I love the Triumph Speedmasters. Great to see they've bumped them up to 1200cc. My '06 was 865cc and lacked a bit out on the interstate. Glad to see they've added another gear also. My first Triumph was a one lung, 300 or maybe 350cc (can't remember). It was perfect for a 14-15 year old. Loved that thing. Triumph has held a special place in my heart ever since. If you ever get the chance to ride a Triumph Thunderbird Storm, I highly recommend it. What a thrill !! I will await your thoughts on the Bobber. I don't personally care for the looks of that bike, but hear very good things about it. Thanks for taking us along on the test ride.
Yeah, the extra gear is a must if you're going to give it 1200cc. If I get a chance, I'll definitely take the Storm out. Thanks for the recommendation!
Welcome to engineering. John Bloor means business. I agree with your Low Rider comparison at least insofar as the handlebars off the wheelbarrow. Why anyone would want their wrists cocked at such a ridiculous angle is a mystery to me. OTOH, cruiser guys are often somewhat into sadomasochism...at least all the way to the local tavern. The 270° firing angle really makes for a pleasant running twin engine. Reminds me of my old Ducs. The seat is too small for my ass, though that's not a knock on the seat. And they do offer a bigger one. Your mirrors comment answered my question from a previous vid. I have something I'd like you to try and maybe share if you find it useful. Properly adjusting mirrors appears to be a secret better held than the Colonel's chicken recipe. You will never be bothered with viewing your shoulders again. When you are out on the highway, I want you to aim the left mirror far to the outside. Adjust it while you allow cars to pass on your left. Adjust it until the cars passing on your left are visible in the mirror until they become visible in your peripheral vision. Congratulations. You've now eliminated the blind spot on your left. You won't be looking at your shoulder on any bike any longer. Rinse and repeat on the right. This works for cars too, though nowadays they come with "blind spot monitors" that gives people a flashing image in the mirror because no one knows how to properly adjust their mirrors to eliminate them. Note that this might require that you bend a bit in order to see directly behind you, but if you have a cop back there and you don't stop, he'll roll up beside you to let you know he's there. I've tested this and got exceptional results.
I had a short test ride of the Speedy and Bonneville T120 last week. I'm a sit straight up, feet in the middle, T120 type of rider. However, I found the beach bars on the Speedy to be comfortable. I didn't think of them as being unusual. Nice bike but I rode the T120 Bonnie as well and it is the bomb. A bit heavy on the steering but I like counter steering and having my feet in play under me. Makes you ride it rather than just go along for the ride. Goes like a shower of shit, too. Bit jerky at low speeds with the throttle and jumped out of the blocks from idle. Other than that, the T120 was a grinner.
I have a Thruxton 1200. It has 3 modes. They should be called smooth, aggressive, and wheelie. When it's hot out and the bike's warmed up, the abruptness seems to fade on the top two modes, but when it cooler or the bike isn't warmed up, the top two modes are a bit jerky on it too. The nice thing about the Triumph Classics is that even Rain mode is full power. It just smooths out the on/off throttle response. If you want to do wheelies or skid the rear, both traction control and ABS can be disabled, but you have to be stopped to make those selections. You can change the riding modes on the fly however. As to the Speedy's handlebars, it's probably just me. The way they're angled is way too much like garden equipment and it's spring and I don't wanna mulch and til the garden. I wanna ride!
I often wonder, watching videos of other countries, how much harder it would be to ride there instead of drive, since it's no different being on a bike (as opposed to being on the other side of the car).
I also am a Harley guy, but I do like the Triumph. As for sticking to brand, that is part of the enjoyment of tweaking our bikes and making them more enjoyable to ride. Are you from Sacramento? I am.
Nice! I am from the Sacramento area, but do not live in Sacramento. I love making mods to the bike, though, I haven't had the budget to do much in the last several months. The channel was just approved for monetization (again) so that should offset the cost (a little) of making mods. So, there should be videos on that in the near future.Thanks for watching! :)
Good review, considering this bike. I had a 2008 Triumph Bonneville which was carburated and it had a couple shortcomings. It sounded like a sewing machine and ran lean, so I had to feather the clutch coming out of first and second gear. This engine sounds like it had some rumble to it and the power delivery sounded smooth. I'm 5'8", so it looks like the fit should be OK for me, no? BTW, did you get comfortable with those turned in handlebars?
