written by Lindsaygb229 on 09/06/2016
got my self a new speedmaster changed from a new honda vt 750. i have been biking now for 40 years so i no a good bike when i see one.my speedmaster is a 2015 model. first thing i did was change the pipes to a set of lone tors dont get the short ones much to loud .the bike goes like a dream has a good top speed .if you dont want a harley this may be the bike for you. bad points no centre stand.
written by 368Arnold on 27/04/2015
Already done the 1+ liter bikes- both cruiser & tourers, and, decided that a lighter, middleweight cruiser would meet most of my needs. This Speedmaster exceeded all of my expectations: lighter than all of the other mid-sized bikes, with more power, deeper lean angles & conservative, yet 'custom' good looks. I really enjoy the the clutch/transmission engagement- very linear, consistent & requires no more than the lightest touch. Like many others, TOR Shorty slashcuts, hard saddlebags, a Triumph QR Roadster windscreen, and, now she does everything well. I can commute to work & get just under 50 MPG, take the wife up to the mountains, or, the beach, and, race around with my sport bike buddies (they hate that I can keep up on the twisties!) The sound of the exhaust is music- a highly recommended mod- and, there is a good selection available- all improve the sound dramatically. The light weight, combined with the low center of gravity, allow for a very flickable cruiser, so, when combined with the throttle/clutch/transmission, you are a better rider- as you don't have to focus so much on the details of your actions. This bike allows me to ride faster, while being safer. The only negative that I see is the instrumentation, as it seems like an afterthought. It is cheap and no thought went into the design, placement, let alone information shared with the rider. Idiot lights on the gas tank, along with a poorly angled tachometer- are virtually unreadable at any speed. The speedometer-also small- is readbale, but, barely. And, it's mounted on a cheap, flat stamped piece of metal- so, it vibrates-always. But, other than 1 small complaint, it's an outstanding bike. I replaced my front spring with Progressives and have a very well handling motorcycle. Not sure how bad it was before replacing them, as I purchased in the off season, and, had them replaced before Spring-but, front & rears work well together and, from what I read-braking is also improved by allowing the rear wheel to remain planted during emergency braking. I have a 2012, so, I only have 1 front disc, but, it works well enough, although, I do find that I use them together quite often to maintain full control. Hey, it's a good habit to have anyways. I purchased used, and, am pretty convinced that it will remain in 'like new' condition for quite a long time, as the chrome is very good, as is the depth and lustre of the paint. The engine is quite solid and has been used in many bikes made by Triumph: Bonnevilles, Thruxtons, Scramblers, Americas and others! It is very under stressed in this application, and, has an excellent reliability record. Virtually every manufacturer offers a cruiser in the mid-size market (650-999cc's), and, by my reckoning- they are all pretty good bikes. But, this is lighter, more powerful, faster & more nimble than all of the others- and, it has the classic lines of a vintage Triumph to boot! What's not to love?
written by Darion118 on 22/05/2014
Love my Triumph.It caught my eye on a dealers forecourt in Plymouth and I had to have it. It was a 2005 and with barely 2k miles. I'm a tall rider 6'5" and find it low and long and comfortable. I rode this bike all summer and put another 3k miles on it. I laid it up during the winter and put it back on the road the following spring. One thing these bikes don't like is being laid idle. The bike's clutch stuck & developed a fault when riding one day. When accelerating up through the gears the bike felt jerky and the gearbox clunky? This was later found to be a mix of two items. Triumph appear to of fitted a rear cush drive rubber made of recycled rubber? and also a cush gearbox sprocket? The rear's not capable of the torque this engine puts, out and the front sprocket perishes with engine heat and chain oil.What happens is both fight against each other and makes for the clunky rattly noises under load. It's a more common problem than I thought and Triumph denied any such problem. Well after being told to fit the cush drive off a Thunderbird (a popular mod) and a new chain and solid gearbox sprocket. It now rides great. I was told by Bridge Motorcycles of Exeter Triumph had a recall on 2004/5 & 2006 bikes and I could of had the work done for free? Oh well, it's something I can live with. I love it so much I intend keeping it for a very long time.
written by briananderson2001 on 17/06/2012
Had the bike nearly 2 years now and really like it. Had sports bikes before this and decided it was time to slow down and be more careful. Still enjoyable to ride, handles well, comfortable and fast enough for most. I have added the triumph off road pipes which make a big difference to the exhaust note, bullet indicators and a side mount licence plate which looks the business. I have also cut the rear fender to give it a more bobbed look and show more rear tyre which i think makes it look even better. It's a cool bike and looks best in black. Only downside for me is lack of comfort at high speeds as you need to hold tight but this is the same for any unfaired cruiser type bike. Would recommend for people returning to biking, people who want to take it a bit easier and those who want a good weather weekend bike.
