all roads seem to lead to Princess Risborough. 😂
Hi Andy, those rubber things on the front forks are called gaiters. Most bikes had them when I first started riding bikes in the late 60's. Your choice of descriptive words is very Murray Walkerish at times. I love it. 😂😂
Yes sorry about that - just couldn’t remember the word!
I once sat on a Honda CMX500 Rebel in a showroom, and I lasted a few seconds before jumping off! The seating position wasn't for me, it just felt a bit odd. Saying that, I wouldn't mind giving the Speedmaster a try with the mid-foot controls, but at £425 it's a bit of a rip-off, it should be a factory option when ordering a new bike. It's a lovely motorcycle, but that chrome tank is begging to be scratched! Like you, I'd go for the Pacific Blue/Silver Ice colourway at £13,345, and, personally, I think it looks better than the Chrome Edition. Motorcycle garage talk-that rubber suspension boot is called a gaiter.
Indeed they are - if only my brain had told me that at the time...!!
Got one. With white-wall tyres. It’s beautiful. Not sure about the Triumph screen though. Also would recommend keeping the revs reasonably high. It’s not a big fat Harley substitute. It’s a Triumph and a thing in itself.
great looking bike. decent front mudguard :P
Hey Andy good vid as always. Love the small print. My pause skills are rubbish but I can use comma and full stop. Ride safe ;-)
Nice one!
I really love the looks, though I usually do NOT like chrome much. However, that tank (and I agree with you, it needs PPF) is so killer. I also agree the gauge cluster looks meh. I much prefer the two clock design that Triumph uses.
I always run the risk of falling in love with these Triumph bikes. The Speedmaster Crome is stunning. The lean angle in corners would definitely be a deal breaker, for me.
As soon as you showed the first side view of this bike I thought, BOBBER. This looks more or less the same as the Bobber only with different handlebars and seat. Strangely though, I don't like Triumphs adaptation of a Bobber, but I do like the Speedmaster.
"Reflecting " saw what you did there ;-)
Old no you are a young bloke!
Would be a great ride here in Norway.
I am picking up my new chrome speed master tomorrow, I will be riding it from Queensland to Perth Western Australia, across the nullabour plains a 8,000km round trip. I have a 2008 triumph bonnerville that has done over 260 thousand Km and still going strong, can't bring myself to sell the old girl, she might end up in my loungeroom...
Congratulations!
Hello mate again great review as usual, I had one of these for 3years absolutely loved it, but for one thing, we (my wife and I) found on country roads with lot's of pot holes here in Norfolk, it gave us back ache, plus i kept grounding the hero pegs, so i traded it in for a triumph scrambler 1200xc much more comfy, cheers mate.
Hello Sir. I am very surprised that you never bought a Speedmaster. I had one about 10 years ago in California. I loved it. Now I am in Thailand and because of the import tax, they are stupidly priced at $19,000, so I bought a Royal Enfield Classic 350 for about $410. Still I would love to have another Speedmaster. Thanks for another good video........Sal : )
Always good to hear from you Sal!
I've test ridden a Speed Twin recently and was very pleasantly surprised. After watching this I like rhe Speed Twin even more. :)
That was the most relaxing ride/review video ever.
Glad to hear that!
Great video. I have to say that for me, the feet-forward/lower back point you make is really not a problem at all especially compared to the acute angled leg position/strain on the knees seating position of a more sporty machine. Each to their own of course. Cheers
I find the position on my Speedmaster to be ideal... not super-forward, but just slightly forward. Love the chrome.
We always called them 'gaiters' in my day - fork protectors.
I never did understand the changeover to upside down forks, I'm presuming there was some science involved??
Reducing unsprung weight I suspect.
3.1 US gallon tank at an average of 45 MPG US is a range of 139 .. Not great but a bit more than 100 miles .. I wish the seat had the option of a second spring on a pivot (ala 1927) so it could have the choice of being lengthened . Mid Pegs and a higher seat option would transform this one for me ...I guess the pillion seat would need work as well so Mrs Flyer wasn't looking at your back bone :) THanks as always for taking us along for a ride .. I loved Wales in the sun the other day ,,,
Next episode of that one coming on Saturday - stay tuned!