If you're inseam is 30" or more, I would say it would fit you just fine. Everything about this bike, including the swept-back handlebars was comfortable. It's not my preference, as I like to lean forward a bit, but it was very conducive to sitting upright, and cruising. Thanks for watching! :)
If I buy a cruiser, it will be a Triumph. Very well balanced and comfortable. Hard to find in my area though because the closest dealer is over an hour and a half away. Funny thing, after the other day, I'm considering Harley for their new upcoming naked bikes and adventure bike, something Triumph is known for. Role reversal I guess but I'm not passing up a good deal on a Tiger 1200.
@@tanaybiswas1287 I think you probably could. I'd say at the very least, get over and sit on one before you make you get your heart set. Thanks again for watching!
There is a tach! I own a 2018 Bonneville Speedmaster. The “I” button on the left handle bar. It gives you the time, 2 trip modes, mpg highway, mpg city, odometer, miles to empty. Shows you rain or road mode. Also allows you to turn traction control off. The only thing I have found annoying is the tint wrench that appears when service is due! I love this bike! Hoped this helped!
I bet. I'd definitely have a Speed Triple, or a Bobber Black in #dreamgarage. The Bonneville T120, and the Street Cup are on my list of bikes to ride. Thanks for the rec! And, thanks for watching!
@@thatoneguymoto You may already subscribe to the Captain, but if not give him a watch! He tests all Triumphs in his own unique way. .... ruclips.net/channel/UCjLZfuMwNYnzt7lMb6p3pbQvideos
When you were warming up the tires, compare your technique to that of the lead rider. He was using little bursts of the throttle to pop/lift the bike up, whereas you just kept your throttle constantly in the same position. His technique allowed him to keep the radius of the turns relatively constant for better control while your radius was ever increasing.
You're not a whole lot taller than I am, so I think you would be okay. If you needed to make adjustments though, you would likely have to address that with aftermarket parts to raise the bike up. Perhaps, a suspension adjustment, and a saddle that would increase the seat height and handlebar risers (maybe a complete swap of the handlebars). Good luck and thanks for watching.
I am 6' 1" with 32" inseam, and with a couple adjustments the bike is perfect for me. I raised the bars 1" up and back (Motone risers) and used a Corbin seat that is dished out and let me sit back a couple inches. It is totally comfortable, not cramped at all. I think a test drive would help anyone decide.
Thanks for the review...in the market for B&W now, this really helps. I'm also at the same height & inseam, do you recommend upgrading to mid-controls?
If you'd like a more aggressive riding position, I'd say maybe upgrade to the mid controls. I thought they were in just the right spot. Give it a test ride and see how it feels to you.
Apples and oranges. The Speedmaster is more like a Sportster fused with the new Lowrider, and the Sport Glide is a touring cruiser. Both bikes are great for what they are, and I would recommend both of them. It'll just depend on what you're riding them for. Ride safe, and have fun! 🤓
Thanks for your reply. Both bikes are indeed great but i eventually chose the Sport Glide (I have arthritis in the hips and it was slightly more comfortable for me to ride). The SG feels really solid and handles amazingly well. I felt confident from the very start of the test ride. Thx for the great reviews, looking forward to viewing many more.
Yeah, I think that would look dope. Might be a little less comfortable to ride, but if you're going for a certain look, sometimes you have to sacrifice in other areas. Thanks for watching!
I lived in Japan for a few years, and I had a driver's license in that country, and there when you drive a motorcycle on the road, where there are written signs to stop, you need to stop and put your feet on the ground and wait 3 to 4 seconds before leave. I see this video, it seems that in the United States it's not that serious.