written by on 05/08/2010
These twins have had some serious problems. If you catch the starter clutch just right it recoils and smacks into the case and brakes its mounting point making the starter useless. With this happening to many in the US Market, Triumph decided to warranty the bikes whether they had existing warranty or not. I personally saw this happen to at least 6 including the Bonneville T100 model and America in both the 865cc version and 790cc as I worked at a Triumph franchise at the time. The only solution was to pull the motor out and completely take it apart and replace the case with Triumph's new 'reinforced case". Lets see if that will work. Beware! Triumph's are great quality but trust them only as far as you can throw them. -DMS
Written on: 04/09/2011
This just happened to me. My bike has only 5K miles on it. I went to the dealer and they told me i will have to pay $4K plus labor just to replace the case. I don't know what to do now.
Written on: 24/05/2012
I HAVE MORE COMPRESSION AIR/NOISE OUT MY RIGHT EXHUAST THEN MY LEFT EXHAUST, WHY?? ITS A 2007 TRIUMPH SPEEDMASTER WITH ONLY 871 MILES YES ONLY 871 MILES, I HAD TO CLEAN THE JETS WITH A NIDDLE/PIN THE GAS WAS LEFT FOR 4 YEARS IN STORAGE...
Written on: 13/04/2012
There's probability the case can be welded. Find a good bike welder who can grind the mounting point of the starter drive gear shaft on the case down then build it back up with new material. I did this and turned out great. The welder even added material to make it stronger. I did have to replace the clutch side cover though. Total cost with my labor was around $300 USD.
Written on: 13/10/2011
dms, i have had this same problem recently, who did you contact to aquire new reinforced cases?
Written on: 13/10/2011
dms, my brother had this problem as well, who did you contact to get this problem fixed ?, i called triumph of america, and they told me they dont know of any such problem with the speedmasters
written by on 25/07/2010
The stock mufflers had to go. Motor sounded like a sewing machine and I could not hear the exhaust. Long TORS with the last baffle drilled out improved the performance and the sound. Added dresser bars, Corbin seat with pillion, sissy bar and rack and a windshield. Accessories cost a bundle. Bike ran good and I enjoyed it. I had a carb rubber go bad and it had to go to the dealer and he replaced it and synchronized the carbs. It was like a new bike. Major power improvement and it told me that the orginial carbs were out of sync. A great bike. Handles very well and has more power than I can use. It attracts a lot of attention and I will be happy with it for many years to come. Great value for the money.
Written on: 25/07/2010
I should have mentioned the question I have....Why does the factory put on such quiet mufflers? Nobody keeps them on the bikes. All you can hear is the busy sounds from the engine and nothing from the exhaust. This bike came with the original seat and it was designed by a woman. It is not made to fit my butt. After 20 minutes on the bike I wanted off as my butt was numb. The Corbin seat, although pricey, has proved to be the major improvement on the bike. I need to replace those inadquated rear shocks as they really pound me to death on nasty bumps. And I might also go for a set of those America handlebars since they appear to be more comfortable and they would let me lean back more in the seat.
written by on 13/04/2010
Great blke for 52 year old rider just returning to motor cycling after 30+ years.Great styling & an acceptable ride to be invited out with the Harley boys..Regularly cruise at 80 mph which it will do all day.Suspension could be improved hoe-wever it does the bjob on most avaeage road conditions.
Overall i really love this bike & would recommend it all.
written by on 07/02/2010
Excellent ride, handles perfectly, acceleration when you need it and brakes are more than adequate. Always wanted a Harley, but when out to purchase this was the better machine, have now covered 2500 miles with no issues. Looking to put TOR exhausts on to improve the sound as stock pipes are a bit tame.
written by on 05/01/2010
Ive owned the following bikes,kawasaki 600zzr,suzuki 600 bandit,kawaski zr750s,triumph bonneville t100,triumph 955 st sprint,honda 650 dullville, honda vtr 1000 firstorm,harley davidson dyna 1584 glide,and many more. So i think i might be a bit of an authority on whats nice to ride. The Triumph Speedmaster (with America handle bars fitted) is by far the best of the above. It has pulling power, relaxed cruising ability, agility,just the right amount of vibration, Grip, holds a line, stopping power and sounds great. If your short like me 5ft 6" with a 26" inside leg you can reach the floor, but you will need Norman Hyde foot pegs which bring them some 4" closer to you. So if you want a bike to pop to the shops on or a bike to tour europe on buy a Speedmaster or an America but you might like to add another brake disc up front.
written by on 02/12/2009
I bought my speedy back in August after not having ridden a bike for 25 years. No test ride - I wanted it so I bought it - it is better than I expected and it brings a smile to my face everytime I ride it - Awsome
written by on 03/11/2009
I've just got my new 2010 speedmaster and let me tell you all that tyhis is the best decision I've ever made. I have been riding with a couple of friends that have their Harleys and my speedmaster is much better in all aspects I can think about over their Harleys. I am so happy with this bike.