With you on the footrests. Didn’t like them when I rode one but the bobber set is perfect
Really lovely bike, saw one at dealers and came looking for this review, needs twin chrome clocks and as someone below said chrome indicators
When you turned left at 8:00 I wondered why you didn't carry on pass RAF High Wycombe, and see the two warplane models displayed there? Then I noticed, on Google Street View, that the next left was Smalldean Lane. A very narrow lane. Well, I'll just say, It might be a route to consider when you have a smaller bike to test.
The biggest problem I see with the chrome on top of the tank that way is when the sunlight hits that tank just so, you'll be blinded by the reflection, and you might have to ride in an uncomfortable position until the sun is no longer a problem. What do you think? Have you had a problem with that yet?
No no issues to date….
Triumph makes great bikes…so classic - When I bought my T120BLK i almost bought a Speedmaster instead. The Chrome would make me a little nuts…ha!!…Great Review!!
I agree with all your points and that is why I believe Triumph Speedmaster is the most beautifully designed / best cruiser out there :)
Forwards are ok ip to legal speeds for the taller rider. I actually extended mine on the fatboy.
Hi Andy I have a 2018 speedmaster which I have had from new, and it definitely has twin discs upfront. I still think the brakes could be better but overall I love it
Nice one....
The original Bobber had a single disc front end. Triumph upgraded the Bobber black to twin disc
Much waited for review sir, and certainly not dissapointed. Beautiful looking bike. I looked at buying one in 2018, when I swapped my America, for my Tiger 800, and I often wish I had. Not that I don't enjoy my Tiger. As for the extra for chrome, like yourself not for me, the standard paint jobs are great too.
I bought a new Speedmaster at the beginning of 2022, because i absolutely loved the looks of them... however, i after 12 months, i changed it, because i found that i couldn't get on with the feet forward riding position or the beach bars. The latter in particular, were quite unsettling at speed (anything above 65-70mph) as you have to grip them really tightly to stop your hands sliding down the grips, this in turn having the effect of feeling like you were pulling up and backwards on the bars... not relaxing over any sort of distance. The shape of the bike also means that you sit right on top of it, accentuating the "barn door in the wind" effect, and also forcing your legs apart at speed. There was lots of things I loved about the bike. The looks, the engine, the build quality... but in the end it wasn't for me.
That’s interesting feedback, thanks. I guess it underlines you don’t buy these for speed!
Nice looking shaped bike TMF . I had the 2004 one but I couldn't live with the semi forward controls . Only kept it a few months then back to another speedtriple .👍 good review and looks better with the wider front tyre .👍👍👍
Yes agreed
When I was a young rider (1971/2 onwards) the chrome was quite happy with a weekly polish with chrome cleaner. Why do we have to be so careful now ? Polish, polish & shine.
I have a 22 black n white s/master I fitted the mid controls within a couple of weeks totally transformed the bike for me straight it was a different bike , same as you I would have preferred they put the twin clocks off the t120 .
Great looking bike and high quality. What would put me off is the small fuel tank range on such a comfortable bike, I'd want to be knocking out 200 miles between stops. It could be a perfect touring bike but for that limited range. Mid set footrests are a must and it's a shame you have to pay for that option. Why? As for chrome, I actually find my RE Classic 350 in Bronze/Chrome easier to keep looking good than my painted bikes. Chrome is hardier than paint and you just wipe over the surface with a cloth after a quick squirt of Muc-Off or similar. Sorted!
Last Triumph I owned was a bread box tank Trident 1973. Had a single disc brake front and a drum rear. I'm in New Zealand.
Nice one!
The only thing preventing me for buying one it's that it's not belt drive or shaft, and being chain drive don't having a center stand as official triumph product or other brands
I've always wanted to try a speed master but at 6ft 2 with most of that in my legs, i feel i wouldn't fit. i also couldn't be bothered to keep that chrome clean! looks great though!