So, on test rides, I usually don't stop unless I'm by myself just to make sure I stay with the group. But for sure in California especially, we call it a California stop because we don't really come to a full stop, usually. 🤓
I personally don't know for sure, but I've looked around online, and there are forum discussions on modding a Triumph chain to belt, so I'm gonna say you can. I also found this for sale online: triumphperformanceparts.com.au/belt-drive-kit-for-triumph-bonneville
that one guy Thanks for that , it doesn't seem to want to open but I will google the issue and see what come up now I know its probably possible , I am due for a change from my Harley Deluxe and this Trumpy is perfect except for the chattering chain .
Freespirits has a chain to belt conversion for this bike.... but it's not cheap. I thought about it, but there's now a BMW endurance chain that needs lubing only once a year apparently (if you don't ride in rainy conditions much). When my chain is due for a replacement, I'll put on the BMW chain.
I love the Triumph Speedmasters. Great to see they've bumped them up to 1200cc. My '06 was 865cc and lacked a bit out on the interstate. Glad to see they've added another gear also. My first Triumph was a one lung, 300 or maybe 350cc (can't remember). It was perfect for a 14-15 year old. Loved that thing. Triumph has held a special place in my heart ever since. If you ever get the chance to ride a Triumph Thunderbird Storm, I highly recommend it. What a thrill !! I will await your thoughts on the Bobber. I don't personally care for the looks of that bike, but hear very good things about it. Thanks for taking us along on the test ride.
Yeah, the extra gear is a must if you're going to give it 1200cc. If I get a chance, I'll definitely take the Storm out. Thanks for the recommendation!
I was a,"Die hard Harley lemming"; now I'm buying a Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster!
Cool. Please check back in and keep us posted on your new bike! 🤓
When it comes out in all blacked out I will trade the T120 on one, buy it with the highway package, mini ape bars perfect
Welcome to engineering. John Bloor means business.
I agree with your Low Rider comparison at least insofar as the handlebars off the wheelbarrow. Why anyone would want their wrists cocked at such a ridiculous angle is a mystery to me. OTOH, cruiser guys are often somewhat into sadomasochism...at least all the way to the local tavern.
The 270° firing angle really makes for a pleasant running twin engine. Reminds me of my old Ducs.
The seat is too small for my ass, though that's not a knock on the seat. And they do offer a bigger one.
Your mirrors comment answered my question from a previous vid. I have something I'd like you to try and maybe share if you find it useful. Properly adjusting mirrors appears to be a secret better held than the Colonel's chicken recipe. You will never be bothered with viewing your shoulders again.
When you are out on the highway, I want you to aim the left mirror far to the outside. Adjust it while you allow cars to pass on your left. Adjust it until the cars passing on your left are visible in the mirror until they become visible in your peripheral vision. Congratulations. You've now eliminated the blind spot on your left. You won't be looking at your shoulder on any bike any longer.
Rinse and repeat on the right.
This works for cars too, though nowadays they come with "blind spot monitors" that gives people a flashing image in the mirror because no one knows how to properly adjust their mirrors to eliminate them.
Note that this might require that you bend a bit in order to see directly behind you, but if you have a cop back there and you don't stop, he'll roll up beside you to let you know he's there. I've tested this and got exceptional results.
Thanks for the tip! I tried it out last night, but the edge cut mirrors have a really poor range-of-motion, so I'll try again and see.
I had a short test ride of the Speedy and Bonneville T120 last week. I'm a sit straight up, feet in the middle, T120 type of rider. However, I found the beach bars on the Speedy to be comfortable. I didn't think of them as being unusual. Nice bike but I rode the T120 Bonnie as well and it is the bomb. A bit heavy on the steering but I like counter steering and having my feet in play under me. Makes you ride it rather than just go along for the ride. Goes like a shower of shit, too. Bit jerky at low speeds with the throttle and jumped out of the blocks from idle. Other than that, the T120 was a grinner.
I have a Thruxton 1200. It has 3 modes. They should be called smooth, aggressive, and wheelie. When it's hot out and the bike's warmed up, the abruptness seems to fade on the top two modes, but when it cooler or the bike isn't warmed up, the top two modes are a bit jerky on it too.
