I’ve got to hand it to Triumph—the British company loves to do things
differently. They offer us triple-cylinder sport bikes in unlikely displacement
categories (1050 and 675), they have a longitudinally mounted three-cylinder
cruiser and tourer with a displacement measured in cubic liters (2.3), rather
than centimeters, and they do retro quite convincingly (the Bonneville, Thruxton
and Scrambler). So, it should come as no surprise that its mid-size cruiser is
powered by a vertical twin, rather than in the predictable V-twin
configuration.
The authentically air-cooled, carbureted 865cc motor has some retro
credibility, but it also features  double-overhead cams. The 270-degree firing
interval wasn’t determined with performance in mind, but, rather, the sound and
feel. Pumping out only 54 hp at 6,750 rpm, the Speedmaster certainly doesn’t
have its accent on speed. Still, there’s good power down low, especially for a
vertical twin, so the Speedmaster pulls away from stoplights
smartly. Click on image to enlarge.
The low-end power works well for both cruising, where you don’t want to
be shifting or clutch slipping excessively, and for sportier riding, as the
power out of corners doesn’t require precise ratio selection from the 5-speed
gearbox. Clearance is good, so the Speedmaster doesn’t touch down excessively in
corners, the ergonomic triangle of footpegs/dragbars/seat works better when
making time than you might think. And, as you would expect, it allows you to cut
a nice profile in-town, perfectly complementing the seamless, teardrop-style
tank.
 Choosing to go with a Triumph Speedmaster is more a function of buying
into the bike’s unique style and heritage. But, rest assured, you’re not just
getting a fashion statement. The Speedmaster is a rider’s cruiser—with good
handling, proper suspension and sporty tires—not a posturing machine for someone
who thinks of his cruiser as nothing more than something to park in front of his
favorite hangout. Click on image to enlarge.
RIDING
STYLE
Helmet: Arai
Vector Read
Eyewear: Tag
Heuer
Jacket: Shift
Vendetta
Gloves: Spidi
Striker H20UT
Pants: Shift
Havoc
Boots: Red
Wing 968
www.triumph.co.uk/usa
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