Nice review. Not quite ready for one of these yet but it is a cool bike.
Not a big fan of cruisers........
However, I do like the look of the Speed Master.
The squat front end, fat tyres and swept bars, all look pretty good to me 😁
I do agree with you on the foot pegs though, mid mounted would be better (IMO).
The covers on the forks are called gaiters.
Yup!
Must admit think I’d just go for the T120 Bonny which I believe they do a chrome version also, they look great.
Traded my Z900RS for a new speedmaster, adored the bike… for the 20 miles it went before the clutch was wasted. Whether it was a triumph failure or poor job on setup I will never know, but a real black eye on an otherwise brilliant motorcycle.
Oh dear - sorry to hear that!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Thank you for the sympathy! I enjoy your channel quite a bit and that was largely the motivation behind the kawi and now the speedmaster, I’m very excited to get my bike back and be able to start weekending through the state
Another bike Andy should give a good try and review is the Guzzi V100 Mandello. Very good bike apparently.
Yes it's very much on my want to ride list!
@@TheMissendenFlyer you always say that 😆
I like the spoke wheels, the simple single gauge, paint quality, and the foot position is nice although I installed mid controls and risers with straight bars.. Keeping costs down is what keeps this bike such a great value.
You are surely joking ? Good value ? Non-adjustable forks and shock, Cable clutch. Christ, Triumph must LOVE idiots like you. It’s a piece of tat - no more, no less.
would like to see s pic of your bike tom
Lovely review as usual, Andy.
As you may know I have this exact same bike (got it less than a month ago), and so far I haven't quite reached the 600 miles first service. I find the tank range is nearer 130 miles than100, otherwise I think you have summed the bike up very well. I have short legs (29") and arthritic knees so the low seat and forward foot controls are ideal for me; I suspect that with mid controls and that low seat my knees would suffer! As it is, it took a while to get used to the forward controls - my feet kept feeling for mid-pegs which of course aren't there! But they are trained not to now and on a couple of 4-hour Peak District rides I have found the bike to be very comfortable.
I like the big single instrument - one reviewer (can't remember who) described it as very 'Vincent-esque', and I think he's right! But a chrome bezel on it would have been nice.
I specified heated grips and a radiator guard on mine, and as I don't do pillion, that pillion squab will be replaced by a luggage rack sometime soon. And of course my 'Legend' soft pannier bags are on it, and suit it well.
I presume it's got tubed tyres because of the wire spoked wheels and I'd prefer tubeless, and it is heavy to push around the drive. But other than that, I love it - a far more relaxed ride for an old git like me rather than the somewhat full-on R9T it replaced in my garage. It's also my first bike with cruise control, which I find very useful in speed limit areas.
Cheers
Vince
Yes good aren't they Vince...and thanks for the range correction!
Love your videos, keep them coming please
Thank you! Will do!
Undeniably a beautiful machine, but at a high price. Everything seems lovely quality, but for me it would be a long term investment. I think its the best bits of the Bonneville with a really classic cruiser look, without the harsh back end of the bobber. The indicators could have been chromed or billet for me. I love the tank and perhaps less likely to show wear than paint?
Great video! We just looked at one of these for the wife today. Question: how/where do you mount the 360 cam? Would like to do a similar setup on my bike but could use some help.
Anywhre on the frame/handlebars?
I think I would have footpeg anxiety with the corners, as I know loads have said they ground them easily 😳
Foot pegs should be a option short or forward when you buy the bike !
Lovely relaxing review xx
Odd that the ‘Chrome’ edition gets the black indicators?? Superb bike though. I agree about the clocks, should have the T120 ones. Nice review as always 👍🏻
Thank you….
YES THE FOOT RESTS ,do not do my back any good , other than that , yes a nice bike . Thanks for the video .
My pleasure, thanks for watching.