The nice thing about the Triumph Classics is that even Rain mode is full power. It just smooths out the on/off throttle response.
If you want to do wheelies or skid the rear, both traction control and ABS can be disabled, but you have to be stopped to make those selections. You can change the riding modes on the fly however.
As to the Speedy's handlebars, it's probably just me. The way they're angled is way too much like garden equipment and it's spring and I don't wanna mulch and til the garden. I wanna ride!
That dude in front trying to warm his tyres to go on a road ride because he seen motorcycle racers do it on TV 😂
Thank goodness finally some one driving on the right side of the road .
I often wonder, watching videos of other countries, how much harder it would be to ride there instead of drive, since it's no different being on a bike (as opposed to being on the other side of the car).
I also am a Harley guy, but I do like the Triumph. As for sticking to brand, that is part of the enjoyment of tweaking our bikes and making them more enjoyable to ride.
Are you from Sacramento? I am.
Nice! I am from the Sacramento area, but do not live in Sacramento. I love making mods to the bike, though, I haven't had the budget to do much in the last several months. The channel was just approved for monetization (again) so that should offset the cost (a little) of making mods. So, there should be videos on that in the near future.Thanks for watching! :)
Good review, considering this bike. I had a 2008 Triumph Bonneville which was carburated and it had a couple shortcomings. It sounded like a sewing machine and ran lean, so I had to feather the clutch coming out of first and second gear. This engine sounds like it had some rumble to it and the power delivery sounded smooth. I'm 5'8", so it looks like the fit should be OK for me, no?
BTW, did you get comfortable with those turned in handlebars?
If you're inseam is 30" or more, I would say it would fit you just fine. Everything about this bike, including the swept-back handlebars was comfortable. It's not my preference, as I like to lean forward a bit, but it was very conducive to sitting upright, and cruising. Thanks for watching! :)
If I buy a cruiser, it will be a Triumph. Very well balanced and comfortable. Hard to find in my area though because the closest dealer is over an hour and a half away. Funny thing, after the other day, I'm considering Harley for their new upcoming naked bikes and adventure bike, something Triumph is known for. Role reversal I guess but I'm not passing up a good deal on a Tiger 1200.
Hope you find what you're looking for. Thanks for watching!
well explained... just curious about your height, cause I am planning to buy one and I am a short guy...
Thank you! I am 5'6", with about a 30" inseam.
I am 5'4"... Can I drive tht beauty?
@@tanaybiswas1287 I think you probably could. I'd say at the very least, get over and sit on one before you make you get your heart set. Thanks again for watching!
Very nice review - all the info that a possible purchaser would need, thank you!
You're welcome, and thanks for watching!
Someone tell me why there is no tach on the Bonneville? I Had a 79 Bonneville special and it was great except for the crummy electrics. It had a tach.
There is a tach! I own a 2018 Bonneville Speedmaster. The “I” button on the left handle bar. It gives you the time, 2 trip modes, mpg highway, mpg city, odometer, miles to empty. Shows you rain or road mode. Also allows you to turn traction control off. The only thing I have found annoying is the tint wrench that appears when service is due! I love this bike! Hoped this helped!
Enjoyed that ride/review a lot. Living in the UK every other bike i see is a Triumph. Check out the Bonnie T120 if you ever get the chance.
I bet. I'd definitely have a Speed Triple, or a Bobber Black in #dreamgarage. The Bonneville T120, and the Street Cup are on my list of bikes to ride. Thanks for the rec! And, thanks for watching!
@@thatoneguymoto You may already subscribe to the Captain, but if not give him a watch! He tests all Triumphs in his own unique way. .... ruclips.net/channel/UCjLZfuMwNYnzt7lMb6p3pbQvideos
When you were warming up the tires, compare your technique to that of the lead rider. He was using little bursts of the throttle to pop/lift the bike up, whereas you just kept your throttle constantly in the same position. His technique allowed him to keep the radius of the turns relatively constant for better control while your radius was ever increasing.
Thanks for the tip! I was just following the leader, not really knowing what we were doing. :) I'll try your suggestion next time.