I recomed it very much over Harley, Suzuki, Honda or Yamaha.
written by on 16/10/2009
Awesome allrounder for me,the more milage i do the more i like it.Have fitted aftermarket pipes which are great as cars can now hear me plus i like the improved sound,particurly at 5000+ revs.
Perfect bike for me as 52 y/o returning to biking after 30 years.Excellent value for money.
Only negative so far is the rear suspension which could be improved.
Would recommend to all.
written by on 08/08/2009
ive had my triumph speedmaster a month now and its rained most of that so havent covered that much mileage. ive owned various bikes since 1975 from fire blades, ducatis to harleys. i find the triumph one of the most enjoyable to ride. fitted short tor exhausts from purchase and the fuel injection remaped. now covered 140 miles engine feels strong and barks nicely, with a low burble and pops and bangs on the over run. the breaks are excellent for a bike of 504 lbs i only have to one finger brake. very impressive chassis and great feeling of solid road holding. paint finish was a bit poor, but an evening cutting and polishing has sorted that. overall i think what a cracking bike for the money, only gripe is triumph are on back order for aftermarket parts so im still waiting for my single seat. ride safe all.
written by steviet on 07/08/2009
Bought the Speedmaster after 23 years off bikes and so glad I chose this bike. Handles, goes, stops really well. Sure it will be plenty fast enough for me once it's run-in. I put the slash cut silencers on it and it sounds great, motorists can hear it coming! The bike gets loads of appreciative comments and looks - mostly I hear 'look at this Harley' but when peeps see it's a Triumph they are amazed. I love the look of the bike and would recommend it to anyone looking for a middleweight cruiser type bike.
written by on 06/07/2009
This Triumph Speedmaster bike is set up for people who want to chill. But it can go. Ride on the torque all day or just relax, its great at both. Well balanced, easy to ride, brilliant to chuck around. Great brakes, and now its got America bars on its even better.
written by ken haller on 06/06/2009
I've been riding since I was 14 now 71+. I started with a Cushman Eagle. When I got a bit bigger I had BSA, Suzuki, Yamaha 2 cycles up to 360cc. There was a dry spell as the kids were being raised. Then a new Yamaha 535 Virgo, Harley Sportster 1200. The previous bike was Kawasaki 1600 Meanstreak. I put 12K miles on it in 4 years. I consider myself a knowledgeable motorcycle enthusiast. The Harley I just never got it to run right and I had massive warranty issues. The Kawasaki was super, longest trip was almost 900 miles done in one day, no aches or pains. I couldn't say that about the 400 mile trip on the Sportster. But the Kaw was just too heavy around town for me at my age. I wanted something that weighed and handled like the Sportster, looked as good as the Kawasaki and was as reliable. Bought this 07 Speedmaster used with 3400 miles on it, rode it home in the rain about 150 miles. That is a story for another time. Now have put 700 miles on it in less than a month.
written by on 20/12/2008
Excelent bike and if you put a set of 5 inch pullback risers on instead of the standard ones which you can just do without changing the cables it makes it more comfortable in my opinion anyway.
written by The Pheonix on 19/10/2008
This is my first 'proper' bike, my last having been a 50cc step-through some 15 years ago.
Picked up my 2009 model the day I passed my full test and I am amazed at how easy it is to ride.
I had 40 miles to ride home with the bike, and after getting out of town can count on one hand how may times I had to change down out of 5th.
The bike has the Triumph short pipes and lower spoiler fitted - both of which are excellent. The tone of the pipes is spot on and the spoiler does exactly what I had hoped - catching 90% of the dirt thrown up from the front tyre.
Obviously I can't say what it will be like long term, but I can confirm it's a beauty to look at and gets a lot of attention.
written by JapsEye on 13/10/2008
I like it. Riding position is great. I have been used to upright models Yam XJR1300 etc. but the speedmaster is more laid back. Feet forward is without doubt the best ever riding position - I like it. Build is not quite as good as Japanese, but it definitely has something. It is throaty. Need to keep in a lower gear when going slower than you do with a big four cylinder. Really nice styling. Some quaint things about it.
written by on 06/10/2008
I bought this bke new in 2003 it has 15,000 miles on it with no problems. no cruiser under a 1450 will outrun it.
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Trevesamuel's Comment
Written on: 22/05/2014
I had same problem and if you read the Triumph forums cush drive issues are common on newer bikes too inc standard Bonnevilles and other models. Easy fix and as you say fitting the Thunderbird cush drive which is tighter fit and heavily built inc the solid gearbox sprocket cures the problem. I was curious why Triumph fitted this set up. Apparently Triumphs idea was to give as smoother take up as you'll get using a belt drive? Hmm. Poor idea. Great bikes though.