That is certainly a beautiful bike but the super low seat is a negative for me and the type of riding I do. I live in Tennessee in th US and here the roads are very twisty with a LOT of elevation changes. I hate cresting a steep hill with no idea what's in store! I'll stick to my t120 and Tiger 850.
Nice classic looking for this lovely bike
It is a beauty and the engine is peach. I agree about not being a big fan of forward controls but I wonder if the mid controls combined with the low seat height might cause somee uncomfortable knee bend?
Unlike most I do appreciate the chain drive combined with the flexible engine let's you change the gearing to suit the individual's riding style.
Yes I think you may be right - I had a Bobber Chrome at the same time as this and it had mid set pegs - my knees did feel very cramped....
It is indeed quite the looker. If you think those roads are in rough shape, you should see how it is here in Eastern Canada, especially after winter! Potholes that would swallow that bike whole. Safe riding
Yes I was riding in Canada this time last yer - I know all about your pot hole season!
@@TheMissendenFlyerIt isn't bad out west but Ontario and Quebec are treacherous. Need ad adventure bike just for normal streets! May I kindly request considering having a short, even 10-20 second, portion of the video of just the sound of the bike. Cheers from across the pond
It's more understandable due to your severe wintry conditions, but we get them after one snowflake. Lol
just had a laugh Andy, somehow I saw the subtitles to this vid and Missenden Flyer becomes "Mr Floor" in the subtitles LOL!
Those pieces are called "fork gaiters" 2:42
Indeed they are - if only my brain had told me that at the time...!!
Beautiful bike. I was looking at purchasing a triumph t100, but after seeing the trouble Freddie Dobbs has had trying to get a simple gasket for his bonneville has put me off owning one.
Feet forward…. I wasn’t a fan, but with the new X ADV you have the choice of feet forward (for a scoot) and have the conventional foot pegs, and now I like Feet forward, but have the choice which is excellent….
So I’m a feet forward convert.
For your wife,
I would go for a 500 or 600/650cc (second hand) Japanese naked bike. More than enough power, not that heavy and quite low seating and they last forever. I still too high, use a lowering kit if available.
Or Royal Enfield.
Morning Andy, Nice bike. A bit to shinny for me. No surprise a Triumph Bonneville hits all the right spots for you. I miss mine, Very tempted to get another. The question is which one suites you best.
Loverly retro bike triumph are make some stunning bikes these day be interesting to see the 400 range when they come out Andy keep up the great vids 👍
Thanks - willco....
Fuel tank is deal breaker but a lovely bike, non the less.
They’re called boots :)
The "concertina pieces" are called fork gaiters.....
Indeed they are…
Despite not being a fan of chrome, I liked the look of the Triumph America better than the Speedmaster. Maybe Triumph could consider reviving the America with this 1200cc engine, giving it the footforward pegs, and the Speedmaster can get mid/regular position pegs??
So one model aimed more at the American market with chrome and forward pegs, another for British roads... we can do with taking the weight off our bums when going over the bumps and potholes (of which there are many) on our roads.
The main thing I liked better about the America was the different forks look. The America didn't have gaiters, I don't really like gaiters - their for off-road dirt bikes imo.
Thank you Mr. Flyer. I agree this is a "looker" and they do go well. The low seat makes it available for a multitude of riders (Mrs. Flyer perhaps?) Some of the critiques already posted are very valid though and why can't Mid-Pegs be an option not an extra? Lastly the fork protectors are called Gaiters I believe. :>)
I’m a fan of this bike but I’m disappointed that the current version has such a small tank for the size of the engine. The 865cc version at least had a 19.3 liter tank.
I put the bobber mid set pegs on my speedy. Still manage to scrape the pegs on the odd occasion.
Nice....
Ignor this, I must have miss-remembered.
Had a quick flick through and didn't see anyone point out that it's a 19l tank on the Speedmaster, one of the important differences to the Bobber as it gives it better range.
Chrome is very hard so I doubt the tank will need any protection. The single clock is fine but it should have been Chrome'd !!!
Agreed!