Dude, good review! Liked, favorited and subbed.
Thanks! Much appreciated.
I am 5.11inch taller , will this bike comfortable fr me to ride ??? Bike seems a shorter , would it be available in a taller height ??
You're not a whole lot taller than I am, so I think you would be okay. If you needed to make adjustments though, you would likely have to address that with aftermarket parts to raise the bike up. Perhaps, a suspension adjustment, and a saddle that would increase the seat height and handlebar risers (maybe a complete swap of the handlebars). Good luck and thanks for watching.
I am 6' 1" with 32" inseam, and with a couple adjustments the bike is perfect for me. I raised the bars 1" up and back (Motone risers) and used a Corbin seat that is dished out and let me sit back a couple inches. It is totally comfortable, not cramped at all. I think a test drive would help anyone decide.
Thanks for the review...in the market for B&W now, this really helps. I'm also at the same height & inseam, do you recommend upgrading to mid-controls?
If you'd like a more aggressive riding position, I'd say maybe upgrade to the mid controls. I thought they were in just the right spot. Give it a test ride and see how it feels to you.
Thanks!!!
How would you compare the Speedmaster to the Sport Glide? Better? Worse? Test riding both next week to see for myself.
Apples and oranges. The Speedmaster is more like a Sportster fused with the new Lowrider, and the Sport Glide is a touring cruiser. Both bikes are great for what they are, and I would recommend both of them. It'll just depend on what you're riding them for. Ride safe, and have fun! 🤓
Thanks for your reply. Both bikes are indeed great but i eventually chose the Sport Glide (I have arthritis in the hips and it was slightly more comfortable for me to ride). The SG feels really solid and handles amazingly well. I felt confident from the very start of the test ride. Thx for the great reviews, looking forward to viewing many more.
Great review
Thanks! 👍
I like this with straight bar and it would be perfect.
Yeah, I think that would look dope. Might be a little less comfortable to ride, but if you're going for a certain look, sometimes you have to sacrifice in other areas. Thanks for watching!
Very nice Thank you! :)
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
I lived in Japan for a few years, and I had a driver's license in that country, and there when you drive a motorcycle on the road, where there are written signs to stop, you need to stop and put your feet on the ground and wait 3 to 4 seconds before leave. I see this video, it seems that in the United States it's not that serious.
So, on test rides, I usually don't stop unless I'm by myself just to make sure I stay with the group. But for sure in California especially, we call it a California stop because we don't really come to a full stop, usually. 🤓
Que moto es la sale al principio?
Used Google translate, but I'm still not sure what you're asking... 🤔
@@thatoneguymoto En la primera escena sale una moto , es una harley?
Got it! Yeah, it is a 2013 H-D Dyna Fat Bob. Thanks for watching!
@@thatoneguymoto gracias
How tall are you ?
5'6", 30" inseam.
So this bike might be the best bike on the road and better than any Harley...But you wouldn't buy It cus your a Harley guy , I don't get It .
I could always change my mind, and after I rode the Bobber, I was even more likely to consider a brand change. Thanks for watching!
Harley shmarley, TRIUMPH is where it's at😎
Groping with adjectives...
"Beach Bars"
Can you convert the chain to a rubber belt as the chatter and oil piss me off .
I personally don't know for sure, but I've looked around online, and there are forum discussions on modding a Triumph chain to belt, so I'm gonna say you can. I also found this for sale online: triumphperformanceparts.com.au/belt-drive-kit-for-triumph-bonneville
that one guy Thanks for that , it doesn't seem to want to open but I will google the issue and see what come up now I know its probably possible , I am due for a change from my Harley Deluxe and this Trumpy is perfect except for the chattering chain .
Yes you can
Freespirits has a chain to belt conversion for this bike.... but it's not cheap. I thought about it, but there's now a BMW endurance chain that needs lubing only once a year apparently (if you don't ride in rainy conditions much). When my chain is due for a replacement, I'll put on the BMW chain.
I soooo HATE bloody helmet cam videos - can’t you fix a Go Pro to the handle or something?!